PHASE I WELLHEAD PROTECTION
PLAN
CONNERSVILLE UTILITIES
PWSID #5221001
CONNERSVILLE, INDIANA
Prepared for:
CONNERSVILLE UTILITIES
216 Vine Street
P.O. Box 325
Connersville, IN
47331
By:
M.D. WESSLER AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
July 11, 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.2 WHP
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.............................................................. 2
1.3 THE
LOCAL PLANNING TEAM.................................................................... 3
2.0 WELLHEAD
PROTECTION AREA DELINEATIONS...................................... 4
2.1 DELINEATION
SUMMARY........................................................................... 4
2.1.2 Aquifer
Susceptibility to Contamination.................................................... 6
3.0 POTENTIAL
CONTAMINANT SOURCE INVENTORY................................. 7
3.2 SITE
SPECIFIC POTENTIAL CONTAMINANT SOURCES........................ 8
3.3 POTENTIAL
CONTAMINANT SOURCES BASED ON LAND USE........ 10
3.4 ABANDONED
WELLS AS POTENTIAL CONTAMINANT SOURCES... 13
3.5 POTENTIAL
CONTAMINANT SOURCE SUMMARY............................. 13
4.1 MANAGEMENT
OPTIONS SELECTION CRITERIA................................ 16
4.2 SANITARY
SETBACK MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS.................... 16
4.3 MANAGEMENT
OF SANITARY SETBACK AREAS................................ 17
4.4 WHPA
MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS............................................... 20
4.5 MANAGEMENT
OF WHP AREAS.............................................................. 21
4.5.1 Site-Specific
Potential Contaminant Sources............................................. 22
4.5.1.2 Selected
Management Strategies – Lick Creek....................................... 23
4.5.1.3 Selected
Management Strategies – Visteon, Inc..................................... 24
4.5.1.4 Selected
Management Strategies – Industry.......................................... 25
4.7 MONITORING
FOR CONTAMINANTS..................................................... 30
4.8 CONSIDERATIONS
FOR FUTURE GROWTH........................................... 31
4.13 PUBLIC
OUTREACH PROGRAM................................................................ 34
4.14 POSTING
WELLHEAD PROTECTION SIGNS............................................ 35
4.15 MANAGEMENT
PLAN ADMINISTRATION............................................ 35
5.2 DESCRIPTION
OF PLAN TO TRAIN LOCAL RESPONDERS.................. 38
5.6 CRITICAL
WATER USER IDENTIFICATION AND NOTIFICATION.... 41
TABLES
Table 3-1. Wellhead Protection Inventory of Potential Sources of Contamination, Roberts Park and South Well Fields, Connersville Utilities, Connersville, Indiana.
Table 4-1. A Summary of Recommended Management Strategies for Sanitary Setback Areas, Roberts Park and South Well Fields, Wellhead Protection Plan, Connersville Utilities, Connersville, Indiana.
Table 4-2. A Summary of Recommended Management Strategies for Site-Specific Potential Contaminant Sources, Wellhead Protection Plan, Connersville Utilities, Connersville, Indiana.
Table 4-3. A Summary of Recommended Management Strategies for Land Use Categories, Wellhead Protection Plan, Connersville Utilities, Connersville, Indiana.
FIGURES
Figure 1-1. Site Map, Connersville Utilities Well Fields, Connersville Utilities, Connersville, Indiana.
Figure 2-1. Wellhead Protection Area Delineation, 1 & 5-Year Times of Travel, Connersville Utilities, Connersville, Indiana.
Figure 3-1 Potential Contaminant Sources and Land Use Map, 1 & 5-Year Times of Travel, Connersville Utilities, Connersville, Indiana.
APPENDICES
Appendix 1-1. Letter of Invitation and Public Notice.
Appendix 1-2 Local Planning Team Roster.
Appendix 1-3. Local Planning Team Sign-In Sheets and Meeting Itineraries.
APPENDICES (continued)
Appendix 2-1 Indiana Department of Environmental Management Delineation
Approval Letter.
Appendix 3-1. EcoSearch Priority Risk Report.
Appendix 4-1. Standard Monitoring Framework, Connersville Utilities.
Appendix 4-2. Connersville’s 2000 Consumer Confidence Report.
Appendix 4-3. Wellhead Protection Articles
Published in the Connersville News-
Examiner.
Appendix 5-1. Emergency Contact Procedures, Organizations & Telephone Numbers.
Appendix 5-2. Connersville Utilities Personnel Directory.
Appendix 5-3. Connersville Utilities Emergency Response Coordination Plan.
Appendix 5-4. Directory of Alternative Water Supplies and Water Haulers.
Appendix 5-5. Connersville Utilities Water Conservation Plan.
Appendix 5-6. News Media Contacts for Public Notification.
Appendix 5-7. Sensitive Populations.
PHASE I WELLHEAD PROTECTION PLAN
CONNERSVILLE UTILITIES
PWSID #5221001
CONNERSVILLE, INDIANA
In response to requirements set forth in the 1986 Federal Clean Water Act, the Indiana Wellhead Protection Rule, 327 IAC 8-4.1, was signed into law on March 28, 1997. The Rule established requirements for the development of a Wellhead Protection (WHP) Plan by those community Public Water Supply Systems (PWSS) located in the state that utilize groundwater as their source of drinking water. The program, regulated by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), recognizes that our groundwater quality can be threatened by specific land uses and activities that occur in areas adjacent to PWSS wells. This WHP Plan prepared by M.D. Wessler & Associates (MDWA) for Connersville Utilities and the City of Connersville, focuses on prevention as a means to protect the community’s drinking water quality.
Connersville Utilities provides water and sanitary sewer service to customers in the City of Connersville, the county seat of Fayette County, Indiana and currently serves an estimated population of 16,650 (census data, 1996). IDEM classifies Connersville’s PWSS as a medium-size system and a complete Phase I WHP Plan is due to IDEM on or before March 28, 2001.
The City’s water is supplied by groundwater produced at two well fields. As shown on Figure 1-1, the Roberts Park Well Field is located on the city’s northeast side, east and southeast of the horse track and consists of five production wells (Wells 1 through 5). The South Well Field is located approximately 1,500 feet north of the State Road 44 bridge that crosses the Whitewater River adjacent to the Babe Ruth baseball complex, and includes Production Wells 10, 11, and 12. Both well fields are situated adjacent to the Whitewater River and are completed in the same sand and gravel aquifer (Section 2.0). The Roberts Park Well Field is the primary source of groundwater for Connersville and the South Well Field is utilized as a standby water supply. Currently, the two well fields have a combined production of approximately 3.5 million gallons per day (mgd).
Groundwater pumped from the Roberts Park Well field is treated at the Park Road Water Treatment Plant (WTP) located just south of Roberts Park. Groundwater produced at the South Well Field is treated at the nearby Ninth Street WTP. Water treatment at both plants consists of conventional aeration, filtration and disinfection.
IDEM has divided the development of a WHP Plan into two phases. The Phase I portion of the plan includes the following elements:
These five elements form the basis of the WHP Plan development as detailed in the following Sections. Phase II is the actual implementation of the plan and will begin following IDEM approval of Phase I. All Phase II materials must be submitted within seven years of the IDEM approval date.
The purpose of the Local Planning Team (LPT) is to guide the development and implementation of the WHP Plan. Following IDEM approval of the Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA) Delineation Report (refer to Section 2.0) in January 2000, employees of the Utility and members of the Utility Board began speaking with individuals living in and around the community about WHP issues and the need to protect the community’s water resources.
In February 2000, Connersville Utilities mailed a letter of invitation to several community leaders. These individuals, active in areas of local industry and government, were invited to attend an organizational meeting to discuss the development of a WHP Plan. A copy of the invitation letter and a list of proposed steering committee members are included in Appendix 1-1.
The steering committee initially consisting of six (6) volunteer members met for the first time in February 2000. Following the initial meeting, advertisements were placed in Connersville’s daily newspaper the News-Examiner inviting the public to attend an informational meeting and to participate on the LPT. A copy of the public notice is provided in Appendix 1-1. Once established, the LPT met monthly from February through September 2000 and again in December to develop this Phase I Plan.
Connersville Utilities and the Utility Service Board would like to thank those members who graciously volunteered their time, energy, and talents to assist in the development of this WHP Plan. LPT member names, roles and affiliations are provided in Appendix 1-2. LPT meeting dates, sign-in sheets and meeting itineraries are provided in Appendix 1-3.
A Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA) is defined as the surface and subsurface area that contributes water to a well field and through which contaminants are likely to migrate within a specified Time of Travel (TOT). The TOT is the distance traveled by a particle of water through an aquifer to the well or well field for a specified period of time. This area can also be thought of as a zone of contribution.
MDWA was contracted by the Utility Service Board to perform the WHPA delineation for both the Roberts Park and South Well Fields. The results of the delineation are detailed in the WHPA Delineation Report, dated September 21, 1998. Although the delineation is an integral part of the Phase I Wellhead Protection Plan, this report was prepared and submitted to IDEM as a separate document. IDEM approved the report on January 12, 2000. A copy of the approval letter is provided in Appendix 2-1 and a brief summary of the WHPA delineation effort is provided below.
In order to model groundwater flow conditions at and adjacent to Connersville’s Well Fields, the development of a conceptual model or generalization of the groundwater flow system was required. Using geological publications and maps, engineering reports, well logs, and information provided by the utility, two primary aquifers, the Outwash Aquifer and the Intratill Aquifer, were identified in the Connersville area.
The Outwash Aquifer is by far the most productive aquifer in the area with well yields of more than 500 gallons per minute (gpm) common. All eight (8) of Connersville’s municipal wells are completed in this aquifer. These wells each have a rated capacity of 1,200 gpm, are 34 inches in diameter, and range from 81 to 97 feet deep.
The Outwash Aquifer occupies the valleys of the Whitewater River and its major tributaries. This unconfined aquifer is primarily composed of sand and gravel deposits and has long, narrow, steep-walled, north-south trending branches that cut into and through the adjacent Intratill Aquifer. The Outwash Aquifer ranges in thickness from less than 10 feet to over 100 feet with an average thickness of 50 feet. Adjacent to the Roberts Park and South Well Fields, the aquifer is approximately 1.5 miles in width (from east to west) and is 65 to 100 feet thick. Depths to groundwater range from 5 to 25 feet below ground level and groundwater flow is generally toward the Whitewater River. Since all municipal wells are completed in this aquifer, it is the primary focus of the modeling effort.
The Intratill Aquifer is the most extensive aquifer in the Connersville area. It occurs on the uplands adjacent to the Whitewater River and is in direct contact with the Outwash Aquifer. This aquifer is primarily composed of glacial tills that contain intratill sand and gravel lenses averaging 2 to 4 feet in thickness. Most wells completed in this aquifer are for residential use and typically produce at rates of 2 to 3 gpm from the relatively thin isolated sand and gravel deposits. Because of the relationship with the Outwash Aquifer and proximity to the well fields, the contribution of groundwater flow from the Intratill Aquifer was included in the model simulations.
This information from the conceptual model was incorporated into an analytical element type groundwater flow computer model, GFLOW. The model was used to simulate groundwater flow within the Outwash and Intratill Aquifers and to perform particle tracking.
The WHPA boundaries established using GFLOW include both 1 and 5-year TOT zones for the Roberts Park and South Well Fields (refer to Figure 2-1). The community and the Local Planning Team have used these WHPA boundaries, or zones of contribution, to perform the required potential contaminant source inventory (Section 3.0) and as a guide in preparing the Management and Contingency Plans detailed in Sections 4.0 and 5.0, respectively.
Groundwater within the Outwash Aquifer occurs under unconfined conditions at depths of 5 to 25 feet below ground level. Sediments overlying the aquifer typically consist of sand and gravel with lesser amounts of silt and clay. A high degree of hydraulic connection between the Whitewater River, river tributaries, and the aquifer is expected. Because of the unconfined nature, relatively shallow depth to groundwater and nature of overlying sediments, this aquifer is susceptible to surface and near-surface contamination. The LPT believes that the development of a sound WHP Plan to protect the community’s groundwater supply is vital for the future of Connersville.
An inventory of potential sources of contamination that contains a complete listing of existing facilities, sites, practices, and activities for both regulated and unregulated potential sources of contamination has been compiled. This inventory includes the identification and discussion of land use within the delineated WHP areas, a land use map overlain with the WHP areas showing potential sources of contamination, and a table that summarizes the identified potential sources shown on the map.
In order to identify land use categories within the WHPA boundaries for the Roberts Park and South Well Fields, aerial photographs and USGS topographic maps were reviewed. Information from these sources were compiled and refined through a windshield survey performed by MDWA on February 2, 2000. Members of the LPT provided additional details regarding past and present land use. A map detailing current land use overlain with the WHP areas is presented in Figure 3-1.
The WHPA for the Roberts Park Well Field includes a portion of the corporate limits of Connersville as well as adjacent rural areas. Based on a 5-year TOT, the entire WHPA encompasses approximately 845 acres. Of this area, approximately 180 acres is included within the 1-year TOT. As detailed in Figure 3-1, land use within the WHPA, in order of predominance, includes agricultural (50%), residential (25%), parks and recreation (10%), wooded undeveloped land adjacent to the Whitewater River (10%), and commercial areas including healthcare facilities (5%). All agricultural areas are planted in row crops and residential areas are both single and multi-family dwellings. Also included in the delineation are portions of the Whitewater River, located 300 to 1,500 feet east of the Well Field and Lick Creek, which flows from northwest to southeast through the area discharging to the Whitewater River approximately 400 feet east of Well 2 (Figure 3-1). Transportation routes within the WHPA include a portion of Waterloo Road (County Road 100 E), numerous city streets, and an abandoned railroad.
At the South Well Field, the WHPA delineation for 1 and 5-year TOT areas encompasses approximately 45 and 140 acres, respectively, for a total estimated WHPA of 185 acres. In contrast to the Roberts Park Well Field, with the exception of approximately 10 acres of cultivated farmland, all of the WHPA lies inside the corporate limits of Connersville. As shown in Figure 3-1, land use within this area in order of predominance includes residential (70%), agricultural (10%), wooded undeveloped land adjacent to the Whitewater River (10%), and industrial (5%). Commercial land use, parks and recreational areas, and a cemetery make up the remaining 5%. Residential areas are both single and multi-family dwellings and all agricultural areas are planted in row crops. Transportation routes within the South Well Field WHPA include a portion of the CSX railroad tracks, State Road 1 (Central Avenue) and numerous city streets.
In order to identify site-specific potential sources of contamination within the WHP areas, EcoSearch Environmental Resources, Inc. (EcoSearch) of Indianapolis, Indiana, performed an environmental database record search on December 21, 1999. As detailed in the report, this database search was performed for a radius of 1.7 miles. This radius encompasses both the Roberts Park and South Well Field WHPA boundaries. On April 12, 2000, EcoSearch supplied an additional database report for the Visteon plant located northwest of the Roberts Park Well Field. Copies of both EcoSearch reports are included in Appendix 3-1.
Federal databases
reviewed by EcoSearch include the following:
·
National Priorities
List (NPL);
·
Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System
(CERCLIS);
·
Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Information System on Treatment, Storage,
and Disposal (TSD) Facilities;
·
RCRA large and
small quantity generators;
·
RCRA Administrative
Action Tracking System (RAATS);
·
RCRA Information
System Corrective Action Sites (CORRACTS);
·
Emergency Response
Notification System (ERNS);
·
PCB Activity
Database System (PADS);
·
Toxic Release
Inventory (TRI);
·
Section Seven
Tracking System (SSTS);
·
Civil Enforcement
Docket; and
·
Toxic Substances
Control Act Inventory (TSCA).
State databases reviewed by EcoSearch
include the following:
·
State Cleanup List
(SCL);
·
Permitted Solid
Waste Facilities (SWF);
·
Leaking Underground
Storage Tank (LUST) list;
·
Underground Storage
Tank (UST) list;
·
Spills Database
(SPILL) list;
·
Community
Right-to-Know (CRTK) list; and
·
Commercial and
Restricted Use Pesticide Dealers (PEST).
After combining the results of the environmental database search, the windshield survey, and local knowledge, an inventory of specific potential contaminant sources was compiled and is summarized in Table 3-1. Individual sites described in Table 3-1 are arbitrarily designated with a site identification number keyed to Figure 3-1. A discussion of the facilities identified by EcoSearch is provided below.
The results of the inventory identified 6 separate sites located within or immediately adjacent to the 5-year TOT at the Roberts Park Well Field that because of current and/or past activities, are considered potential contaminant sources. These sites include two (2) commercial entities located within the business district along 30th Street that were former gasoline service stations, the airport (located north and outside the 5-year TOT), Visteon, Inc. located just outside the 5-year TOT northwest of the well field, Lick Creek, and the Connersville Parks Department facilities located inside the 1-year TOT at Roberts Park. This database inventory includes RCRA generators, UST and LUST sites, and SPILL sites.
EcoSearch identified nine (9) potential contaminant sources within or immediately adjacent to the 5-year TOT for the South Well Field. These sites include two active and one former gasoline service station, the CSX/Amtrak station and rail yard located near 10th and Eastern, and five (5) industries that include Reclaimed Energy, Ohio Valley Gas Corporation, Creative Fixtures, Keener Corporation, and Arrow Metals, Inc. This database inventory includes RCRA generators, a CERCLA site, UST and LUST sites, SPILL sites, and CRTK sites.
In addition to site-specific potential contaminant sources, all land use categories identified in Figure 3-1, that are included within the 1 and 5-year TOT boundaries, were evaluated to identify those general practices or activities associated with each land use that could result in groundwater contamination. A summary of land use activities (for both WHP areas) and associated potential contaminants are summarized below.
Agricultural areas within both WHPAs are planted in row crops. Farming in these areas typically involves the application and storage of fertilizers, pesticides (includes a variety of herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, and fungicides), and the use and storage of petroleum products for farm machinery operation and maintenance. In addition, animal feedlots and livestock waste disposal areas are agricultural activities generally identified as potential sources of groundwater contamination. Potential contaminants associated with these activities include nitrates, phosphates, pesticides, gasoline and diesel fuels, motor oils and lubricants, coliform and non-coliform bacteria and viruses.
While the improper storage, application and disposal of various fertilizers, pesticides and livestock waste are potential mechanisms for polluting groundwater, the LPT recognizes that existing regulations, licensing requirements, and advances in agricultural technology should minimize impacts from these activities. Spills associated with chemical filling and refueling activities, chemical and fuel tank leaks and ruptures, and equipment maintenance activities are perceived as the greatest threat to groundwater.
Residential areas include both single and multi-family dwellings inside and outside the city limits of Connersville. Activities in these areas typically include the storage and use of common household chemicals, lawn and gardening activities, heating oil storage, automobile and small engine maintenance and repair, and swimming pool maintenance. For all rural residential areas (located outside the City limits of Connersville), septic systems are utilized for treating on-site sewage.
Potential groundwater contaminants associated with residential area activities include household cleaners, disinfectants, solvents, paint, automotive and small engine wastes including gasoline and waste oil, fertilizers, pesticides, swimming pool chemicals, and septic system leachate that may include nitrates, bacteria, and viruses.
Activities associated with commercial land use are similar to that of residential areas. Potential contaminants associated with businesses located within the WHP areas that have not been identified as specific contaminant sources (refer to Section 3.2 and Table 3-1) generally include cleaners, detergents, disinfectants, solvents, paint, automotive wastes, kerosene, heating oil, and refrigerants. Lawn and garden maintenance chemical products typically include fertilizers and pesticides. Disposal of various chemicals to the municipal sanitary sewer system could also be a potential source where the structural integrity of the sewer line is compromised.
Activities at area parks include the operation and maintenance of the local municipal pool and general landscape maintenance. Potential contaminants associated with these activities include swimming pool chemicals, gasoline, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.
Special event activities at Roberts Park and associated fairgrounds include carnivals, special events, as well as spectator parking. Potential contaminants associated with these activities include spills of gasoline and diesel fuels, motor oils and lubricants.
All industrial land use areas illustrated in Figure 3-1, were also identified as specific contaminant sources and summarized in Table 3-1. Potential contaminant sources associated with these sites are detailed in Section 3.2.
There were no potential contaminants identified for the wooded undeveloped land adjacent to the Well Fields and Whitewater River.
Maintenance activities that occur along State Road 1, the CSX railroad right-of-way and to a lesser extent Waterloo Road and City Streets are potential sources for groundwater contamination. These activities may include the application of herbicides for weed control and the application of road salt for de-icing. In addition, transportation related spills and contaminated storm water runoff from roads, streets and the railroad are potential sources of groundwater contamination.
Abandoned water wells are a potential conduit for surface or near surface contamination to reach the underlying Outwash Aquifer. Potential groundwater contaminants are storm water runoff, spilled or over applied agricultural, residential, and commercial fertilizers and pesticides, used oil, antifreeze, gasoline, road salt, septic system waste and a variety of other substances.
While there were no abandoned wells identified through the database search and windshield survey, based on land use, their presence within the WHP areas is likely. Inactive and abandoned water wells that were drilled, driven, or dug are typically found in residential, commercial and agricultural areas throughout the county, including the older residential areas inside the city limits of Connersville.
As detailed above, an inventory of land use and potential contaminant sources for the 1 and 5-year TOT WHPA boundaries at both well fields has been completed. A large portion of the Roberts Park Well Field WHPA includes agricultural, residential, and parks land use both inside and outside of the corporate limits of Connersville. At the South Well Field, the WHPA is predominantly residential with several industries.
As summarized in Table 3-1, there are 6 site-specific potential contaminant sources identified for the Roberts Park Well Field and 9 sources identified at the South Well Field. In addition, practices and activities related to land use are identified as potential sources of groundwater contamination. Abandoned water wells are identified as potential conduits for surface or near surface contamination to impact groundwater. Based on the potential contaminant source inventory for both WHP areas, the management plan detailed in Section 4.0 will consider the following:
· Potential Contaminant Sources Identified in Table 3-1
o Site-specific contaminants
· Agricultural Land Use
o Storage and application of fertilizers
o Storage and application of pesticides
o Storage and use of gasoline, diesel fuel, and lubricants
o Livestock generated waste
o Abandoned wells
· Residential Land Use
o Septic system waste (rural residences only)
o Storage and use of common household chemical products
o Lawn and garden maintenance chemicals
o Swimming pool maintenance chemicals
o Petroleum fuels and waste oil
o Abandoned Wells
· Commercial Land Use
o Storage and use of detergents, disinfectants, solvents, paint
o Landscape maintenance chemicals
o Abandoned wells
· Parks and Recreational Land Use
o Municipal pool maintenance chemicals
o Landscape maintenance chemicals
o Petroleum spills
o Abandoned wells
· Transportation Routes (Highways, County Roads, Streets, Railroads)
o Pesticide use along right-of-ways
o Salt used for de-icing roads
o Automotive wastes (roads)
o Diesel locomotive wastes (railroad)
o Transportation related spills
A primary component of the WHP Plan is the development and implementation of a Management Plan that provides procedures for protecting groundwater within WHPA boundaries. Connersville Utilities together with the LPT have developed a Management Plan that considers WHPA boundaries for both well fields.
During the initial stages of developing the Management Plan, members of the LPT discussed both regulatory and non-regulatory management options for protecting groundwater. Based on land use, perceived risk, existing regulations, and overall cost, the LPT determined that preferred management strategies would primarily focus on non-regulatory approaches that emphasize best management practices and public education. However, existing local regulations and regulatory programs were also evaluated (i.e. local sewer ordinances and regulations governing the Fayette County Area Plan Commission). Both non-regulatory and regulatory approaches will be incorporated into the WHP plan. Although WHP areas include 1-year TOT boundaries, no special management considerations (other than what state regulations provide for) were specified for these areas.
The sanitary setback is defined as an established area around each production well to protect groundwater from direct contamination. For purposes of this plan, the sanitary setback radius for the eight production wells is assumed to be 200 feet, the standard sanitary setback radius specified by IDEM for a Community PWSS (327 IAC 8-3.4-9). Specific management issues for the setback areas will consider the following:
· Management of the sanitary setback should be consistent with requirements in the Public Water System Well Rule (327 IAC 8-3.4);
· Development of measures to prohibit the storage and mixing of chemicals (other than drinking water treatment chemicals or pesticides that are regulated by the pesticide review board);
· Manage existing transportation routes within setbacks using Best Management Practices (BMPs); and
· Secure wellheads to prevent unauthorized access.
Discussions of the specific management issues and plan recommendations for the sanitary setback areas are provided below.
The 200-foot radius sanitary setbacks at the Roberts Park and South Well Fields are included in Figure 3-1. Both well fields are located within the 100-year floodplain of the Whitewater River and all wellheads are elevated on steel towers. The purpose of these towers is to position the electric turbine pumps above the elevation of the 100-year flood. Currently, there are no documented cases of storage or mixing of chemicals within the setback areas. However, there is a need to establish procedures that would limit these activities in the future. Further descriptions of each well field’s sanitary setback and management recommendations are detailed below.
At the Roberts Park Well Field, the five production wells and sanitary setbacks are located on City-owned property. The wells are accessed via a gravel road from the north side of Roberts Park. This road is limited access and has a locked swing gate to prohibit unauthorized vehicle use. The sanitary setbacks for Wells 1, 2 and 3 include the well field access road, grass-covered areas and wooded undeveloped land. Setbacks for Wells 4 and 5 include a small portion of the Roberts Park horse track, the well field access road, grassy areas, wooded undeveloped land, and Lick Creek. Within the setback radius, the Parks Department maintains grass-covered areas and the horse track. No pesticides or de-icing chemicals are applied on or adjacent to the access road.
Individual well tower ladders are padlocked to limit unauthorized access and turbine pump bases are bolted directly onto the steel well casings. Within the setbacks, storm water generally flows as sheet runoff and is diverted to nearby Lick Creek. The locations of any sanitary or storm sewers within the setbacks will be evaluated as part of the management plan.
Management strategies for the sanitary setback areas at the Roberts Park Well Field are summarized in Table 4-1 and include the following:
At the South Well Field, the 200-foot radius sanitary setbacks for the three production wells (Wells 10, 11, and 12) are also located on city-owned property. A limited access road is the only transportation route within the setback areas and enters the well field from the west. No pesticides or deicing chemicals are used on or adjacent to this road.
The area surrounding Well 10 consists of a grass-covered field. The area surrounding Well 11 includes a grass-covered field, a portion of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) firing range, and a meeting hall owned by the FOP. The sanitary setback area surrounding Well 12 includes a grass-covered field and undeveloped (wooded) land. Currently, the extent of City-owned property adjacent to the well field is not clearly defined. Existing deeds, surveys and leases for this property will be evaluated as part of the management plan implementation.
At the South Well Field, individual well towers are surrounded by 8-foot tall chain link, barbed wire security fence with padlocked gates. Turbine pump bases, accessed by ladder, are bolted directly to the steel well casings. Within the setbacks, storm water generally flows as sheet runoff and is diverted to the Whitewater River. The locations of any sanitary or storm sewers within the setbacks have not yet been determined.
Management strategies for the sanitary setback areas at the South Well Field are summarized in Table 4-1 and include the following:
For managing the 5-year TOT areas within both WHP areas but outside the 200-foot radius sanitary setbacks, the WHP Management Plan considers the following elements:
· Management or monitoring measures for all potential sources of contamination identified in Section 3.0 of this plan;
· Compliance of production wells with state construction standards and permit requirements;
· Monitoring for contaminants associated with identified potential sources of contamination according to the IDEM standardized monitoring framework (SMF);
· Methods or procedures for maintaining and updating records (consideration for future growth);
· Identification of abandoned wells not in compliance with IC 25-39-4-6 and 310 IAC 16-10;
· Use, application, storage, mixing, loading, transportation, and disposal of pesticides in accordance with IC 15-3-3.5, IC 15-3-3.6, and the rules and guidance there under, developed by the pesticide review board and state chemist;
· Notification of property owners, mineral owners, and leaseholders of record that they are located within a WHPA;
· Provide owners and operators of identified potential sources of contamination access to a copy of the WHP Plan;
· Establish a Public Outreach Program to educate the public and owners or operators of identified potential sources of contamination about the consequences of groundwater contamination, and the methods available for preventing groundwater contamination;
· Post wellhead protection signs along major thoroughfares; and
· Any additional management measures deemed important by the LPT such as developing procedures to protect the PWSS from potential new sources of contamination.
A discussion of these elements, specific management issues and plan recommendations are provided below.
The LPT determined the preferred management strategies for the WHP Plan should emphasize public education and awareness, monitoring, and voluntary compliance, and where applicable, be in conjunction with existing and proposed federal, state, and local programs. Those management strategies recommended for implementation are detailed below.
At a minimum, management strategies for all fixed facility potential sources identified in Table 3-1 will include the following:
A summary of these strategies is included in Table 4-2.
In addition, because of past or present perceived risks associated with potential contaminants and/or because of their proximity to the Connersville production wells, several sites were identified for additional management considerations. These sites include the Parks Department maintenance facility at Roberts Park, Lick Creek (strategies listed above for fixed facilities do not apply to Lick Creek), Visteon, Inc., Reclaimed Energy, Keener Corporation, and Arrow Metals, Inc. A further description of these site-specific potential sources and additional recommended management strategies are provided below. Management strategies are summarized in Table 4-2.
The Connersville Parks Department Maintenance Facility (#3 on Table 3-1) is located within the 1-year TOT at the Roberts Park Well Field, approximately 1,500 feet west of Connersville’s Production Well 5 (Figure 3-1). Potential contaminants include waste oil, gasoline, pesticides, and various cleaners and lubricants. In addition, there is a potential UST at this location as well as an active septic system. The following management strategies were selected by the LPT for addressing potential concerns related to this facility:
· Send a letter to the Parks Board and the Mayor’s office with LPT recommendations for the facility. Recommendations should include provision for the following:
o Perform a site audit to identify potential areas of concern (PAOCs).
o Develop a list of BMPs and if required, institute engineering controls to address all identified PAOCs.
o Add secondary containment to existing fuel storage above-ground storage tanks (ASTs).
o Connect all parks facilities to the sanitary sewer and close the existing septic system.
o Perform annual inspections at the facility.
o Update the chemical inventory Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) as necessary.
o Research the question regarding a potential UST at the facility and perform any required corrective action.
o Evaluate utilizing the Street Department Facility for storing chemicals. This facility is located outside of the WHPA.
· Post emergency contact information on site; and
Lick Creek (#5 on Table 3-1) flows from northwest to southeast through the 1 and 5-year TOT areas at the Roberts Park Well Field. The stream discharges to the Whitewater River approximately 400 feet east of Connersville’s Well 2 (Figure 3-1). Although characterized as a perennial stream, during extended dry periods, portions of Lick Creek downstream of Waterloo Road are dry (M.D. Wessler, 1998). Potential contaminants are pesticides, nitrates and bacteria associated with upstream agricultural activities, past spills and runoff from the Visteon facility (present site controls at the plant should eliminate any future spills, refer to Section 4.5.1.3 below) that may have impacted groundwater, and transportation related spills, particularly where the stream flows beneath nearby State Road 1 and Waterloo Road. The following management strategies were selected for addressing concerns related to Lick Creek:
· Review past and current processes and chemical inventories at the Visteon, Inc. Facility;
Visteon, Inc. (formerly Ford Motor Company) is situated just outside of the 5-year TOT of the Roberts Park Well Field (#6 in Table 3-1), approximately 8,000 feet northwest of Connersville’s Production Well 5, at 4747 Western Avenue (refer to Figure 3-1). The facility currently manufactures radiators, condensers, evaporators, hoses and compressors for the automotive industry. Past and/or present potential groundwater contaminants include petroleum products, various metals (primarily zinc and chromates), chlorinated solvents (primarily trichloroethylene), acids, cyanide and various Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) associated with paint products.
As part of the facility’s on-going efforts to reduce the potential for environmental impacts, an on-site wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was constructed in 1978 to treat all process waste. A storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) was implemented in 1996. Visteon is currently in the process of reducing their inventory of hazardous chemicals by discontinuing the use of trichloroethylene. With the facility’s existing controls, no process wastes can discharge to adjacent Lick Creek. In addition, the plant has trained personnel and an Emergency Response Plan for addressing any on-site chemical leaks and spills. The following management strategies were selected by the LPT for addressing potential WHP concerns related to this facility:
· Review processes and chemicals to evaluate hazards associated with potential contaminants; and
Currently, there are no industries located within the 5-year TOT at the Roberts Park Well Field. Within the South Well Field WHPA, industries include Reclaimed Energy, Keener Corporation, and Arrow Metals, Inc. Industry locations are included on Figure 3-1. Potential contaminants at each facility are summarized in Table 3-1. As part of the City of Connersville’s WWTP pretreatment requirements, a baseline report and annual pretreatment inspections are currently performed at the Reclaimed Energy Facility. The following management strategies were selected by the LPT for addressing concerns related to industry:
Agricultural land constitutes approximately 50% of the Roberts Park Well Field WHPA and 10% of the South Well Field WHPA. In general, agricultural activities do not vary significantly between WHP areas; therefore, the recommended management strategies described below apply to both.
The following management strategies (summarized in Table 4-3) were selected by the LPT for addressing concerns related to agricultural fertilizers, pesticides, petroleum-based products, and livestock wastes in both WHP areas:
Residential land encompasses approximately 25% of the Roberts Park and 70% of the South Well Field WHP areas. With the exception of two rural residents, this land is located within the city limits of Connersville and is served by the municipal sanitary sewer system. Residents outside of the city limits are served by private septic systems. The LPT believes that the best methodology for addressing concerns related to residential land use is through education and existing regulations.
The following management strategies (also summarized in Table 4-3) were selected to address potential groundwater contaminants associated with faulty septic systems (rural residences only), a variety of constituents associated with the storage, use, and disposal of common household chemical products, lawn and garden maintenance activities (fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides), and swimming pool chemicals. These strategies apply to both WHP areas.
· Provide additional public education and outreach as described in Section 4.13.
Commercial land encompasses approximately 5% of the WHPA at the Roberts Park Well Field and less than 5% at the South Well Field. These areas are concentrated along Central Avenue and adjacent to 30th Street. As with residential areas, the LPT believes that the best methodology for addressing concerns related to commercial land use is through education.
The following management strategies (summarized in Table 4-3) are applicable to both WHP areas and were selected to address potential groundwater contaminants associated with the commercial use and storage of cleaners, detergents, disinfectants, solvents, paint, automotive wastes, kerosene, heating oil, refrigerants, fertilizers, pesticides and leaking sanitary sewers.
Roberts Park and Offuts Park encompass approximately 10% of the WHPA at the Roberts Park Well Field, while at the South Well Field, the WHPA includes a portion of the Babe Ruth baseball complex. For Roberts Park, site-specific management strategies were developed for the Parks Department Maintenance Facility located inside the park. These strategies were detailed in Section 4.5.1.1 and are not included below. General activities at area parks include the operation and maintenance of the local municipal pool, landscape maintenance, special event activities and parking, and the county fair.
The following management strategies (summarized in Table 4-3) were selected to address potential groundwater contaminants associated with the above activities:
Transportation routes within the WHP areas include State Highway 1, Waterloo Road (county road), city streets, and CSX Transportation (CSX) rail lines and associated right-of-ways. As shown in Figure 3-1, these transportation corridors traverse portions of both WHP areas. Based on the results of the contaminant source identification, potential groundwater contaminants associated with transportation routes include herbicide use along right-of-ways, road salt, automotive and diesel locomotive wastes (petroleum products), and transportation accidents and related spills. The LPT agreed the greatest risk to groundwater would be related to an accidental spill and the management strategies reflect this concern.
The following management strategies (summarized in Table 4-3) were selected for addressing concerns related to transportation within the WHP areas:
· Contact CSX to discuss WHP concerns, supply them with a copy of the WHPA map, and develop contact information in the event of an emergency (see Contingency Plan, Section 5.0).
Based on available well log data, Connersville’s existing production wells were installed in 1967. These wells were all constructed using the best available technology in compliance with applicable standards for new well construction at the time. Any future wells will be constructed in compliance with the latest state construction and well permitting standards.
As part of Connersville Utilities’ Standardized Monitoring Framework (SMF) regulated by the IDEM Drinking Water Branch, groundwater is monitored at the system’s two entry points: the Park Road WTP at the Roberts Park Well Field, and the Ninth Street WTP at the South Well Field. System sampling requirements for each entry point are as detailed in the SMF tables included in Appendix 4-1. Based on the potential contaminant source inventory, the current monitoring schedule and list of monitoring parameters appear to be adequate to protect the water quality provided to the customer.
An annual Consumer Confidence Report, mailed to all water customers in Connersville by July 1st of each year, provides the customer with consumer information regarding sampling parameters and any constituents detected in their drinking water. A copy of the 2000 report is provided in Appendix 4-2. To date, the quality of the system’s drinking water meets or exceeds all Federal and State requirements.
Connersville Utilities primarily relies on the Roberts Park Well Field to supply the systems water needs (an average of 3.5 mg of water per day). As such, the protection of this water resource is critical to the community’s future. Based on potential contaminant sources, the City’s reliance on this well field, and aquifer susceptibility, the LPT believes that the WHP plan should include monitoring groundwater quality within the Outwash Aquifer northwest (up gradient) of the Roberts Park Well Field. Through the proper placement, design, and sampling of monitoring wells, any contaminants present in the aquifer can be detected prior to reaching the well field. This will assist the utility in preserving the systems groundwater quality for the future.
The following management strategies (summarized in Table 4-3) were selected for developing a groundwater-monitoring program up gradient of the Roberts Park Well Field:
· Determine the number, location and depth of monitoring wells required to adequately detect any contaminants up gradient of the well field;
· Develop specifications for monitoring well design and construction;
· Contract with a licensed well driller to install monitoring wells in accordance with all applicable IDNR regulations;
· Develop a sampling and analysis plan to define analytical parameters, sampling methodology and sampling frequency; and
· Develop a groundwater monitoring action plan that defines threshold values for contaminants and describes corrective action measures to follow in the event that contaminants are detected.
Regarding future growth within the WHP areas, all petitions for changes in land use must go before the Fayette County Area Plan Commission (APC). In order to incorporate WHP concerns into future APC decisions, the following management strategies were selected by the LPT:
Abandoned water wells are a potential conduit for surface or near surface contamination to reach groundwater. Although no abandoned wells were identified during the windshield survey, because of the specified land uses, there may be abandoned wells located in or adjacent to the WHP areas. In order to identify any wells not in compliance with IC 25-39-4-6 and 310 IAC 16-10, the following management strategies were selected by the LPT:
· Identify abandoned/inactive water wells within the WHP areas by conducting a search at the IDNR Division of Water;
· Identify existing and/or abandoned natural gas wells in the WHP areas (Contact IDNR Div. Oil & Gas);
· At the time in which residents, property owners and mineral owners are notified, request landowner assistance in identifying abandoned wells on their property; and
· Compile a list of the abandoned wells and provide the owners with educational material regarding hazards, landowner responsibilities, and regulations regarding abandoned wells. An example of this type of information is provided in Form WQ-21, “Plugging Abandoned Water Wells: A Landowner’s Guide” published by Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service (CES).
The OISC regulates the use, application, storage, mixing, loading, transportation, and disposal of pesticides in Indiana. Aside from providing educational materials to area farmers, residential and commercial landowners, Connersville Utilities and the LPT will primarily rely on existing regulations to provide for adequate groundwater protection from pesticides.
All rural property and mineral owners as well as leaseholders located within the WHP areas will be identified using available plat maps, local knowledge and if required, the assistance of a local title company. Applicable leaseholders are those individuals currently engaged in farming. Connersville Utilities will compile a list of these entities, which will serve as a directory when additional communications are required. At a minimum, this list will be updated every five years during a special meeting of the WHP LPT.
Potential contaminant sources, landowners, mineral owners, tenant farmers, businesses and residents located within the WHP areas will have access to the WHP Plan. Copies of the plan will be made available through the following:
Public education is the cornerstone of an effective WHP Plan. The LPT goal for the Public Education Plan is to educate and inform officials, residents, business and industry located within and adjacent to the WHP areas about the consequences of groundwater contamination and the methods available for prevention. This effort will increase public and private support for the WHP process. In addition to those educational strategies specific to identified potential contaminant sources already described elsewhere in the Management Plan, as part of an on-going public outreach program, Connersville Utilities will consider the following:
· Publish informational and educational articles in the Connersville News-Examiner regarding WHP activities and concerns. Refer to Appendix 4-3 for copies of the published wellhead protection articles;
· Distribute public education materials specific to the protection of groundwater (i.e. IDEM, USEPA, and Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service publications, fact sheets and brochures). These materials can be distributed through the Utility Office, Chamber of Commerce, Fayette County APC, booths at the Fayette County Fair and local businesses and community organizations;
· Provide WHP information and public notices on monthly utility bills;
· Include information on WHP, groundwater resource issues, and BMPs in the annual Drinking Water Quality Report;
· Publish WHP information on the Utilities web site www.connersvilleutilities.com; and
· If the Utility perceives that the public or specific community interest groups are interested in learning more, informational meetings will be scheduled as needed.
The above strategies are considered an ongoing component of the WHP process. Connersville Utilities and LPT have already initiated the process of informing the public through WHP articles published in the local paper.
In addition to WHP information signs on area farms, WHP signs will be posted along the right-of-ways of major thoroughfares at both WHP areas. For the Roberts Park Well Field, signs will be placed at or near the WHPA boundaries on both north and south bound directions of State Road (SR) 1. Signs would be placed near the entrance to Roberts Park for northbound traffic on SR 1 and near the intersection of Virginia Avenue and 30th Street for south bound SR 1 travel. Outside of the city limits, a sign will be placed on Waterloo Road near the Lick Creek Bridge for southbound traffic. For the South Well Field WHPA, signs will be placed at or near WHPA boundaries on both north and south bound directions of SR 1 near 11th and 17th Streets in Connersville. WHP signs will also be posted along the limited access roads at the entrance to the setback areas (refer to Section 4.3.1.1 and 4.3.2.1).
Once approved by IDEM, Connersville Utilities will be responsible for the administration of this Management Plan. While plan implementation will begin in earnest following IDEM approval, as a proactive approach to protecting their groundwater supply, the community has already initiated and will continue to implement recommended management strategies prior to this date.
Key Management Plan strategies are summarized in Tables 4-1, 4-2 and 4-3. Management issues related to the sanitary setback areas at each production well are summarized in Table 4-1. Management strategies relating to site-specific potential contaminant sources (those sites and facilities identified on Table 3-1) are included in Table 4-2. Key management elements related to land-use categories, abandoned wells, monitoring wells, and additional public education are summarized in Table 4-3. These tables can be utilized throughout the implementation of the plan as a guidance tool and as a place to record dates of completion. Connersville will have 7 years to complete their implementation of the Management Plan following IDEM approval of the Phase I submittal. As detailed in 327 IAC 8-4.1-9, all Phase II submittals will be required at the end of this 7-year time period and will include the following:
Following IDEM approval of the Phase II submittal, Connersville Utilities will be required to supply IDEM with updates to the potential contaminant source inventory and management plan every 5 years, and will continue on this schedule for as long as the system is in operation.
Contingency planning is critical to minimize impacts to groundwater in the event of a leak, spill, or discharge of a hazardous substance within any of the designated WHP areas and to provide safe drinking water to the citizens of Connersville in the event of an emergency. Details for the Contingency Plan are provided below.
Contingency plans and operational procedures for responding to emergencies are currently in place for local, county, state and federal agencies. Fayette County has an operational 911 system for all emergencies. Those agencies that could respond to hazardous material spills, leaks, or illegal discharges within either WHPA include the following:
o Fayette County Sheriff’s Department
o Fayette County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
o Fayette County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)
o Indiana Department of Environmental Management
o Indiana State Board of Health
Emergency and general telephone numbers for emergency response organizations are included in Appendix 5-1.
The plan to train local responders will become part of the existing Fayette County Local Emergency Planning Committee Hazardous Materials Response Plan. By adding specific wellhead protection information such as maps defining WHP areas as well as Connersville Utilities emergency contact personnel and telephone numbers, the existing plan can continue to serve as the basis for training emergency responders in Fayette County.
Connersville Utilities will send written requests to the Fayette County LEPC and EMA, and local Fire and Police Departments to include WHP concerns in future training exercises. WHP training for each of these organizations will be performed annually as part of regularly scheduled LEPC/EMA training and will incorporate those wellhead protection concerns detailed in Section 5.3. Annual training will at a minimum, include the following organizations:
When a release of a hazardous substance or petroleum product occurs within the WHP areas, the reporting facility will at a minimum, follow the contact procedures detailed in Appendix 5-1. Connersville Utilities will provide a copy of the contact list to all potential contaminant sources and request that facilities post the information and train employees regarding contact procedures. A copy of Appendix 5-1 will be posted in a conspicuous place at Connersville Utilities office on Vine Street.
Emergency responses to leaks, spills, and illegal discharges within the WHPA must incorporate the following wellhead protection concerns:
Connersville Utilities will provide the following information to the Connersville Police and Fire Departments, the Bentonville Volunteer Fire Department, Fayette County Sheriffs Department, Fayette County Local Emergency Planning Committee, Fayette County Emergency Management Agency, and the Fayette County Health Department:
· A copy of Figure 2-1 indicating the locations of both WHPA boundaries;
· A copy of the Contingency Plan; and
· Emergency contacts and City Utility personnel to be contacted in the event of an emergency (refer to Appendix 5-1 and 5-2).
Connersville Utilities will submit a written request for the Fayette County LEPC/EMA to include WHP concerns in all future annual training exercises. In addition, upon IDEM’s request, MDWA will provide the IDEM Groundwater Section with an electronic file of both WHP areas. This information will be incorporated into IDEM’s database.
Connersville Utilities operates a system that can function in independent zones. Contamination at one well field or well could be isolated and production rates at non-affected wells increased.
As shown on Figure 1-1, the two well fields that supply groundwater to the City of Connersville are approximately 1.7 miles apart. It is difficult to envision a single contamination incident that could affect groundwater quality at both well fields. In the event that the water supply at one well or well field is disrupted, Connersville Utilities anticipates the ability to provide at least some water to its customers via the remaining unaffected wells and available distribution system.
In the event the distribution system becomes contaminated, a boil order could be issued to customers and, if required, drinking water for human consumption could be supplied to central distribution points via portable containers and tanks (jerry cans, plastic containers, polytanks, tank trucks, etc.). If an additional public water supply is required, the nearest community systems are located at Everton, Liberty, and Cambridge City. Any water provided by these public water suppliers would be transported via area water-hauling contractors. A list of neighboring water utilities, area water haulers, contact names, and telephone numbers are included as Appendix 5-4.
If additional wells are needed in the future, City-owned property located at Roberts Park (in the area of the racetrack) and at the South Well Field in areas adjacent to the existing wells and Ball Park could be utilized. These areas overlie the Outwash Aquifer and could be utilized for additional well sites as needed.
In the event that a permanent alternative water supply is required, the Outwash Aquifer in areas north and/or south of Connersville should be considered. The Outwash Aquifer occupies the valley of the Whitewater River throughout Fayette County and is capable of providing the water needs for Connersville well into the future. Based on the extent of the aquifer in the subsurface, it is likely that an alternative well field could be developed in areas outside the influence of either the Roberts Park or South Well Fields. Since the WHPA Delineation Report (MDWA, September 21, 1998) details the geology for this aquifer, information provided in this report should be utilized to guide the development of any future water needs that the community may have. In addition, a test-drilling program should be an integral part of any assessment.
In some cases, an active program to conserve water use may be required. Connersville Utilities has developed a Water Conservation Emergency Management Plan detailed in Appendix 5-5. The utility may implement any or all portions of this plan as required under emergency or drought conditions.