4.1. ERMUSR 01-08-2013 Elk River*z,-_-_,
Municipal Utilities UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO: FROM:
Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission David Berg—Water Superintendent
John Dietz, Chair
Daryl Thompson, Vice Chair
Al Nadeau, Trustee
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
January 8, 2013 4.1
SUBJECT:
Wellhead Protection Plan Amendment Approval for Re-Submission
DISCUSSION:
We have revised our Wellhead Protection Plan (WHP)to meet the Minnesota Department
of Health's recent critiques of our submission. A few of our action activities were adjusted to
address Well 5's moderate vulnerability, more specifically with education for potential hazard
properties around Well 5's vulnerability zone. Overall, not much was changed, but a few
clarifying statements were inserted to meet standards and a couple adjustments to action items
were necessary to meet requirements.
REQUESTED ACTION:
Commission approval of the Wellhead Protection Plan
ATTACHMENTS:
• Wellhead Protection Plan Document
PONEEI BI
® Page 1 of I NATURE
Reliable Public P O W E R E D T o S a S E R V E
Power Provider
WELLHEAD PROTECTION PLAN
FOR THE
ERMU City of Elk River
•//
Elk River ..........:.
...„,
Municipal Utilitie s
This plan is in effect from:
January 8, 2013
Forward -
This document presents the WHP plan for the Elk River Municipal Utilities that will help
provide for an adequate and safe drinking water supply for community residents. It contains the
following components -
• Assessment of the data elements used to prepare the plan
• Delineation of the wellhead protection area,
• Delineation of the drinking water supply management area,
• Assessments of well and drinking water supply management area vulnerability,
• Impact of changes on the public water supply well(s) used by the water supplier
• Issues, Problems, and Opportunities affecting the well(s), well water, and the drinking
water supply management area;
• Wellhead protection goals for this plan;
• Objectives and plan of action for achieving the wellhead protection goals;
• Evaluation program for assessing the effectiveness of this plan;and
• Contingency strategy to address an interruption of the water supply.
Water Supply Wells Included in This Plan
Unique Number Well Name or Number Use/Status
271176 Well#2 P
2211176 Well#3 P
481794 Well#4 P
537682 Well#5 P
580320 Well#6 P
664852 Well#7 P
694499 Well#8 P
757624 Well#9 P
IP= Primary Water Supply Well E=Emergency Backup Well S=Seasonal Well
WHP Plan Manager
Ms.Angela Hauge, Water Operator
13069 Orono Parkway,P.O. Box 430
Elk River, Minnesota 55330-0430
Phone: 763.441.2020
Email: ahauge(a,elkriverutilities.com
Dave Berg, Water Superintendent
13069 Orono Parkway, P.O. Box 430
Elk River, Minnesota 55330-0430
Phone: 763.441.2020
Email: dberg(u,elkriverutilities.com
•
ii
WHP Team Members
Angela Hauge, Water Operator, Elk River Utilities
Dave Berg, Water Superintendent, Elk River Utilities
Robyn Hoerr, Planner
Tom Sagstetter, Co-Manager Conservation & Key Accounts Manager
Bill Bronder, SWCD Manager
Written By
Teri Osterman, MRWA
Hydrologist
Gail Haglund, MDH/SWP Unit
iii
Table of Contents
Page
Executive Summary vi
Chapter 1.0 Introduction 1
Chapter 2.0 Identification and Assessment of the Data Elements Used to Prepare the Plan
Chapter 3.0 Delineation of the Wellhead Protection Area, Drinking Water Supply Management
Area, and Vulnerability Assessments 4
Chapter 4.0 Assigning Risk to Potential Contamination Sources 5
Chapter 5.0 Impact of Land-and Water- Use Changes on the Public Water Supply Well(s) 6
Chapter 6.0 Issues, Problems, and Opportunities 7
Chapter 7.0 Existing Authority and Support Provided by Local, State,and Federal Governments 9
Chapter 8.0 Goals 12
Chapter 9.0 Objectives and Plan of Action 14
Chapter 10.0 Evaluation Program 19
Chapter 11.0 Contingency Strategy 19
Chapter 12.0 Glossary of Terms 20
Chapter 13.0 List of Acronyms 21
Chapter 14.0 References 22
Chapter 15.0 Figures 23
List of Figures
Figure 1: Regional Location Map 24
Figure 2: ERMU Municipal Well Location Map 25
Figure 3: Groundwater Flow Field Map 26
Figure 4: Groundwater Flow Field Map 27
Figure 5: Wellhead Protection Areas Map 28
Figure 6: Drinking Water Supply Management Area 29
Figure 7: ERMU DWSMA Map 30
Figure 8: Surficial Geology of the DWSMA 31
Figure 9: DWSMA Vulnerability 32
Figure 10: Sherburne County Map 33
Figure 11: Anoka County Map 34
Figure 12: Wright County Map 35
Figure 13: Otsego City Map 36
Figure 14: Elk River Land Use Map 37
Figure 15: Elk River Zoning Map 38
Figure 16 Well 5 IWHPZ Map 39
Figure 17 Well 5 Sewer/Sanitary Map 40
iv
List of Tables
Table 1: Assessment Results for the Data Elements 2
Table 2: Potential Contamination Sources and Assigned Risk for the IWMZ 6
Table 3: Point Sources of Potential Contamination and Assigned Risk for the Remainder of 6
the DWSMA
Table 4: Expected Land and Water Use Changes 7
Table 5: Issues, Problems and Opportunities 8
Table 6: Controls and Programs of the Public Water Supplier 9
Table 7: Local Agency Controls and Programs 10
Table 8: State and Federal Agency Controls and Programs 11
Table 9: WHP Plan of Action 14
Table 10: Cooperating Agencies 19
List of Appendices
Appendix I: WHPA and DWSMA Delineations and Vulnerability Assessments 41
Appendix II: Inventory of Potential Contamination Sources 65
Appendix III: DNR Water Supply Approval Letter 124
Appendix IV: Ordinance Chapter 78, Connection to Water System 125
V
Executive Summary
The wellhead protection (WHP) plan for the ERMU of the City of Elk River presents the actions
that will be taken to manage potential contamination sources that may present a risk to the
quality of the community's drinking water. This plan is an amendment and was required by the
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) under authority granted by Minnesota Statutes, section
1031.101, subdivision 5 and through Minnesota Rules Chapter 4720.5100 to 4720.5590 relating
to WHP planning.
The ERMU is located in the City of Elk River, county of Sherburne and relies on nine primary
wells that draw water from the Eau Claire- Mt. Simon- Hinckley aquifers.
Water Supply Wells Included in This Plan
Unique Well Name or Total Depth Aquifer Well Vulnerability
Number Number (ft) Formation(s)
Utilized
271176 Well#2 290 Eau Claire-Mt. Not Vulnerable
Simon
2211176 Well#3 315 Mt. Simon Not Vulnerable
481794 Well#4 225 Mt. Simon Not Vulnerable
537682 Well#5 406 Mt.Simon Vulnerable
580320 Well#6 300 Mt.Simon Not Vulnerable
664852 Well#7 341 Mt.Simon Not Vulnerable
694499 Well#8 390 Mt. Simon Not Vulnerable
757624 Well#9 454 Mt.Simon- Not Vulnerable
Hinckley
Potential Contamination Sources and Assigned Risk
Total Number within Number Within
Potential Source Number Emergency Response Remainder of the
Type Area and Level of DWSMA and Level
Risk of Risk
City Wells 8 8 H N/A N/A
Non City Wells 221 12 H 209 H
High Priority
Non City Wells
Intermediate 80 I M 79 L
Priority
High Capacity 1 0 N/A 1 H
Wells
Storage Tanks 26 1 H 7 H
18 L
*H=High Risk *M=Moderate Risk *L=Low Risk
vi
The Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA) is shown in Figure 1 and is the focus
of this plan. The vulnerability of the DWSMA to contamination is based upon an assessment of
the 1) geologic protection covering the aquifer, 2) rate at which the aquifer is recharged, and 3)
groundwater chemistry including the presence of contaminants of human origin.
The ERMU has assigned priorities for managing potential contaminant sources that have been
inventoried within its DWSMA. The inventory was based on 1) the DWSMA vulnerability, 2)
the information contained in various state agency databases, and 3) information that the ERMU
collected about current and historical land uses. Potential contamination sources that were
assigned a high risk were given priority for inventory in the highly vulnerable portion of the
DWSMA. The risk assigned to the potential source was based on 1) evidence that contaminants
are present in the water supply, 2) the potential health impacts of the contaminant and (30) the
quantity of potential contaminant attributed to the source contaminant's toxicity to people.
Wellhead Protection Goals for the ERMU —
• Maintain a safe and adequate drinking water supply for community residents that
continues to meet the safe drinking water requirements for protecting the public's health,
safety and general welfare of the community
• Educate the general public regarding the principals and importance of water conservation
and collecting additional data to support future delineation in order to promote the proper
use of drinking water resources and monitor the geologic condition of Well ft 5.
The following table illustrates action items that the ERMU has identified to meet the goals of its
WHP plan. Further discussion of them and those of state and local government are presented in
the Objectives and Plan of Action section of this plan.
Summary of Wellhead Protection Actions
Wellhead Protection Action Item Descriptions IN Cr e c x
n r N n N C C N e n
Provide ERMU residents with a pamphlet or bill stuffer that explains the
importance of WHP and the need to seal priority unused wells and the Annually
ERMU's willingness to support programs to find funding available. Request
assistance from MRWA.
Distribute materials to property owners in and outside of the ERMU limits
within the DWSMA relating to the proper management of wells
Continue to provide tours of the water plant to educate school children on the
importance of WHP, conservation and protection Annually
vii
In the next two years,create and present a mobile display for agencies around
the DWSMA in order to educate the public visually. Example locations:
YMCA,City Library,Elk River Municipal Unities and City offices, Senior k x
Activity Center.
In the next year,we will take footage of a local well sealing and create a
video presentation to display on ERMU website,You Tube, Face book etc...
This will show the importance of well maintenance and well sealing cost-
share availability
Keep local city channel(Channel 12)ERTV 12 well and water footage up to
date with any changes in DWSMA area. Currently demonstrate: Water
system incite,water meter change outs details,wellhead protection x x
importance,water conservation/SMART irrigation information,etc.
Annually mail Consumer Confidence Reports so citizens are aware of the
water quality Annually
Contact Sherburne County annually to see what monies are available through
the county for education and well sealing Annually
Present Kids themed information on WHP/water conservation for Earth Day
school visit and other kid activity days with schools,girl scouts, boy's scouts,
home school kids. Attempt to gain additional audiences each year to reach a Annually
variable age range
There are known wells on the PCSI inventory without complete data fields.
ERMU staff will continue to gather property owner's names,addresses,
parcel identification numbers,status of wells or other applicable information k
on the wells in order to complete the PCSI
ERMU,City,and Sherburne SWCD will conduct MDH nitrate well water
testing clinic
Distribute and post educational materials related to the maintenance of above
and below ground storage tanks to property owners with tanks as it relates to
the protection of the ERMU drinking water supply. Place information on rA k
website immediately.
The ERMU,and the Sherburne SWCD will apply for grant funds to help seal
unused wells located in the DWSMA. If they are successful they will use the
money to seal the wells. If unsuccessful they will work cooperatively with K x k
the local units of government to provide as much cost share as possible to
help seal wells
Provide an on-site visit to the property with the tanks identified during the
inventory,that is within the I year time of travel to provide the property
owner with a map of the DWSMA and information about tank maintenance se
as it relates to the protection of the ERMU drinking water supply
viii
Notify MDH if a Class V well is identified and provide management
materials to the Class V well owner
As Occurs
Meet with Sherburne County SWCD to discuss areas where they can work
cooperatively on water and land use management issues with the DWSMA Annually
and on grant funding.
Work with all entities involved in the DWSMA on land use issues.
As Needed
Meet with Elk River Planning and Zoning to incorporate the map in the city
land use and incorporate the WHP Plan into the city Comprehensive Plan
Have Well#5 sampled for stable isotopes of oxygen(180)and deuterium
(21-1)and several general chemistry parameters on water produced to assess
the degree to which surface waters may be contributing to the well.Have
MDH staff and MDH hydro geologist assist in the collection and evaluation
of the sampling of surface waters up-gradient of Well#5 as needed. Apply
for a SWP grant to help pay associated costs.Contact MDH as to availability
of grant Programs
Evaluate reasons for younger water being produced at Well#5. Evaluate the
downward groundwater leakage from shallower aquifers and overlying st
surface bodies into the Mount Simon-Hinckley aquifer.
Implement measures that are specified in the IWMZ PCSI report
Annually
Monitor and maintain the 200 ft. radius around the wells to ensure that
setback distances for new potential contamination sources are met.
Annually
Assist MDH staff in updating the IWMZ inventory for the public water
supply wells. Contact your MDH Planner if changes to the locations or
construction of potential contaminant sources are proposed in the IWMZ.
Develop policies and procedures for an Emergency Water Plan dealing with
derailment as to the proximity of the Railroad and Hwy#10 to Wells# 1 and
Well#2
ix
Document all wells that have been sealed by keeping track of the property
owners name,address and parcel number of the well location,and share with
Sherburne County. If possible, request a well sealing log from the property As Needed
owner or well driller who sealed the well.
Prepare an assessment of WHP plan implementation efforts every 2 '/2 years.
Request assistance from MDH Planner and MRWA.
k m
Summarize all WHP Plan implementation efforts in a report to MDH in the
8t year.
Review and update the Water Supply and Management Plan every 2 '/2 years.
Make entire ERMU and City staff aware of the Contingency Plan. Where it
is located and how to use it.
Annually
The ERMU will prepare an internal assessment of plan implementation every two and one half
years and will summarize its progress with plan implementation in the eighth year when the plan
amendment process begins. Emphasis in the ninth year will be to prepare an amended plan for
submittal to the MDH at the beginning of the tenth year. The amended plan must be approved
by the end of the tenth year to ensure that the ERMU always has an approved WHP plan in
place.
The MDH, MRWA, Federal and State agencies, Sherburne SWCD, and Sherburne County will
provide support to the ERMU to implement various actions that are listed above. Refer to the
Support provided by Local, State and Federal Governments section of this report to identify the
types of outside support that will be provided to the ERMU. The ERMU will serve as the
contact for enlisting support that is provided by other local governments. Generally, the MDH
will serve as the contact for enlisting the support of other state agencies and from federal
agencies on a case-by-case basis regarding technical or regulatory support that may be applied to
the management of potential contamination sources. Also, MDH will provide technical support
to the ERMU for assessing the impacts that contamination releases may present to drinking water
quality and for further data collection that is summarized in the preceding table. Participation by
other agencies, federal agencies, and local governments is based on legal authority granted to
them and resource availability.
x
Chapter 1 - Introduction
1.1 Background
The wellhead protection (WHP) plan for the Elk River Municipal Utilities was prepared in
cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). It contains specific actions that
the ERMU will take to fulfill WHP requirements that are specified under Minnesota Rules
4720.5510 to 4720.5590. Also, the support that Minnesota state agencies, federal agencies, and
Sherburne County will provide is presented to identify their roles in protecting the ERMU's
drinking water supply. The plan is effective for 10 years after the approval date specified by the
MDH and the ERMU is responsible for implementing its WHP plan of action as described in
Table 9 of this report. Furthermore, the ERMU will evaluate the status of plan implementation at
least every two and one half years to identify whether its WHP plan is being implemented on
schedule.
1.2 Plan Appendices
Much of the technical information that was used to prepare this plan is contained in the
appendices but is summarized in the main body of this plan. In particular—
• Appendix I contains the first part of the plan, consisting of the delineation of the wellhead
protection area (WHPA), the drinking water supply management area (DWSMA), and
the vulnerability assessments for the public water supply wells and the DWSMA. This
part of the plan is summarized in Chapter 3.
• Appendix II contains the inventory of potential contamination sources that may present a
risk to the ERMU's drinking water. This part of the plan is discussed in Chapter 4 in
terms of assigning risk to the ERMU's water supply and is discussed as issues, problems
or opportunities summarized in Chapter 6.
• Appendix III contains the contingency strategy to provide for an alternate water supply if
there is a disruption caused by contamination or mechanical failure. This part of the plan
is discussed in Chapter 11.
Chapter 2 - Identification and Assessment of the Data
Elements Used to Prepare the Plan
The data elements that are included in this plan document the need for the WHP measures that
will be implemented to help protect the ERMU's water supply from potential sources of
contamination. The ERMU met with representatives from the MDH on two occasions to discuss
the data elements that are specified in MR 4720.5400 for preparing a WHP plan.
The first scoping meeting that was held on November 10, 2009 addressed the data elements that
were needed to support the delineation of the WHPA, the DWSMA, and the well and DWSMA
vulnerability assessments. The second scoping meeting that was held on August 1, 2011
1
discussed the data elements required to 1) identify potential risks to the public water supply and
2) develop effective management strategies to protect the public water supply in relation to the
well and DWSMA vulnerability. The results of each meeting were communicated to the ERMU
by the MDH through a formal scoping decision notice
The following table presents the data element assessment results relative to the overall impact
that each data element has on the four items listed.
Table 1 - Assessment of Data Elements
Definitions—
High (H) -the data element has a direct impact
Moderate(M) -the data element has an indirect or marginal impact
Low (L) -the data element has little if any impact
Shaded Area—the data element was not required by MDH for preparing the WHP plan.
Present and Future Implications
r e ° c C W g 3 It it
.E Data Source
Data Element e 3 .c it 3 0 g
4
MC. 0 = 4) a ` °
a '
I,
Precipitation
Geology
Maps and geologic H H H H MGS,DNR,USGS,Consultant
descriptions Reports
Subsurface data H H H H MGS,MDH,MPCA,DNR,MDA
Borehole geophysics H H H H MGS,Consultant Reports
Surface geophysics H H H H DNR, MPCA,Consultant Reports
Maps and soil descriptions
Eroding lands
Water Resources
Watershed units
List of public waters
Shoreland classifications
Wetlands map
Floodplain map
Land Use
ERMU,County,Met Council(Metro
Parcel boundaries map L H L L area only)
L L MGIO,ERMU,watershed unit(need
Political boundaries map L H to define)
PLS map L H L L MGIO
M H Sanborn Fire Maps,Historical Society,
Land use map and inventory M H ERMU Records,County
Comprehensive land use L L M H ERMU,County
map
2
Present and Future Implications
a t 1/4o i
Data Element y ° W m w ; e Data Source et
`o — 9y • 3 .flt "um
� 3 Qu 3 � dae ° q
aa3 t,
Zoning map L L L H ERMU,County
Public Utility Services
Transportation routes and L L M M MGIO
corridors
Storm sanitary sewers and None None None None MGIO
PWS system map
Oil and gas pipelines map None None None None MGIO
Public drainage systems None None None None MGIO,County ditches
map or list
Records of well
construction, maintenance, H H H H ELK River Municipal Utilities,CWI,
and use _ MDH files
Surface Water Quantity
Stream flow data
Ordinary high water mark
data
Permitted withdrawals
Protected levels/flows
Water use conflicts
Groundwater Quantity
Permitted withdrawals H H H H DNR
Groundwater use conflicts H H H H DNR
Water levels H H H H DNR,MPCA,MDA,MDH,ERMU
Surface Water Quality
Stream and lake water
quality management
classification
Monitoring data summary
Groundwater Quality
Monitoring data H H H H MPCA,MDH.MDA,USGS
Isotopic data H H H H MPCA,MDH.MDA, USGS,County,
UMN
Tracer studies H H H H DNR,MPCA
Contamination site data M M M M MPCA,MDA
Property audit data from L H H L MPCA,MDA,property owner
contamination sites
MPCA and MDA L H H L MPCA,MDA
spills/release reports
The availability of the information relating to each data element that is used in this plan was
evaluated by the Minnesota Department and the Elk River Municipal Utilities. Actions that are
3
needed to address deficiencies in either the quality or the amount of data are included in the plan
of action (Chapter 9).
Chapter 3 - Delineation of the Wellhead Protection Area,
Drinking Water Supply Management Area and Vulnerability
Assessments
A detailed description of the process used for 1) delineating the WHPA and the DWSMA, and 2)
preparing the vulnerability assessments of the ERMU water supply well(s) and DWSMA is
presented in Part 1 ERMU WHP Plan, Appendix 1. The Public work was performed by a
geoscientist licensed by the State of Minnesota and employed by Bolton & Menk Engineering.
3.1 WHPA and DWSMA Delineation — Figure 1 shows the boundaries of the WHPA and the
DWSMA. The WHPA was delineated by using computer simulations of groundwater movement
to generate the underground capture zones for ERMU eight wells.
The DWSMA boundaries were designated using the following criteria —
• Center-lines of highways, streets, roads, or railroad rights-of-ways;
• Public Land Survey coordinates;
• Property or fence lines;
3.2 Well Vulnerability Assessment - The construction and water quality obtained from the
wells that are used by the Public Water Supplier is included in the assessment of well
vulnerability. All ERMU public water supplies are completed in the Mt. Simon-Hinckley
formation and seems to exhibit confined aquifer conditions in most of the Elk River area.
Tritium tests were performed on all ERMU wells, and only samples from Well 5 showed an
indication of younger (post-1953) groundwater and is classified as vulnerable. It is hypothesized
that either the Eau Claire Formation is thinner at the Well 5 location and potentially absent east
of the well where buried bedrock valley is present. Or, it is possible that the integrity of the well
casing itself has been compromised to allow infiltration of water from the upper aquifers into the
water from the well.
3.3 DWSMA Vulnerability Assessment- The vulnerability of the DWSMA (Figure 1) was
determined using geologic, soils, and groundwater chemistry information. Vulnerability is
variable (moderate and low) in the area. While there is good protection provided over the Mt.
Simon aquifer in the area of the ERMU DWSMA by the shale-rich, low-permeability Eau Claire
formation, there is speculation that in the vicinity of Well 5 the protective shale Eau Claire layer
may thin out and allow the infiltration of water from more shallow aquifers. Therefore, the
recharge area around Well 5 is vulnerable (moderate), while the remaining portion of the
DWSMA for all other wells is not vulnerable.
4
Chapter 4 - Assigning Risk to Potential Contamination
Sources
The types of potential contamination sources that may exist within the DWSMA were derived
from the information collected to satisfy the data element requirements (Chapter 2). The impact
assigned to each data element as part of the assessment process (Table 1) was used to assess the
types of potential contamination sources that may present a risk to the ERMU's drinking water
supply.
Generally, the ERMU considers all types of land- and water-uses as presenting a possible risk to
groundwater quality where the source water aquifer exhibits a high or very high vulnerability.
Where the source water aquifer exhibits a moderate vulnerability, certain types of potential
contamination sources that may release contaminants to the subsurface must be included in
addition to wells, excavations that may reach the source water aquifer and certain types of
Environmental Protection Agency Class V wells. These additional types include above ground
and buried chemical and fuel storage tanks, underground waste disposal practices, pipelines and
fuel/chemical spills. Where the source water aquifer exhibits a low or very low vulnerability,
certain types of potential contamination sources that may release contaminants to the subsurface
must be included in addition to wells, excavations that may reach the source water aquifer and
certain types of Environmental Protection Agency Class V wells.
4.1 Contaminants of Concern
None of the contaminants that are regulated under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act have
been detected in the ERMU water supply wells. However, the vulnerable nature of the aquifer
requires that potential contamination sources that may release them be inventoried. These
potential sources likely reflect those that could present a threat to drinking water if a contaminant
release were to occur because the contaminants have a known impact on public health.
4.2 Inventory Results and Risk Assessment
The ERMU Wellhead Protection Team conducted the inventory of potential contaminant
sources. The MDH provided the team with a listing of potential contamination sources from
state agency databases and team members provided knowledge about other potential sources that
are not addressed under state regulatory programs. Most of the work was accomplished at
meetings of team members although this was supplemented with driving throughout the
DWSMA to confirm some of the information.
The inventory began with updating the locations of potential contamination sources in the area
that is located within 200 feet of each city well and is referred to as the IMWZ.
A description of the locations of potential contamination sources is presented in Appendix II. A
summary of the results for the IWMZ is listed in Table 2 and complete IWMZ PCSI reports are
presented in Figure 6, and for the remainder of the DWSMA in Table 3. The priority assigned to
each type of potential contamination source addresses 1)the number inventoried, 2) its proximity
to an ERMU well, 3) the capability of local geologic conditions to absorb a contaminant, 4) the
effectiveness of existing regulatory controls, and 5) the time required for the ERMU to obtain
cooperation from governmental agencies that regulate it. A high (H) risk potential implies that
the potential source type has the greatest likelihood to negatively impact the ERMU's water
5
supply and should receive highest priority for management. A low (L) risk potential implies that
a lower priority for implementing management measures is assigned.
Table 2 Potential Contamination Sources and Assigned Risk for the IWMZ
Total
Source Type Level of Risk
Wells(Non-City) 2 H
Above Ground Storage Tanks 1 H
Sewer Lines 1 H
Table 3—Point Sources of Potential Contamination and Assigned Risk
for the Remainder of the DWSMA
Total Number within Number Within
Potential Source Number Emergency Response Remainder of the
Type Area and Level of DWSMA and Level
Risk of Risk
City Wells 8 8 H N/A N/A
Non City Wells 221 12 H 209 H
High Priority
Non City Wells
Intermediate 80 1 M 79 L
Priority
High Capacity 1 0 N/A 1 H
Wells
Storage Tanks 7 H
26 1 H 18 L
*H=High Risk *M=Moderate Risk *L=Low Risk
Chapter 5 - Impact of Land- and Water- Use Changes on the
Public Water Supply WeII(s)
The ERMU estimates that the following changes to the physical environment, land use, surface
water, and groundwater-may occur over the ten-year period that the WHP plan is in effect. This
is needed to determine whether new potential sources of contamination may be introduced in the
future and to identify future actions for addressing these anticipated sources. Land- and water-
use changes may introduce new contamination sources or result in changes to groundwater use
and quality. The anticipated changes may occur within the jurisdictional authority of the ERMU
although some may not. The following table describes the anticipated changes to the physical
environment, land use, and surface water or groundwater in relationship to their 1) the influence
that existing governmental land and water programs and regulations may have on the anticipated
change, and 2) the administrative, technical, and financial considerations of the public water
supplier and property owners within the DWSMA.
6
Table 4- Expected Land and Water Use Changes
Expected Change Impact of the Influence of Existing Administrative,
(Physical Environment Land Expected Change Government Programs Technical,and Financial,
Use,Surface Water,Ground On the Source and Regulations on the Considerations due to the
Water) Water Aquifer Expected Change Expected Change
Physical Environment :
No change is anticipated. Does not apply Does not apply Does not apply
Land Use: ERMU The ERMU expects
expects light commercial moderate growth over the The Mount Simon-Hinckley
growth. The ERMU next 10 years,although aquifer is highly regulated
expects light residential doesn't foresee any large and currently is capable of Do not see any changes due to
growth in established water users which would sustaining several high this expected change
subdivisions cause significant changes
in the amount of water capacity ERMU wells in the
pumped. No changes in Elk River area.
DWSMA
Surface Water: Evaluate downward ground
Well#5 Well# 5 is producing Does not apply water leakage from shallower
younger water
aquifers
Ground Water: ERMU Changes in the Does not apply Does not apply
wells have historically groundwater supply are
provided groundwater of unlikely to occur
excellent quality and
quantity
Chapter 6 - Issues, Problems, and Opportunities
6.1 Identification of Issues, Problems and Opportunities - The ERMU has identified water-
and land-use issues, problems and opportunities related to I) the aquifer used by the ERMU
water supply wells, 2) the quality of the well water, or 3) land-or water-use within the DWSMA.
The ERMU assessed 1) input from public meetings and written comments that it received, 2)the
data elements identified by the MDH during the scoping meetings, and 3) and the status and
adequacy of the ERMU's official controls and plans on land use and water uses as well as those
of local, state, and federal government programs. The results of this effort are presented in the
following table which defines the nature and magnitude of contaminant source management
issues in the ERMU's DWSMA. Identifying the issues, problems and opportunities as well as
resource needs enables the ERMU to: 1) take advantage of opportunities that may be available to
make effective use of existing resources, 2) set meaningful priorities for source management and
3) solicit support for implementing specific source management strategies.
6.2 Comments Received — There have been several occasions for local governments, state
agencies and the general public to identify issues and comment on the ERMU's WHP plan. At
the beginning of the planning process, local units of government were notified that the ERMU
was going to develop its WHP plan and were given the opportunity to identify issues as well as
to comment. A public information meeting was held to review the results of the delineation of
7
the WHP area, DWSMA, and the vulnerability assessments and the meetings of the WHP
protection team were open to the public. Also, a public hearing was held before the completed
WHP plan was sent to MDH for state agency review and approval. The following issues were
identified during comment periods—
Table 5—Issues,Problems and Opportunities
Problem Associated Adequacy of
Impacted with the Identified Opportunity Associated Existing Controls to
Issue Identified Feature with the Identified Issue
Issue Address the Issue
The ERMU can partner with The ERMU does not
There are likely Aquifer The ERMU needs to Sherburne County&SWCD to have authority to require
numerous unused Well Water assess which wells help property owners pay for that unused wells be
and unsealed wells Quality present a threat to the the costs of properly sealing properly sealed.
on residential DWSMA aquifer based upon their unused wells.
&commercial (Select all depth,construction,and The MDH has grant programs The MDH has authority
properties that apply.) state of repair available to assist with the to require well sealing
sealing of wells
No jurisdiction for a ERMU will work closely with County presently has
Aquifer small number of the numerous jurisdictions on zoning and building
DWSMA DWSMA
boundaries extend properties located within land use decisions outside permit jurisdiction over
Well Water and outside the ERMU's jurisdiction. the DWSMA located
past ERMU limits Quality
DWSMA. outside ERMU limits.
At the present time the
ERMU,local and state
governments have
existing controls in place
The ERMU to address most issues as
recognizes this is a they occur. Some issues
10 year plan and The ERMU has the are uncontrollable and
that issues, Aquifer The ERMU needs to opportunity to work with other unforeseen and
problems,and DWSMA have the flexibility to local units of government to additional controls might
opportunities can Well Water address changing address those issues, problems need to be considered to
change from today Quality situations and opportunities that may address new issues. The
which can impact change over the next 10 years. ERMU local and state
the implementation governments are
strategies continually updating land
use controls as new
issues,new problems and
new opportunities occur.
The ERMU has With limited resources ERMU will form working ERMU has limited time
limited resources to the implementation of partnerships with local units of and resources for
implement all of the the WHP Plan will be a government and state agencies implementation.
management DWSMA challenge to the ERMU. that have regulatory authority
strategies contained and/or programs to help with
within this WHP implementation.
plan
New high capacity Aquifer The ERMU has no The ERMU will keep updating The ERMU will need to
wells drilled within DWSMA authority over the land use controls to allow the work closely with MDH
the DWSMA or one Well Water construction and ERMU the authority over the and the MN Dept of
mile of the Quality pumping rates for newly construction of high capacity Natural Resources of
8
DWSMA might constructed high ERMU wells within the Water in the
alter the WHPA capacity wells located corporate boundaries and work identification of high
boundary and outside of the with the appropriate agencies capacity wells which
provide a pathway jurisdiction on those outside oftheir might be drilled within
for pollutants to jurisdiction. the DWSMA or one mile
enter into the of the DWSMA
aquifer boundaries and their
potential impact on the
WHPA boundaries.
The ERMU has authority The ERMU is
Aquifer ERMU regulates domestic and
Local citizens have over the construction of continually updating land
DWMA irrigation wells through
the opportunity to domestic use private use controls as new
Well Water Ordinance Chapter 78,Article
drill irrigation wells Quality µ'ells. The ERMU II,Division 2. issues,new problems and
allows irrigation wells new opportunities occur
Continue to evaluate Well#5 Work with MDH to
Aquifer Well#5 is producing for downward groundwater develop a process for
Well#5 DWSMA younger water and could leakage from shallower evaluating Well#5 for
Well Water have some leakage from aquifers and overlying surface groundwater leakage and
Quality shallower aquifers. bodies. surface water.
Aquifer If the tank is not Tank was discovered during ERMU will provide tank
Above ground the PCSI and the owner is p
storage tank located DWSMA maintained and properly cooperative with the city in information and
Well Water sealed some leakage educational materials to
in the I WMZ. Quality could occur. making sure the tank does not the owner of the tank
cause contamination issues.
Chapter 7 - Existing Authority and Support Provided by Local,
State, and Federal Governments
In addition to its own controls, the ERMU will have to rely upon partnerships formed with local
units of government, state agencies, and federal agencies with regulatory controls or resource
management programs in place to help implement its WHP plan. The level of support that a
local, state, and federal agency can provide to help offset the risk that is presented by a potential
contamination source will depend up on its legal authority as well as the resources that are
available to local governments.
7.1 Existing Controls and Programs of the Public Water Supplier - The ERMU has
identified the following legal controls and/or programs that it has in place that can be used to
support the management of potential contamination sources within the DWSMA.
Table 6—Controls and Programs of the Public Water Supplier
Type of Control Program Description
Building Permits Provides an opportunity to require performance
standards to offset potential risks posed by a land use.
Ordinance Requiring Hookup Requires private land owners to connect to ERMU
to ERMU Services services when available.
Zoning Ordinance and Provides oversight and control to make sure orderly
Conditional Use Permits(CUP) growth occurs with the ERMU. Specifies
performance standards needed to offset potential risks
9
posed by land use.
Comprehensive Plan Establishes ERMU wide goals and priorities towards
orderly growth and protecting water resources.
Domestic Well Ordinance Controls the drilling of wells in the water supply area.
7.2 Local Government Controls and Programs - The following departments or programs
within Sherburne County may be able to assist the ERMU with issues relating to potential
contamination sources that 1) have been inventoried or 2) may result from changes in land and
water use within the DWSMA:
Table 7 - Local Agency Controls and Programs
Government Name of Program Description
Unit Control/Program
Sherburne Land Use Permits Regulates land-uses to comply with zoning
County Planning ordinances.
and Zoning CUP/IUP Permits Specifies performance standards needed to offset
Department environmental risk presented by a proposed land use.
Sherburne Water Planning Establishes county wide goals and priorities towards
County Soil and protecting water resources.
Water Administration for grant The Sherburne County SWCD promotes the
Conservation programs for local protection of water and soil resources in the County
District(SWCD) governments. through educational programs, collaboration with
other local, state and federal agencies. Administers
local comprehensive water plans for the county.
Elk River Joint Powers Works to improve the quality of Elk River Watershed
Watershed District through education,conservation and
district. responsible use of resources.
City of Elk River Ordinance Regulates connections to water system with
ERMU ordinances.
7.3 State Agency and Federal Agency Support - The MDH will serve as the contact for
enlisting the support of other state agencies on a case-by-case basis regarding technical or
regulatory support that may be applied to the management of potential contamination sources.
Participation by other state agencies and the federal government is based on legal authority
granted to them and resource availability. Furthermore, the MDH 1) administers state
regulations that affect specific potential sources of contamination and 2) can provide technical
assistance for property owners to comply with these regulations.
The following table identifies specific regulatory programs or technical assistance that state and
federal agencies may provide to the ERMU to support implementation of its WHP plan. It is
likely that other opportunities for assistance may be available over the ten-year period that the
plan is in effect due to changes in legal authority or increases in funding granted to state and
10
federal agencies. Therefore, the table references opportunities available when the ERMU's
WHP plan was first approved by MDH.
Table 8 - State and Federal Agency Controls and Programs
Government Type of Program Program Description
Unit
MN Dept.of State Well Code MDH has authority over the construction of new
Health (MR Chapter 4725) wells and sealing of wells. MDH staff in the Well
Management Program offers technical assistance for
enforcing well construction, maintaining setback
distances for certain contamination sources, and well
sealing.
MN. Dept. of WHP MDH has staff that will assist the ERMU with
Health identifying technical or financial support that other
governmental agencies can provide to assist with
managing potential contamination sources.
MDH administers SWP grant program.
MN Dept. of Water Appropriation Permitting DNR can require that anyone requesting an increase
Natural (MR Chapter 6115) in existing permitted appropriations or to pump
Resources groundwater must address concerns of the impacts to
drinking water if these concerns are include in a
WHP plan.
EPA Class V Wells Automatic closure of Class V automotive waste
disposal wells within the WHP Area.
Inventory of all Class V Wells.
MPCA Hazardous waste generators and MPCA identifies,regulates clean up spills, leaks and
storage tanks other hazardous material that can affect health and
environment
7.4 Support Provided by Non-profit Organizations
The Minnesota Rural Water Association (MRWA) has provided technical assistance to the
ERMU of Elk River throughout the development of this WHP Plan and will assist the ERMU
with implementing its WHP Plan by providing: I) referenced educational and outreach materials
for land owners, 2) technical assistance for implementing individual WHP action items listed in
the Plan, and 3) support to the ERMU for assessing the results of Plan implementation.
11
Chapter 8 — Goals
Goals define the overall purpose for the WHP plan as well as the end points for implementing
objectives and their corresponding actions. The WHP team identified the following goals after
considering the impacts that 1) changing land- and water-use changes over time have presented
to drinking water quality and 2) future changes that need to be addressed to protect the
community's drinking water:
• Maintain a safe and adequate drinking water supply for community residents that
continues to meet the safe drinking water requirements for protecting the public's health,
safety and general welfare of the community
• Educate the general public regarding the principals and importance of water conservation
and collecting additional data to support future delineation in order to promote the proper
use of drinking water resources and monitor the geologic condition of Well # 5.
Chapter 9 - Objectives and Plan of Action
Objectives provide the focus for ensuring that the goals of the WHP plan are met and that
priority is given to specific actions that support multiple outcomes of plan implementation.
Both the objectives and the wellhead protection measures (actions) that support them are based
on assessing 1) the data elements (Chapter 3), 2) the potential contaminant source inventory
(Chapter 5), 3)the impacts that changes in land- and water-use present (Chapter 6)and 4) issues,
problems, and opportunities referenced to administrative, financial, and technical considerations
(Chapter 7).
9.1 Objectives - The following objectives have been identified to support the goals of the WHP
plan for the ERMU—
1. Create awareness and general knowledge about the importance of WHP in the Elk River
Community and the ERMU DWSMA.
2. Properly inventory and manage potential contaminant sources to protect the drinking
water supply for the ERMU.
3. Gather additional information within the DWSMA in order to better understand the size
and vulnerability of the DWSMA
4. Effectively track and report the implementation efforts and wellhead protection plan
progress to all governing authorities.
5. Manage the Inner Wellhead Management Zone to prevent contamination of the aquifer
near the public supply wells.
6. Effectively prepare the ERMU for disruptions to the water distribution system.
9.2 WHP Measures and Action Plan - Based upon the factors, the WHP team has identified
WHP measures that will be implemented by the ERMU over the 10-year period that its WHP
plan is in effect. The objective that each measure supports is noted as well as 1) the lead party
and any cooperators, 2) the anticipated cost for implementing the measure and 3) the year or
years in which it will be implemented.
12
The following categories are used to further clarify the focus that each WHP measure provides as
well as help to organize the measures listed in the action plan:
• Data Collection
• IWMZ Management
• Land Use Management
• Potential Contamination Source Management
• Public Education and Outreach
• Reporting and Evaluation
• Water Use and Contingency Strategy
9.3 Establishing Priorities— WHP measures reflect the administrative, financial, and technical
requirements needed to address the risk to water quality or quantity presented by each type of
potential contamination source. Not all of these measures can be implemented at the same time,
so the WHP team assigned priority to each. A number of factors must be considered when WHP
action items are selected and prioritized (part 4720.5250, subpart 3):
I. Contamination of the public water supply wells by substances that exceed federal
drinking water standards
2. Quantifiable levels of contamination resulting from human activity
3. The location of potential contaminant sources relative to the wells.
4. The number of each potential contaminant source identified and the nature of the
potential contaminant associated with each source
5. The capability of the geologic material to absorb a contaminant
6. The effectiveness of existing controls
7. The time required to get cooperation from other agencies and cooperators
8. The resources needed: staff, money,time, legal, and technical
The ERMU defines priority for implementing a WHP measure as an action that directly
addresses a Potential Contaminant Source (PCS) which protects their drinking water supply from
contamination from the potential contaminant source. The following table lists each measure that
it will implement over the ten year period that the ERMU's WHP plan is in effect as well as the
priority that it has assigned to each measure.
13
Table 9 -WHP Plan of Action
Public Education and Outreach
ERMU
Action Alone Implementation time frame
o Unless
P. .- Cooperator is o
g Description N , Noted u
'4:- O M V V1 •O l� M P N N N
FFFiii ' 0 N 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Provide ERMU residents with a pamphlet or bill stuffer that
2 explains the importance of WI-IP and the need to seal priority ERMU, v, v
X unused wells and the ERMU's willingness to support programs to 1 SWCD, c Annually
.e_
find funding available.Request assistance from MRWA. 9
N Distribute materials to property owners in and outside of the
2 ERMU limits within the DWSMA relating to the proper ERMU, oo k k
5 management of wells I MRWA tern
, Continue to provide tours of the water plant to educate school
children on the importance of WHP,conservation and protection. ° k k k
Educate the Energy City tour groups on WHP and water topics to 1 ERMU
globalize water protection information.
-0- In the next two years,create and present a mobile display for
agencies around the DWSMA in order to educate the public ERMU o k k
X visually. Example locations: YMCA,City Library,Elk River 1 us
;) Municipal Unities and City offices,Senior Activity Center.
In the next year,we will take footage of a local well sealing and
• create a video presentation to display on ERMU website,You oo k
9 2 Tube,Face book etc...This will show the importance of well 1 ERMU
osen
maintenance and well sealing cost-share availability
Keep local city channel(Channel 12)ERTV 12 well and water
o
u footage up to date with any changes in DWSMA area. Currently S k k
IS a demonstrate: Water system incite,water meter change outs I ERMU 2
t details,wellhead protection importance,water
conservation/SMART irrigation information,etc.
Annually mail Consumer Confidence Reports so citizens are
P. aware of the water quality o Annually
o o
2
Contact Sherburne County annually to see what monies are E
v available through the county for education and well sealing Annually
= x 1 ERMU
cn
2
14
I
Public Education and Outreach —Continued
dv
ERMU Implementation time frame
r;• ?
Provide an on-site visit to the property with the tanks identified
' during the inventory,that is within the 1 year time of travel to °o
3 z provide the property owner with a map of the DW SMA and 4 ERMU ° k
gil
information about tank maintenance as it relates to the protection VI
of the ERMU drinking water supply
Notify MDH if a Class V well is identified and provide
2 management materials to the Class V well owner E it
IE 0 2 ERMU , As Occurs
A
v
2 ex
Land Use Management
ERMU
dAction Alone Implementation time frame
v Unless
-g" Cooperator is -
o
• 4 Noted o in
g Description W Li
U - m V V1 b r CO Q 0 N N
GGGG U 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
N N N N N N N N N N N
O
Meet with Sherburne County SWCD to discuss areas where they
ii, can work cooperatively on water and land use management issues ding. 2 Annually
'FE'.
, with the DWSMA and on grant funll Y
SWCD
tig N
tIJ 2
Work with all entities involved in the DWSMA on land use issues. ERMU, v
✓ SWCD, E
2 Sherbnme co. As Needed
It.
( Planning vi
/Zoning
Meet with Elk River Planning and Zoning to incorporate the map
`-° in the city land use and incorporate the WHP Plan into the city E
5 z Comprehensive Plan 2 ERMU P k
A
O in
2
16
Data Collection
ERMU Implementation time frame
„ -el Action Alone
. ? H
Unless y
2 .` o_ Description Cooperator is a `" ° r °° N
a p ° Noted N N N N N N N N N N
Q
Have Well#5 sampled for stable isotopes of oxygen(180)and
deuterium(2H)and several general chemistry parameters on water
a produced to assess the degree to which surface waters may be E
contributing to the well. Have MDH staff and MDH hydro 3 ERMU, F k
2 geologist assist in the collection and evaluation of the sampling of MDH
oa
± surface waters up-gradient of Well#5 as needed. Apply for a N
SWP grant to help pay associated costs. Contact MDH as to
availability of grant Programs
Evaluate reasons for younger water being produced at Well#5.
N Evaluate the downward groundwater leakage from shallower
tl
6 aquifers and overlying surface bodies into the Mount Simon- 3 ERMU , k
E Hinckley aquifer. MDH
IWMZ Management
ERMU Implementation time frame
> o Action Alone
,4: U d Unless
a Description M y ,n e n m ON o — N
O b Cooperator is U x 0 0 0 0 0 0
N N N
CL N N N N N N N N N N
Q Noted
Implement measures that are specified in the IWMZ PCSI report Gd
1 5 ERMU Annually
N
N Monitor and maintain the 200 ft. radius around the wells to ensure
N that setback distances for new potential contamination sources are E
6 met. 5 ERMU Annually
rn
17
Assist MDH staff in updating the IWMZ inventory for the public
water supply wells. Contact your MDH Planner if changes to the E
tia locations or construction of potential contaminant sources are 5 ERMU,MDH k
d proposed in the IWMZ. Ye
Develop policies and procedures for an Emergency Water Plan v
N dealing with derailment as to the proximity of the Railroad and E
E Hwy#l0 to Wells#2 and Well#3 5 ERMU F k
x Ce
N p
u
Reporting and Evaluation
ERMU Im,lementation time frame
u v Action Alone
:? r, •.1 N Unless :n
.> V N Q Nt V in b N P O N N
2 0 Description 9 .D Noted is v o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
L < l Voted N N N N N N N N N N
0. .0 Q
Document all wells that have been sealed by keeping track of the v
N property owners name,address and parcel number of the well E
3 location,and share with Sherburne County. If possible,request a 4 ERMU As Needed
✓ well sealing log from the property owner or well driller who V,
± sealed the well.
Prepare an assessment of WHP plan implementation efforts every
2 '/:years. Request assistance from MDH Planner and MRWA. ERMU , E
4 MDH, k k k
B , MRWA
Summarize all WHP Plan implementation efforts in a report to v
N MDH in the g's year. ERMU,
4 MDH, k
d
MRWA a
18
Water Use and Contingency Strategy
ERMU Implementation time frame
w Action Alone
•�r •- y Unless r.
o Description °x o M < a : : a o -
Cooperator is U r r r
" O Q Noted N N ry o ry ry o o ry o
-
00
Review and update the Water Supply and Management Plan every
c4 2 '/x years.
6 ERMU k k k
Make entire ERMU and City staff aware of the Contingency Plan.
N Where it is located and how to use it. E
6 ERMU Annually
m g
9.4 Commitments from cooperators — The following agencies that are listed in Table 10 have
indicated that they will support the Public Water Supplier with the implementing the WHP
measure(s) in which they are identified.
Table 10 - Cooperating Agencies List
Agency Name— Measure Number Actions Agency Will Take
Measure Number
Minnesota Department of 10,13,18,19,20,23,26,27 Technical Assistance and WHP Rule
Health(MDH)
Sherbume County 17 Technical Assistance and Land Use and Zoning
Planning and Zoning Oversight.
Sherburne County SWCD 1,10,13,16,17 Technical Assistance with well sealing,grant
administration and Water Plan Coordination.
Minnesota Rural Water 1,2,26,27 Technical Assistance with WHP plan writing and
Association(MRWA) implementation.
ERMU 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16, City of Elk River-Elk River Municipal Utilities
17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,2728,29 Staff
Chapter 10 - Evaluation Program
Plan evaluation is specified under objective 4 and provides the mechanism for determining
whether WHP action items are achieving the intended result or whether they need to be modified
to address changing administrative,technical, or financial resource conditions within the
DWSMA. Evaluation is used to support plan implementation and is required under MR
4720.5270 prior to amending the ERMU's WHP plan. The ERMU has identified the following
procedures that it will use to evaluate the success with implementing its WHP plan.
19
1. A annual briefing to the ERMU council will provide the basis for documenting whether
each action step for that year was implemented;
2. The WHP team will meet at a minimum every two and one half years to assess the status
of plan implementation and to identify issues that impact implementation of action steps
throughout the DWSMA;
3. The ERMU will assess the results of each action item that has been taken annually to
determine whether the action item has accomplished its purpose or whether modification
is needed. Assessment results will be presented in the annual report to the ERMU
council.
4. The ERMU will prepare a written report that documents how it has assessed plan
implementation and the action items that were carried out. The report will be presented
to MDH at the first scoping meeting that it will hold with the ERMU to begin amending
the WHP plan.
Chapter 11 - Contingency Strategy
The WHP plan must include a contingency strategy that addresses disruption of the water supply
that is caused either by contamination or mechanical failure. The ERMU has a water supply plan
in effect that was approved by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and it fulfills the
contingency planning requirements for wellhead protection. A copy of this plan is available for
public review during regular business hours at the ERMU offices and is referenced in this
section.
Chapter 12 - Glossary of Terms
Conjunctive Delineation means a WHP area that is defined by two components consisting of I)
the capture zone for a well that is based on generating flow path lines within the subsurface
area(s) of contribution and 2) a surface area that may contribute recharge to the capture zone.
Data Element means a specific type of information that is required by the Minnesota
Department of Health to prepare a wellhead protection plan.
Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA) means the surface and subsurface
areas surrounding a public water supply well, including the WHP area, that must be managed by
the entity identified in the WHP plan. (MR4720.5100, subpart 13). This area is delineated using
identifiable landmarks that reflect the scientifically calculated WHPA boundaries as closely as
possible.
Emergency Response Area (ERA) means the part of the WHP area that is defined by a one-
year time of travel within the aquifer that is used by the public water supply well (MR4720.5250,
Subpart 3). It is used to set priorities for managing potential contamination sources within the
DWSMA.
20
Emergency Standby Well means a well that is pumped by a public water supply system only
during emergencies such as when an adequate water supply cannot be achieved because one or
more primary or seasonal water supply well cannot be used.
Inner Wellhead Management Zone (IWMZ) means the land that is within 200 feet of a public
water supply well (MR4720.5100, subpart 19). The public water supplier must manage the
IWMZ to help protect it from sources of pathogen or chemical contamination that may cause an
acute health effect.
Non-point Source Contamination refers to contamination of the drinking water aquifer that is
caused by polluted runoff or pollution sources that cannot be attributed to a well-defined origin,
e.g., runoff from agricultural fields, feedlots or urban areas.
Point Source Contamination refers to contamination of the drinking water aquifer that is
attributed to pollution arising from a well-defined origin, such as discharge from a leaking fuel
tank, a solid waste disposal site, or an improperly constructed or sealed well.
Primary Water Supply Well means a well that is regularly pumped by a public water supply
system to provide drinking water.
Seasonal Water Supply Well means a well that is only used to provide drinking water during
certain times of the year either when pumping demand cannot be met by the primary water
supply well(s) or for a facility, such as a resort, that is closed to the public on a seasonal basis.
Vulnerability refers to the likelihood that one or more contaminants of human origin may enter
either I)a water supply well that is used by the public water supplier or 2)an aquifer that is a
source of public drinking water.
WHP Area (WHPA) is the surface and subsurface area surrounding a well or well field that
supplies a public water system,through which contaminants are likely to move toward and reach
the well or well field (Minnesota Statutes, Part 1031.005, subdivision 24).
WHP Plan Goal means an overall outcome of implementing the WHP plan, e.g., Providing for a
safe and adequate drinking water supply.
WHP Measure means a method adopted and implemented by a public water supplier to prevent
contamination of a public water supply, and approved by the Minnesota Department of Health
under Minnesota Rules parts 4720.5110 to 4720.5590.
WHP Plan Objective means a capability that is needed to achieve one or more WHP goals, e.g.,
implementing WHP measures to address high priority potential contamination sources within 5
years.
21
Chapter 13 - List of Acronyms
List of Acronyms
DWSMA - Drinking Water Supply Management Area
ERA - Emergency Response Area
ERMU - Elk River Municipal Utilities
IWMZ - Inner Wellhead Management Zone
LUG - Local Unit of Government
MDH - Minnesota Department of Health
MRWA - Minnesota Rural Water Association
SWCD - Soil and Water Conservation District
SWPA - Source Water Protection Area
WHP - Wellhead Protection
WHPA - Wellhead Protection Area
Chapter 14—References
22