Wellhead Protection in Action –Local Response To A Proposed

Wal-Mart

Wellhead Protection in Action –Local Response To A Proposed

Wal-Mart

Jim BrodeFishbeck Thompson

Carr & Huber

Christine KosmowskiCity of Battle Creek

Background: Background:

• The Verona Wellfield (VW) is the primarydrinking water source for the City of Battle Creek.

• Second largest producer of groundwater from bedrock in the State of Michigan.

Wellhead Protection ProgramWellhead Protection Program• 1989 – The City

initiates wellhead protection program.

• Plan approved in 2000 by Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

• Active program earns national AWWA award.

Wellhead Protection AreaWellhead Protection Area

• Large Area – 15 square miles.

• Includes portions of the City and two surrounding townships.

• Majority of the WHPA outside of the city boundary.

• Overlaps with Pennfield Township’s WHPA.

• Interconnects with Pennfield’s wellfield.

History of Working TogetherHistory of Working Together

• WHP Team included representation from neighboring townships

• City participated on Pennfield Townships WHP Team

• Mutual cooperation on a variety of projects.

WAL MART ®

Save Money. Live Better.™WAL MART ®

Save Money. Live Better.™• Pennfield

Township informed of proposed Wal-Mart site.

• Site located within the 1 to 5 year time of travel.

WAL MART ®

Save Money. Live Better.™WAL MART ®

Save Money. Live Better.™• Preliminary store/site plans included large

detention basin, automotive repair facility, and a potential gas station site.

• Pennfield recognized potential impacts to the well field.

• Township gave the City the opportunity to comment on store’s site plan.

Site Plan Review ProcessSite Plan Review Process

• No groundwater protection ordinances in place.

• WHP Team sent an initial letter outlining strategies to protect groundwater.

• Township Planning Commission approved site plan with conditions.

Site Plan Review Process Con’tSite Plan Review Process Con’t

• Meeting with Wal-Mart representatives and consultants to address conditions.

• Meeting with Township Supervisor, Township Engineer, and Township Planner

OutcomesOutcomes• Wal-Mart has agreed to:

– Develop a Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures Plan.

– Include rain gardens into their storm water design.

– Develop various Best Management Practices (BMPs) to protect groundwater (such as de-icing, roof and lawn maintenance)

– Will be incorporating spill containment into their storm water system.

– Monitor water quality indicators in their detention basin.

ConclusionsConclusions• Through a cooperative partnership between the Township

and the City, several groundwater protection measures were developed and incorporated into the Wal-Mart plan.

• Wal-Mart was generally willing to implement the recommendations of the WHP team.

• Construction of the store has been delayed; therefore the recommendations have not been implemented

• This process has served as a springboard for working toward a regional groundwater protection ordinance.