Transcript Wellhead Protection Strategies: Keys to Success

Wellhead Protection
Strategies: Keys to Success
Prepared by:
Mr. Brian Oram, PG, Licensed Driller, PASEO
B.F Environmental Consultants
and Wilkes University
15 Hillcrest Drive
Dallas, PA 18612
http://www.bfenvironmental.com
http://www.water-research.net
Keys to Wellhead Protection
(WHPP)
 State Federal and Local Regulations Related to
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Land-use, Zoning, and Wellhead Protection
Geospatial Information for State and Region
Geological Characterization and Evaluation to Delineation
Capture Zone
Evaluation of Well Water Sources and Aquifer
Well Drilling and Construction Standards
Interactive State, Regional, and Local Agency Planning
Community Education and Outreach
WHPP: Component of Source
Water Projection (Background)
 Reauthorization of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
in 1996 required states to Develop a Source Water
Assessment and Protection Plan
 All PWS are required to be assessed within 2 years, i.e., by
September 2003.
 Main Goal is to Support the Development of Local Source
Water Protection Programs
Why Source Water Protection?
 Protect Public Health
- Waterborne Diseases
- Acute/Chronic Diseases
 Good Economic Sense
– Lower Treatment Cost
– Clean-up Costs
– Reduce Infrastructure
 Protect the Environment
– Protect Water Resources
– Protect Habitats
– Protect Recreational Uses
Comprehensive Local Program
Components of a Local Plan Include:
• Steering Committee - Plan and Implement WHPP
• Public Participation - Education Outreach
• Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA) Delineation
•Zone I - 100 to 400 feet
•Zone II - 1/2 mile radius or capture zone
•Zone III - Area that contributes to Zone II
•Identification of Contaminant Sources
•Development of WHPA Management Approaches
•Contingency Planning
•New Water Supply Source Protection
Define the WHPA
1. Compile Geospatial Data, Geological, and
Features for the Project Site.
2. Identify Hazardous Activities on and
Surrounding the Project Site.
3. Document Direction of Groundwater Flow,
Aquifer Properties.
4. Develop a Zone I Wellhead Protection Zone.
5. Use Computer Models to Develop a Zone II.
Potential Sources of Impact
Groundwater Movement
Wellhead Protection Zones
Zone I: The Zone of Influence
Zone I- Wellhead Protection Area
Based on a Fixed Radius Approach (Simplified Method)- That is a
function of Aquifer Thickness, Porosity, Permeability, and Aquifer
Material. It is an arbitrary or calculated fixed radius method that ranges
from 100 to 400 feet.
- Controlled by Owners
- Accident Prevention Zone
- Sanitary Protection Zone
Purpose is to protect the annulus of the well from the direct
introduction of contaminants into the well and its immediate area from
spills, surface runoff, or leakage from storage facilities or containers.
WHP: Zone 1 and Zone 2
Wellhead Protection Zones
Zone II: Zone of Contribution
Zone II: The Zone of Contribution
The zone is established based on a capture zone analysis, calculated
fixed radius and hydrogeological modeling for the aquifer. It can be
based on a 2-year TOT (time to travel).
Zone 2, the attenuation zone, is established to:
protect a well from contact with pathogenic microorganisms,
provide for emergency response, and
permit the implementation of contingency plans.
Wellhead Protection Zone
Zone 3: Remedial Zone
Zone 3 – Based on a combination of Vulnerability
Assessment, Hydrological Mapping, Numerical
Modeling Evaluations using a 5-yr TOT. This is the
area that contributes to Zone 2.
Evaluation would include the effect of the geological
structure, such as: folding, faults and fractures. Zone
3 delineation typically requires rather extensive
testing and modeling to properly delineate.
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Zone 3: Area Contributes to Zone 2
Wellhead Protection
Strategies: Keys to Success
Prepared by:
Mr. Brian Oram, PG, Licensed Driller, PASEO
B.F Environmental Consultants
and Wilkes University
15 Hillcrest Drive
Dallas, PA 18612
http://www.bfenvironmental.com
http://www.water-research.net