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CHAPTER 4
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVES
TASK )
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
9.1 IMPACT ON THE ECOLOGY
9.1.1 General
The ecosystem of the area will be adversely impacted during
construction and operation of the proposed wastewater treatment plant
only if the mitigative measures recommended in Task 11 are not
practiced. It is recommended that a member of the Bloomington Utility
Board make frequent inspections during construction operations to
ensure that the recommended mitigative measures are implemented.
The caliber of adverse physical environmental impacts which can result
from poor engineering practices and which should be avoided in the
proposed project are described in an article appearing on page 3 of
the July 1969 Bloomington Newspaper, "The Balancer," which reports
sewer lines, siphon boxes and manholes constructed in the Bean Blossom
Flood Plain were not buried and covered properly. As a consequence,
during heavy rains the pipe lines dammed up water which became
stagnant and served as a hatching area for mosquitos. The pipelines
were uncovered and heavy siltation of the creek occurred below the
facilities.
In the following paragraphs, the possible sources of physical damage
to the aquatic and terrestrial environments due to construction and
operation activities will be considered. Table 9-! compares the
physical impacts by alternative sites for the wastewater treatment
plant.
9.1.2 Aquatic Ecology
Rare and Endangered Aquatic Organisms
No aquatic organisms appearing in the area of the proposed project are
considered rare or endangered as defined in The Federal Register
(July 1, 1975) and the U.S. Department of Interior (1974). Table 9-2
lists the aquatic organisms which have been found in the subject area.
Impacts of Interceptors and Outfalls on the Aquatic Environment Storm
water runoff carrying silt from areas excavated for interceptors,
outfalls and other facilities associated with the project could affect
the biota of Clear and Salt Creeks. The smothering influence of silt
could affect the primary producers as well as all other levels of the
food chain. Filter-feeding zooplankton are harmed because their
feeding apparatus becomes clogged. Aquatic plants are affected
because silt suspended in the water blocks out light and inhibits
photosynthesis. Dying plants consume oxygen and lower dissolved
4-9-1
-------
oxygen (DO) of the water. A decrease in DO could be harmful to fish
when they are smothered as a result of silt particles clogging their
operculum cavity and gill filaments. Silt settling on fish eggs
decreases oxygenation of the eggs, which die. This effect on fish
populations is the most severe effect of silt production.
Because the depth of soil over the bedrock is much greater in the
alluvial portion of Clear Creek near its confluence with Salt Creek,
the quantity of silt in runoff is greater there than in the upper
portions of the creek. This situation contrasts to the waters of
Clear Creek further north where topsoil is not as thick and runoff is
not as silt-laden. Observation made of the creek in August of 1975
confirmed that near the confluence of Salt and Clear Creeks the water
was very muddy. Between Bloomington and Ketcham road, Clear Creek was
relatively clear. Heavy siltation of the creek during construction
activities would worsen the already bad siltation problem in the
southern end of Clear Creek and create a new and adverse condition if
it occurred in the northern reaches of the creek. Silt production can
he minimized if the recommended engineering practices mentioned in
Task 11 are followed.
Crossing of the creek with interceptor lines and rerouting the creek
are construction activities which are potential sources for
alterations in the natural aquatic ecology of the area if good
engineering practices are not followed. Because the creek bed is
solid limestone the dredging and blasting required for these
activities is not expected to produce a great deal of silt. While the
trench is being dug, habitats for benthic organisms in the immediate
area will be disrupted; however, after the encased pipeline is
installed the trench will be refilled with riprap consisting of the
caliber of heavy stones which now line the creek bed. These stones
will be recolonized by organisms seeded from the water passing over
them.
Proof of the ability for Clear Creek to recover from localized
devastation is shown by two historical occurrences:
1. The installation of the tertiary lagoon in the Winston Thomas
Sewage Treatment Plant
2. Rerouting the creek to accomodate expansion of the Winston Thomas
Sewage Treatment Plant
Prior to 1969, when the tertiary lagoon was built, the poor water
quality of the creek was reflected in the low species diversity for
invertebrates and absence of fish. Since the lagoon has been
installed and the quality of sewage effluent flowing into the creek
has improved, species diversity of invertebrates has increased and the
more tolerant Cyprinidae such as the stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum)
and the creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) have been found near the
outfall (D.G. Frey - personal communication).
n-9-2
-------
When the creek was rerouted, the water channel was simply transferred
from one bedrock channel to a new one with no apparent disruptions of
the creek south of the rerouting.
Impacts of Operation on the Aquatic Ecology - Effluent
The physical effects of the effluent will depend on where the outfall
is located and the degree to which the sewage is treated. According
to Indiana State regulations, the following levels of treatment will
be required by 1977 for discharges to Salt Creek and Clear Creek.
BOD (Biological
Oxygen Demand)
Suspended Solids
Phosphorus
Ammonia Nitrogen
Salt Creek
10 mg/1 or 95%
removal
10 mg/1 or 95%
removal
1 mg/1 or 80%
removal
6.5 mg/1 in summer
no limitation
in winter
Clear Creek
5 mg/1 or 97.5%
removal
5 mg/1 or 97.5%
removal
1 mg/1 or 80%
removal
1.5 mg/1 summer
3.0 in winter
The requirements for a greater degree of treatment for effluent
discharged into Clear Creek is due to the lower dilution rate which
occurs there. When comparing the potential physical effects of the
effluent discharged into Clear Creek and Salt Creek, the two primary
considerations are:
1. The decreased flow which would occur in Clear Creek if the
effluent were no longer discharged into it
2. The chemical characteristics of the effluent when it reaches
a water intake for the city of Bedford, 13 miles downstream from
the Lake Monroe dam
Canoeing of Clear Creek is impossible during low flow conditions
which normally occur during the summer. On four sampling dates
between February 22, 1975 and April 2, 1975 (a high flow period for
the creek) the flow of Clear Creek averaged 200 MGD
(Pullman G. Douglas, 1975).
If the flow from the city's sewage treatment plant was removed from
Clear Creek and discharged into Salt Creek, Clear Creek would be
unnavigable by canoe sooner than it is now. If the outfall is moved
farther south on Clear Creek, the flow from Bloomington to the new
location will be reduced from its present level. This reduced flow
4-9-3
-------
rate which could occur if effluent were removed from Clear Creek is
significant from another standpoint: it would no longer dilute the
pollutants which drain into the creek from a variety of sources.
Hartzel et al. (1971) reported that pollution of Clear Creek above
the Winston Thomas Sewage Treatment Plant outfall came from the
following sources:
1. Oil from a creosote plant
2. Indiana University via the Jordan River which is located on
campus
j. Faulty septic tank drainage fields
4. Runoff from Bloomington
On April 2, 1971, water quality parameters which were more severe
above the sewage treatment plant when compared to those below it
included:
1. Bicarbonate alkalinity
2. pH
3. Nitrate
4. Resistivity
These parameters were improved below the outfall due to the effect of
dilution. Parameters which were more severe below the plant included
dissolved oxygen, calcium, and total phosphate. Removing the effluent
from Clear Creek or upgrading the treatment to the projected level
required for 1977 would generally improve the water quality of Clear
Creek. However, those pollutants which enter from above the point of
discharge of the Winston Thomas plant would no longer be diluted and
their concentrations would become higher than they are now below the
discharge of the Winston Thomas Plant.
Two questions have been raised concerning the effect sewage will have
on the City of Bedford's water intake on Salt Creek. The first is
whether the effluents could raise the nitrage level in the water to a
level which would be toxic to humans drinking it. The nitrate
concentrations above and below the present Winston Thomas Treatment
Plant on April 2, 1971, were 5.6 above the discharge and 2.0 ppm below
the discharge, and 3.9 and 6.6 ppm on April 9. On April 12, 1975 at
7 P.M., the nitrate concentration was 3.2 ppm at Clear Creek, 0.29 ppm
on Salt Creek and 0.3 ppm at their confluence. These were high flow
conditions. During low flow conditions, the nitrate levels may be
4-9-4
-------
considerably higher. In addition to the effluent, another source of
nitrate is the sludge injected into the land, which could be washed
off during floods. This is a potential problem only at the Salt Creek
site where the sludge injection system is proposed and where frequent
flooding occurs. The amount of nitrate which could be washed off
during floods can be controlled through manipulation of the
application rates. As discussed in Section 11.2.1, it is recommended
that if the Salt Creek site is selected, a study be carried out to
determine the application rates. Pollution of surface or ground water
with other materials as a result of the sludge injection system would
not be expected (Ken Dotson EPA, Cincinnati, personal communication).
After the effluent is discharged into a creek, the nitrate
concentration will drop as a consequence of denitrification and
nitrate reduction which occurs naturally as the creek flows southward.
There is no possibility that the nitrate concentration could reach the
50 ppm level which has been associated with infant methemaglobinemia
(Maxey-Rosenau, 1965).
There has also been some question about toxic chlorinated organics in
the effluent reaching the intake for the City of Bedford's water
supply. The chlorinated organics form as a result of the chemical
reaction of chlorine, added to the sewage for disinfection purposes,
and the organics discharged into the sewage by industries and
university laboratories. No definite statement can be made at this
time concerning this potential problem except that natural degradation
of the compounds is more likely to occur in Clear Creek which is well
aerated and further from the reservoir than will occur in Salt Creek
which is less aerated and closer to the intake. In addition, the
greater degree of treatment required for sewage discharged into Clear
Creek may result in the decomposition of the organics which could
react with chlorine and will decrease the quantity of chlorine
required for disinfection. It is recommended that the raw sewage and
chlorinated effluent from the Winston Thomas Sewage Treatment Plant be
analyzed by the gas chromatographic mass spectro-photometric method to
identify toxic chlorinated compounds that may be formed during the
chlorination process. If they are detected, alternative disinfection
systems can be designed into the proposed treatment plant.
Alternatives which could be considered include:
1. Ozonation
2. Chlorination - dechlorination
3. Bromine chloride
4. No disinfection
*"... uncontrolled and excessive use of chlorine for wastewater
disinfection may result in potential harm to both human and aquatic
life (A/WPR, April 28, 1975, p. 166) ...Alternative means of
disinfection control (dechlorination) must be considered where public health
hazards and potential adverse impact on the aquatic and humand environments
coexist, but disinfecting should not be required in those instances where
benefits are not present." (A/WPR, August 25, 1975, p. 332).
4-9-5
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9.1.3 Terrestrial Ecology
Rare and Endangered Terrestrial Organisms
A search of the scientific and other literature was conducted to
determine if rare or officially designated "endangered" species might
occur in the area. Table 8-3 lists terrestrial vertebrates of
potential occurrence which are listed as "threatened" and/or
"endangered" by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of
Endangered Species and International Activities (1973, 1974). Because
critical nesting habitat for the two birds is absent from the area,
and caves which would attract the bat (Hall 1962) are unknown in the
areas potentially affected, it is believed that effects of
construction would be neglible at any site proposed.
Impact of Interceptors and Outfalls on Terrestrial Ecology
Interceptor and connector sewers necessary for the several
alternatives under study would require trenches of depth and width
appropriate to provide drainage by gravity. If the Salt Creek site is
chosen, it will require interceptors. The interceptors will require
trenches about 2m (6 feet) wide, no less than 2.7 m (9 feet) deep, and
extending for varying lengths, but in no instance less than several
kilometers.
One hundred foot construction right-of-ways and 50 foot permanent
right-of-ways are required for interceptors. After the trench was
closed, vegetation could become reestablished along the right-of-way,
and in fact would be essential to prevent damage from erosion and to
limit penetration of frost.
It would be necessary to maintain accessibility for vehicles along the
entire length of the right-of-way to permit inspection and repair to
the facility. Manholes would protrude at intervals. Consequently,
construction of any sewer so large as the several proposed in
alternative plans in the present project must be assumed to have
significant effect, much of which will not diminish for the useful
life of the sewer, and much lasting long after the sewer line has lost
its utility. The following paragraphs discuss in some detail che
effects probable from constructing such sewers.
The effects of clearing a wide swath through fields and woodlands, or
along the riparian vegetation bordering such a stream as Clear Creek,
are manifestly significant, whether or not they can be quantified in a
particular instance. Vegetation would be destroyed. Consequently,
4-9-6
-------
the area would become untenable, at least during construction, for
many kinds of animals dependent on that vegetation. Any such project
as those considered here clearly has unavoidable influence on vast
areas. For example, a right-of-way only 100 feet wide would occupy
about 12 acres per mile (i.e., a right-of-way 30 m wide and 1.6 km
long would occupy 4.9 ha).
If the interceptor is built to the Salt Creek site, it should clearly
affect riparian communities to the almost total exclusion of uplands,
and the right-of-way would traverse cropland at almost every point
where it was not in woods.
The riparian vegetation which would be removed by construction is
suitable habitat for a variety of game species of recreational
importance, as well as some species which are apparently incompletely
harvested (e.g., raccoons, Procyon lotor). More hunter pressure is
apparently placed on upland game birds (e.e., ring-necked pheasants,
Phasianus colchicus) in the adjacent croplands, and destruction of
forest growth would probably increase the attractiveness of the area
traversed by the sewer to hunters during a brief part of the year.
Clear Creek is a modferately severely polluted stream, presently
ill-suited for most aquatic sports for much of its length. However,
it is presently used during the period of high water in the winter for
canoeing; it has been characterized as the "only" sizable reach of
water suitable for canoeing in a radius of 30 miles or more from
Bloomintgon. The riparian growth, while difficult to traverse on
foot, offers a potentially rewarding experience to hikers along the
stream. The Cedar Cliffs preserve, owned by the Nature Conservancy,
is in fact worthy of protection as a wild area', and it is recommended
strongly that no construction be considered which would degrade the
area.
The presently proposed sewer routing, and any other along Clear Creek
that seems to be economically feasible, would have little adverse
effect on agriculture. Digested sludge probably would be a beneficial
soil adjuvant in the area, and consequently its availability would
encourage agricultural use of bottom lands.
The importance of forest industries in the region appears to be small
at present, though some large and consequently merchantable trees have
been noted in the riparian community. However, the destruction of
timber associated with construction of the proposed sewer would be
deleterious in proportion to its extensiveness.
4-9-7
-------
The use of Clear Creek for recreational purposes might be fostered if
adequate sewage treatment were to be instituted to ensure its
attractiveness throughout the year. Use of the creek for aquatic
sports, including fishing, might well induce the construction of
summer homes or year-round residences along its course. Such use
would probably depend upon the availability of convenient sewer
connections.
Information on potential industrial development which might be
encouranged by constructing the sewer is not known.
Man can influence succession in many ways. Some of these involve the
establishment of almost permanent disclimaxes. Egler and Foote (1975)
provide a book-length summary of techniques for stabilizing the
vegetation of rights-of-way, and review the scientific literature.
One economically advantageous course of management of the right-of-way
would provide for establishing shrubs along the boundaries of the
affected area and limiting growth in the center to grasses and other
herbaceous vegetation too low to interfere with the passage of off-
road vehicles. Experience elsewhere suggests that such
self-sustaining plant communities could be established in this area by
making appropraite plantings initially. However, experiments have not
to our knowledge yet been performed which would definitively
demonstrate the feasibility of such techniques, and it may be
necessary to limit growth in part by mechanical and/or chemical means.
However, if vegetation on rights-of-way is maintained, we assume here
that a stable plant community can in fact be established, and that the
growth-form of the plants will be various, ranging from grasses and
low shrubs to tall trees. The habitats afforded by such a community
will be more productive of game and other animals than if a sharp
delimintation of forest from an artifically-maintained grassland type
existed, because of the phenomenon of edge effect (Leopold
1933:131-132, Ghiselin 1975).
9.2 Impact on the Visual Aesthetics
While the design of the plant and the arrangements may differ slightly
from site to site, the visual impact of the plant site will depend
largely upon its position wihin the landscape with respect to both
terrain and natural vegetation, as well as upon the number and
position of potential viewers, and the duration or frequency of the
view. Since each sense is not entirely independent of each other, the
odor associated with a plant might easily influence the visual
register of the plant.
Of all the potential sites, only one, the existing Winston Thomas Site
is located within an existing or planned development corridor. One
might theorize that this plant has been there for such a long time
4-9-8'
-------
that the average person wouldn't even be visually bothered by a
different plant site configuration. Nonetheless, it is here where
trailers, residences, and apartments are located in relatively close
proximity on the hills overlooking the site to the west of Clear
Creek. A good part of the view from this residential development
along Rogers Road is visually screened from the site by the natural
tree line found between the residences and along the railroad and
Clear Creek. In addition, views are possible from the Gordon Road
trailer development as well as from traffic passing along Old State
.Route 37, the main north-south artery.
Both the Salt Creek and the Dillman Plant Sites would be visible from
- State Route 37 Bypass, the Dillman Site for a shorter duration than
the Salt Creek Site. The latter is, however, more distant from the
viewer, in this case from a vehicle, than would be the Dillman Site.
The Dillman Site is, however, tucked into a narrow landform depression
at a point where the highway alignment changes quickly and, therefore,
probably eliminating any long duration vistas toward the site, which
might be more prevalent at the Salt Creek Site.
The Ketcham Site is the most visually removed of all the sites. Both
Dillman and Salt Creek are located well outside the limits of planned
growth corridors, so they shouldn't be surrounded by development which
might intensify their future visual impact. The Salt Creek site does,
however, sit adjacent to the boundary of a potential seasonal
development which would overlook the site.
9.3 Impact on the Traffic Pattern
.Traffic impacts are expected to be minimum with peak truck traffic
expected during sludge removal. Most of the plant sites are located
relatively close to major arteries; with Dillman, Ketcham, and Salt
Creek having access via State Route 37 Bypass; and Winston Thomas and
.Rogers via Old State Road 37. In this regard, the impact will be
relatively more significant in the more urbanized locations, however,
all of these major highways have significant traffic capacity to add a
few more trucks, approximately fifteen round trips per day.
The Dillman Site cannot be reached without a new bridge over Clear
Creek since the present bridge is one lane wide and limited to five
tons. Construction truck traffic, especially cement trucks, would
have trouble getting to this site unless a new bridge were to be
constructed. The fact that a new bridge would be constructed here as
part of the creek relocation would result in a positive impact.
The Ketcham Road Site probably has the most inadequate and hazardous
highway access of all the sites. Not only is Ketcham Road narrow, but
its intersections with State Route 37 and Fluckmill Road are
hazardous. In addition, the railroad underpass may be too low to
allow for construction truck traffic to pass under it. The only other
access way to this site is via Victor Road, a narrow, curving, rural
residential road.
The Salt Creek site offers few, if any, potential traffic impacts.
4-9-9
-------
References
Egler, F. C. ; and S. R. Foote, 1975. The Plight of the Right-of-way Domain,
Victim of Vandalism. Futura Media Services, Inc., Mount Kisco, N.Y. 2 vols.
Ghiselin, J. 1975. The Edge Index: A Method for Comparing Terrestrial
Species Diversity. Bull. Ecol. Soc. Amer. 56(2):14. (Abstr.)
Gray, H. H.; Howe, P. A.; Randolph, J. C.; Roberts, M. C.: and White, N. L.
1975. A Technical Report on a Selected Portion of the Lake Monroe Watershed.
Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Center for
Urban and Regional Analysis Bloomington.
Hall, J. S. 1962. A Life History and Taxonomic Study of the Indiana Bat,
Myotis sodalis. Reading Publ. Mus. Sci. Publ. No. 12. 68 pp.
Hartzel, M. H.; Hobbs, H. H.; Paterson, K.: and Seechausen, S.; 1971. The
Headwaters of Clear Creek Drainage - A Comparative Study - A Class Report
for Dr. D. G. Frey, Unpublished. U. of Indiana, Bloomington.
Hawn, G.; and J. A. Huber. 1975. A Study of the Diversity of the
Macroinvertebrates of Clear Creek After Sewage Outfall. A class Report for
Dr. D. G. Frey, Unpublished. U. of Indiana, Bloomington.
Leopold, Aldo. 1933. Game Management. New York (Charles Scribner's Sons):
xxi + 481 p. ill.
Maxcy, K. F.; and M. J. Rosenau. In Preventive Medicine and Public Health,
P. E. Sartwell, Ed. (New York, Appleton - Century - Crofts, 1956).
Pullman, Douglas G., 1975. A Survey of Clear Creek and Salt Creek Near
Their Confluence South of Bloomington, Indiana - A Class Report for
Dr. D. G. Frey, Unpublished. U. of Indiana, Bloomington.
Restle, Barbara, 1969. State To Investigate Bloomington's Sewer Installation,
The Balancer, July P. 3 Bloomington, Indiana.
Shelford, Victor E. 1963. The Ecology of North America. Urbana (Univ.
111. Press): xxii + 1-610 pp., 195 ill.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife,
Office of Endangered Species and International Activities. 1973. Threatened
wildlife of the United States. Resource Publ. 114. 289 pp.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of
Endangered Species and International Activities. 1974. United States
list of endangered fauna. 22 pp.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. 1975, Threatened
or Endangered Fauna or Flora Tuesday, July; 1975. Federal Register.
4-9-10
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Fish
TABLE 9-2
AQUATIC ORGANISMS FOUND IN LAKE MONROE AND
EXPECTED IN SALT CREEK1
Largemouth bass
Bluegill
White crappie
Black crappie
Yellow perch
Yellow bass
Carp
Black bullhead
Yellow bullhead
Channel catfish
White sucker
Spotted sucker
Redear sunfish
Pumpkinseed
Longear sunfish
Green sunfish
Warmouth
Orange-spotted sunfish
Redhorse
Rockbass
Smallmouth bass
Flathead catfish
Northern pike
Micropterus salmoides
Lepomis macrochirus
Pomoxis annularis
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Perca flavescens
Morone mississippiensis
Cyprinus carpio
Ictalurus melas
Ictalurus natalis
Ictalurus punctatus
Catostomus commersoni
Minytrema melanops
Lepomis microlophus
Lepomis gibbosus
Lepomis megalotis
Lepomis syanellus
Lepomis gulosus
Lepomis humilis
Moxostoma sp.
Ambloplites rupestris
Micropterus dolomieui
Pylodictis olivaris
Esox lucius
From Gray et al 1975
4-9-12
-------
TABLE 9-2 (Continued)
Nannoplankton Algae and Protozoa
Melosira italica
Melosira sp.
Dinobryon divergens
Dinobryon bavaricum
Stephanodiscus sp.
Merismopedia tenuissima
Merismopedia minor
Ankistrodesmus sp.
Cryptomonas sp.
Fragilaria crotonensis
Chroococcus limenticus
Chroococcus minor
Mallomonas akrokomas
Mallomonas sp.
Coelastrum sp.
Asterionella formosa
Anabaena lemmermanni
Coelosphaerium kutzingianum
Strombidium viride
4-9-13
-------
TABLE 9-2 (Continued)
Zooplankton
Protozoa
Codonella
Ceratium
Difflugia cristata
peritrich
Rotifera
Ascomorpha
Asplanchna
Branchionus
Colurella
Conochilus
Filinia
Gastropus
Kellicottia
Keratella cochlearis
Polyarthra euryptera
Polyarthra vulgaris
Rotatoria
Trichocerca
Cladocera
Alona sp.
Alonella sp.
Bosmina coregoni
Ceriodaphnia lacustris
Chydorus spaericus
Daphnia laevis
Daphnla retrocurva
Diaphanosoma leuchtenbirgeanum
Holopedium gibberurn
Leptodora kindtii
Pleuroxus denticulatus
Pseudosida bidentata
Sida crystallina
Copepoda
Cyclops (2 sp.)
Limnocalanus
Diaptomus
Ostracoda
4-9-14
-------
TABLE 9-2 (Continued)
• i "• ;''- °
Phytoplankton
Cyanophyceae
Chroococcales
Chroococcus
Coelospaerium
Dactylococcopsjs
Gloeocapsa
Gomphosphaeria
Marssoniella
Merismopedia
Microcystj.8
Chaemaesiphonales
Pleurocapsa
Oscillatorlales
Anabaena
Lyngbya
Oscillatoria
Chlorophyceae
Chloroccoccales
Ankis trodesmus
Crucigenia
LauterboTOiella
Oocystis
Pediastrum
Scenedesmus
Tetraedron
Tetrasporales
Gloeocystis
Volvocales
Volvox
Zygnematales
Closterium
Cosmarlum
Gonatozygon
Micrasterias
Splroeyra
Staurastrum
3, Chrysophyccae
Dinobryon
Mallomonas
Ochromonas
4. . Xantbophyceae
Asterogloea
Ophiccytium
5. Bacillariophyceae
'. Centrales
Cyclotella
Melosira
Stephanodlscus
Terpisnoe
Pennales
Amphiprora
Amphora
Asterionella
Cymbella
Fragilaria
Gyrosigma
Navicula
Neidium
Nitzschia
j i- - Surirella
Synedra
•. Tabellaria
4-9-15
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TABLE *-2 (Continued)
Aquatic Organisms Found in Clear Creek
Monera
Sphaerotilus
Algae
Chlorophyta (green algae)
Volvocales
Chlamydomonas
Tetrasporales
Tetraspora
Ulotrichales
Ulothrix
Stigeoclonium
Chaetophora
Coleochaete
Cladophorales
Cladophora
Oedogoniales
Oedogonium
Zygnematales
Zygnema
Spirogyra
Chlorococcales
Ankistrodesmus
Desmidiales
Closterium
Cosmarium
Euglenophyta (euglenoids)
Euglenales
Euglena
Peranema
Chrysophyta (yellow-green algae & diatoms)
Chrysomonadales
Synura
Pennales
Tabellarja
Diatomella
Meridion
Diatoma
Fragilaria
Synedra
Asterionella
Ceratoneis
4-9-16
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TABLE 9-2 (Continued)
Cocconeis
Brebissqnla
Gyros igniia~
Anomoenels
Amphipleura
Navieula
Cymbella
Amphora
Gomphonema
Gomphoeneis
Aphanotheca
Nitzschia
Bacillaria
Denticula
Centronella
Cyanophyta (blue-green algae)
Anacystis
Oscillatorla
Lyngbya
Spirulina
Vascular Plants
Najadaceae (pondweed)
Potomogeton
ProtoEoa
Sarcodina
Amoeba
Ciliata
Vorticella
Coelenterata
Hydrozoa
Hydra
Platyhelminthes (flatyonns)
Turbellaria
Dugesia
Aschelminthes
Nematoda
Rotifera
4-9-17
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TABLE 9-2 (Continued)
Tardigrada
Annelida
Oligochaeta
Aeolosoma
Tubifex
Lumbricus terrestris
Hirudinea
Glossophonidae
Piscicolidae
Pisicola
Mollusca
Gastropoda (snails)
Lymnaea
Goniobasis
Campeloma
Physa
Helisoma
Pelecypoda (bl^valves)
Sphaerium
Musculium
Arthropoda
Chelicerata
Arachnida
Arthropoda
Crustacea
Malacostraca
Isopoda
Asellus
Lirceus
Amphipoda
Gammarus
Haustoriidae
Decapoda
Cambarus laevis
C. d. dlogenes
Orconectes p_^ propinquus
Insecta
Apterygota
Collejnbola (springtails)
4-9-18
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TABLE 9-2 (Continued)
Pterygota
Ephemeroptera (mayflies)
Ephemeridae
Hexagenia
Heptageniidae
Stenonema
Baetidae
Neocloeon
Odonata (dragonflies)
Anisoptera
Aeschnidae
Gonphidae
Zygoptera
Agrionidae
Nehallenia
Plecoptera (stoneflies)
Perlidae
Atoperla
Isoperlidae
Isoperla
Hemiptera (true bugs) .
Corixidae
Notonectidae
Gerridae
Neuroptera
Corydalidae
Corydalus
Coleoptera (beetles)
Elmidae
Stenelmis
Haliplidae
Peltodytes
Hydrophilidae
Psephenidae
Psephenus
Trichoptera (caddisflies)
Rhyacophilidae
Hesperophyla
Hydropsychidae
Drydropsyche
Hydrophilidae
Limnephilidae
4-9-19
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TABLE 9-2 (Continued)
Diptera (flies)
Chironomidae
Chironomus
Tipulidae
Hexatoma
Simulidae
Culicidae
Culex
Chordata
Osteichthyes
Cyprinidae (carps & minnows)
Campostoma anomalum
Pimephales notatus
Semotilus atromaculatus
Ericymba buccata
Centrarchidae (sunfish)
Lepomis cyanellus
Percidae (perch)
Etheostoma spectabile
E_._ flabellare
E. nigrum
Amphibia
Urodela (salamanders)
Plethodontidae
Anura (frogs & toads)
Rana catesbeiana
Reptilia
Squamata (lizards & snakes)
Natrix s. sipedon
4-9-20
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TABLE 9-3
TREES OF THE RIVER BOTTOMS
Common Name Scientific Name
Black walnut Juglans nigra
American hornbeam Carpinus caroliniana
Oak Quercus sp.
Chestnut oak Quercus prinus
Elm Ulmus sp.
Hackberry Celtis sp.
Sassafras Sassafras albidum
Sycamore Platanus occidentalis
Wild black cherry Prunus serotina
Water locust Gledltsia aquatica
Silver maple Acer saccharinum
Basswood Tilia americana
Ash Fraxinus sp.
RARE AND ENDANGERED TERRESTRIAL VERTEBRATES POTENTIALLY
OCCURRING IN THE STUDY AREA
Common Name Scientific Name Remarks
Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus sspp. Possibly transient
Kirtland's warbler Dendroica kirtlandii Possibly transient
Indiana bat Myotis sodalis Possibly summer
resident
4-9-21
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Common Name
True Solomon's seal
Hydrangea
Wood-sorrel
Poison ivy
Jewel weed
Black-eyed Susan
Ironweed
TABLE 9-3 (Continued)
HERBS AND SHRUBS OF THE RIVER BOTTOMS
Scientific Name
Polygonatum commutatuTn
Hydrangea sp.
Oxalis sp.
Rhus radicans
Impatiens sp.
Rudbeckia hirta
Vernonia sp.
4-9-22
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TASK 10
INDUCED DEVELOPMENT - LAKE MONROE
10.1 INTRODUCTION
10.1.1 Regionalization Issue
The issue of induced development and its secondary impacts on Lake
Monroe assumes the eventual development of sewerage service. The
issue of how this service will emerge or develop and what form it will
take is also the issue within the regionalization issue. Without a
regional interceptor around the lake and a near term demand of 3.0 MGD,
there would really be little need to locate a plant sized to serve the
Bloomington Region at the lake.
Both the Bloomington and the Lake Monroe Regional Waste District 201
Plans assumed that the Lake Regional System and single regional
treatment at Salt Creek was the best alternative. The reaction
following this conclusion was that widespread environmental damage
would result from the increased development at the lake.
1 Q..1.2 Other Questions and Considerations
The Consultant, based upon independent analysis and many unanswered
questions about the market potential, timing, and other factors, has
found it extremely difficult to theorize induced impacts at Lake
Monroe. There are no real assurances that many of these proposed or
potential developments around the lake are actually viable
undertakings. On this basis, the economic feasibility of the regional
sewer system for the lake is questionable, as is the matter of how
such a system could somehow be constructed so as to logically and
sequentially serve development proposals as they fall due. It is also
difficult to corroborate the Lake Monroe Regional Waste District
rationale for near term sewerage service in light of the lack of firm
commitments.
Also worthy of consideration is the possibility that sewer development
itself may well not be the overriding consideration on whether the
Lake Monroe area grows or not. In fact, considerations of the market
for second homes, the money market, and potential income tax reform
might override the sewer question.
One thing that is obvious is that the nature of the regional system as
proposed benefits the large scale developer who can afford the interim
treatment facilities needed, costs of pumping and injecting into the
force main, and what is anticipated to be a rather expensive system to
operate.
4-10-1
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There are enough other uncertainties attached to expectations for
development around the lake to further cloud the issue, the main one
being the fact that the State of Indiana is the biggest and most
successful developer around the lake.
Further complicating this analysis is the lack of readily available
data, the multiplicity of public and private interests which are often
times strongly intertwined, and the lack of any overall coordinated
water and land use goals and policies.
The potential growth of the lake area will for the most part depend on
future expectations in seasonal and recreational housing. Trends
within the latter market are probably far more significant with
respect to inducing development than the construction of a regional
sewer system around Lake Monroe. Conversely, without the market,
there will in all probability be no demand for such a sewer system.
Present knowledge of the potential market for seasonal and
recreational development at Lake Monroe is indeed limited, even as
limited as current information regarding the multitude of lake side
private projects talked about, but never evidently entering the
planning and scheduling stages. Balanced against the total market
considerations must certainly be the physical, chemical, and
recreational carrying capacity of the lake itself, and the watershed
draining into it. Hopefully, the ongoing land capability plan will
better address some of these issues.
There are a multitude of federal and state agencies in a position to
influence the development in and around the lake either directly or
indirectly. These include the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, the Farmers Home Administration, and EPA at the
federal level. At the state level, the Department of Natural
Resources and Department of Health are in a position to influence land
development potential. At the local level, the Lake Monroe Regional
Waste District and the Monroe County Planning Commission are in a
position to directly influence the rate and direction of growth.
10 .2 THE UNIQUE ROLE OF THE STATE OF INDIANA
The State of Indiana, through its Natural Resources Department,
occupies a very special and privileged role in the real estate aspects
of Lake Monroe development. The State indirectly influences lake
recreational usage by controlling public access points to the lake and
lakeside facilities, since they are the only lakeside developer having
direct access to the lake from the shoreline other than the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers.
This consideration means that the State may be in a position to
influence development and change within the Lake Monroe watershed to
an even greater degree than some of the proposed seasonal
developments, particularly when one investigates the complete lack of
a definitive timetable for the latter.
4-10-2
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How did the State get into this unique position? The Corps of
Engineers and the State shared in the cost of developing the lake with
the Corps retaining ownership of abutting lands. For the most part,
this ownership corresponds to a specified lineal height above the
flood pool elevation. In some cases this lake buffer strip is rather
narrow. In other cases, additional lands were purchased to protect
and control waterside views, etc. While many argue that the buffer is
too narrow and possibly not totally enforced, in fact, there are no
properties abutting the lake that have direct access to the lake
because of this buffer, except those leased by the State.
The State leases its recreational areas, boat ramps and campgrounds
from the Corps of Engineers on a long term basis. In turn, the State
subleases this prime waterfront property to private developers. A
good example at Lake Monroe is the Four Winds Marina initially built
by Ramada Inns and recently sold to Aircoa. The Four Winds Marina is
a resort hotel with recreational facilities and water facilities
including direct lake access. At present, there are only two ways of
enjoying the lake, either going to a public access point or to the
Four Winds.
If there are no major restrictions on subleasing of leased recreation
areas, the major portion of which consists of open land, then it would
be inconceivable for another commercial-resort type of development
locating at the lake and competing with Four Winds without similar
lakeside access unless the development were non-water oriented. If
the lake access is taken away, there should be little, if any,
incentive to locate a resort near Lake Monroe.
The State was asked if it had a master plan for development of its
property around the lake. The reply indicated that the Department of
Natural Resources felt the Lake Monroe Regional Waste District 201
Plan was the Lake Master Plan.
The State's influence in a real estate sense is not just confined to
its properties, but has application and impact upon seasonal and
second home development expectations around the lake. An example in
this regard is The Pointe. The Pointe is a planned condominium
development being constructed along the northwestern shoreline of Lake
Monroe. The shoreline is fairly wooded and The Pointe does not have
lake access. In fact, the tree line along the shore all but hides the
view of the lake from intermediate and lower slope positions below the
tree line. The developers of The Pointe have spent considerable
monies and taken great pains to develop key front end recreational
draws such as a tournament golf course, club house and pro-shop. Each
phase or village within the development will have tennis courts and
swimming pools as the major attractions. Even with these attractions,
the developers made arrangements with the Four Winds Marina (which
sits on land subleased from the State) for access to the lake for
boating and swimming.
Telecon, with Carl North, Department of Natural Resources, State
of Indiana.
4-10-3
-------
Assuming there will be a limit to the number of private agreements
that the Four Winds Marina can make, the combined draw of The Pointe
recreation and water access will make it extremely difficult for other
developers to compete with it, since later developments will probably
not be able to emulate The Pointe's fortuitous position, i.e., not
able to overcome this competitive advantage, unless the State
subleases additional lands.
If there are to be no more subleases and arrangements for private lake
access, then all subsequent developers will have to appeal to a market
of persons prepared to drive a considerable distance to a lake that
they cannot see or directly use, except at public facilities, the use
of which will probably be self-governing due to congestion that will
discourage use somewhat.
103 SEWER SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
Basic to the question of servicing Lake Monroe is the question of how
such a system might develop. Sewer systems are not developed in a
vacuum years in advance of actual need. Nor are systems conceived,
designed, funded and constructed overnight. The regional system
proposed around Lake Monroe in the 201 Plan consists of a force main
with each individual proposed development served by a lift station,
lifting the sewage up the hill. A force main is pressurized, and
access is limited to points where sewage may be injected into the
system. This would tend to effectively limit the size of developments
around the lake to large ones. It is not likely that small
developments would be able to pass through pump station and other
associated costs onto the cost of housing as effectively as large
scale developers.
Except for public recreation areas and facilities and The Pointe
seasonal development, there is no current or near term demand for a
regional collection system around the entire lake. Of the
developments proposed around the Lake, few if any are located near
enough to one another to easily support a regional collection system.
The collection system would have to pass through large sections of
open land with little prospect of picking up additional flows along
the way. Few, if any of these seasonal projects, can at this time
produce even a tentative time table or development schedule. In fact,
no one can say with certainty, if or even when, these projects will
ever be constructed, although it seems safe to conclude that The
Pointe will be completed.
This means that the lakewide system as proposed in the LMRWD 201 Plan
would have to develop internally with each development culminating in
either a package treatment plant or connection to the regional
collection system, if accessible at that time in that area. This will
increase the total economic cost of the system since the temporary
sewage treatment costs will have to be quickly written off. The
financing of such a system has to be tenuous when one considers that
potential customers along the way may not be ready to participate at
A- 10-4
-------
the time the collector system is being financed, or that if one or two
developments along the system have financial difficulties or fold, the
costs would then be picked up by few users.
The U.S. Forest Service is in a position to influence the routing and
timing of interceptor development, and it has gone on record as
intending to withhold permission for sewer line easements across its
property. In some cases, this will merely mean rerouting, in others
it might mean that no service can be provided.
The west side of the lake has been shown to be more suitable for
development because it is more accessible; the general terrain is more
amenable for development; and temporary sewerage service is now
available there. Three of the five seasonal developments proposed on
the south side of the lake could pump their sewage up and discharge
effluent out of the lake basin without having to construct an
expensive collection system. Such an opportunity is not possible on
the north and west side of the lake. The proposed development around
the causeway near Paynetown recreation area is physically located
closer to the existing Winston Thomas treatment plant than to the
proposed Salt Creek site, but drains toward the lake.
Even if the sewers were to be constructed, there is no guarantee that
every seasonal development proposed for the lake will in fact be
constructed. Rather, this will depend more upon the market demand and
the money market for seasonal housing.
10.A PROJECTED LAND USE PATTERNS/ZONING
No real pattern has developed to date around Lake Monroe. The lack of
an overall coordinated land use plan for Lake Monroe is detrimental to
orderly development in light of the intricate web of governmental,
quasi-governmental, and private interests in and around the lake.
There is not a single level of government that is not intricately
involved in Lake Monroe's development; and yet there is not one single
agency or mechanism that can guarantee or ensure such coordination at
this time.
The actual responsibility for land use planning and the legislative
controls rests with the Monroe County Planning Commission. The Lake
Monroe Regional Waste District, a single purpose agency responsible
for utility planning and development, has taken the role of the lead
agency in fostering coordinative land use planning. This agency
contracted with the Indiana University of Public Affairs to prepare an
environmentally oriented land capability plan for eventual use by
local officials. This plan reportedly will show how to best plan for
the long term use and enjoyment of the land compatible with continued
beneficial use of the lake. Unfortunately, this material is only
approaching the stage where it can be utilized in land policy planning
efforts; and this report must precede those efforts.
4-10-5
-------
The Monroe County Zoning Ordinance is the land use control document in
effect around the lake. This document was prepared after the Lake
Monroe 201 plan, but the zoning pattern does not particularly
correspond to or reflect the sewer plan, except in some isolated
spots.
The land surrounding Lake Monroe is zoned for a wide variety of
activity patterns. Most of Salt Creek and Polk Townships are located
within a Forest Reserve Zone.^ The intent of this zone is to include
rough terrain and also publicly owned forest land. While these
townships are almost exclusively zoned for reserve usage, which is
quite restrictive in its standards, huge tracts of land within this
reserve are set aside for business, presumably to allow for planned
developments and commercial recreational activities within these two
townships. The largest business districts correspond roughly with the
Graves-Monroe-Inland Steel tracts near the north end of the causeway,
and Tan-Tara on the south side of the causeway. Neither of these
projects now have a definitive time schedule. It would appear that
the force main needed to serve these units will require an easement
across Federal Forest Land, unless the Moore Creek inlet on Lake
Monroe is to be crossed nearer the Paynetown recreation area. The
county zoning plan requires a minimum lot size of 4.5 acres in this
forest reserve, and the county health department requires a permit for
lots under ten acres in size. Within the business district,
residences may be built at a density of 6 units per acre with public
sewers.
Most of the remainder of the lakefront within Clear Creek and Perry
Townships is zoned for residential usage with .4 acre lots allowed
with community water systems and on-lot sewerage; and .8 acre lots
with on-lot water and sewer systems. The only substantial sized
business district here adjoins the Fairfax recreation area and
Harrodsburg. What fostered this delineation of these two districts in
this location is not known. The Consultant has no knowledge of
specific developments proposed here. It is interesting that the only
planned unit development under construction in the county was not
zoned similar to the many other potential seasonal developments
located around the lake which were zoned for business.
Another curious zoning district configuration is the noticeable lack
of an agricultural district within the Lake Monroe area except for the
property immediately surrounding The Pointe. Considering the
potential for sewering this area, it would appear that this would be a
prime area for additional development. The intent of the agricultural
district is, according to the County Zoning Ordinance, to provide
areas in which little or no urbanization has occurred or is likely to
occur in the near future. Lots used for residences in the
agricultural district would have to be the same size as in the Forest
Reserve District, 4.5 acres.
2
Monroe County Zoning Ordinance
4-10-6
-------
The remainder of the land is residentially zoned. The intent of the
residential zoning is either to include areas that can be served by
water and sewage utility systems, principally near state highways and
present urban centers, or to include areas that have been subject to
urbanization on a scattered pattern, principally along county
highways.
Under the terms of the county zoning ordinance, approximately 16.5
square miles of land around the lake is zoned for residential use; 3.5
for agricultural; 25 square miles for forest reserve; and about 3
square miles for business. Under the present zoning umbrella, some
13,200 lots could be spread out on these 16.5 square miles supporting
some 32,000 to 40,000 people, with on-lot sewers and septic tanks
flowing into rather unsuitable receiving soils.
1Q5 PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS
The lake is assumed to have an absolute limit in terms of recreation
carrying capacity although this limit has not yet been ascertained.
Some sources have indicated that based upon certain standards of boats
per acre of water, the lake is now overutilized. The Department of
Health has evidently held off issuing permits to discharge effluent
into the lake. Statements have been made that the lake is
environmentally phosphate sensitive. Land activities such as clear
cutting for development and exposing unstable and easily erodable
steep soils, if uncontrolled, will only increase the potential for
soil erosion and sedimentation. Once areas are developed, additional
nutrients will be derived from fertilizer runoffs, etc., even if the
sewage problem is solved. Development not sewer connected will only
increase the potential for groundwater seepage and lake pollution. As
more development occurs, it is probable the usage of the lake will
increase. With increased boating, the chance for wave and bank
erosion and oil spill finding its way into the reservoir becomes more
likely.
With few exceptions, the general landform, geology, topography soils
and rather poor road structures would not be considered conducive to
normal construction and development. The road pattern is almost
exclusively restricted to the ridges, since the impoundment covers the
former valley floor.
Lake Monroe's soils are severely restricted in terms of development of
new highways, basements, and on-lot septic systems. The major
limiting factor is the steep slope, and the next is shallow bedrock
conditions. The Lake Monroe terrain is quite rough and steep, and
highly erodible. The area's present land use is predominantly
woodland. Any changes in land use are bound to have more of a
physical impact here than elsewhere on less sloping lands.
4-10-7
-------
It is anticipated that ongoing land capability studies and future
models will better pinpoint the specific limiting parameters of the
environment at Lake Monroe. The environmental capability plan is a
forerunner in this regard, and is expected to culminate in the
adoption of additional environmental constraints and controls on
development designed to protect the quality of the lake and its
environs.
10.6 DISCUSSION OF SECONDARY IMPACTS
The secondary impacts from the proposal generally fall into one of two
categories, physical or fiscal impact. The physical impacts relate to
changes as they result from cutting of vegetation, clearing and
improvement of land, paving over of pervious soils, reworking the
landscape, changes in density of population and their effects on
traffic, sewage flow, water usage, increased demands upon lake usage,
fertilizer runoffs, etc. The fiscal impacts include all the increased
demands upon municipal services and facilities resulting from the
development.
Fiscal impacts are normally evaluated in a cost-benefit analysis
wherein the incremental changes in revenue of a development are
evaluated against the incremental increases in the cost of government.
Normally, in a community development cost-benefit analysis, the number
and type of housing units planned are of paramount importance, since
this has a direct bearing upon the family size, the number of children
and their impact upon the school system. The latter usually comprises
the major share of total municipal expenditure, sometimes reaching 75%
of the total expenditure. Data shows that, for example, apartments
will generate less school children for each similar size unit than a
single family house. In addition, the larger the housing unit the
greater the expectation for more school age children. The remaining
municipal costs often are considered on a per capita basis.
Eut second and seasonal home developments do not fit well into a
normative cost-benefit analysis. Each such analysis must be tailored
to each specific plan, and a picture of local services and financial
structure. In seasonal developments, school age children become less
of an issue since so few of these units will become occupied year
round by families with small children that will enter the local school
system. Without entering into a detailed set of calculations, resort
and seasonal developments accrue taxes to the school system without
the concomitant influx of students, and therefore usually overshadow
other municipal cost considerations, such as road and bridge
maintenance, other public works, hospitals, fire protection, police
protection.
The shortcoming of most cost-benefit analyses is their preoccupation
with the operational stage of development while often ignoring the
initial capital expenditures that such developments may foster, such
as new road, storm sewers where not previously present, etc.
3
Cost Revenue Impact Analysis, Urban Land Institute, June 1975.
4-10- 8
-------
Without a fairly definite plan to peruse, it is difficult to forecast
the magnitude of demand for services and facilities that might be
generated by these proposed lakeside developments. In fact these
developments could be augmented or diminished overnight to change the
picture rapidly. With seasonal housing, the length of occupancy and
type of covenants and restrictions on subleasing are also critical in
determining equivalent demands upon municipal services. The Lake
Monroe area does not appear as an area having much in the way of a
four season attraction, having little to offer in the winter.
Therefore, less than full year-round occupancy probably could be
anticipated.
10.7 IMPACT OF NOT SEWERING LAKE MONROE
The impact of not developing the force main interceptor and providing
regional sewer service will fall mainly upon the expectations of the
larger developments proposed around the lake. It is the large scale
developers who stand to benefit by such a system, and conversely, get
hurt if it is not built.
The physical nature of this regional system encircling the lake would
essentially limit individual lot by lot hook-up, since a pump station
would be needed. This means that certain population levels would need
to be reached before pumping caji become economical to the lot owner or
small developer. The lack of service would probably be no more
limiting than a regional force main.
The Pointe development did not wait for the regional system and
therefore gained permission to build package treatment plant and
discharge into Clear Creek. Construction is now underway to add
the Fairfax Recreation Area to the Caslon package plant, thereby
eliminating the most significant sewage discharge to Lake Monroe.
This plant might relieve the development pressure from other lake
locations for the interim period, since it could serve this area
that has the more amenable landform and better potential for
development.
4-10-9
-------
-------
TASK 11
MITIGATIVE MEASURES FOR MINIMIZED PHYSICAL EFFECTS
11.1 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
11.1.1 Revegetation
For right-of-ways, it is desirable to maintain low growing vegetation
that will allow for easy access to the area and at the same time
prevent undesirable native vegetation from overgrowing the area.
Dr. Marion T. Jackson, Professor of Life Sciences at Indiana State
University, offered the following information on plant species which
could be used to revegetate the area.
"1. If it would survive that far south, Sweetfern, Myrica
asplenifolia, would be a strong choice. It is characteristic of
the Indiana Dunes area where it covers extensive areas,
particularly in combination with bracken fern, Pteridium
aquilinum. Myrica is presumed to be a nitrogen fixer, which
would enhance its value as a site-recovery shrub species.
"2. Corylus americana (American hazelnut) and Ribes cynosbati
(pasture gooseberry) are shrubs with wildlife value, and possible
cover species. Both occur in extensive stands when well
established. Corylus grows quite tall on better sites, but
usually reaches less than a meter on poor soils. Both species
are found throughout Indiana.
"3. Ceonothus americanus (Jersey tea) does well on dry sites where it
grows less than a meter tall. It has possibilities as a cover
species, but I doubt that it would exclude tree seedlings or
other later successional species.
"4. Two species of shrubby dogwoods offer promise. Roughleafed
(Cornus asperifolia) is a wet site species for the most part
where it grows quite tall. Gray dogwood (C. racemosa) is found
in both wet and dry sites, but is more common in N. Indiana than
in the south. It is generally of a shorter stature (1-2 m) than
roughleaf dogwood. Either would be an interesting species for
trial plantings.
"5. Coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus) occurs in extensive
stands in both full sun and under thin forest canopies. The
limber shrub is usually less than a meter tall. This species
seems to be one of the strongest candidates for utility corridor
plantings.
4-11-1
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"Other possibilities include Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle)
although I personally prefer native to exotic species. Also, the
honeysuckle often gets out of hand and spreads flagrantly. Some of
the greenbriers (Smilax) could be used, but they often grow in nearly
impenetrable tangles. Perhaps such species could be used to impede
the corridor construction crews!" Reference: Jackson, M., 1975,
personal communication.
Before the construction begins, the Consultant recommends that an
Indiana botanist such as Dr. Jackson be consulted.
In the case of revegetation to prevent erosion of areas disturbed by
major excavation and grading activities, the objective is to select a
grass or group of grasses which germinate quickly. Pasture grasses
which are known to grow well in the area include alfalfa, red clover,
broome grass, tall fescue and orchard grass.
11.1.2 Pipe Crossings in Stream Beds
Type of Site:
1. Rock strata, gradually sloping banks, rocky stream bed.
Generally found in upper drainage area.
2. Alluvial stream, high banks, significant depth to rock strata
under stream bed. Generally found in lower drainage area.
Comments:
Type 1 is a young stream, with high velocities during floods, steep
slopes. Large rocks are transported by flow, and bars may form at
various locations and move along the stream.
Type 2, in alluvial material, is probably meandering. Difficult to
predict future stream channel alignment. Bed is made of fine
material. Significant scour during runoff events.
Suggestions for Minimizing Environmental Impact
1. Conduct construction operations during dry weather when stream
flows are low, on the average.
2. Store excavated material on stream banks, outside of stream bed
and above anticipated flood level for mean annual flood.
3. If stream is flowing, consider a downstream rock dam, possibly
with a filter layer on the upstream face, to prevent downstream
movement of material.
4-11-2
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4. In Type 1 stream, excavate pipe into rock strata, blasting if
necessary. Use selected fill, topped with native stream bed
stone. Keep top of pipe 1 ft. below normal stream bed, as a
minimum.
5. For Type 2 stream, especially if banks are high, consider the use
of a pipe bridge, rather than burying pipe. These streams are
generally unstable and scour or meandering may expose buried
pipe. Keep pipe bridge foundations away from stream bank as far
as possible.
6. If pipe is buried in a Type 2 stream, bury deep enough that
general scour during floods will not disrupt pipe.
7. During trenching, consider dikes to divert one-half of the stream
around construction, fill, and perform construction on other
side. A better method would be to divert entire stream around
construction area until backfill is completed. If dikes are
used, hydrology of area should be re-evaluated to determine
optimum duration of construction. Stability of materials should
be evaluated with respect to erosion and slippages.
8. Replace stream bed in as near its original condition as possible.
9. Protect disrupted banks with mulch or temporary lining (jute
mesh, etc.). Seed with native vegetation. Re-establish vegetation
as soon as possible.
10. In severely disrupted areas of the stream bank, consider the use
of rock riprap to prevent erosion.
11.1.3 Pipes Laid Parallel to Stream Banks
In general, follow good construction erosion control practices.
1. Keep excavation as far from stream bank as possible.
2. Use ditch checks in sloping areas to prevent erosion along pipe
trench. Checks may be of any less erodible materials such as
clay.
3. Seed, mulch, and re-establish native vegetation as soon as
possible.
4. Use temporary linings such as jute mesh in steep areas.
5. Use temporary sediment basins to collect sediment in areas where
runoff is concentrated. Hay bales could be used in some
instances to form temporary dikes.
4-11-3
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6. Avoid disrupting or intercepting natural drainage areas. Bury
pipe deep enough to return bed to original elevations.
7. Keep excavated material away from stream channel, and revegetate
disrupted areas.
8. Leave existing vegetation on all areas where possible until
necessary to remove to grade for construction.
9. Stockpile topsoil to be spread on surface when preparing final
grade.
10. Use temporary seeding on areas that must be scalped but will not
be finished for a period of time.
11.1.4 Channel Relocations
This is a difficult problem, because when a stream channel in alluvial
material is disrupted, it will usually cause a reaction at some other
location, such as headcutting, general channel erosion, deposition, or
new meandering. There is no particular problem in nonerodable stream
channels except for the disruption of the aquatic habitat and sediment
production.
In an alluvial channel, the relocated channel should have the same
characteristics, as far as possible, as the channel which has been
replaced. For example, if the new channel is shorter than the old
channel, the friction slope will increase and erosion will occur.
Thus, a solution would be to add riprap to increase friction losses in
the new channel and protect the bottom. Generally, riprap channels
are quickly rehabitated by aquatic organisms and have a somewhat
natural appearance. The use of smooth concrete channel linings for
relocated channels should be avoided. Ideally, the relocated channel
should have as near as possible the same length, bank width, and bed
features as the old channel. Since this is not possible, one should
isolate the main considerations and study each separately and as a
combination. The principal considerations for diversion locations
are:
1. Outlet conditions
2. Topography
3. Land use
4. Agricultural operations
5. Soil type
6. Length of slope
-------
The design of a diversion involves:
1. The above generalities
2. Velocities as high as possible but not eroding
3. Grades dependent on site
4. Peak runoff capacity dependent on site
5. Appropriate friction coefficients
6. Available construction equipment
Finally, they should be inspected annually and after heavy floods.
Suggestions for Minimizing Environmental Impact
1. Conduct operations during dry period when stream flows are low.
2. Replace old channel in kind, and design based on river mechanics
to transport same sediment load.
3. Store excavated materials outside flood levels (mean annual
flood).
4. Consider use of open graded rock dam with filter material on
upstream face to prevent downstream movement of sediment.
5. After construction, seed, mulch, and revegetate disrupted areas.
Use temporary linings or riprap as necessary to prevent erosion
in channel.
6. Use standard erosion control measures as necessary:
Ref: "Guidelines for Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and
Implementation" EPA-R2-72-015, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Washington, D.C. August 1972.
"Erosion Control on Highway Construction Projects" Project
20-5, Topic 4-01, Natural Cooperative Highway Research.
Program, Highway Research Board, Washington, D.C., Draft
January 1973.
11.1.5 Tunneling Operations
Environmental impact should not be serious.
Generally:
1. Dispose of excess material in an acceptable manner to prevent
erosion and downstream sediment problems. Example, outside
stream flood plains, revegetate, no steep slopes.
4_ 11-5
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2. Revegetate disrupted areas, or protect with artificial materials
to prevent erosion.
11.2 PLANT OPERATION ACTIVITIES
11.2.1 Sludge Disposal by Land Application
Minimizing the adverse environmental impact which could result if
excessive amounts of sludge were applied on land is contingent on
proper application rates. It is recommended that a research project
be conducted to determine the best application rates for sludge
produced at the plant when it is constructed for the different soil
types on which it will be applied.
11.2.2 Odor Control
Control of odors at wastewater treatment plants is of utmost
importance particularly when communities are located near the
treatment plant. This has been an occasional objection to the Winston
Thomas treatment plant. Sources of odors include the following:
1. Grip and grit chambers both in and out of service.
2. Septic wastewater screenings and grease at wetwells.
3. Pre-aeration tanks in which odorous gases are stripped from
wastewater.
4. Primary settling tanks where gasification of sludge may be caused
by infrequent sludge withdrawal and floating solids.
5. Biological facilities in which aerobic conditions may not always
be maintained. Causes such as clogged diffusers in aerators or
surcharged air-intake channels should be identified.
6. Tank walls, open channels, boxes and pits which are cleaned
infrequently.
7. Secondary settling tanks with accumulations of floating solids.
8. Over chlorination.
9. Oxidation ponds with odorous sludge accumulations.
10. Digesters of the anaerobic or aerobic type in which optimum
conditions have not been maintained.
11. Sludge holding and thickening facilities in which the contents
are not aerobic.
4-11-6
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12, Sludge dewatering facilities processing odorous sludges.
13. Incinerators that have exit gas temperatures below 1400 F.
The existing plant is overloaded. The new plant will not be
overloaded; and, furthermore, it will use the activated sludge process
with denitrification which will lend itself to better controls and
efficiency of operation. If odors should develop at the new plant,
the following mitigative measures will be used:
1. The first control strategy will evaluate physical and chemical
control measures that are permanent and effective in reducing
odors below the detectable level at the plant property line.
These may consist of:
a. Oxidation by chlorine, ozone, or hydrogen peroxide.
b. Chemical precipitation of sulfides.
c. Treatment of liquors such as supernant, centrate, filtrate,
and thickener overflow with lime powdered carbon, or
chemical oxidants.
d. Adjustment of loadings upon all biological facilities to a
level not in excess df design capacity. This may include
requiring pre-treatment of strong industrial wastes to an
acceptable strength.
e. Maintaining optimum operating conditions in all treatment
facilities.
f. Installation of environmental enclosures as required.
Filter and scrub air prior to discharge to atmosphere.
2. The second control strategy will evaluate corrective measures to
be implemented should an odor episode occur such as killing of
biological processes by toxic substances. These corrective
measures may include:
a. Staffing and equipment to identify sources and causes of
odors either at the plant or at the discharge source
responsible for the odor
b. Masking of odors
c. Emergency chemical treatment
d. Interim modification of plant operation
4-11-7
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11.2.3 Disinfection of Treated Sewage Effluent
Because of the possibility that chlorinated effluent could contain
toxic compounds which would reach the water - ipply of Bedford, 13
miles south of the Lake Monroe dam, it may be desirable to choose an
alternative disinfection system. It is recommended that chlorinated
sewage from the Winston Thomas plant be analyzed by gas
chromatographic mass spectropholometric (GC-MS) techniques to
determine if potentially toxic compounds are present. The results
should be compared to unchlorinated sewage at Winston Thomas to
determine which compounds result from the addition of chlorine. The
Environmental Protection Agency's laboratory in Athens, Georgia may be
commissioned to do the GC-MS work. If toxic compounds are detected
alternative disinfection agents which should be considered include:
1. Ozone
2. Bromine chloride
3. Chlorine - sulfur dioxide (i.e., chlorination - dechlorination)
4. No disinfection
11.2.4 Visual Impact
The visual impact of the plant sites can be mitigated by redesigning
the landscape features, creating berms from site excavated materials
and by strategically locating these berms where they will minimize the
more unsightly visual elements of the plant site. Much of this can be
done in conjunction with rechanneling, floodproofing and soil erosion
and sedimentation control activities. In addition, trees and natural
vegetations make ideal foils to hide unsightly views. The added
benefit resulting from carefully designed mitigative efforts will be
better noise control, since noise travels on a line-of-sight.
11.2.5 Clear Creek Recreation
Reference has been made to the fact that Clear Creek is sometimes used
for non-white water leisure type canoeing, and as such, is one of the
few creeks in the area with enough flow for canoeing. While the
Consultant was unable to substantiate this claim, it is quite certain
that with the Salt Creek site configuration in low flow periods such
as the summer, there will not be enough water in Clear Creek to
support canoeing since most of the flow now in the summer consists of
effluent. The only way to remedy this would be to augment Clear Creek
flow upstream with dams, etc., which is not likely to happen.
4- 11-8
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11.2.6 Zoning
The non-structural mitigative measure with the greatest potential for
easing land use frictions which are more apparent during the
operational stage is the standard zoning ordinance and the floodplain
ordinance. Most sewage treatment plants are located in or near the
flood plains, since a low-lying location is necessary to facilitate
gravity flow and to provide for ready discharge to a waterway. This
location is less than ideal for residential locations since they
normally can less afford expensive flood protection devices. A
floodplain ordinance can restrict and control floodway and floodway
fringe development. Such a provision is incorporated into the City of
Bloomington's zoning ordinance which would affect the Winston and
South Rogers sites. The county zoning ordinance, applicable to all
other sites, does not have a similar provision.
Rarely is a sewage treatment plant located in the middle of an
existing residential development. Usually the plant is located prior
to residential development. One aspect of zoning that can be used to
ensure that this situation is controlled to require that sewage
treatment plants, because of their unique operating conditions, come
in for a special exception or a conditional use permit. Usually this
requires that special preconditions be met in the course of plant
location such as extra wide setbacks and yards, and the special
exceptions procedure usually requires a public hearing and public
notification of adjoining property owners as a prerequisite to any
hearing. The Bloomington Zoning Ordinance is silent with respect to
sewage treatment plant locations and does not precondition or make
special exception to plant location, while the county zoning considers
the sewage treatment plant as a special exception and requires open
and unutilized yards having 300 feet depth as its sole condition.
Probably the most pertinent aspect of zoning in relation to mitigating
the effects of sewage treatment plants would be to zone the site and
immediate area for other than residential uses to ensure that people
do not build at the edge of sewage treatment plants. This would
protect people from making poor locational decisions that they may
later regret, and then use pressure to work for the removal of sewage
treatment plants, pump stations, or other utility facilities.
The Dillman and Ketcham Road sites are protected from residential
encroachment. Both are located within a rather large industrial
district that does not allow location of residences therein. At Salt
Creek, the land is zoned for residential usage, which under the
provisions of the Monroe County Zoning Ordinance allows for a variety
of residential housing types ranging from single family to apartment
units depending upon the availability of public sewerage. While it
seems unlikely that residences would be constructed in this poorly
drained bottom land, the current zoning ordinance would, on the face,
allow such a condition to develop.
4- 11-9
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The Rogers Site is apparently not zoned. The County Zoning Map shows
it within the city's jurisdiction, and the City Zoning District
boundaries terminate at Gordon Road. This should be rectified.
The development pattern around the Winston Thomas site is fairly well
established and would probably not be affected by any change in zoning
designations, although redesignation of the low density residential
strip bordering the northern boundary of the site might better be
classified as light manufacturing, the present site designation.
4-11-10
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12.1 Irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources to the proposed
action should it be implemented.
Two classes of irreversibility and irretrievability need to be identified
in evaluating the commitment of resources. Class I is the irreversible
and irretrievable decisions that cannot be reversed such as the expenditure
of energy. And Class II commitments are the decisions to commit resources
which are not likely to be retrieved or reversed during the useful life
of the project.
Class I commitments resulting from the construction of the proposed
sewage treatment plant include the capital costs, energy, and labor
necessary to construct and make operational the proposed facility.
Class II commitments for the proposed STP include: the operational
requirements of chemicals, energy, mechanical equipment, labor, the
use of 60 acres of land zoned as industrial and the tax loss associated
with alternate uses of the site. Clear Creek will be relocated and
channelized to provide maximum utilization of the Dillman Road site.
The habitat for typical wildlife such as birds, rabbits, field mice,
etc. will be diminished.
4-12-1
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13.1 The relationship between local short term uses of man's environment and
the maintenance and enhancement of long term productivity.
The construction and operation of the proposed South Bloomington Sewage
Treatment Plant will result in efficient treatment of sewage generated
in the South Bloomington Service Area and a general improvement in the
water quality of Celar Creek and Salt Creek. To accomplish this im-
provement in surface water quality a commitment of energy and resources
necessary to operate the proposed facility (flow through the STP is
projected to be 15 MGD by the year 2000) and the removal from the tax
roles of approximately 60 acres of land zoned industrial will be
required.
4-13-1
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12.1 Irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources to the proposed
action should it be implemented.
Two classes of irreversibility and irretrievability need to be identified
in evaluating the commitment of resources. Class I is the irreversible
and irretrievable decisions that cannot be reversed such as the expenditure
of energy. And Class II commitments are the decisions to commit resources
which are not likely to be retrieved or reversed during the useful life
of the project.
Class I commitments resulting from the construction of the proposed
sewage treatment plant include the capital costs, energy, and labor
necessary to construct and make operational the proposed facility.
Class II commitments for the proposed STP include: the operational
requirements of chemicals, energy, mechanical equipment, labor, the
use of 60 acres of land zoned as industrial and the tax loss associated
with alternate uses of the site. Clear Creek will be relocated and
channelized to provide maximum utilization of the Dillman Road site.
The habitat for typical wildlife such as birds, rabbits, field mice,
etc. will be diminished.
4-12-1
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13.1 The relationship between local short term uses of man's environment and
the maintenance and enhancement of long term productivity.
The construction and operation of the proposed South Bloomington Sewage
Treatment Plant will result in efficient treatment of sewage generated
in the South Bloomington Service Area and a general improvement in the
water quality of Celar Creek and Salt Creek. To accomplish this im-
provement in surface water quality a commitment of energy and resources
necessary to operate the proposed facility (flow through the STP is
projected to be 15 MGD by the year 2000) and the removal from the tax
roles of approximately 60 acres of land zoned industrial will be
required.
4-13-1
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CHAPTER 6
FEDERAL/STATE/LOCAL AGENCY COMMENTS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The written comments in Part I of this chapter (pages 6-1 to 6-95)
were received or transmitted during the preparation of the draft
EIS. The order of the comments is as follows:
A) Federal, B) State, C) Local Agencies and Interest Groups,
and D) letters from individuals.
Part II of Chapter 6 (pages 6-96to 6-143 addresses comments received
on the Draft EIS and our responses and is divided into two sections:
1. Oral testimony and written comments submitted at the Public
hearing on May 3, 1976, in Bloomington, Indiana. Official tran-
scripts of this hearing are on file at:
a. USEPA, Region V offices, Water Division, 230 S. Dearborn
Chicago, Illinois 60604.
b. Indiana State Board of Health, 1350 West Michigan,
Indianapolis, Indiana.
c. City of Bloomington, Utilities Service Library, 1969 S.
Henderson, Bloomington, Indiana 47401.
2. Written comments submitted during the official 45-day
comment period.
6-1
-------
PART I
A) FEDERAL COMMENTS
6-2
-------
Untteb States
MEMORANDUM
Please note the attached letter from
a constituent which I am forv/arding for
your consideration. It would be greatly
appreciated if you would check into this
matter. Upon completion of your inves-
tigation, please advise me of the status
of this case in duplicate and return the
original letter in an envelope addressed
to the attention of Parry Sraqow.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Birch
United States Senator
6-3
-------
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
Department of I'kysics
SWAIN HAI.L WEST I I 7
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA 4740
TEL. NO. • i 2— 337-2650
November 13, 1975
Senator Birch Bayh
363 Old Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Bayh:
WefJtave enclosed a copy of a letter sent to Mr. Hirt of the EPA, Region
V, in Chicago. It is important that the full interests of the community be
considered in this matter.
As mentioned in the letter to Mr. Hirt, some members of the Bloomington
Utilities Service Board have placed a high priority upon the economic
consequences of the delays in initiating our wastewater treatment project.
The delays reflect a long public discussion and a broad concern with the
ecological impact of the location of the treatment plant. A priority that"
is governed solely by economic concerns and not responsive to the environ-
mental considerations is, in our opinion, misplaced.
It is important that you understand that the costs for this project
have not increased solely because of inflation. More detailed engineering
studies and changes in the treatment .cost have also affected the cost esti-
mates.
The Environmental Impact Statement being prepared 'by EPA will resolve
our particular problem and bring the public debate to a conclusion. The
citizens of the United States must have an agency that works in a responsible
manner to preserve the best interests of our land. The economic and ecolog-
ical factors must be viewed together and properly balanced. The Congress
has given this responsibility to the EPA and defined the Environmental Impact
Statement as one of the instruments to be used to meet this obligation. The
EIS must be prepared carefully and completely if it is to serve its purpose.
Sincerely yours,
David L. Dilcher Hugft Jt Martin
Member, Utilities Service Board Member, Utilities Service Board
Dept. of Plant Sciences Dept. of Physics
Indiana University Indiana University
Bloomington, IN 47401 Bloomington, IN 47401.
DLD/HJM:mlc
enclosure
6-4
-------
E'"'IRONMENTAL PROTECTION
DEC 10 1975
Honorable Birch Bayh
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Bayh:
The Environmental Protection Agency is fully aware of the need to
address all pertinent issues in the siting of new sewage treat-
ment facilities for the South Bloomington Sewage Service Area as
indicated in the Nov. 13* 1975 letter from David L. Dilcher and
Hugh J. Martin. To aid us in our environmental evaluation the
consulting firm, Gilbert Associates- of Reeding Pennsylvania, was
hired and is completing an analytical report on key issues related
to the proposed projects. When the draft environmental impact
statement is issued, the final report of Gilbert Associates will
also be available, and a public hearing will be held to consider
all comments on these documents.
I am also enclosing a copy of the Nov. 3, 1975 letter from other
members of the Utilities Service Board and our response of Nov. 20,
1975. Based on the concerns of the citizens of Bloomington, it is
clear to us that the EIS process provides a viable mechanism for
resolution of these important concerns.
Your interest in this matter is appreciated and copies of the draft
and final £15 will be mailed to you when they are available.
cc: Office of Legislation
Planning & Standards Branch
OCIR
Sincerely yours,
Is! •
Valdas V. Adamkus
Acting Regional Administrator
6-5
-------
Senate
Respectfully referred to:
E.P.A.
Waterside Mall
401 M. Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
Because of the desire of this office to be
responsive to all inquiries and communications,
your consideration of the attached is
requested. Your findings and views, in
duplicate form, along with return of the
\
enclosure, will be appreciated by
.ss.
V] Attnt Janis McClintock
44? Pcderal Building
Indianapolis, Indiana
46204
•«•*..
6-7
-------
'.TOOK
• V^vy V^Xv
- '
vs. . A
November 3, 1975
The Honorable Vance Hartke
313 Old Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Hartke:
The Utilities Service Board of the City of Bloomington recently requested the
Environme<3^il Protection Agency to provide .inf ortaation .concerning ....the, direct
and indirect costs 1of.,,,tJtw>'^nyiro^enta/J,.Iiripact Statement that EPA ^.is. currently,
preparing^on Blooming ton' s proposed wastewatef treatment "facility. " (See the"'* '"
attached letter of August 21, 1975, from Utilities Project Coordinator Richard
S. Peoples.) As you can see from Mr. Harlan Hirt's response of September 19, 1975,
which is also attached, EPA does not seem disposed to divulge this information,
which we feel should be a matter of public record.
As citizens of Bloomington who are very interested in this project and as federal
taxpayers who are concerned with the total environmental and economic costs of
the new wastewater treatment facility, we sincerely believe we have the right
to know what the direct and indirect costs of the Environmental Impact Statement
will be. As one of our elected federal representatives, we would appreciate it
if you would look into this matter to help us secure this information.
Sincerely,
mjh
Enclosures
cc: Mr. Harlan Hirt
6-8
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
DEC 11 1975
Honorable Vance Hartke
447 Federal Building
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Dear Senator Hartke x
This is in response to your request for information concerning
a letter you received from several members of the Utilities
Service Board (USB) of the City of Bloonington, Indiana. The
Environmental Protection Agency has responded to the Cook In-
corporated letter of Nov. 3, 1975 signed by several members of
the USB. Our response is detailed in the attached Nov. 20, 1975
EPA letter.
During November a second letter from two other members of the
USB was received by EPA. I am attaching this letter and the local
newspaper article which accompanied it. These letters illustrate
the differing viewpoints which exist on the USB regarding the
preparation time for the draft EIS. EPA is concerned about project
delays but also recognizes the need to fully evaluate all alter-
natives in the proposed project and the associated environmental
impacts.
When the draft CIS is issued, the final report of Gilbert Associ-
ates will also be available, and a public hearing will be held to
consider all comments on these documents. Based on the concerns
of the community it is clear to us that the. EIS process provides
a viable mechanism for resolution of these important concerns.
Your interest in this matter is appreciated and copies of the
draft and final EIS will be mailed to you when they are available.
Sincerely yours,
R. J. Schneider
Acting Regional Administrator
6-9
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FMVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGE* CY
DEC 41975
Mr. Gary R. Kent ;
Director of Utilities |
City of Bloomington Utilities I
P.O. Box 1216 i
Bloomington, Indiana 47401 \
Dear Mr. Kent:
This letter is a response to your November 20, 1975 letter concerning
preliminary findings with respect to tha Environmental Impact Statement
for the South Bloonington-Lake Monroe Service Area. As you know EPA
has received a draft report from the consulting firm of Gilbert Associates \
on the proposed wastewater treatment facilities. While some revision \
of this report is necessary and ongoing, a clear position with respect \
to comparing the Salt Creek Site and the Clear Creek Sites can be stated.
We will not support construction of the new sewage plant for the South
Bloomington Service Area at the Salt Creek Site in the Draft EIS. We
have determined that three Clear Creek Sites (Winston Thomas, Dlllman
Road and Ketchum Road) are preferable to the Salt Creek Site on an
environmental, economic and geographic basis. Preliminary present worth
analyses indicate that the Salt Creek Site is more costly than the three
Clear Creek Sites by several million dollars.
Furthermore, selection of the Salt Creek Site would result in less
centralization of sewer interceptor facilities, extensive disruption of
the Clear Creek stream banks, a poorer quality effluent, a less reliable
sewage treatment facility, and might cause an acceleration of the
development of the Lake Monroe Area prior to a full opportunity by the
local planning commission, with appropriate citizen input, to discuss and
evaluate land use options for the Lake Monroe Area.
I wish to point out that the above position is not a final determination
by EPA which can only be taken in the Final EIS after reviewing and
responding to agency and public comment. Our present analyses indicates
that the Salt Creek Site is not cost-effective and is not the optimum
environmental alternative. We cannot advise you on the manner in which to
respond to your purchase option on the Salt Greek Site. This letter can
only identify the position that will be presented in the Draft EIS.
6-10
1
-------
DEC 41975
Mr. Gary R. Kent
Page Two
When the Draft EIS IB Issued, the final report of Gilbert Associates Will
also be available and a public hearing will be held to consider all
comments on these documents.
Sincerely yours,
Valdas 7. Adankus
Acting Regional Administrator
6-11
1
-------
November 20, 1975
Cook Incorporated
925 South Curry Pike
P. 0. Box 489
Bloomington, Indiana A7401
Gentlenen:
We havft received your latter of IToveaber 3, 1975 regarding
!i costs of preparing the SIS for the Blooming ton project and
j! . are responding within tha procedures of th* Freedom of In-
jj formation Act.
'i
?j Ky staff advises that tha Utilities Service Hoard and others
| Involved In the Bloomln^ton EIS have provided excellent co-
| operation. We dafinitaly want to conttrreo in that spirit of
| \ cooperation. Unfortunately, cost of tha infomation you are
| : requesting is not available without consuming a great deal
I of effort in additional study and would require a mruber of
S'tbjoctive assuriptiona which would loave a good bit of douht
. as to th» result. t«e simply do not have tha c-aapover to con~
duct such a study.
1 . The only readily available feet in response to your request
is that our contract on the EIS is for $32,690. Wa estimate
f we cay devota approximately one can-year of in-house effort
at an estimated cost of about $16,000.
Although va recognize that compliance with the National Fn-
virotnoental Policy Act does involve delays when Impact State-
cent preparation is initiated late in the planning process,
it was our judgment that the Sloorrdngton proposal required
an EIS to satisfy the statute. Wa also feel thnt the poten-
tial savings in environaental iwpact and dollar costs out-
weigh the potential costs of lost tine.
I trust that through continuing cooperation we can bring; tha
process to a rapid conclusion and nove forward to design and
, . construction at an early date.
i
1 • Sincerely yours,
1 ' HDnirtrpa 11/20/75 ' /
1 / V -'
{ Henry L. Longest II
i • Director, Water Division
6-12
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£ 6fU ro
UNITED STATES
£ w--^ z ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
" sX
! ^r^7 ?
^^iil'^^^
REGION V
%. ^tll'Ji^ ^ 230 SOUTH DEARBORN ST.
^ cO^ CHICAGO, ILLINOIS &OG04
*i PRCt*-
September 19, 1975
Mr. Richard S. Peoples, Project Coordinator
City of Bloomington Utilities
P. 0. Box 1216
Bloomington, Indiana 47401
Dear Mr. Peoples:
In your letter of August 21, 1975, you requested direct and
indirect cost data to all parties related to the prepara-
tion of the Bloomington-Lake Monroe Indiana Draft and Final
EIS. First, let me identify that the decision to do an
EIS on a proposed project is not based on direct or indirect
costs, but on whether or not the proposed Federal action
(in this case a grant award for construction of wastewater
treatment facilities) is a major Federal action signifi-
cantly affecting the quality of the human environment (NEPA
Section 102(2)(c)). Furthermore, the final regulations
for Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements of EPA,
40 CFR Part 6, April 14, 1975, Sections 6.200 and 6.510,
identify criteria for determining when to prepare an envi-
ronmental impact statement.
i
With respect to the Bloomington-Lake Monroe, Indiana pro-
ject, it was apparent to EPA, based on the NEPA Act and our
regulations, that unresolved environmental concerns, such as
the optimum location for a new wastewater treatment facil-
ity existed and could most efficiently be resolved through
the environmental impact statement process. As you know,
both the Bloomington Utilities Board on April 4, 1975 and
the Mayor of Bloomington on April 10, 1975 officially re-
quested an EIS for the proposed project, being aware that
the EIS process generally takes 8-12 months until a grant
award can be made.
Once a Federal agency or a Federal court has declared that
an EIS is required, the time period necessary to complete
the EIS process is considered an essential step for the
project to proceed. (The courts have, in fact, stopped
construction of nuclear power plants, etc., until satisfac-
tory EIS was prepared.)
6-13
-------
The EIS process also provides the public a greater oppor-
tunity to identify their concerns and have their concerns
addressed in a written document subject to review by the
public, local, state and Federal agencies.
In the environmental impact statement EPA will address
costs through the cost effective analysis required under
P.L. 92-500. The cost effectiveness analysis with proper
concern for environmental impacts will be the basis upon
which a specific recommendation for wastewater treatment
facilities will be made. Direct and indirect costs assoc-
iated with the project will not be identified unless they
relate specifically to the cost effective analysis re-
quired under P.L. 92-500.
Sincerely yours,
i
BarIan D. Hirt
Chief, Planning Branch
6-1A
-------
B) STATE COMMENTS
6-l5
-------
STATEr
INDIANA
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
JOSEPH D. CLOUD
DIRECTOR
INDIANAPOLIS, 46204
September 12, 1975
Mr. Dale Luecht
Project Officer
Environmental Protection Agency
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604
Dear Mr. Luecht:
We have reviewed the proposed wastewater treatment facilities to serve the
South Bloomington-Lake Monroe area and find that no known historic sites
will be effected.
This area has not been surveyed and if you find that your project has a
direct effect or is in close proximity to any older structures, please
contact us at the earliest possible time.
I understand that you have already been in contact with the Glenn A. Black
Archaeology Laboratory about archaeological sites in the area. Any
recommendations they forward should be included in your assessment.
Very truly yours,
ID. Cloud,
irtment of Natural Resources
JtJC:EG:jm
F C F
»'lAi\|Vl,M<.r
fn t «
6-16
-------
C) LOCAL AGENCIES'AND INTEREST GROUPS' COMMENTS
6-17
-------
CITY DF BLDDMINbrDN UTILITIES
P.O. BOX 1216
BLDDMINGTDN, INDIANA 474D1
TELEPHONE AC 812 339-2261
November 20, 1975
Dale Luecht
Planning
U.S.. E.P.A. Region V
230 South Dearborn
Chicago, Illinois 60604
Dear Mr. Luecht:
During the past few months, we have stressed the
importance of the completion of the draft EIS prior to
December 12, 1975 as the City has invested and stands
to lose some $20,000 on land options at the proposed
Salt Creek site. I realize that it is impossible for
you to issue the draft EIS by December 12th.
It is imperative that we receive as much advise
and assistance as possible from your agency prior to
the expiration of these options. Therefore, we are
hereby requesting that you consider our situation and
its urgency. We do need guidance from (E.P.A. so that
the City can decide whether it should exercise, renew,
or drop the options on the Salt Creek site.
Any assistance you can give will be most appreciated
Sincerely,
Gary R. Kent
Director of Utilities
GRK/sew
cc: Utilities Service Board
Richard Peoples, Project Coordinator
6-18
-------
r'TY DF BLQDMINGinN UTILITIES
P. 0. BOX 1216 '
i
BLODMINGTDN, INDIANA 47401
TELEPHONE AC 812 339-2261
August 21, 1975
\v
Dale Luecht .'-...
Planning .
U.S. E.P.A. Region Y . -• . •
230 South Dearborn
Chicago, Illinois 60604.
Dear Mr. Luecht: .
It would seem appropriate that the citizens have an opportunity
to know the cost for an Environmental Impact Statement. There
appears to be three vital areas which need to be explored in a
study of this type:
1. Cost to the Federal government for the study. This
should include employee time for an Environmental
Impact Statement and cost of any outside consultants.
2. • Cost to the state and local bodies who have Instigated
; . the project. This section should include items such
! as principle and interest on funds expended on the
project. Parts of prior engineering or design, which
may have been discarded by the Environmental Impact
'• * • . Statement, should be included.
• 3. Increased cost of construction resulting from inflation
during the period required for preparation of the
Environmental Impact Statement.
6.-19
-------
Dale Luecht
August 21, 1975
Page 2
For the sake of good order, we, the Utilities Service Board of
Bloomington, Indiana respectfully request that the Environmental
Protection Agency include a section in its Environmental Impact
Statement entitled Summary of Direct and Indirect Costs for the
Environmental Impact Statement.
Sincerely,
Richard S. Peoples
Project Coordinator
RSP/ses
cc: Utilities Service' Board
Environmental Impact Statement (.file)
6-20
-------
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
Department of Physics
SWAIN HALL WIST I 1 7
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA 47401
TILL. NO. tit— 337-2650
November 13, 1975
Mr. Harlan Hirt
Chief, Planning Branch
EPA Region V
230 South Dearborn
Chicago, IL 60604
Dear Mr. Hirt:
You recently received a letter from several members of the Bloomington,
Indiana, Utilities Service Board expressing their concern with the delays and
costs associated with the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement
for our wastewater treatment plant. We want to make it clear that this
position is not supported by all members of the board. The initial request
for an EIS was made by the Utilities Service Board knowing full well that
costs and delays would be incurred. To now make an issue of the dollar costs
can only serve to thwart the reasons for the initial request.
The location of the wastewater treatment plant has been a controversial
issue in our community for several years and has remained so despite extended
public discussions. Both economic and ecological concerns were expressed.
In our nation's past, decisions of major importance were often based on
economic considerations alone. The Environmental Impact Statement insures
that both economic and ecological factors are considered in decisions involving
public funds. A proper balance between these factors is necessary if, in
the future, we are to sustain the quality of life we enjoy and preserve the
land we occupy.
We appreciate the work that EPA is doing on this project and the respon-
sibility that is assumed when preparing an EIS. A hastily-prepared statement
would not be adequate. To dismiss the concerns of any segment of the community
would not be proper. The time required for careful preparation of the EIS
will be only a small fraction of the time that we must live with the actions
that are to be taken.
Sincerely yours,
David L. Dilcher Hugh J. Martin
Member, Utilities Service Member, Utilities Service Board
Board Department of Physics
Dept. of Plant Sciences Indiana University
Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana
Bloomington, IN 47401 47401
DLD/HJM:mlc 6~21
Copies to: Senators Bayh, Hartke; Representatives Meyer, Hamilton
-------
Te ial envirbnmei t
'real' economics
By DON JORDAN
H-T Outdoor Editor
Environmental protection is coming under (ire from all quarters
of business and industry these days with critics beating the same
drum with the same tune that protecting the environment costs too
much.
Part of the difficulty environmentalists have in countering these
charges is that the large majority of business-oriented individuals
put price tags on everything. But how do you put a price tag on the
environment?
Many enviornmental thinkers point to the what they call "ex-
ternalities" of continued growth without environmental concerns
figured.
LYNTON K. CALDWELL, lU's environmental and political
science leader, is fond of pointing out these externalities of ex-
pansion when the total environment is not considered.
When William Cook of the Bloomington Utilities Service Board
recently blasted an environmental impact statement being
prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, he in-
1 sisted that economics is part of the the environment.
Environmentalists accept that argument, but Cook went one step
' farther, claiming that economic considerations must always come
first, then environmental protection is fine.
But what about those externalities?
Dollar figures can be placed on providing schools, streets,
sewers, water lines, sidewalks, transportation. These factors must
also be considered as part of the environment, and all have large
price tags afixed. And, when all of these environmental factors are
. included, costs incurred by government in drawing up impact
statements fade in comparison.
; COOK CLAIMED THE IMPACT statement for the new south
• sewage plant will end up costing millions. But what will be the
ultimate cost to the citizens of Bloomington and Monroe County if
an environmental mistake is made in selecting the site for the
plant?
! Utilities Director Gary Kent has pointed out that when new
service areas are picked up by the city, funds used to purchase the
utility lines from developers come from utility revenues.
In other words, all customers served by the utility end up paying
for new service. Such practices result in millions of dollars over
long periods of time. >
Likewise, when new utility services like the new sewage plant are
built, it is the customers who always end up paying the bills. Utility
rate increases result and tax increases are eventually needed to
provide those myriad other services demanded by new residents.
Tax base increases seldom provide increased income over the long
run when new services must be maintained into infinity.
BY NARROWLY DEFINING the environment, business and
industry leaders detail economic considerations and seldom talk
about the environment as a whole.
Who asks about the environment of Bloomington and Monroe
County as a whole — not just that narrow economic spectrum?
Unfortunately, the asking of that question is in this area left in the
hands of private citizens or environmental groups like Sassafras
Audubon Society, Sierra Club, Izaak Walton League and others.
This is unfortunate, but necessary, since government officials are
many times not sensitive to preserving the environment that
makes this area attractive.
Claude Ferguson recently pointed out that he likes this area and
wouldn't move to a metropolitan area like New York or Washington
for double his salary. Likewise, said Ferguson, his wife wouldn't
leave her favorite turkey wood for any salary.
PEOPLE HAVE MOVED to the Bloomington area because they
like the total environment of the area. The sprawling forests and
ridgclines provide a relief from the tensions of modern society.
When considering economics as a part of the environment of this
area, it would be good to wonder how far we can go m changing it
before people in other areas say: "I wouldn't take double my salary
to move from here to someplace like southern Indiana."
When those words are uttered is when the real economic crisis
will hit southern Indiana.
. (S'*«««-
<\
-------
November 3, 1975
Mr. Harlan D. Kirt
Chief, Planning Branch
U.S. E.P.A. Region V ^
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604
Dear Mr. Hirt:
At the dilution of the Utilities Service Board of the City of Bloomington,
Mr. Richard S. Peoples, Utilities Project Coordinator, in a letter of August
21, 1975, requested a summary of direct and indirect costs for the Environment.
Impact Statement that the Environmental Protection Agency is currently preparing
on our proposed wastewater treatment facility. In your response to Mr. Peoples
of September 19, 1975, you state: "Direct and indirect costs associated with
the project will not be identified unless they relate specifically to the cost
effective analysis required under P.L. 92-500."
As you are well aware, the Environmental Protection Agency has requested a
great quantity of information from the Bloomington Utilities Department, the
consulting engineers Black & Veatch, and other interested parties. To our
knowledge all of this information has been provided with willingness; nothing has
been withheld or refused. Since the direct and indirect costs of the Environment'
Impact Statement are a genuine concern of local residents, we feel that the
Utilities Service Board's request for this information from the Environmental
Protection Agency is both legitimate and reasonable. Your response to Mr.
Peoples' letter, however, seems to indicate that the Environmental Protection
Agency does not believe that the people of Bloomington have the right to know
this information. As citizens of Bloomington who are very interested in this
project and as federal taxpayers who are concerned with the total environment
and economic costs of the new wastewater treatment facility, we respectfully
disagree.
When a study such as an Environmental Impact Statement is undertaken, the cost
of the study is just as important as the other data that is collected. We feel
that the value and merits of an Environmental Impact Statement should be measured—
at least in part—by the cost of collecting the information. An Environmental
Impact Statement takes time; in this day, time, unfortunately, can be measured
by the rate of inflation. Without knowing the cost due to lost time, might not
the economic environment of an entire community be jeopardized? Here in Bloomington,
for example, the possibility of a moratorium on growth in the southern drainage
area exists because the present wastewater treatment plant is overloaded and
antiquated. Inflation since 1972 has increased the cost of Bloomington1s proposed
6-23
-------
Mr. Harlan D. Hirt
November 3, 1975
Page 2
wastewater facility from $27 million to $40 million. This inflationary cost
increase suggests that each month used to study the environment costs $360,000.
We realize that it is impossible to place a price tag on the environment; however,
we believe that it would be in the best interests of all people if the Environmental
Protection Agency would thoroughly review its Environmental Impact Statement
process, keeping in mind the economic ramifications of such studies.
»
In our particular case here in Bloomington, we sincerely feel that withholding
this information about the direct and indirect costs of the Environmental Impact
Statement seriously hampers the spirit of cooperation that the people of this
community have attempted to foster between themselves and the Environmental
Protection Agency. With this in mind, we once again request that the Environmental
Protection Agency provide us with a statement that details the costs related to
the Environmental Impact Statement currently being conducted on Bloomington's
proposed wastewater treatment facility.
Sincerely,
njh
cc: Senator Birch Bayh
Senator Vance Hartke
Congressman John Myers
Congressman Lee Hamilton
6-24
-------
•'13(975
November 3, 1975
The Honorable John Myers
103 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Mr. Myers:
The Utilities Service Board of the City of Bloomington recently requested the
Environmental Protection Agency to provide information concerning the direct and
indirectr^osts of the Environmental Impact Statement that EPA is currently
preparing on Bloomington1a proposed wastewater treatment facility. (See the
attached letter of August 21, 1975, from Utilities Project Coordinator Richard
S. Peoples.) As you can see from Mr. liarIan Hirt's response of September 19,
1975, which is also attached, EPA does not seem disposed to divulge this infor-
mation, which we feel should be a matter of public record.
As citizens of Bloomington who are very interested in this project and as federal
taxpayers who are concerned with the total environmental and economic costs of
the new wastewater treatment facility, we sincerely believe we have the right
to know what the direct and indirect costs of the Environmental Impact Statement
will be. As one of our elected federal representatives, we would appreciate
It if you would look into this matter to help us secure this information.
Sincerely,
ojh
Enclosures
cc: Mr. Harlan Hirt
6-25
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CITY OF BLDDMINGTDN UTILITIES
P. D. BOX 1216
BLDDMINGTDN, INDIANA 47401
TELEPHONE AC 812 339-2261
August 12, 1975
Dale Luecht
Planning
U.S. E.P.A. Region V
230 South Dearborn
Chicago, Illinois 60604
Dear Mr. Luecht:
Attached are the position papers for the individual Utilities
Service Board members concerning the improvement program as
outlined in the Bloomington South Facilities Program.
I must apologize for the delay in getting this document to you
as the positions were presented by the Board at the June 3, 1975
Utilities Service Board meeting.
If you have further questions for the Board or need clarification,
please direct your questions to me and I will see that they are
transmitted to the Board.
Sincerely,
Gary R. Kent
Director of Utilities
GRK/ses
cc: James R. Quin, Gilbert Associates, Inc
Utilities Service Board members
•VjG II-13 /'3
PLANNING BRANCH -
FIL£ NO.
6-26
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UTILITIES SERVICE BOARD
JUNE 3, 1975
The Utilities Service Board members gave the following recommendations
as to site alternatives for the proposed treatment plant site:
DAVID DILCHER: Dilcher affirmed his belief that Dillman Road is the best
site for the location of the proposed sewage treatment plant. He stated
that this site best satisfies the needs of the City and the Region for
the following reasons:
1. It accomodates a gravity flow for the main lines and interceptors
adaptable for picking up both City and Regional waste.
2. It is removed from residential areas and can be properly screened,
With proper county zoning, residential development can be
-restricted.
3. It would provide a higher level of treatment for the effluent.
4. It would provide a more constant and easily controlled treatment
because the two-stage plant planned for this site is less
susceptible to upsets.
5. It would be less distruptive to the Clear Creek Valley.
6. The Lake Monroe Region could tie in,in total or in part.
7. The cost would be equivalent to or less than the Salt Creek site
in the long run considering the lower operations and maintenance
expense.
8. It would not encourage stringer type development along a long
outfall sewer and will allow the development of city-centered
facilities.
9. Space would be provided for expansion to 40 MGD.
10. It would best serve the Region by providing easy pick-up from the
Smithville and Paynetown areas and it would not require such long
interceptor sewers as the Salt Creek site.
11. There is the distinct possibility of a force main from the south-
west section of the Lake being extended up Clear Creek Valley to
Di1Iman Road.
6-27
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UTILITIES SERVICE BOARD
JUNE 3, 1975
WILLIAM COOK: Cook indicated that he accepts the Black & Veatch summary
that the Salt Creek site is the most desirable. The selected plan in-
cludes a gravity sewer from the existing South Plant along Clear Creek
to a 20 MGD plant at the Salt Creek site.
The selected proposal is as described under Section Ten of the Facilities
Plan except that the initial design flow is 20 MGD. This site is the most
desirable based on environmental concerns and cost effectiveness. In
addition, the plan is well adapted to providing service to the Lake
Monroe Region. If service were to be extended to the Lake Monroe Region
the selected plan would be modified by the construction of a 5 MGD plant
addition approximately fifteen years after the initial start-up.
Availability of land is a great difference between the Salt Creek and
Dillman Road sites. Unlimited land is available at the Salt Creek site
for disposal of wastes, composting, and future plant expansion.
The Salt Creek site could service Lake Monroe and also the southern
Monroe County area. Since we supply their water Cook feels we should
consider providing sewage treatment. He feels that we must provide for
the future so that growth will take place in southern Monroe County. Cook
mentioned that in the Land Suitability Study the southwest section is the
greatest portion of land available for any kind of development at Lake
Monroe. Cook indicates disagreement with Dilcher as far as cost of
operation is concerned. He stated there would be a $200,000 operations
savings on a year-to-year basis of operation at the Salt Creek site which
would result in lower sewer bills for residents.
JACK MARTIN: Martin listed his reasons in support of the Dillman Road
site. He feels that a higher degree of sewage treatment is offered by
the two-stage plant proposed for the location. Because the effluent
discharged from Dillman Road eventually passes Salt Creek a higher degree
of treatment is indicated and with less impact for Salt Creek.
The main difference Martin sees between the Dillman Road and Salt Creek
sites is that the Dillman Road site is the most cost effective for the
near future. The arguments for Salt Creek are based upon predictions for
the distant future and projections about what will happen in different
areas of the City and the Lake Region. Because construction costs for
Salt Creek are three million dollars more than for Dillman Road, Martin
feels it would take a great number of years for Salt Creek to become more
6-28
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UTILITIES SERVICE BOARD
JUNE 3, 1975
cost effective than Dillman Road. The areas of clear cost differential
according to Martin are: (1) the difference between the one-stage Salt
Creek plant and the two-stage Dillman Road plant, and (2) the difference
between the outfall sewer required by Salt Creek and a shorter sewer
required by Dillman Road. If drying beds were constructed at Dillman
Road the sludge disposal costs would be about the same. The degree of
treatment offered at Dillman Road would result in 97.5% removal of BOD
and suspended solids as opposed to 95.7% removal offered at Salt Creek.
The two-stage plant would employ additional people in the daily plant
operation. Martin stated that the costs are based on a 20 MGD plant
flow which is a higher flow than has been projected for the first
twenty years.
Martin went on to state that he finds the question of a Regional plant
a rather difficult concept. In looking at the argument that a central
plant is the most effective way to treat sewage, it seems unrealistic
that sewage must be moved so far to implement that concept. In applying
this to our present situation, Martin stated that with the exception of
the southwest part of the Lake the Salt Creek site is relatively
inaccessible to the rest of the Region and Bloomington. Martin indicated
that his belief was that perhaps a separate plant should be considered
for the southwest part of the Region.
Martin then outlined his uncertainties concerning the projections for the
Region. He feels that looking at a 40 MGD plant to service a Bloomington
population of 200,000 is looking too far into the future. He finds the
Region predictions troublesome for the fact that if the plant is built at
Salt Creek to service the Region and the projected growth fails to occur
then the plant will be serving a very small base of people. Martin stated
that Region growth predictions are based on: (1) growth in a basically
rural area projected to increase by 1007, (2) growth in the Lake Monroe
recreational areas is predicted to double, and (3) large growth of those
building developments around the Lake. Martin disagrees with the rural
area growth stating that it would be difficult to determine the high
density areas. He concluded his remarks by restating his feelings that
the arguments for the Salt Creek site seem to be much more uncertain
and difficult to assess than arguments for Dillman Road.
RICHARD FEE: Fee stated that as a result of ten years experience he feels
that the most suitable site is the one located as far downstream as possible
the Salt Creek site. He indicated that the former sewage treatment plant
was located just two miles north of the present Winston Thomas site so if
we are not to make the same mistake again we should move as far downstream
6-29
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UTILITIES SERVICE BOARD
JUNE 3, 1975
as possible. Fee feels that the Salt Creek site would be better suited
to meeting changing dilution requirements, sludge disposal requirements,
and degree of treatment in future years.
In response to the argument that string-type development will be
encouraged, Fee gave two reasons stating why he feels this will not occur
1. The pipe is neither in the flood plain nor inaccessible to
normal development.
2. The land around it is not suitable for development. There
are too many quarries on the west and it is economically not
feasible to build there.
ROBERT SCHMUHL: Schmuhl stated that he favors the Salt Creek site.
According to Schmuhl initial costs would be higher at Salt Creek but long
term operating and maintenance costs and the cost for equipment replace-
ment would be lower.
Schmuhl feels that there would be a greater expanse of available and
suitable land at Salt Creek. This would be beneficial because more
efficient sludge disposal and sufficient space for additional facilities
would be provided. At Dillman Road there would be no room for construction
of additional facilities if further advanced treatment processes were
mandated in the future.
AILEEN SCHALLER: Schaller stated that because the total costs between
the Salt Creek and Dillman Road sites are not much different that cost
cannot be a basis for decision.
Although no permanent environmental damage will result from either site,
Schaller feels there are two areas of possible concern: (1) the outfall
sewer, and (2) the Lake Monroe Region. With careful attention to
revegetation, long range damage will be prevented in the area of the out-
fall sewer. As for damage to the Lake Monroe Region, the plant will not
be crucial to development but will instead be of use to the Region.
Regarding other environmental concerns, Schaller stated we must not over-
look the aesthetic and odoriferous considerations. She stated that the
plant should only be located along a major entry corridor to the City as
6-30
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UTILITIES SERVICE BOARD
JUNE 3, 1975
a last resort. The Dillman Road site would be on constant display, while
the Salt Creek site will use less of our dwindling energy year in and
year out.
Physical characteristics should also be considered in choosing a plant
site. The plant should be located on level ground relatively free of
rock. There should be adequate room for expansion and on-site sludge
disposal. Undeveloped land should be available for a buffer zone. There
should be natural screening of the plant.
In closing Schaller stated that the Salt Creek site meets all of the
preceding criteria while the Dillman Road site meets none.
Further discussion of the plant sites followed the Board members pre-
sentations. Fee recognized additional pluses for the Salt Creek site as
being the lessened effects of an accident due to greater dilution possible.
He also mentioned that the plant would probably be resized down to 15 MGD
by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Utilities personnel were then asked to give their opinions as to the plant
site choice. Director of Utilities Gary Kent stated that major consider-
ations should be the cost of operation as far as local dollars are concerned:
the balance of commodities in operation, the ability to serve the potential
growth and the plant layout. He Indicated that some costs are questionable
for both sites but he favors the Salt Creek site. Utilities Treatment
Engineer Mike Phillips added that he felt the Salt Creek site was best from
the operating standpoint and Project Coordinator Rick Peoples concurred.
Fee moved, Schmuhl seconded a motion that the Salt Creek site be
recommended to the Environmental Protection Agency as the site chosen by
members of the Utilities Service Board and by Black & Veatch engineers to
be the most suitable for the proposed treatment plant. The vote was four
to two in favor of the Salt Creek site.
6-31
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..iKONMENTAL PROTECTION
RECEIVED
JAN 2.: 1S76
EVALUATION OF GILBERT RE
"" e wo.
A direct comparison between the Gilbert Report
and the Facilities Plan prepared by Black & Veatch is
extremely difficult. However, our preliminary review
reveals a number of areas where serious questions exist.
Among these are:
1. On page 5-1, a misunderstanding of the
nitrogen discharge requirements of the State of
Indiana is apparent. On Clear Creek the winter
requirement should be 3.0 and not 6.5. On Salt
Creek the summer discharge should be 7.9 rather
than 3.0.
2. The additional cost of facilities to
provide second stage nitrification at Clear Creek
sites is estimated on page 6-14 of the report at
$1,722,000. It would seem that this second set
of aeration, sedimentation and sludge handling
facilities should cost about 20% of the liquid
treatment cost (page 6-14) or about $3,400,000.
3. The cost of operating and maintaining a
two stage nitrification plant on Clear Creek is
estimated at only 8% more than operating a single
stage nitrification plant at Salt Creek, despite
the fact that the Salt Creek plant must nitrify
only during the summer months while a Clear Creek
plant must nitrify twelve months a year.
4. Either no rock excavation is included
or the quantity of rock is seriously underestimated
for the necessary channel relocations for Clear
Creek sites.
6-32
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EVALUATION OF GILBERT REPORT
PAGE TWO
5. The cost of the gravity sewer to the Salt
Creek site shown on page 36-A is over-estimated.
The price for all sewers larger than 42" in diameter
is based on an over-sized pipe that is not needed to
carry the anticipated flow. Current quotations on
sewer pipe are from 20 to 35% less than those used
for each pipe size.
6. In our experience, we have never found it
necessary to construct and maintain a permanent road
for vehicles along an outfall sewer. (page 8-6)
7. On page 10-1, the report states that the
Salt Creek site is not adequate to sustain land
application of sludge produced there. A call to
Joseph B. Farrell, Chief of the Ultimate Disposal
Section, of the Municipal Environmental Research
Laboratory, of the U.S. EPA in Cincinnati, revealed
that the formula used in the Gilbert Report was not
current. Using the correct figures would allow about
2 1/2 times the sludge loading proposed in the report.
8. The report states on page 10-20 that the
costs for the recommended haul and application of
sludge from Dillman Road and Salt Creek sites are
within 8% of each other, even though the sludge
application site is immediately across the creek from
the Salt Creek site, according to Plate 3. In addition,
the report assumes that the owners of this property
will accept the sludge.
6-33
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EVALUATION OF GILBERT REPORT
PAGE THREE
9. It Is extremely doubtful that a new 15 mgd
two stage nitrification treatment plant can be built
on the Winston Thomas site west of the existing
facilities as stated on page 3-1. In addition, the
report reveals a lack of understanding of the exist-
ing Winston Thomas facility when it refers to the
obsolete, fixed-nozzle, sprinkling filters as
"Bio-filters."
10. The assumption that pumping 1.9 mgd north
to the Blucher Poole plant will provide a less cost-
ly treatment scheme than handling it in its natural
watershed. (page 1-4) It does not consider the fact
that the Blucher Poole plant will have to be upgraded
to meet substantially the same standards as discharges
to Clear Creek.
11. Page 31-A of the report discusses the need
for one pump station to serve Smithville while Plate
3, illustrating this facility, shows two.
12. The statements in Section 5 to the effect
that two stage nitrification by a plant on Clear Creek
is, per se, superior to single stage nitrification on
Salt Creek, suggests that it is considered that the
State of Indiana has not properly allocated waste
loading to the streams of the State.
If a detailed comparison between this Report and the
Facilities Plan would be of value, we at Black & Veatch
respectfully request that this Report be presented on a
basis comparable to the Facilities Plan.
6-34
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Gilbert/Commonwealth engineers and consultants
GILBERT ASSOCIATES, INC., P. 0. Box 1498, Reading, PA 19603/Tel. 215 775-2600/Cable Gilasoc/Telex 836-431
February 17, 1976
Mr. Dale Luecht
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL. 60604
Re: Bloomington, Ind. E1S
W.O. 06-7147-000
Dear Mr. Luecht:
I am enclosing one original copy of each of the following revised pages for
the Bloomington Report.
2-2 6-11 5-A 14-A 20-A
2-3 6-12 6-A 15-A 29-A
2-4 6-14 8-A 17-A 31-A
5-1 3-A 12-A 18-A
5-2 4-A 13-A 19-A
The changes made in these pages include some minor typographical errors we
found and also changes in some calculations as a result of our conversations
and the questions raised by Black and Veatch at the meeting on January 29.
The revisions indicate some changes in dollar amounts for various items, but
there is no change in the ranking of alternatives.
The following are specific responses to the 12 comments made by Black and
Veatch at the meeting.
1. Appropriate corrections have been made in the report.
2. Appropriate corrections have been made in figures in light of Comment #1.
3. The statement is essentially correct.
4. Based on on-site investigation at the Dillman site, bedrock is at least
ten feet (10') below the surface in the area where the stream would be
relocated. Rock excavation for stream re-location should be minimal.
5. The over-sized pipes on which we based our estimates are shown in Appendix B,
Plans 1 and 2, Black and Veatch Facilities Plan, 1974. We did not under-
take any new hydraulic calculations, but simply used the pipe sizes shown on
the Black and Veatch Plans.
6. No permanent road is planned along the outfall sewer, and no costs for ^*uch a
road are included in the calculations. The statement referred to simply
indicates that the line, and manholes in particular, must be accessible.
525 Lancaster Avenue, Reading, PA 800 Hill Avenue, Wyomibbing, PA / Morgantown Road, Green Hills, Reading, PA 215 775-2600
209 East Washington Avenue, Jackson. Ml 517 788-3000 / 80 Pine Street. New Vork, NY 21? 422-3177
6-35
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Gilbert Associates, Inc. U.S. Environmental . rotection Agency
Mr. Dale Luecht
February 17, 1976
Page 2
7. Source for our figures was also EPA in Cincinnati (Mr. Kenneth Dotson) .
8. Although sludge application site is close to Salt Creek site, highway
distance to the sludge application site is considerably greater than the
straight line distance.
9. We agree that building a new plant on the Winston Thomas Site would be
extremely difficult. However, the Black and Veatch plan (First Amendment)
conceded that it would be possible.
10. Dispite the need for upgrading, the North plant appears to be grossly over-
sized for the flow it is handling. The increased flow from the South
drainage area should improve process efficiency.
11. We actually have assumed two pumping stations.
12. The comparison is made simply in the quality of the effluent.
If you have any further questions, please give me a call.
Very truly yours ,
GILBERT • ASSOCIATES , INC .
JAMES R. QUIN, P.E.
Project Manager
Environmental Division
JRQ/nh
Enclosures
6-36
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RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND CONSERVATION COMMISSION
ON THE SITING OF THE PROPOSED
BLOOMINGTON SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES
. PR"HI 'ION
R F H F ' 0
r-LANiNL- . .. .^ .n
HO
1
6-37
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RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
AND CONSERVATION COMMISSION ON T!!C SITING OF THE PROPOSED
BLOOMINGTON SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES
1. General Background
Almost since its inception during the spring of 1972 the Environ-
mental Quality and Conservation Commission (EQCC) has been studying
the environmental aspects of the placement of a new waste-water treat-
ment facility in southern Bloomington. This is demonstrated by the
record of the EQCC meetings, whichis summarized in the Appendix. The
EQCC has discussed the siting of the facilities during many civic
meetings, has supported several pertinent studies, and has participated
in studies carried out by other's. We have presented recommendations
and relevant information to the citizens of Bloomington, to the Common
Council, to various members of the City Administration, and to State and
Federal officials. Relying on these experiences and the understanding
we have gained from them, we present this report as our analysis of
the environmental factors -associated with the siting of the proposed
facilities.
From an environmental perspective, there are two major siting
options: the proposed Salt Creek site and the alternative sites on
upper Clear Creek. Possible alternative sites mentioned to date include
the present Winston Thomas site and sites on South Rogers Street, on
Dill man Road, and on Ketcham Road.
6-38
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II. Recommendations
Based on their community involvement referred to above and on
their professional expertise in such areas as physics, chemistry, eco-
logy, and soil science, the members of the EQCC have unanimously con-
cluded that all of the Clear Creek sites are environmentally preferable
to the Salt Creek site. Of the Clear Creek sites, the EQCC believes
that the total environmental impact of construction and operation at
the Dillman Road site will be the least. Therefore, the EQCC recommends
that the treatment facility be placed at the Dillman Road site. This
report will present our reasons for this recommendation; first, the
environmental issues differentiating all of the Clear Creek sites from
Salt Creek; second, the environmental and social issues which differ-
entiate Dillman Road from Winston-Thomas and South Rogers St. There
are four main reasons for selection of a Clear Creek Site:
a. The terrestrial and aquatic destruction involved in running
the outfall sewer to Salt Creek will be avoided.
b. The level of effluent quality from the Clear Creek sites will
be greater.
<
c. The Salt Creek site is within the floodplain of Salt Creek,
directly below the spillway at the reservoir and located on
a soil type known to be subject to waterlogging. (See Soil Survey)
d. The possibility of adverse secondary effects of facilitated
development at Lake Monroe because of placement at Salt Creek
will be less severe.
The primary considerations differentiating Dillman Road from Winston
Thomas/St. Rogers St. are the adverse aesthetic impact of a wastewater
treatment facility placed in the more densely populated areas and the
6-39
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social impact of relocation of several families living in a trailer
park on the proposed site.
III. Comparison of the Environmental Effects of Clear Creek and
Salt Creek Siting
A. Outfall Sewer Effects
Locating the waste-water treatment plant at the distant Salt
Creek site requires a long outfall sewer. There are five alternative
sewer routes from Bloomington to that site:
(1) under Clear Creek;
(2) along Clear Creek, but higher upon the banks and slicing
across the creek's bends;
(3) as in (2), but using a force main to cut across the broad
westerly bend of the creek;
(4) along Clear Creek to the Ketcham Road area, then across the
hills via a force main to lower Little Clear Creek, then
south along Little Clear Creek and Clear Creek;
(5) as in (4), but to upper Little Clear Creek.
The proposed outfall sewers to the Ketcham Road and Dillman Road sites
follow route (2) above, but for much shorter distances. Both the South
Rogers Street and Winston Thomas sites would require 9000 ft. force
mains running up the Clear Creek bed from the proposed southeast inter-
ceptor sev.'ar. It should also be noted that, should the Lake Monroe
Regional Waste District decide to have its wastewater treated at a
Bloomington Clear Creek facility, a force main running overland from
6-40
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from Smithville to the Clear Creek bed will have to be built.
Outfall sewer construction and maintenance will have detrimental
environmental effects; the longer the sewer is, the worse these effects
will be. These effects can result from earth-moving during construction
and may also include permanent environmental damage caused by right-
of-way clearance and maintenance. All of these effects are magnified
by the proximity of a natural area, Cedar Bluffs. Following is a
more detailed consideration of these factors.
The right-of-way for construction of sewer alternative (2), which
is the one recommended by Black & Veatch, is 100 feet wide and about
60,000 feet long. An area of six million square feet will thus be
subjected to physical abuse. A trench averaging twelve feet deep will
be dug down the length of this right-of-way. Much of the 4.3 million
cubic feet of earth that will have to be removed is limestone, which
will have to be blasted out. Some of this spoil will be bulldozed and
graded to level the right-of-way for maintenance access. It is rather
difficult to believe that bulldozing and blasting on this scale could
be done with an eye to "limiting environmental disruption" (Black &
1
Veatch, p. X-16). It is more reasonable to believe that construction
activity will result in the destruction of much terrestrial and aquatic
wildlife habitat, in addition to impairing the stream's aesthetic value.
Despite the promise to grade and reseed "as soon as practicable,"
it may work out that, considering the frequency of rain and flash-
flooding in the area, erosion may set in before vegetative cover does.
In the case of alternative (3), erosion may also result from unrevege-
tated sewer line easements in the hills above the creek. In any case,
the resultant siltation of the stream could have an effect on the aquatic
6-41
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biota more permanent that that caused by sewer construction itself.
The EQCC also has reservations about the effects of the twenty-odd
creek crossings proposed under alternatives (1) and (2). The provisions
for keeping the line from being dug up by the action of the stream are
not described in the Black & Veatch report. This makes it impossible
to comment on them specifically except to hypothesize that there may
be permanent changes in the substrate of the creek which could affect
stream biota, flow characteristics, and aesthetics adversely.
Though specific techniques for right-of-way maintenance have not
been described by Black & Veatch, usual procedures involve defoliation
with herbicides. This would constitute a chronic perturbation to the
immediate and neighboring wildlife habitat as well as a possible source
of pollution from runoff.
Another problem is the proximity of the Cedar Bluffs area to the
Clear Creek sewer route. Sewer construction and maintenance could affect
the integrity of this area through the resultant noise, dust, and impair-
ment. While the sewer does not pass through the area, alternatives
place the line just across the creek from it. On the basis of the above
1
considerations, the EQCC recommends that the important potential negative
environmental effects of the outfall sewer be minimized by minimizing
the length of the sewer, subject to constraints described below.
B. Effluent Quality Effects
The Salt Creek facility is to be a one-stage plant, while current
state water quality standards require that a Clear Creek plant, because
of the low dilution capacity of the receiving stream, be a two-stage
6-42
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plant. A one-stage plant is somewhat more susceptible to rapid
changes in plant variables such as water volume than a two-stage plant.
Rapid changes in water volume do occur in the Bloomington area during the
summer. It is conceivable that at that time a one-stage plant could
discharge improperly treated effluent.
More importantly, however, a one-stage plant will be unable to
discharge effluent of a quality high ehough to meet the standards
currently required for 1983 by Public Law 92-500. Yet the Black &
Veatch study which judges the cost effectiveness of the Salt Creek
and Dillman Road sites to be similar assumes a one-stage plant at the
Salt Creek site. The EQCC questions the rationale behind a twenty-
year cost effectiveness study predicated on water quality standards that
will be superseded by more stringent ones after only five years. Clearly,
with respect to present water quality standards, a Dillman Road plant
would be more cost effective thah a Salt Creek plant, because the former
would discharge a higher quality effluent for the same cost; with respect
to future standards, a cost effectiveness study would have to consider
fines the City might have to pay due to the emission of an illegal
effluent by a Salt Creek plant. The EQCC concludes that, environmentally,
and legally, a two-stage plant is better than a one-stage plant and
that, economically, a two-stage plant at Dillman Road is better than a
two-stage plant at Salt Creek.
An added benefit of a Clear Creek site with the relatively clean
effluent it is required to discharge is the potential recreational use
of Clear Creek as a canoe stream. Such areas are not abundant around
Bloomington. If the Salt Creek site is chosen, the flow in Clear Creek
6-43
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will be too low to permit its use for this purpose.
C. Hydrological Effects
The proposed method of sludge disposal at the Salt Creek site is
subsurface soil injection over an area comprising most of the site.
During the spring rains of 1975, this area was heavily waterlogged. The
EQCC cautions that sludge injection into land which is subject to
periodic leaching by rain water, and which abuts major receiving streams,
may result in periodic large influxes of nutrients, untreated heavy
metals, and other matler into the streams. It should be noted that this
creek water is a water source for Bedford, only thirteen miles down-
stream. These problems are not addressed in the facilities plan.
These possible detrimental hydrological effects may be exacerbated
by the location of the Salt Creek site within a 100-year flood plain.
Until flood-plain alterations potentially caused by the Lake Monroe
dam are known, it would be wise to require that the facility's constr-
uction plans include safeguards to prevent discharge, leakage, or
leaching of untreated wastes from the plant area into the creeks during
periods of high water. »
D. Secondary Effects of Unplanned Development in the Lake Monroe Area.
Another major concern of the EQCC is the possible adverse effect
on the Lake Monroe area resulting from development in the lake's
watershed stimulated by the placement of the treatment facility at
Salt Creek. We anticipate this facilitation because, according to
92-500
Public Law / development cannot occur without suitable wastewater
treatment. While the dollar costs to Bloomington at Dillman Road or
6-44
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Salt Creek are similar, the cost to LMRWD*IS much less if the Bloom-
ington Plant is at Salt Creek. The advantage of this Salt Creek hookup
is that several existing sources of effluent will be removed from the
lake. This is the main environmental benefit of this arrangement.
This is balanced by the possibility that cheaper sewage treatment will
permit more rapid development than would otherwise occur. In principle
the development of private living structures and even commercial ones,
need not lead to the deterioration of the lake region, providing that
sufficient planning controls and enforcement procedures are established
and maintained. No such planning structures and controls exist in the
region at this time. The Lake Monroe Land Suitability Study recently
carried out is not intended to guarantee the planning needed in the
area although it can serve as background for the development of such
a plan. In view of this situation EQCC is evaluating potential environ-
mental effects based on recent and current planning and construction
methods.
The EQCC considers the primary functions of Lake Monroe to be
1) flood control water impoundment, 2) a recreational resource,
3) a major source of domestic water for the City of Bloomington and its
environs. It is the potential deterioration of these functions of the
lake with which we are concerned. In addition, much of the land around
the lake presently has an undisturbed, natural quality which is important
in and of itself and also as it enhances the recreational value of the
whole region.
Development without a regional land use plan and construction
practice regulations potentially could detract from the functions listed
*Lakc Monroe Henional Waste District
6-45
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above in the f611 owing ways:
1) Conversion of privately owned natural areas into develop-
ments which will decrease the amount of natural landscape for aesthetic,
wildlife and recreational use. This effect will be concentrated in.
certain areas.
2) Improperly controlled construction destroys foliage and ground
cover, resulting in erosion, increased sedimentation and potentially
decreased water quality.
3) Increased use of motor-driven boats and motor vehicle traffic
on land will probably result in increased amounts of oil-based products
and heavy metals entering the lake.
4) Motor boat traffic may result in incre?sed shoreline erosion.
5) Unaesthetic construction on and around the lake's shoreline
will detract from the natural quality and recreational value of the
lake area.
One very important variable which must be considered in evaluating
possible development around Lake Monroe is the opinion of those people
who use the Lake. Wise (1975) has surveyed opinions of users and found
1
significant expressions in favor of preserving the semi-natural quality
of the area. Most users prefer swimming, camping, and boat fishing as
recreational activities. A substantial plurality favored fewejr condo-
miniums and houses around Lake Monroe than presently exist. Facilities
which those interviewed did not desire included motels, sporting goods
stores, condominiums, houses, and boat ramps. All but 3% found the
forest around the lake attractive. The attribute which people like best
is the beauty of_ the lake. The attributes liked least are the crowding
and facilities. EQCC's conclusion about public opinion is that the type
6-46
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of development likely to be facilitated by placement of Bloomington's
sewage treatment plant at Lake Monroe (houses, condominiums, commercial)
is precisely the type of development which Lake users do not want.
Further, such development might destroy those aspects of the Lake envir-
onment which the users appreciate the most (attractiveness, forests,
fishing) and exacerbate problems which they already perceive (crowding
and facilities).
EQCC is concerned that the necessary regional planning does not
exist to control such effects on the lake's primary functions as those
listed above. We therefore believe that development should not be
facilitated by placement of the plant at Salt Creek. We recognize the
environmental value of removing present sources of effluent from the lake,
but are not certain that this value overweighs the other negative effects
which potentially might result.
E. Summary
The Salt Creek site will require a longer and thus more environ-
mentally disruptive outfall sewer than any of the Clear Creek sites.
A Clear Creek plant will produce effluent of higher quality than the
proposed Salt Creek plant, whose effluent will be outside legal limits
shortly after commencement of operation. Hydrological considerations
indicate that a Salt Creek plant may periodically cause stream pollution.
Finally, the Salt Creek site is more likely than a Clear Creek site to
lead to unplanned development in the Lake Monroe area, with all the
environmental deterioration this implies. Because the environmental
costs of the Salt Creek site are obviously much higher than those of
6-47
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the Dillman Road site, and because the economic costs are similar, the
Salt Creek site can be eliminated from further consideration.
IV. Comparative Evaluation of jthe jngar j>eek j>Hes
Differences among the impacts of the various ciearCreek sites on
the physical environment are minor compared with the difference in
impacts between any of the Clear Creek sites and the Salt Creek site.
The outfall sewer to the Dillman Road site would be a little longer
than the force main from the southeast interceptor to the Winston Thomas
or South Rogers Street sites, and the outfall sewer to the Ketcham
Road site will be a little longer still. On the other hand, if the
new plant is not built at the Winston Thomas site, that site can be
converted to a park, though the South Rogers site would use part of the
present site and decrease the value of a park there. Selection of the
Winston Thomas site may lead to better re-use of existing materials.
Thus, in terms of physical environmental impact, the only clear advan-
tage at this point is that of Dillman Road over Ketcham Road. Given
its higher economic costs, also the Ketcham Road site can be eliminated
from further consideration1.
The major drawback to the present location seems to be the con-
struction disturbances and the possibility of increased odors in the
vicinity which is heavily populated, and the possible need to relocate
several households. The Dillman Road site is not presently densely
populated and for topographic reasons dees not seem threatened by nearby
settlement. EQCC finds that, while all the Clear Creek sites seem
preferable to Salt Creek, we would rank Dillman Road ahead of Winston
Thomas/S. Rogers St. primarily for social reasons.
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V. The Need for aji Environmental Impact Statement
EQCC recommends that if the Salt Creek Site is selected, EPA
should definitely prepare an EIS to investigate not only the points
made above but also many other specific points concerning possible
routes for the outfall sewer, the advisability of sub-surface injection
as a means of sludge disposal, and specific treatment plans. The issue
most difficult for us, as citizens, to predict and understand about
the problem of site selection is the question of secondary impact of
development in the Lake Monroe Area. EQCC recommends that, because of
the complexity of this problem, major efforts should be made by EPA
to predict, evaluate and Suggest solutions to these secondary impacts.
A list of points needing investigation in an EIS follows this section.
Some members of EQCC believe that an EIS might be desireable irrespective
of which site is chosen and so points related to both sites are included
on the list.
1. Environmental desirability of returning Clear Creek to its pre-
j
Winston Thomas flow level in order to restore the original biota;
comparative study of Little Clear Creek biota might be made to determine
if change has occurred.
2. Extent of direct destruction of wildlife habitat by outfall sewer
construction.
3. Quantitative assessment of Clear Creek siltation which might be
caused by sewer construction; effect on Bedford drinking water.
4. Extent of indirect environmental degradation caused by outfall
6-49
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sewer construction due to activities by the work crew such as
driving equipment into and out of right-of-way, parking automobiles,
etc.
5. Identification of those areas where blasting must be done and
assessment of the impact of the resulting fallout and noise on
nearby wildlife habitat and cultural areas, e.g., Cedar Bluffs,
Ketcham Road cemetery.
6. Differentiation of sewage treatment alternatives with respect
to effluent quality, especially between alternatives 2A and 3A in
Facilities Plan; analysis of economic-environmental tradeoffs.
7. Extent to which revegetation is necessary following sewer con-
struction, how soon it must be done, and how likely it is to be
successful, given the area's hydrology; differentiation between degrees
of erosion expected with and without revegetation.
8. Environmental impact of overland sewer routing, including conside-
rations similar to those given above for creek bed routing. Judgment
on the advisability of building alternatives 3, 4, 5, and LMRWD
Smithville-Clear Creek force main.
9. Reevaluation of economic-environmental costs of outfall sewer alter-
natives for Salt Creek site, expecially with respect to alternatives
2 vs. 5A; analysis of environmental tradeoffs of greater overland as
opposed to less creek bed routing for alternative 5A; amount of eco-
nomic difference LMRWD might fund as their share of Little Clear Creek
sewer to have a plant on Salt Creek instead of Clear Creek.
6-50
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10. Description of biota of wildlife habitat to be destroyed at
Ketcham Road and Salt Creek sites and determination of its rarity.
11. Measures to be taken to ensure that holding ponds, etc., will
not be flooded.
12. Environmental assessment of possible landfill and soil injection
sites to determine potential for water pollution due to flooding or
leaching after rainfall.
13. Comparisons of degrees of buffering needed and possible for various
sites and various treatment and disposal methods to shield local residents
and visitors to natural and cultural areas from noise, odor, and ugli-
ness of sewage treatment.
14. Assessment of tradeoffs between biotic-geologic costs and social
costs, the latter accruing from #13 above and from forced relocations
at some of the sites, (See also #23)
15. Current aesthetic values of undeveloped sites.
»
16. Comparative analyses of economies of land use for various sewage
treatment and sludge disposal alternatives.
17. Size of the work crew required for construction, where they will
commute from and what social costs they might impose on the community.
18. Social benefits with respect to reducing unemployment of con-
struction of plant.
«
19. Comparative analysis of energy and resources required for various
site, treatment, and disposal alternatives.
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20. Environmental effects of travel over, entry to, and exit from
right-of-way by maintenance crews.
21. Precautions that must be taken to prevent the creek from digging
through to the sewer at crossing points; effects of these precautions
on biota and flow characteristics; impact of altered flow character-
istics on downstream creek ecosystem.
22. Impact of possible herbicide use during right-of-way maintenance
on environment, both directly on biota and indirectly due to possible
water pollution this might cause.
23. Surveys of local residents as to what impact they feel the Winston
Thomas plant and its proposed expansion or removal to South Rogers
Street has or will have on their lives; income distribution of resi-
dents so affected and assessment of their political power.
24. Environmental benefits accruing to Clear Creek sites due to
potential recreational uses of Clear Creek resulting from maintaining
its present flow level.
1
25. Possibility that a regional plan should be a prerequisite for
selection of the Salt Creek site.
26. Total environmental analysis of the effects of unplanned development
around Lake Monroe facilitated by the Salt Creek site, including poten-
tial biotic, geologic, and social costs accruing from any destruction
of forest, degradation of the water supply, and increase in population
6-52
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density and potential social gains accruing from economic growth;
tradeoff analysis of these costs and gains..
27. Environmental and economic costs and gains accruing from
sludge disposal by means of treating it and selling it as fertilizer.
28. Determination of any upper "ceiling which geologic restrictions
may place on south-planning-area population and deduction of largest
sewage treatment design capacity that will ever be needed.
JCR/nan
Acknowledgements
James Chiesa, S.P.E.A. graduate student, has permitted use of
portions of an unpublished manuscript as well as volunteering editorial
help. The following report was cited in the text:
Wise, Charles. 1975. User preserences of policy alternatives:
the case of recreational user attitudes toward development
and regulation at Lake Monroe, Indiana. School of Public and
Environmental Affairs Occasional Papers, No. 4.
Soil Survey, 1973. Interim Soil Survey; Vol. 2, Inforr.ation
and Interpretation, Bloomington, Indiana. U. S. Department of
Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Purdue University.
6-53
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APPENDIX
Brief synopsis of items discussed during Environmental
Quality and Conservation Commission meetings which pertain to
Lake Monroe, water quality, and the sewage treatment plant.
6-54
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HISTORY OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION'S INVOLVEMENT WITH LAKE MONROE
Based on 1972 minutes
May 10 -- reported that Rod Crafts and Barbara Resile would travel to
Indianapolis to speak with John Cregor, an attorney who is the foremost
leading authority in the country on riparian rights, about the City's
power to control development in Lake Monroe. The Water Quality Commit-
tee wished to issue a warning about the possibility of Inland Steel
encroaching upon Lake Monroe and requested the Commission1s support and
approval for enlisting the aid of other groups in the effort. A motion
was made and approved that The Water Quality Committee should accumulate
as much factual information as they can before the next Commission
meeting with their suggestions as to what action the Commission can
take respecting Lake Monroe.
July 12 — The resolution on Lake Monroe development was read and David
Docauer presented a background report on the resolution. He said that
the resolution was^beginning step in seeking protection for Lake Monroe.
The vote was unanimous. John Patton directed that the absent members be
polled to ensure a majority giving approval.
August 9 — A motion made that: The Commission reques' the City of Bloom-
ington to name a representative to sit in on the final hearing of the
Department of Natural Resources? to request from Inland Steel's attorney
a copy of the plans to be made available as soon as possible; and a
representative be named to appear at the hearing of the Stream Pollution
Control Board on Tuesday, August 15» 1972, Whitehead offered an amendment
asking that Inland Steel give the plans of their development within the
drainage basin of Lake Monroe and that they also name a representative
to come before the Commission to discuss the development. The motion and
amendment were approved unanimously.
October 11 -•• Dick Hilliker, Representative of Inland Stael Development
Corp. , presented maps, gave a report on a proposed development around
Lake Monroe and discussed the development proposal with the Commission
and the audience, A Water Quality Committee report submitted by Docauer
was accepted. Donald YHiitehead and David Docauer agreed to write a
letter to the Stream Pollution Control Board and the University on
behalf of the Commission stating their views on the ISDC's plans.
November 8 -- Ted Najam, Administrative Assistant to the Mayor, read
a statement from the Office of the Mayor concerning the proposed Position
Paper prepared by David Docauer and Donald Whitehead on land development
around Lake Monroe; the present state of Lake Monroe and a projection
of its future in relation to presently proposed developments and future
developments. The statement basically said that the Commission should
not make such statements without making it clear that it is not necessarily the
position of the City and "A statement of this kind with such broad
ramifications should be made only after there has been broad partici-
pation by all those City departments and commissions which have something
to contribute." Discussion followed, and some changes were made on
the position paper. The paper was approved. It was decided that Don
Whitehead would represent the Commission before the Common Council.
December 13 -- Donald Whitehead reported that the Common Council passed
a resolution accepting and concurring in the Commission's Position Paper.
Bron added that at the onrl of the discussion a suggestion was made by '
Council President ChaMotte Zietlow for the formation of a body to look
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into the ecological factors that concern the lake and the long range
view. Chairman Patton would contact Zietlow to request that the
Commission be included in such a body if it was not already constituted.
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SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION'S INVOLVEMENT WITH LAKE MONROE
Based on 1973 minutes
January 10 — The Commission's draft statement on the Black and Veatch report
was presented. In the discussion that followed, it was brought out that there
would be federal funding but the City does not require an impact statement.
3ave Rogers(President of the Board of Works) said he worked with the Black and
Veatch Report and thought the comments of the statement appropriate. Cn finding
Dumber two (Monroe Reservoir) he felt the comments were well taken, but said
that Black and Veatch were .only asked to do a bare bones study so the report
does not take into account the impact of increased development. The construc-
tion of waste water facilities would of necessity require federal grants, which
would in turn require an impact study, though that study would be directed
primarily toward alerting the public rather than binding any specific agen cy
to a set course of action. Mr. Rogers said also that Lake Monroe Reservoir would
not provide all of Bloomington1s future water need. The city plans to continue
to develop dependencies on Griffey Creek-Bean Blossom, though dependence on
Lake Monroe would continue to be very important. He added that the state makes
a good profit from the city of Bloomington bv providing the water from the
Lake Monroe Reservoir and that the state owed the city considerable consideration
in protecting the security of that water supply.
Barbara Heise asked if Mr. Rogers thought the tertiary xreatment facilities
should be funded immediately. He acknowledged the need and said the city would
file for both federal and local funds, but he warned that tho costs would be
astronomical. Mr, Spencer asked whether effluent from the .treatment plant was
delivered to Salt Creek below the dan, and whether any study had been made on
plans to deliver processed water in the same area where the sewage system is
proposed. Mr. Rogers said that the sewage plant was in one of the areas which
the Public Service Commission had currently given to one of the rural water
corporations and that the outflow main that goes down through Clear Creek actually
goes through a no man's land where there is currently no allocation of responsi-
bility. Mr. Bron asked about future additional water sources besides Lake Monroe
Rogers said that Griffey Creek-Bean Blossom was not delivering the high quality
water it could if the treatment system were improved. He expected that once
improved, the city could receive good water from it at a price below that the
city is paying to the state for water from Lake Monroe, Mr. Eron asked what
population was projected by fiat plan and Mr. Rogers answered that it ought to
be done just on the basis of present population because of the high price the
city is paying for Lake Monroe water. To meet projected need both systems would
have to be improved, and the plant on Lake Monroe doubled. Mr Bron said it was
his personal feeling that, in view of the high taxes to be paid by city
residents^ it was not unreasonable to ask that whatever development occurs be
controlled so that it doesn't damage the lake. My Rogers answered that he
didn't think there was any conflict with that, but he was not sure whether the
government had the current ability to control development. Barbara lleise asked
if it wasr.'t true that the city has virtually no control over development. Mr.
Rogers responded affirmatively saying the city really could only make hopeful
statements.
Mr. Docauer spoke about the Griffey Creek Reservoir saying that it has good
quality water because it is well forested, but the quantity is insufficient.
He had little personal knowledge of Bean Blossom, but had hoard it was very
turbid and hard to process. He doubted if it would serve if the population
increased. He said some of the mistaken in the Black and Voatch Report had
not been corrected. His comments were: I. That nil growth projected in the
report until 19^O occurring within Bloominnton was unlikely--much should occur
outside the city. 2. That more growth would occur in the city than in the
county was also unlikely. 3. The overloaded south plant was designed for
7,000,000 gallons whereas before the Commission was told 10,000,000.
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4. The tertiary treatment facilities need to be placed now. Sometimes tertiary
lagoons cause problems--high algae growth causes secondary pollution. No sure
method exists to remove the algae by sedimentation a.id the city ought to con-
sider this. In response to Barbara Heise's question as to whether tertiary
lagoons were the method of tertiary treatment now in use, Mr. Docauer said
there were other methods (electrolysis, chemicals) depending on the purpose of
the tertiary treatment.
Chairman Patton suggested an amendment to tht; wording of the statement of the
effect that "all future additional water needs must come from Monroe Reservoir"
be changed to "and much of the foreseeable future additional water nee.d of
Bloonington must come from the Monroe Reservoir." The motion v/as accepted and
the amendment adopted.
February 14 -- George Walkenshaw, of the City's Utilities Department, spoke
about the problems facing the City's other sources of water, Lake Lemon and
Lake Griffey. He pointed out that the City was never able to utilize fully
Lake Lemon water because it has~to flow down a creek ten miles before it is
collected and repunped to the Griffey Water Treatment Plant, a facility which
was never designed to treat a water with a high turbidity content. Thus, in
the past year the city has only been able to use Mater taken directly out of the
Griffey Reservoir, He mentioned that water from Lake Monr.oe was costing the
city about three million dollars a day. It would be Black and Veatch's
recommendation to expand and remodel the Griffey Water Treatment Plant so that
the water from Lake Lemon could be fully utilized. This would involve extensive
settling and floculation facilities because of the sludge problem. He knew of
no perfect solution to the dewatering of alum plant sludge, but said, the City
is presently constructing some pave drying beds fron which the sludge could
be scraped after it has been dried by mechanical equipment, then hauled off
and buried in lane! fills. Other methods are under investigation. Other
problems included storm water entering the South Sanitary Treatment Plant, and
the plant is a dry ditch situation allowing little oxidation of the organic
material in the stream thereby causing odor. He then spoke on solutions and a
discussion followed.
The Water Quality Committee introduced a resolution to support the Lake
Shore Protection Bill now in the state legislature. The Bill would give the
Natural Resources Commission the right to review all development within two
miles of state owned or managed reservoirs. Docauer remarked that the purpose
of the Bill was to make the NRC into a kind of Plan Commission for the lake
which would examine all aspects of planning. The Stream Pollution Control
Board presently hasn't the power to do this and neither does the NRC. Cor-
poration-owned land within the Monroe watershed is about 33OO acres, all but
about 600 acres inside the two mile area. The Bill gives the NRC
power to make decisions which it previously was not able to make.
March 21 --Barbara Restle of the Water Quality Committee, presented a prelimi-
nary report on a sedimentation survey of Lake Monroe. Since the area is under-
going rapid change, it is necessary to start now to-obtain accurate records of
the sedimentation rate, which is thought by the Army Corp of Engineers to have
a worse effect on a reservoir than sewage or industrial pollution. The Corp may
not survey Lake Monroe for 4 to 5 years and the only soil surveys of the area
now are based on a 1922 study. A recconnaissance study of the Lake is in order.
now to determine roughly what the rate might be, especially since the original
surveys were made with no projected change in the land use around the reservoir.
A motion was made for the Commission "to encourage the City to take cooperative
action with the county as soon as possible to get the Corps of Engineers to
make a recconnaissance sedimentation study of Lake Monroe at its earliest pos-
sible opportunity in view of the probable effects of the proposed developments
around the lake,"
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May 9 -- Barbara Hei&e reminded the Commission of xhe positir ' ^aken
last year, that in the absence of good regional planning, massive development
around Lake Monroe WAS unwarranted. Since that time, Inland Steel has been
given its nearly fi^al approval to build, Heise noted that the county zoning
ordinance would be having public hearings during the summer and urged Commis-
sioners to attend bh^&e meetings to' defend tighter controls for the two mile
fringe. Jar, Biar--:!-! indicated that a representative of the Army Corps of
Engineers he.a indirstecl that the Corps nay not be favorably disposed to issuing
a permit to Inland.
June 13 ~~A letter froT- the Array Corps of Engineer?, said that the Corps planned
to resxirvcy the Lakot completing the other range installations, in 1977 • In
the meantime a preliminary survey would be conducted and the results would be
communicated to the City. The letter aclded that the Corps did not fear a
potential reduction of the lifespan of the lake due to sedimentation even
though studies of ox'.or reservoirs indicate that initial projections of that rate
are incorrect, Bianchi suggested, in light oif Senator Bayh's recent disapproval
of the Indianapolis "eservoir project, that the Commission could exercise a lit-
tle raore force in pursuit of a survey. More pressure could be brought to bear
upon the Corps at least to get a study on track for 1977, Bron argued that
1V77 may well be too late because the development around the Lake appears to be
iminent, Heise asked what results could be expected from a preliminary survey.
In response Barbara Restle, new chairwoman of the Water Quality Committee,
indicated that such a survey would probably be quite trivial. A comprehensive
survey is quite conplex and must give an indication of where the sedimentation
is coming from, not just now much deposition there is. Such information would
be necessary in order to design sedimentation basins to protect the reservoir
from further sedimentation. Responding to a question of the cost of such a
study, Fire estimated around $20,OOO, He thought the Commission . should
ascertain the estimate cost and then go directly to Washington for the appro-
priation, Bron agreed that the City has much to lose should it not pursue this
comse. Patton proposed that the Commission take initial steps to carry out
Fix's proposal by seeking a cost estimate.
The Environmental Commission has been asked by the Plan Staff, to appoint
a member to attend meetings at Purdue on the ramifications and possible uses of
the information gathered by the Skylab experiments over Lake Monroe,
Bianchi reported that Inland Steel Itad still not accepted the restric-
tions placed upon them by the Stream Pollution Control Board and were not on
the agenda for the June meeting. In another development, the proposed county
zoning ordinance has been amended to provide that no development visible from
the shores of Lake Monroe would be permitted, and to require drainage and
erosion controls around the lake. This amendment will be discussed June 14,
and could use the support of all Commissioners, Bron added that the Forest
Service had also decided to deny permits to cross Forest Service land with
utility pipelines until a regional plan is devised. Ileise pointed out that this
would have particular significance for Granves-Monroe and Inland Steel,
July 11 -- Assistant City Planner, Stu Reller, and Dr. David Frey reported on
the Lake Monroo-Skylab project and its possible ramifications for environ-
mental concerns.
Bianchi reported that the estimated cost of a sedimentation survey of
Lake Monroe is 524,000 for a resurvey of the existing ranges, and 520,000
to complete the range installations. The Corps said its preliminary study
scheduled for July should give a reasonable indication of the sediment in the
project now. In light of Barbara Rentle's opinion that it is more important to
know whore the sediment is coming from, such a preliminary study would pro- •
bably not help tr.uch. added Bianchi, She pointed out that Sen, Bayh sits on
tli o *n»rerrifti:ions.CoBinittcc and could be contacted for help in this matter.
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The initial response from the Mayor's office, she reported, was a willingness
to pursue the request in Washington, asking that the appropriations be made now,
rather than in 1977.
September 12 — Ted Najam discussed the letter, sent to Birch Bayh, concerning
a sedimentation study of Lake Monroe. He explained that an earlier letter
had been Bent to the Louisville District Army Corp of Engineers in reference
to the study. Their reply was that they could give only a quick visual esti-
mate at this tine, but that funds for an in-depth study would not be available
until 1977. Sen. Bayh explained that the 197^ appropriations bill for the Corps
has already been passed by Congress and therefore it is impossible to amend
it for such a large amount. He expressed his desire to worl; with the City in
getting appropriations for this study during the next funding session. This
would make the study possible 2 to 3 years earlier than predicted and in
this sense he was encouraging.
In reference to the Department of Utilities1 proposal to close Lake Lemon
&s a water supply, Marcia Gelpe replied that the Water Quality Committee has
begun to look into the proposal and tactics that could be used to clean up
Lake Lemon. They expressed their feeling to the City's Utilities Boaru. The
reasons for closing have to do with estimates of renovating the facility
compared to the cost of Lake Monroe, volume of water and the plant. Patton
cc-nmented that several investigations are taking place, one of which is a
sedimentation report and he assumed the decision von't be made until the
information is in.
October 10 — The './ater Quality Committee has been studying the ^roblen of
spills of raw sewage into Salt Creek from the Nashville Sewage Plant arid sent
a letter to the County Commissioners of Brown County asking that a joint
meeting be set up to discuss the source of the problem as well as possible
solutions. The Commission agreed to send a letter to the Drown County Com-
missioners endorsing the idea of a joint meeting and asking to be kept informed
on the progress on solving the problem.
November 14 -- Dennis King presented a report concerning the meeting of the
Lake Monroe Regional Waste District Board and City Utilities Service Board
and a request of the Water Quality Committee submitted for an additional
hearing on an environmental assessment hearing to determine the environmental
effects of the regional sewer treatment plant that is goirg to be constructed
by the City Utilities Service Board and of the diversion system that will be
put in by the LMRVD3. The Water Quality Committee said that the LMRVDB had
not filed any information prior to the meeting in conjucction with regulations
that the EPA has stated and therefore did not give the public a 30-day notice
to study the information. The outcome of a request that they hold another
meeting was a letter which indicated that another meeting would not be held,
but they would put some information on file and answer questions, if there
are any. A motion was made by the Environmental Commission and approved that
a hearing be held at the regular December Environmental Commission meeting with
the Utilities Service Board and their engineers answering questions from the
Commission and the public. In addition, the LMRWBD and the Monroe County Plan
Commission were requested to attend. Barbara Rcstle stressed the interrela-
tedness of these two projects in the Water Quality Committee report.
December 12 -- see attached minutes.
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HISTORY OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION'S INVOLVEMENT WITH LAKE MONROE
Based on 19?4 minutes
February 13 — Barbara Resile read, the minutes of the last Water Quality
monthly meeting. In short, it said there was concern on the part of many members
that an environmental impact statement should be requested by the committee
that would deal with the effects of the new sewage plant in greater detail* A
working subcommittee was formed to study the assessment hearings held by the
USB. It was hoped that this subcommittee would reach a conclusion on the course
of action the Water Quality Committee should pursue. No questions or comments
were added.
Restle presented to the Commission a summary of the considerations from the sub-
committee. She said the summary was by no means complete. The two considera-
tions presented were in the areas of population data projections for Monroe
County and problems with the treatment plant site and outfall sewer, Patton
recommended that these comments, if approved by the Commission, should become
part of the December 12^ meeting, Restle agreed but added that more considera-
tions than these two are being questioned. Restle stated that, although
the population data appears complete in the assessment it is not. Dennis King
explained that one of the first considerations to be included in an assessment
is a description of the effect of population distribution concentration on any
growth that might occur if the project is undertaken. He said that, with that
in uind, the subcommittee went through the Infiltration and Inflow Study and
the hearing record for the October 25- environmental assessment hearing and
the December 12** information meeting to determine what RSH Associates had done
in regard to population projections. King said his impression was that the
statistics used in the assessment had projections to 1980-1990 based on the
census of 195O-1960. If it is based on these years there would be no influence
from the lake on the extraurban area because the lake was not constructed
until 1963? King said that the alternatives to the temporary plant site were
not mentioned with regards to growth in different volumes and directions. He
said the Water Quality Committee is recommending further study. Heise asked
if the Water Quality Committee was asking for an environmental impact statement.
King replied that at this time they are not asking £tir an environmental impact
statement but only trying to point out subjects that are not adequately investi-
gated, Patton summed up King's comments by saying that the population projection
studies are not adequate and the effect of the waste water disposal plant on
changes in population have not been assessed at all. King's final comment pointed
out that if the population projections have not been adequately looked into
one can not design capacity of a plant properly, A copy of these questions will
be sent to the USB and EPA administrators. The Commission voted unanimously to
forward them,
Jim Ferro reported that at the last monthly meeting of the Water Quality commit-
tee another working group was formed composed of Jim Pres, David Docauer, and
himself. This working group will investigate the effects of construction
activities around Lake Monroe with regards to water run-off. The second major
project the working group is considering is one concerning Lake Lemon, This
would involve sampling the shoreling during a rainy period to measure runoff,
April 10 -- Jim Ferro said the water sampling project which is being planned to
test the quality of the run-off in the Lake Monroe watershed is being organized
and should be underway soon,
September 11 -- An ad hoc committee consisting of Rick Peoples, Dave Parkhurst,
Rick Darby, and Barbara Heise agreed to study the USB report on the Long Range
Plan Water Supply and Distribution Facilities for Bloomington, IN,
Rick Darby gave his report on Lako Monroe. This report concerned the legal
standing; how can a reservoir outside of the city boundaries be controlled and
what is the relationship of the Commission to that lake, and whether there is
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anything the Commission can look into other than water quality itself.
September 25 -- Barbara nestle said that interests in the Water Quality Committee
are too broad. There are legal problems, bacteriological problems, limnological
problems, sedimentary problems, and more. The committee needs to form subcommit-
tees and she asked for suggestions on restructuring.
November 13 -- Rick Darby gave a report on Lake Monroe. He said that Lake
Monroe is a large interest requiring tremendous work. There is no way one
person can provide the Commission with enough information for the Commission
to feel it is in control with the situation. He has therefore arranged with
Professor White in the Law School for students to receive credit for participa-
ting in a project designed to prepare a paper or pamphlet which would ade-
quately describe the jurisdiction of various governmental bodies over Lake
Monroe, interaction and jurisdiction bet\/een this commission and the City,
of Bloomington in those various bodies and the rights
generally given to individuals in Indiana in the
Environmental field. Rick feels with this help, by the first of the year, a
comprehensive and fairly clear statement of exactly where the Commission stands
can be provided. He then went on to state the legal proceedure the Commission
wotud have to go through if it was to take action and suggestions the Commission
should consider. Walter Bron asked if Rick had a specific group in mind other
than Water Quality. Rick said no. Rick Peoples gave a report on the status
of the Water Quality Committee. The first meeting was held. Only four people
showed up but only one was interested in participation.
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CITY OF BLOOMI
N B T O N /
PO BOX 100, MUNICIPAL BLDG., BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA 47401
'Environmental Commission
June 5, 1975
Mr. Harlan D. Hirt
Chief, Planning Branch
United States Environmental
Protection Agency, Region V
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604
Dear Mr. Hirt:
The Environmental Quality and Conservation Commission of
Bloominnton would like to ammend its "Recommendations of the
Environmental Quality and Conservation Commission on .the Siting
of the Proposed Bloomington Sewage Treatment Facilities." The
report has been sent to you within the past week.
The amendment takes the form of clarification of some of the
points made in the original "''ecommendations" and additional
points which we raiso in the hope that they will be addressed
in the forthcoming Environmental Impact Statement. These addi-
tional iter.is stem primarily from the discussions which occurred
during the Environmental Assessment Hearing held in Bloomington
on May 29.
The amendment is enclosed.
Sincerely yours,
W. E. Dron, Chairnan
Blooninoton "^nvironncntal Quality
and Conservation Commission
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Amendment to the "Recommfindations of tho
2nvjronnental Quality and Conservation Commission (SCtCC)
on tho Siting of the Proposed
Eloomington Sewage Treatment Facilities"
1. Comparison of the Effluent Quality Sffects between the Salt Creek
Site and Any of the Clear Creek Sites,
Discussion during the May 29, 1975 Environmental Assessment Bearing
brought out the point that current requirements on effluent, based
on the dilution capacity of the receiving stream, may not (or nay)
be changed in the future to meet the 19"? goals stated in Public
Law 02—50O, If the requirements are not increased, then clearly the
one-stage Salt Creek plant could continue to be in compliancn with
the legal requirements. In any event, however, as regards full cost
effectiveness, a Clear Creek plant is nore cost effective than the
Salt Creek plant, because the former would discharge a hirjher quality
effluent for the same cost. Moreover, with regard to future stan-
dards, a Clear Creek plant would discharge an effluent noro clearly
in the spirit of Public Law 92-50O than would th<* Salt Crook plant.
2. The EQCC recommends that every effort be nade to consider construction
of a plant at the Dillman Hoad si to without rolocat ir.g Clear Croe!..
An anount of abo''t i 1. ^ pillion has boo:1 ertii'ated by 13'nc'. am!
Vo.itch for the cost of relocation th^ crc-r-' . An adf'itiona1 "1 r-iilion
appears to have bo^ii included for aligninn tho plant tr fit tho site
after relocation of the creek. It ar-iears to the SC;CC that for
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•^"-•3 nillion (and1 probably for considerably Joss), sewer Jinl.s can
1 ~r- >,iti]t, between components of tan facility which would need to be
loc-ii':r' on either si'lc of the crook, ./o request thai the :,JG con-
sider the environnontal consequences of relocating the creel; coin-
pared with the construction of sewer links, and also the relative
cost effectiveness of these alternatives.
3. At the Environmental Assessment Hearing, Black and Veatch claimed
that tre need for vacuum drying of sludge at the Dillman Road site
results from the ]ack of two to three level acres of land needed to
b'lild drying beds. The relative additional cost for vacuum drying
over drying beds is projected to be ^>1 million (projected worth).
This additional expenditure is assessed only on the Dillman Road
site. A study of a geodetic nap of the site suggests that the
required two to three acres of land are available, even if the
Black ar.d Veatch layout is adhered to. In any event, it appears to
the EQCC that the required acreage can be constructed for consider-
ably less than the increnental $1 nillion. The EUCC requests that
this cost differential he investigated.
A. The EQCC questions the need for an additional anount of 3lOO,OOO
yearly attached by Blac': and Veatch to the labor costs at any of the
Clear Crec1: niter c^ri^aroc! to the ^al t Creek r.ite. The only explana-
tion o.r tMs ano"nt fjivon " y !31ack and Veatch to r'ato ir that the
Clear Creek s:tor; dn rot require ;'ore prrno;inel but, ra!v~r, '.id ^h.er
"••ality perr-nrsiir 1 . .Sine1? r32n.c!'. and Voatch has stated that the cc-;.-'-
1r-Jty of operation is tie sane at all sites, the Er.CC fails to
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understand th~ basis for tMr, i-.cr" cntal r rrcrr, .'.vi t a;a;-int
Clear Cr^p' n;te.s. T''- i^CC rnquosts : Vrxt t'..Js cost -' : T^r^
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Bloociington, Indiana
May 3, 1975
Steve Riggins, President
Monroe County Plan Commission
County Courthouse Annex
Bloomington, Indiana
Dear Mr. Biggins t
A number of organizations concerned with implementation of the
Land Suitability Study of the Lake Monroe area, in process of
completion by the Indiana University School for Public and
Environmental Affairs, would like a place on the agenda of the
May 20th meeting of the Monroe County Plan Commission in order
to present two requests:
1) for formulation and adoption of a policy and plan for
the use of the Lake Monroe Land Suitability Study, and
2) for consideration of applying for a Planning Grant for
a similar study for the remainder of the County.
Enclosed is a statement which we are sending to the members of
the Monroe County Plan .Commission, the Monroe County Council,
and the Monroe County Commissioners.
Yours sincerely,
Anne Hippy
609 S. Stall, representing the
organizations
cc: Bob Snoddy
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TO: TIES MONROE COUNTY PLAN COUiISSION
FROMJ CONTACT, BLOOM1NGTON LEAGUE Oi-1 YJOMEif VOTERS, jJLOUilLlGTOIf
MENTAL DUALITY AND CONSERVATION COLIuISSION, SASSAFilAS AUDU30N SOCIETY
The Land Suitability Study being conducted by the Indiana University School
of Public and Environmental Affairs covers approximately a 100 square mile
area around Lake Monroe and will provide a valuable data base and Land Capa-
bility Model for use in planning for that area. It is an important first
step in terras of the study and planning needed for the entire Lake Monroe
Watershed.
The value of such a study, however, will not be realized until the results
of the study are incorporated into planning and decision-making for that
region. ¥e ask that the Monroe County Plan Commission formulate and adopt
a policy and plan for the implementation of the study. Those involved in
making the study will demonstrate how to retrieve and interpret the data,
but we need a firm committment to its use to gain the benefits inherent in
the study.
We believe that the time is appropriate, also, for undertaking a compre-
hensive land use study for the remainder of Monroe County with the ^oal of
incorporating the two studies with the zoning ordinance recently adopted
into a Comprehensive Master Plan for the County.
The need for such a study is apparent. For example, the Indiana University
School of Business recently predicted a 25,000 population increase in the
south drainage basin of the. County within the next two decades. V7e need
to identify critical areas such as fragile lands, renewable resource lands,
natural hazard lands, mineral resources, etc and protect them through
planning as well as seek an over-view of our land-use problems and potential.
Funding for such a study is available through a Federal 701 Planning Grant
which would pay 2/3 of the cost with the local governing body providing 1/5.
701 Planning Grant funds are allocated by the Indiana State Planning Services
Agency which could conceivably give high priority to a project which would
include land-use planning for Lake Monroe as one of its components.
Many kinds of data are available which would minimize the cost of the study.
The Soil Survey of Monroe County is well advanced and expected to be com-
pleted within two years. The Indiana Geological Survey will provide geo-
logical and hydrological data and both the Soil Conservation Service and
the Geological Survey will provide expert services in interpretation of
this data. A recently completed study of the karst region of the west side
of the County should prove valuable. The services of the Region 10 planner
and cooperation with the planning services of the City of Bloomington could
also expedite planning and minimize costs.
We would appreciate early consideration by the Monroe County Plan Commission
of an application for a Planning Grant.
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
BLOOMINGTON. INDIANA
1975
To: City of Bloomington Utilities Service
Indiana Stream Pollution Control Board
Region V Environmental Protection Agency
Lake Monroe Regional Sewage Board
From: League of Women Voters of Bloomington-Monroe County
Subject: Addition to our statement of May 29, 19?^> for the
record of the assessment hearing for the proposed
sewage treatment facility at the confluence of
Salt and Clear Creeks in southern Monroe County
Our initial statement consisted of an outline of the
positions of the League on the issues of water resources and
land use, followed by questions regarding the six major issues
of EPA concern as stated in the announcement of requirement
for an environmental impact statement.
The purpose of this addition to the first statement is
twofold. We would like to express our disappointment in the
reception given our questions. For most of them there seemed
to be little serious attempt to answer tnem at the assessment
hearing. Second, we would like to outline, this time in
statement form, our reservations and doubts about the
Facilities Plan and First Amendment prepared by Black and Veatch:
I. Regionalization
The concept of regionalization, as it has been used in
this long conflict over expansion of treatment facilities
for Bloomington's south service area, is fuzzy. The most
widely understood meaning of a regional facility is that of
a facility planned by two or more local governmental bodies
with existing needs which can be more efficiently and
economically met by a common facility. That Bloomington's
situation fits tnis description is extremely doubtful.
An additional complication is a semantic problem which
has arisen with the use of the words "region" and "regional".
These words have been used to describe both the domain of the
Lake Monroe Waste District and the larger service area including
the Bloomington South Area. The confusion is most obvious when
someone uses the phrase "regional plant" which might be for the
lake only (3 mgd) or for the larger proposed region (15 or 20 mgd)
AFFILIATED WITH TM« LlAOUl OF WOMIH VOTKNI OF TMI UNITIO 1TATO AND OF INDIANA
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Page 2 Addition to LWV statement of May 29, 1975
The needs of the Lake Monroe area are quite small at the
present time and are projected to reach 3 million gallons per
day only in 1998. The Lake Monroe area has individual treat-
ment facilities for each of its few developments, since no
construction is permitted without approval of treatment
facilities. Those which discnarge an effluent must have
NPDES permits and meet schedules for upgrading tneir treatment
as required by Public Law 92-500.
The replacement of these small treatment facilities with a
collector sewer almost completely circling the lake basin
west of the causeway and a single treatment plant is a plan
which may not, by itself, be economically feasible. Tnere
may never be enough users to pay for it. The facilities
plan for the Lake Monroe Regional A'aste District lists costs
of more than $8 million for the collector and interceptor
sewers. Presumably these costs are at prices as of October 23,
197^, the date of publication of the report. The constructiion
cost listed for a 3 ngd plant is approximately $3«o" million.
These costs are to be borne by a present user population of
about 1900 home equivalents (370 gpd per home). To finance
the total of 811.8 million in construction costs amounts to
about $6000 per home equivalent. It seems clear and has been
so stated publicly that large developers will be needed to bring
the costs per dwelling within reasonable limits.
At the 1998 projected population of about bOOO home
equivalents (3 million gpd, 100 gpd per person, 3*7 persons
per home equivalent), the cost still amounts to about S1500
per home equivalent for construction alone; and tnis does not
include lateral sewers from collector to dwelling.
In addition single family dwellings not able to be served
by planned collector sewers nave been included in present and
projected user populations for the Lake Monroe Regional Waste
District. They will have tne additional cost of building a
sewer from their lot line to the region interceptor sewer.
The cost to serve scattered single family dwellings would be
extremely high.
There is no existing legal mechanism for forcing homes
now using eeptic tanks to hook onto the planned sewers.
There is a state law requiring nomes within 300 feet of a
sewer to hook on; but this nas not been uniformly enforced
even within the Blooming-ton city limits. Moreover there does
not seem to be a mechanism for taking existing small treatment
plants out of service and forcing tneir users to hook onto tne
region's interceptor. it seems probable tnat many users
would reject this expensive alternative unless tnere are
l«-gal means to compel them to accept it.
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Page 3 Addition to LWV statement of May 29, 1975
If the concept of providing sewer service for these areas
of low population density proves unworkable, we are ]eft with
a rather small probable service area for a Lakt Monroe regional
plant at the site proposed. Tnis area might reasonably include
The Pointe, the Fairfax area, Seven Flags Corporation, possibly
Harrodsburg. Ths total projected flow from tnese communities
by 199fc is 8^3,863 gpd compared to 3,000,000 gpd for the whole
lake area, (page 15, Lake Monroe region facilities plan)
There is already in existence a treatment plant built for
The Pointe with a capacity of 116,000 gpd. The effluent of
this plant discharges into Little Clear Creek, out of the
Lake Monroe watershed. This "interim plant" represents a
large investment and might not be willingly abandoned even
if Bloomington chooses the proposed Salt Creek site for its
South Area plant.
In summary of our thinking on the regional concept, we
would like to see more cost factors discussed. At what
population density does it become cost effective to go to one
big regional plant? Do any cost projections consider a
planning span long enough to include replacement of sewers?
What is the state of the art for small (less than 1 mgd) treat-
ment plants? For individual hone treatment? Is there an
increased cost for "old" users when their sewer service area
is broadened? Should a densely populated, efficient service area
share treatment plant construction costs with a sparsely
populated, inefficient service area? Do the growth projections
accurately predict wnat will happen when a service area is
greatly expanded? Might not a slowly growing Bloomington Soutn
area find itself paying the costs for a rapidly growing area
southwest of Lake Monroe?
II. The Capacity(ies) and Location(s) of a_ Regional STP or
Separate STPs
A. Capacity
There are a number of important unanswered questions
relating to the amount of new plant capacity which is needed.
In the original facilities plan (December ^, 197^) a figure of
14.9 mgd was given for the Bloomington South area for 199&.
In the First Amendment to the facilities plan (March 20, 1975),
after a recalibration of flowraeters at the Winston Thomas plant,
this figure was changed to 17.6 m^d. (In both cases the flow
contribution estimated for the Lake Monroe area is 3 ngd.)
Included in these figures is 1.9 mgd now treated at
Bloomington's north treatment plant, tne Blucher Poole plant.
This compares to a total of 2.7 mgd treated at tnat plant.
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