'A/570/9-91/014 'ates lental Protection Office Of Water (WH-550G) 570/9-91-014 December 1991 lide For Conducting Contaminant Source Inventories For Public Drinking Water Supplies Technical Assistance Document -'.-''i* •.•?-!»•* JU ------- GUIDE FOR CONDUCTING CONTAMINANT SOURCE INVENTORIES FOR PUBLIC DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES: TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE DOCUMENT ------- GUIDE FOR CONDUCTING CONTAMINANT SOURCE INVENTORIES FOR PUBLIC DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES: TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE DOCUMENT ------- ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This document was prepared for the Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water under contract No. 68-CO-0083. Kevin McCormack served as Task Manager for this project, with assistance from Janette Hansen and Dr. Norhert Dee. ------- TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY i 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Overview of this Document I 1.2 Definition of Contaminant Source Inventory and a Description of the Process 1 1.3 Other Federal Requirements tor Source Inventories 3 1.4 Purpose of This Technical Assistance Document 4 1.5 Organization of this TAD 4 1.6 Additional Information on Wellhead Protection 4 1.7 Additional Information on Source Inventories 5 2.0 GROUND-WATER CONTAMINATION SOURCES OF CONCERN 7 2.1 Review of Contamination Sources of Concern 7 2.2 Prioritizing Risks 10 3.0 DESIGN OF SOURCE INVENTORY PROGRAMS 11 3.1 Characterizing the Area's Needs 11 3.2 Establishing Clear and Attainable Goals 11 3.3 Administering the Program Efficiently 11 3.4 Allocating Sufficient Resources 11 4.0 SOURCE IDENTIFICATION METHODS 13 4.1 Existing Data Sources 13 4.2 Surveys 20 4.3 Field Studies 29 5.0 IMPLEMENTING METHODS FOR SOURCE IDENTIFICATION 33 5.1 Consult Existing Sources of Information 33 5.2 Share Information with Other WHP Elements and Tools 33 5.3 Compile a List of Sources 33 5.4 Access Unknown Sources 34 5'.5 Modify a Program to Support Individual Community Needs 34 6.0 DATA MANAGEMENT 37 6.1 Why Do You Need It and What Do You Do With It? 37 6.2 Current Approaches to Data Base Management 37 6.3 Maintaining CIS and Data Bases 41 ------- TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Page 7.0 USING THE INVENTORY TO PROTECT WATER SUPPLIES 43 7.1 Priority Setting 43 7.2 New Zoning and Health Regulations 44 7.3 Developing a Pollution Prevention Program 45 8.0 SUMMARY ' 49 9.0 CASE STUDY REFERENCES 51 .APPENDIX A BIBLIOGRAPHY A-1 APPENDIX B CASE STUDIES : B-l APPENDIX C REGULATORY DATA BASES C-l APPENDIX D STATE AND U.S. INSULAR AREA WELLHEAD PROTECTION AGENCIES D-l ------- Page i EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Technical Assistance Document (TAD) assists state and local water managers in developing and refining methods and procedures for inventorying existing and potential sources or contamination within Wellhead Protection Areas. The Source Inventory Process is an integral part of EPA's Wellhead Protection (WHP) Program, established under the 1986 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Wellhead Protection Program was developed primarily to protect the ground waters that supply wells and wellfields that contribute drinking water to public water supply systems. The basic purposes of the program are to recognize and address the essential need to protect ground-water drinking water supplies, and to meet the goals of the Sate Drinking Water Act. The program uses a combined approach that allows state and local water managers to take into account the individual needs of their public water supply systems, in particular the diverse nature of hydrogeologic settings and the nature and extent of potential sources of contamination that may threaten municipal drinking water supplies. In addition, development of a Wellhead Protection Program at the State and local level preserves the right of these entities to determine how matters of land use and water allocations arc best resolved for individual locations. The vulnerability of ground-water supplies to existing or potential sources of contamination within wellhead protection areas underscores the need for a systematic, detailed process by which these potential threats can be inventoried. The use of a comprehensive, detailed inventory allows the water manager to prioritize these sources according to the level of risk to public drinking water supplies, and to develop differential management strategies to deal with these sources, thereby safeguarding the public health. This Technical Assistance Document discusses the design, structure, and function of contaminant source inventories. Within this document you will find detailed discussions of contaminant sources of concern and methodologies for identifying these sources. You will also find suggestions on how to manage the information collected on these sources, and how to use this information to protect public drinking water supplies. Throughout the document are actual case studies of contaminant source inventories, which are excellent examples of wellhead protection in action. ------- Page 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Overview of this Document This document is one in a continuing series of Technical Assistance Documents prepared by the Ground-Water Protection Division, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This TAD discusses the process by which State and local water managers can develop and implement methods and procedures for inventorying existing and potential sources of ground-water contamination within wellhead protection areas (WHPA). A WHPA is a defined area surrounding or immediately adjacent to a well or wellfield from which public drinking water supplies are drawn, and through which contaminants may be expected to move, potentially endangering the drinking water supply from that well. EPA prepared this document as part of its ongoing effort to assist State and local governments in developing Wellhead Protection (WHP) Programs. WHP programs have six major elements: (1) designation of roles and duties of State and local agencies; (2) delineation of WHPAs; (3) identification of contaminant sources within WHPAs; (4) development of management approaches for the WHPA; (5) preparation of contingency plans for replacement water supplies, and (6) siting of new wells to maximize yield and minimize potential contamination. In addition, WHP programs must include a statement of purpose and a mechanism by which the public participates in the development of the program. This document focuses specifically on element (3) above, thd identification of contaminant sources within wellhead protection areas. 1.2 Definition of Contaminant Source Inventory and a Description of the Process Simply put, identifying and inventorying contaminant sources within WHPAs involves a process of recording existing data, describing sources within the WHPA, targeting likely sources for further investigation, collecting and interpreting new information on existing or potential sources through surveys, and verifying accuracy and reliability of the information gathered. Depending on the availability of resources and the level of information desired on contaminant sources, the State or local water manager can develop a source inventory process ranging in detail from very elementary to quite complex. Source inventory procedures submitted to EPA in the past as part of WHP programs have ranged from simple lists of potential contaminant sources or activities compiled from telephone directories and paper files, to revision of old maps and creation of new and sophisticated map overlays utilizing specific data elements (e.g., latitude/longitude) from multiple computer data bases. Whatever the level of detail selected, the source inventory process should incorporate the basic steps in gathering and interpreting information as outlined below. 1.2.1 Recording Existing Data In most municipalities, a substantial amount of information on existing or potential contaminant sources exists in the form of routine records or documents recorded or assembled in the day-to-day operation of local government. Included in these are federal, state, and local data bases, either computerized or manual, dealing with commercial operating, discharge, and disposal permits, construction permits, zoning records, real estate title searches, health department records, aerial photographs, telephone directories, and historical records. Examination of these records relative to locations and activities within WHPAs allows the water manager to select existing or ------- Page 2 potential sources of contamination within the WHPA, and assess the need for gathering additional data. 1.2.2 Targeting Likely Sources Within the WHPA The initial information-gathering phase of the source inventory process may have a number of results in terms of documenting existing or potential sources. In some cases, all the data or information necessary may be available during this first step to conclude that a source of activity is or will be a significant contamination problem for a nearby public water supply well or wellfield. In this case, the source or activity can be immediately prioritized for special attention by the water manager. In most cases, however, it is likely that existing data or information will simply indicate that the source or activities may be (or may become) a problem. In these instances, it is important for the water manager to identify the specific information necessary to provide an adequate assessment of how significant the problem is or may become. This information can include such data as discharge rates to ground or surface water from permitted facilities, climatic or seasonal influences on operations or activities, and hydrogeologic settings. Once these parameters are identified, the process of filling in the information gaps can be developed. 1.2.3 Collecting und Interpreting New Information Data gaps and information needs can exist for individual contaminant sources within WHPAs, or for the entire WHPA as a discreet ground-water management unit. After the additional information needed for either is identified, the most comprehensive means of securing it is usually by a survey of some type. Surveys include mail questionnaires, door-to-door canvassing of neighborhoods, voting districts, or city and town limits, windshield surveys involving visual identification or verification of sources or locations, and personal interviews with individuals selected at random or chosen because of firsthand knowledge of an activity or occupation (e.g., factory workers involved in handling and disposal of wastes from manufacturing plants). These surveys can be as simple as having volunteer groups such as Boy or Girl Scout troops or senior citizens conduct "walking tour" type surveys, where any and all existing or potential threats to WHPAs are recorded, either by category or individually. Alternatively, the survey may involve a pre-selected cross section of individuals engaged in or having knowledge of particular occupations or activities, with each of these persons interviewed individually and in detail. Telephone surveys can also be productive, particularly with proper advance notice to the public through the local news media. Interpretation of newly-collected information from surveys is an important component of any source inventory project, and should involve some type of hazard ranking system relative to ground-water contamination and subsequent impact on public drinking water supplies. For example, medium to low-level threats from seasonal or climatic occurrences would clearly not present the same level of potential contamination of public drinking water supplies as an abandoned, uncovered chemical drum disposal site. By accurately inventorying existing and potential contaminant sources within the WHPA, and correctly interpreting the probability or likelihood of ground-water contamination associated with the source or activity, the local water manager can properly prioritize and develop management strategies to deal with these sources in a timelv and efficient manner. ------- Page 3 1.2.4 Verifying Accuracy of Information Gathered The best way to assure accuracy of information gathered during contaminant source inventories is to "ground truth," or field check the assembled data. In the case of aerial photographs of early or unknown vintage, updating photo files is an accurate (but costly) option. Follow-up telephone confirmation is inexpensive, and can be used to verify mail survey questionnaire information. Telephone confirmation also can be useful where access to a property or facility is denied (e.g., purposes of national security), or where the facility or activity is unmanned (e.g., remote oil well pumping stations). Information gathered by personal interview can also be verified by actual site visit. A vital and continuing function of the WHPA source inventory process is the refinement, expansion, and updating of information gathered during the initial inventory. These periodic checks assure that the information gathered is kept current and accurate, and are usually performed on a scheduled basis, anywhere from every 6 months to 2 years. While permitting provisions of State and local governments automatically add new activities or locations to the inventory list (fuel storage tanks, etc.), periodic checking is necessary to modify, reprioritize, or delete existing and older sources identified early on in the process. U Other Federal Requirements for Source Inventories In addition to the Wellhead Protection Program, there are other federal requirements for the maintenance and updating of contaminant source inventories. For example, owners and operators of all underground injection wells are required by rule (40 CFR 144.26) to submit contaminant source inventory information to EPA. For permitted underground injection wells, the location of the well must be reported as a.potential contaminant source under 40 CFR 144.31. Another important Federal statute, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to- Know Act of 1986, enacted as Title III of the Supeffund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), requires the inventory of potential contaminant sources as a part of an overall response mechanism for releases of hazardous chemicals. Title III establishes a network of State Emergency Response Commissions (SERCs) and Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) charged with planning for responses to such releases. Title III requires extensive public reporting by industrial facilities concerning the nature, presence, quantity, and management of hazardous chemicals. Title III complements the SDWA contaminant source inventory requirements for public water supplies in several important ways: • The "community right-to-know" reporting (Section 311 and 312) and toxic release inventory (Section 313) requirements of Title III provide a valuable source of information concerning potential contamination threats to ground-water supplies; and • Public interest and participation generated by Title III implementation efforts should provide a strong foundation for similar public involvement in ground-water protection and planning efforts, particularly voluntary participation in WHPA contaminant source inventory at the local level. ------- Page 4 1.4 Purpose of This Technical Assistance Document This TAD will assist state and local water managers with responsibilities for public drinking water supply systems in designing and conducting contaminant source inventories within WHPAs. Through the development of selective differential management -techniques and procedures, the TAD will also assist States and local communities in satisfying the WHP Program requirements under the 1986 SDWA Amendments, as well as SARA Title III requirements and the monitoring and vulnerability assessment activities required of Public Water Supply Systems (PWSSs). In addition, this TAD is designed for use primarily by smaller communities that lack extensive planning or technical resources, with the belief that larger communities will have the - resources necessary to develop contaminant source inventory plans specialized for their own particular needs. The TAD does not provide a specific planning recipe that must be followed to ensure success. Instead, it suggests a number of planning alternatives and possibilities to states and local communities under a structured process, whereby resources and capabilities available to the community can target those options most appropriate to local needs and conditions. 1.5 Organization of this TAD This TAD is divided into eight sections. After the Introduction (Section 1.0), Section 2.0 reviews selected sources of ground-water contamination, and discusses the application of Risk Ranking Systems to source categories. Section 3.0 describes the design of the source inventory process. Section 4.0 outlines source identification methods, including accessing existing data, types of surveys, and Held studies. Section 5.0 presents a process for implementing source identification methods. Section 6.0 outlines Data Management needs, exploring manual and computerized systems, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the maintenance of both conventional and CIS systems. Section 7.0 discusses the use'of contaminant source inventories in the protection of public water supplies. Section 8.0 summarizes information presented in the TAD, with some suggestions for beginning the source inventory process at the local level. Section 9.0 provides references to case studies used throughout the document. The Appendices follow with a bibliography, case studies, a description of regulatory data bases, and a listing of State reports and contacts. 1.6 Additional Information on Wellhead Protection In response to the 19S6 SDWA Amendments, EPA's Ground-Water Protection Division, Office of Ground-Water and Drinking Water, has developed several TADs in addition to this document for states and local governments interested in developing Wellhead Protection Programs: • Managing Contamination Sources in Wellhead Protection Areas: A Priority Setting Approach (January 1992) • "Why Do Wellhead Protection?" Issues and Answers in Protecting Public Drinking Water Supply Systems (November 1991) • Protecting Local Ground-Water Supplies Through Wellhead Protection (May 1991) ------- Page5 • Guide to Ground-Water Supply Contingency Planning for Local and State Governments (May 1990) • A Review of Sources of Ground-Water Contamination From Light Industry (May 1990) • Local Financing for Wellhead Protection (June 1989) • Wellhead Protection Programs: Tools for Local Governments (April 1989) • Developing a State Wellhead Protection Program: A User's Guide to Assist State Agencies Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (July 1988) • Model Assessments for Delineating Wellhead Protection Areas (May 1988) • State Wellhead Protection Program Question and Answer Fact Sheet (June 1987) • Guidelines for the Delineation of Wellhead Protection Areas (1987) • Guidance for Applicants for State Wellhead Protection Program Assistance Funds Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (June 1987) • Wellhead Protection: A Decision Maker's Guide (May 1987) EPA also has developed a simplified computer model, the WHPA code, that can he used to delineate local WHPA's. Copies of this model and the documents referenced above can be obtained from Regional EPA Ground Water offices. 1.7 Additional Information on Source Inventories Cross, Brad L., 1991, A ground water protection strategy: The city of El Paso: Texas Water Commission Report 91-01, 200 pp. Cross, Brad L., et al., 1991, A ground water protection strategy: The city of Houston: Texas Water Commission Report. 225 pp. Cross, Brad L, 1991, A guide to local ground water protection: Texas Water Commission Unnumbered Report, 25 pp. Texas Water Commission, et al., 1989. Texas wellhead protection program: Texas Water Commission Report, 123 pp. Texas Water Commission, 1990, If your public water supply depends on ground water - consider establishing a wellhead protection area: Texas Water Commission Publication C88-04. Texas Water Commission, 1991, Recruiting volunteers for ground water protection programs: Texas Water Commission Publication. ------- Pai>e 6 Texas Water Commission, 1991, WHPDATE - A quarterly newsletter published by the Texas Water Commission. The documents listed above can be acquired through the following address: Texas Water Commission P.O. Box 13087 Austin, Texas 78711-3087 ATT: Library ------- Page 7 2.0 GROUND-WATER CONTAMINATION SOURCES OF CONCERN Before a source identification process can begin, water managers should review the field of potential sources of concern. This can best be achieved by reviewing a comprehensive list of sources of concern, matching those that apply to specific WHPAs. Once water managers have identitied the potential threats to their water supply, they will need to prioritize those threats by ranking the risks associated with each source. 2.1 Review of Contamination Sources of Concern Various government agencies and organizations have developed lists that identify a wide variety of potential sources of ground-water contamination. The sources included in these lists are based primarily on land-uses or activities that occur within WHPAs. The vast majority of the potential sources of contamination identified in these lists relate to industrial, manufacturing, or commercial activities that involve the handling or disposal of contaminants that can degrade ground-water quality. The Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) has developed a comprehensive and often cited list of potential sources of contamination. This list classifies different types of potential sources of contamination into major categories, based on the general nature of the contaminants that could be released to the ground water. Another list, based on this OTA list, is organized by an alphabetical listing of sources. Both of these lists are provided in Exhibits 2-1 and 2-2. These lists, like many others, are not exhaustive collections of sources of contamination. Local WHPA managers may recognize some activities as sources of concern that were excluded from a particular list. Likewise, not every source that is identified on the attached lists will be a concern to every WHPA manager. For a discussion of another categorization of sources of contamination, see the EPA Office of Ground-Water Protection's A Review of Sources of Ground-Water Contamination from Light Industry -- Technical Assistance Document. Local water managers may wish to contact state ground-water or drinking water officials to discuss the most appropriate universe of sources to consider for their source identification survey. ------- PageS Exhibit 2-1: Sources of Ground-Water Contamination I. Sources Designed to Discharge Substances II. Sources Designed to Store, Treat, and/or Dispose of Substances; Discharges through Unplanned Release III. Sources Designed to Retain Substances During Transport or Transmission Subsurface percolation Septic tanks Cesspools Injection wells Hazardous waste Non-hazardous waste (brine disposal and drainage) Non-waste (enhanced recovery, artificial recharge solution mining and in-situ mining) I^ind application Wastewater (spray irrigation) Wastewater byproducts (sludge) Hazardous waste Non-hazardous waste Landfills Industrial hazardous and non-hazardous waste Municipal Sanitary Open dumps Surface impoundments Hazardous & nonhazardous Waste tailings & piles Hazardous & nonhazardous Materials stockpiles Non-waste Animal burial Under and Aboveground storage tanks Hazardous, nonhazardous and non- waste Containers Hazardous, nonhazardous and non- waste Open burning sites Detonation sites Radioactive disposal sites Pipelines Hazardous, nonhazardous and non-waste Materials transport and transfer operations Hazardous, nonhazardous, non-waste IV. Sources Discharging Substances as a Consequence of Other Planned Activities V. Sources Providing Conduit or Inducing Discharge through Altered Flow Patterns VI. Naturally Occurring Sources whose discharge is created and/or exacerbated by Human Activity Irrigation practice Applications Pesticide Fertilizer De-icing salts Animal feed operations Urban run-off Percolation of atmospheric pollutants Mining and mine drainings Surface mine-related Underground mine-related Production wells Oil and gas Geothermal and heat recovery Water supply Other wells Monitoring Exploration Construction excavation Ground and surface water interactions Natural leaching Source: U.S. Office of Technology Assessment, Protecting the Nation's Groundwater from Contamination, October 1984. ------- Page 9 Exhibit 2-2: Sources of Ground-Water Contamination Sources of Contamination Aboveground storage tanks: hazardous and non-hazardous waste treatment hazardous and non-hazardous waste storage hazardous and non-hazardous material storage Animal feedlots Containers: hazardous and non-hazardous waste storage hazardous and non-hazardous material storage Deep injection wells: wastewater disposal wells oil and gas activity disposal wells mineral extraction disposal wells De-icing salts storage piles Fertilizer applications Graveyards Ground water/surface water cross contamination Irrigation practices (return How) Land application: wastewater application (spray irrigation) wastewater byproduct (sludge) application petroleum refining waste application hazardous and non-hazardous waste application landfills: industrial hazardous and non-hazardous landfill municipal sanitary landfill Material transter operations: hazardous and non-hazardous waste transfers hazardous and non-hazardous material transfers Materials stockpiles: hazardous and non-hazardous material Mining and mine drainage Natural leaching Open dumps Pesticide applications Pipelines: hazardous and non-hazardous waste (sewers) hazardous and non-hazardous material Radioactive disposal sites Salt-water intrusion Septic tanks: houses apartments small businesses Shallow injection wells: agricultural drainage wells automobile service station disposal wells industrial process water disposal wells Storm water drainage wells Surface impoundments. hazardous and non-hazardous waste cesspools, ponds, lagtxms, and other impoundments Transportation ot materials: hazardous and non-hazardous waste hazardous and non-hazardous material Underground storage tanks hazardous and non-ha/ardous waste treatment hazardous and non-hazardous waste storage hazardous and non-ha/ardous material storage Urban runolt Waste tailings: heap leaching piles non-heap leaching piles Waste piles: hazardous and non-hazardous waste piles ------- Page 10 2.2 Prioritizing Risks Once a community has identified the potential threats to its water supply, there is usually a need to prioritize those threats. A number of governmental agencies and other organizations have developed risk ranking systems that allow WHPA managers to assess the risks posed by potential sources of contamination within a WHPA. EPA's Office of Ground-Water Protection has developed a ranking system for Wellhead Protection Areas entitled. Managing Contamination Sources in Wellhead Protection Areas: A Priority Setting Approach. The system is designed in workbook format and is capable of the following: (1) Determining a risk score for each potential source of wellhead contamination; (2) Ranking sources according to the level of risk associated with the source; and (3) Determining the level of threat that a given source poses (high, medium, or low). The system allows WHPA managers to conduct a simple screening of potential contamination sources on the basis of risk, without having to conduct complicated risk assessments. In this way, local managers will be able to target their efforts to provide maximum environmental protection within specific budgets. This ranking system will be available to local WHPA managers in January 1992. For more information on the system, contact Janette Hansen at EPA's Office of Ground-Water Protection, (202) 260-7077. ------- Page 11 3.0 DESIGN OF SOURCE INVENTORY PROGRAMS In order to design an effective source inventory program, it is important to understand the unique characteristics of the community. Local officials may conduct an initial area assessment to identify the community's particular needs and the most effective and appropriate identification techniques. At the same time, an effective program is dependent upon a carefully administered process and clearly defined goals. 3.1 Characterizing the Area's Needs , Because most communities vary in size, composition, and location, it is important, as the first step in designing a source identification program, to understand the unique needs of the community. The most effective set of methods to use in conducting an inventory will depend greatly on the particular characteristics and situation of the community involved. Specific characteristics that may affect the choice of source inventory methods, include: • Local Geography • Community size • Land use • Resources 3.2 Establishing Clear and Attainable Goals A community that intends to conduct an inventory of potential ground-water contamination sources needs to formulate a clear statement of their purposes and goals in initiating this process. These goals should he achievable given the community's resources, time, and staff available. Once officials clarify the goals-of the inventory, they can select the source identification methods that will fulfill these goals and are most appropriate to the community's situation. 3.3 Administering the Program Efficiently A successful inventory requires attention to many administrative details. Inventories typically generate large amounts of data, which officials must collect, compile, and manage in an organized manner. (For a discussion of data management, see Section 6.0.) The staff responsible for conducting the inventory must be identified and trained. If volunteers are to be used for portions of the inventory, other staff must be identified or recruited to train them. It is particularly important that the inventory be well organized when volunteer workers are used. Officials must communicate accurately and clearly their goals and instructions on how to properly conduct the inventory to their staff. Failures in communicating instructions are a prime cause of implementation failures. 3.4 Allocating Sufficient Resources No matter how clear the instructions, however, if the personnel responsible for conducting the inventory do not have the proper resources, the inventory is likely to be unsatisfactory. Critical resources include adequate numbers and training of staff, clear and correct information on how to carry out the inventory, the authority to properly conduct the inventory, and the necessary equipment and facilities (inventory forms, cars, computers, etc.). The use of volunteers available ------- Page 12 from various public service organizations and activist groups such as the Boy Scouts, Lions Club, and Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) should always be considered when resources are a major issue in designing an effective source inventory program (see page 5, Section 1.7, Additional Information on Source Inventories.) Budgetary concerns are also important. As noted above, the selection of inventory methods involves a consideration of the amount of resources available to conduct the inventory. During the inventory process, the project will require oversight to be kept within budget. The calculations of a source inventory budget must take into account the expenditure of resources required to set up and maintain the inventory data management system, as well as to conduct the inventory. ------- Page 13 4.0 SOURCE IDENTIFICATION METHODS Many states and communities have already undertaken inventories to determine the actual or potential sources of contamination within their WHPAs. As the following discussion reveals, there are a variety of techniques that can he used to identify sources, either independently or in conjunction with one or more other approaches. The technique(s) that is most appropriate for an individual community will depend on site-specific factors, such as the size of the community, the amount of resources that the community can expend on the inventory, the amount of information that is readily available, and other considerations. We present in this section discussions of some of the commonly used techniques: • Existing Data Sources • Surveys • Field Studies Incorporated within the discussions of the individual techniques, we have included abbreviated examples of how the technique has been applied by a State or community; full case studies that illustrate techniques in the context of a community program or in combination with other techniques are included in Appendix B. Section 5.0 will discuss how a community can implement a source identification program that is appropriate for local needs. 4.1 Existing Data Sources The information compiled by government agencies can help wellhead managers identify the materials managed by industrial and commercial facilities in a WHPA, as well as preliminary information concerning material management practices. Regulatory agencies at the state and local levels maintain a variety of information data bases to track permitted activities or facilities that fall within their jurisdiction. These data bases range from computerized systems that identify the location and materials handled at each permitted facility to a file drawer in the local health official's office containing permits for septic system installation. 4.1.1 Regulatory Reporting Requirements Various federal regulator,' programs require facilities that manage or dispose of specified quantities of hazardous materials or wastes, petroleum or chemical products, and other materials to file notifications and/or obtain permits for these activities. Notifications or permits will be filed with the state or federal government, depending on which level of government has the lead responsibility for the regulatory program. Once the reporting data has been collected, it often is stored on electronic data bases. Facilities' owners or operators are required to notify regulatory agencies of activities that are subject to the following programs, among others: • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle C - Generators of more than 100 kg/month of hazardous waste must file a notification of hazardous waste generation activities; some states also require notifications from smaller volume generators under "small quantity generator" (SQG) regulations. The notification contains a description of the facility location, the generated wastes, and the primary waste material management practice. ------- Page 14 The siting and operation of facilities for the treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) of hazardous wastes also is subject to RCRA regulation. The permit information for TSD facilities in some states is available through an electronic data base and could be sorted by geographic location; other States may have only "hard copy" files that will require the physical review of extensive materials in order to identify the relevant information. RCRA Subtitle I - Owners and operators of underground storage tanks containing petroleum or chemical products are required to notify EPA or the states of their activities. This notification consists of the location, age, size, type, and use of the tank. . Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III - The "Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986" requires the owner or operator of any facility to prepare a list of any "extremely hazardous" substances on hand in amounts of 2 pounds or more. In addition, certain releases of hazardous chemicals to the environment must be reported. Underground Injection Control - The UIC program requires a permit for certain classes of injection wells. Injection wells allow the underground disposal of fluid wastes through a drilled well. Injection wells are divided into Class I, Class II, Class III, Class IV, and Class V wells. Perhaps the most numerous and the most obscure, Class V wells that dispose wastes above underground sources of drinking water pose a serious threat of contaminating wellheads. Some types of Class V wells that EPA has identified as having a high potential for contamination include automobile service station waste disposal wells and industrial process water and waste disposal wells. Automobile service station disposal wells are often wells that collect dangerous or toxic wastes drained from service repair bays. Industrial process water and waste disposal wells are used to dispose of a variety of wastewaters from a number of industrial or commercial processes including chemical plants, pharmaceutical plants, car washes, laundromats, and dry cleaners. National Pollution Discharge Elimination System - Under the Clean Water Act, no discharge into any navigable water is allowed unless it has a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit from the EPA or the counterpart State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES). Some states also regulate discharges to ground water under this program. The permits include information about the permit fee, effluent units and monitoring requirements. Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure - Under Section 311 of the Clean Water Act, Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans must be prepared by facilities that store bulk quantities of petroleum. These regulations apply to facilities that store more than 42,(K)() gallons below ground or 1320 gallons above ground (or a single above ground tank in excess of 660 gallons). ------- Page 15 In addition to these federal regulatory requirements, individual states may have developed their own regulatory requirements that generate a wealth of information related to potential sources of contamination. 4.1.2 Regulatory Data Bases Once the reporting data has been collected, it often is transferred and stored on electronic data bases. A summary of several federally maintained data bases is provided in Appendix C. Existing data sources may be accessed through EPA offices. State environmental agencies, or, in the case of the Title III data, through the State Emergency Planning Commission or through the national Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). Because each of these data bases usually contains information on the location of facilities, the data can be sorted to find those facilities located within the WHPA. Data bases are often large and complex, so local officials may need to request the assistance of the data base manager to conduct the information retrieval. The information and accessibility of some data bases may vary greatly from state to state. Some states may not have the information organized in a readily accessible manner; other states may not have enough information relating to the area of concern to justify a search. It may turn out that other sources can provide equivalent information for less effort depending on the structure and amount of information built into the data base. For this reason, local officials should discuss with the data base manager the ability of the data base to meet their intended needs, prior to undertaking a search. NEW YORK DATA BASES Officials in New York State indicate that their primary source identification method is an industrial chemical survey data base in which all industries report average annual uses. Local governments have access to the industrial chemical surveys and a number of localities are using them. Another data base used as a source identification method is a bulk chemical storage data base. New York also is planning to develop better pesticide usage data. Although the existing .data bases used for source identification in New York overlap each other, the State is working towards unifying existing data bases with a long-term GIS objective for State-wide information. CS-1 Even if information from data bases is readily available, the listings will only identify facilities that have complied with the requirements to file notifications or obtain permits. Other inventory approaches must be used to identify unpermitted facilities. In addition to environmental program data bases, other data bases within each state can be used as a method of source identification. One example could involve looking to the state agency responsible for administering the sales tax. Each business that registers with the state is given an identification number that retlects the type of business and materials used; this source would provide information on all businesses that are involved in retail trade, ranging from solitary ------- Pane 16 shopkeepers and crafts-people to major merchandisers. Similar information can be obtained for another class of facilities through the state unemployment insurance and/or workers compensation offices. This information is generally organized according to SIC codes; thus, a search can focus on particular industry types. FLORIDA DATA BASES The Florida Department of Environmental Regulation primarily relies on two major State data bases to identify potential sources of wellhead contamination under its Wellhead Protection Program: • The Ground Water Pollution Source Inventory COPS!) locates all facilities that have received a DER permit allowing discharges to ground water. The GPSI also includes information on the type of discharge, volume of waste, and point of discharge. The data base is computerized and localities have access to the information through local DER district branch offices. Retrievals can be made by site location, type of facility, or category of the source. • The Water Quality Assurance (WQA) data base contains information on all other "non-permitted" sources. Data sources include ground-water monitoring information, investigations of ground-water contamination sites. State hazardous waste sites, underground storage tank sites, pesticide contamination sites, and Superfund and RCRA sites. CS-2 4.13 Zoning and Health Regulations Zoning and health regulations are adopted at the local level to control development and to safeguard the welfare of the community. In general, these programs will stipulate the types of activities that arc permitted within an area or may restrict certain activities or facilities. Although the regulations themselves may not establish a system for source identiilcation, they may simplify a screening of activities that could potentially result in ground-water problems. In many jurisdictions, a review of existing and past zoning ordinances and maps can help WHPA managers identify local land use patterns. In their simplest form, zoning ordinances control the general types of activities that can occur within a specified area; for example, an area may be zoned tor heavy industry, light industry, commercial, residential, or agricultural uses. Discussing land use classification or evaluating zoning maps with local officials can help to focus identification efforts or suggest a starting point. A review of existing zoning regulations can indicate which parcels should be thoroughly inventoried for contaminant sources. Site plan submissions or amendments also may help to screen facilities or activities that merit additional attention. Areas zoned for specific land uses can be categorized by the activities and sources of contamination associated with that land use (Exhibit 4-1). A priority scheme for investigating each area can then be developed. For example, if a parcel of land is zoned for heavy industry, a ------- Paee 17 Exhibit 4-1: Sources of Contamination QUANTITIES ANT) TYPES OF CHEMICALS TYPICALLY USED, STORED OR TRANSFERRED BY LAND USE ACTIVITIES Large Amounts of Chemicals Industrial Activities: Chemical manufacturing; electronics; petroleum retimng and storage; metal treating; food processing; wood and pulp processing; textile manufacturing; warehousing Commercial Activities: Gas stations; furniture stoppers; drum cleaning Chemical Categories: Oreanic solvents: petroleum; other oreanics; metals Petroleum; organics Moderate Amounts of Chemicals Commercial Activities: Dry cleaners; junk yards; auto repair and body shops; pes't controllers; photographic processing; machine shops; auto pans stores; lawn and .garden/farm stores; paint stores; hardware stores; medical facilities Agricultural Activities: Heavy chemical use agricultural (fruits and vegetables) Residential Activities: Urban housing; high density (greater than 2 dwelling units per acre) using septic'systems Chemical Categories: Organic solvents; petroleum; pesticides; metals; nitrates; other organics Nitrates; pesticides Nitrates; pesticides; petroleum; other organics Small Amounts of Chemicals Commercial Activities: Grocery stores; department stores; office buildings; laundromats; food service; shoe repair, barber and beauty shops Agricultural Activities: Low chemical use agriculture (forage crops) Residential Activities: Moderate and low density (less than 2 dwelling units per acre) using septic systems Chemical Categories: Organics; petroleum Nitrates Nitrates; petroleum; pesticides; other organics Underlying the protection program objectives is the concept of reducing or eliminating the risk to groundwater posed by various land use activities. Such nsk is usually a function of these factors: • The types and amounts of chemicals/wastes used, stored, discharged or transferred at a site; • The safeguards used to minimize contamination potential; and • The location of the site relative to sensitive aquuer areas, tributary land areas and tributary surface water bodies. Generalizations about the magnitude of the risk posed by a given development activity can be made by evaluating these factors. However, two notes of caution are in order. First, a great disparity of nsk can occur within the same category of land use; and second, no level of sateguard short of prohibition can remove all nsk from certain activities. Source: Ground Wner Supply Source Protection. A Guide for Localities in Upstate New Yort Prepared by ihe Schenecudv County Planning Department in cooperation with tne Capital Duma Regional Planning Commission and the New Yort State Department of Environmental Conservation. ------- Page 18 windshield survey, field search, or door-to-door survey could be conducted to identify specific potential sources of contamination associated with the industries in that zone. These source categories may include pipelines, storage tanks, landfills, and similar activities. In areas zoned for commercial or residential use, the survey might focus on assessing on-site wastewater disposal practices or smaller raw material and waste storage sites. MASSACHUSETTS' LAND USE DATA BASES The Cape Cod Aquifer Management Project (CCAMP) is an inter-agency project initiated in 1985 to develop a comprehensive, resource-based approach to ground-water protection. During this project, an intensive land-use study was completed within one wellhead protection area in the town of Barnstable, Massachusetts. A detailed inventory of the land-use data within the Zone of Contribution (ZOC) was gathered from the data available through existing regulatory programs at all levels of government. CCAMP's inventory of potential contamination sources provided an extensive characterization of the use of hazardous materials and the risk posed to public water supply with this ZOC. The most overwhelming conclusion was the high potential threat posed by petroleum products; there are 186 USTs within the entire zone, a large majority clustered close to three of the public supply wells. Community public water suppliers in Massachusetts are required by Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations to report annually on land use in their water supply areas. Instructions for the land use inventory require public water suppliers to obtain a base map of each water source and locate Zones I and II; each land use activity that might threaten water quality must be identified by water suppliers and researched through contact with local Boards of Health, Fire Departments, Zoning Boards of Appeals or the DEP. During the past three years the DEP has awarded over $75(),(X)0 in grants, under a Federal grant provided to the DEP under Section 2()5(j) of the Clean Water Act, to regional planning agencies to develop wellhead protection projects with their member communities. Much of this funding was used for mapping wells and pinpointing potential contamination sources. Ten of the thirteen regional planning agencies are participating in these projects. CS-3 In a manner similar to zoning regulations, health regulations often are developed and implemented at the local level to control the siting of waste management areas or wastewater disposal facilities in sensitive areas, such as near surface waters or in regions with wet soils. Such regulations could be used to target regions where material management practices may have a direct impact on ground-water quality. In addition, health regulation violation records could help officials target areas to inventory and inspect thoroughly. These records also could identify building use types, such as restaurants or hospitals, which would correspond to certain types of potential contamination. The local sewer authority maintains records of those parts of the community that are serviced with sanitary sewers. This information can help to focus a source identification process if ------- Page 19 septic or other on-site disposal systems, domestic or commercial, are a major concern. In addition, the sewer authority will know which businesses in the community have a permit tor discharge of industrial wastes to the sewer system; this information can be useful to identify facilities that use potential contaminants on site and it can help to identity actual sources of contamination. For example, materials that are discharged to a sanitary sewer can corrode the sewer line or leak from cracks in seams or pipes. Most localities require any new development to obtain a building permit and "perc" test for any size of residential or commercial septic system. Local health departments also often require permits for the siting and construction of wells. Officials can consult these permit records to identify specific potential sources of contamination and potentially improperly constructed wells. In areas where the quantity of ground-water withdrawal is of concern, due to limited ground-water resources or known contamination, locations of wells can be as significant as locations of septic fields. In some communities health regulations also may apply to other potential sources of contamination such as hazardous and toxic materials, road salt, fertilizers, and pesticides. These regulations can be used to identity general areas where these activities take place or, for permitted activities, can identify specific potential sources of contamination. VERMONT HEALTH DEPARTMENT SURVEYS Health department surveys of public water supplies in Vermont provide a first cut determination of a well's vulnerability to contamination. Surveys of all public water supply wells are done on a three year basis. The sanitarian who investigates the well notes any obvious potential sources of contamination and gives a preliminary evaluation of the well's vulnerability to contamination by VOCs, sewage, or other contaminants. CS-4 With zoning and health regulations, as with federal and state data bases, the quantity and quality of information available to a particular community may vary substantially. The accessibility to this information may vary as well. In many cases zoning and health regulations may be most useful as a means of identifying areas to survey more thoroughly with another inventory method. In some communities, however, it may be possible to identify specific potential sources of contamination through examination of these records. 4.1.4 Literature and Historical Records Searches Information documenting past and present land uses also may be maintained at the local level. This information is primarily of three types: 1) local registries of commercial and industrial activities; 2) property transfer records, titles, and deeds; and 3) historical perspectives, such as revised and updated ("before-and-after") aerial photos, interviews or statements from senior citizens living in the area for long periods of time, including verification of anecdotal evidence ("storytellinn") related to past activities in the area that could be a source of contamination. ------- Page 20 The first source of information may be maintained by local Chambers of Commerce or taxing authorities, or could be as basic as the local yellow pages. Such lists may be organized by industry type or by industry size and they often are maintained regularly by the local authority. These lists, however, probably will not contain information characterizing the materials management practices within the industry. FLORIDA'S LAND USE LOCATOR" SYSTEM In addition to using State data bases as a source identification method, the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation will use a land use locator system developed for Florida's ground-water monitoring network. This system is based on the property tax system and will enable officials to track historical land use of property by counties and likely help localities identify and locate potential sources of contamination. CS-5 Property transfer records typically are maintained at the county level; investigating these sources of information would be most useful for determining past ownership and potential past waste disposal practices, where material releases may be suspected. Some states require environmental audits for certain classes of property transfer actions. Massachusetts and New Jersey, for example, both require that a seller complete an environmental audit in order to certify that the property is clean when commercial real estate changes hands. These records can be used to identify the types of activities that have occurred at individual sites. Local registries have the advantage that some type of list will exist for all communities; although in some communities the only registry may be the yellow pages. These lists are fairly easy to obtain access to, and a directory such as the yellow pages can be searched in a short time, with no travel outside the office required. Property and environmental records, however, as with many state data bases, may not be organized in a way that allows for easy access. In such a case, it is often more useful to speak directly with agency personnel who are involved in reviewing and maintaining the information; they often will be able to identify problem sites within a given geographic area. 4.2 Surveys Successful water managers conduct surveys and personal interviews to identify potential sources of contamination. They design these surveys by combining a number of discrete steps, including designing the survey, obtaining the list of contacts, mailing the survey or telephoning the contacts, following up on responses to the survey, and, finally, tabulating and interpreting the results. Survey designs vary in the jurisdictions that use them. The design of the survey is tailored to the types of discharge sources, water supplies, and contamination problems commonly found in the surveyed region and allow for uniform data reporting to facilitate data management. Nebraska's Source Identification Report, for example, contains a sample questionnaire that includes informative questions such as the name of the owner and operator of the well or facility ------- Page 21 MAINE SOURCE INVENTORIES To inventory sources of contamination in South Paris, Oxford, and Norway, the Maine Department of Health Services (DHS) recommended that wellhead operators "review any printed materials that indicate the location of ... potential sources of contamination" including "telephone directory yellow pages, business records (such as fuel oil delivery services), State and municipal and county records and permit files, historic records, and news articles." For the initial inventory, a contractor reviewed State and EPA data bases on CERCLA and RCRA waste sites. For all three towns, the contractor identified 18 major sources of contamination, including tanning operations and pulp processing facilities, and 23 to 24 minor sources of contamination including underground storage tanks at small automobile garages. CS-6 and the name of the person completing the form (Exhibit 4-2). This survey form also requests information concerning the distance to the nearest public supply well and the types of materials handled on site. Exhibit 4-3 presents another sample survey format. Many localities use telephone directories, including the business-to-business Yellow Pages, to identify commercial facilities and residences for mail and phone surveys, personal interviews, and other source identification methods such as door-to-door surveys. 4.2.1 Mail and Phone Surveys Mail and phone surveys have the advantage of enabling a community to contact a large number of locations at relatively low cost. Mail surveys have an advantage over phone surveys in that the costs associated with data collection are derived primarily from postage, as opposed to telephone costs; likewise, the time requirement is less than that necessary to conduct individual calls. Although the labor associated with a telephone approach can be significant, the costs can be reduced by use of volunteers. In an area with a small population, however, a telephone survey can be conducted with only a few people. Telephone surveys have an advantage over mail surveys in that respondents are somewhat of a captive audience; response rates likely will be higher. A telephone survey of a residential or agricultural area may need to be conducted after business hours in order to tlnd the residents at home. Phone surveys can be used effectively to "fill in the gaps" left from a mail survey. Both phone and mail surveys have the advantage that they may obtain information on sources that were previously unknown. The direct contact with the public which is involved in conducting each of these types of surveys can also promote public education about the potential of ground-water contamination. Media involvement in these surveys can promote public education as well as increase the survey response rate by preparing the public for the survey and explaining its purpose. A preliminary mailing to explain the survey effort may be helpful when conducting phone surveys. ------- Exhibit 4-2: Nebraska Survev Form SITE QUESTIONNAIRE FOR INVENTORY OF POTENTIAL GROUND WATER CONTAMINANT POINT SOURCES Subcacegory (from list) Proper Name of FaciLicy Address_ Owner: Name Address^ Operator: Name Address Registration or ID number, or Local name of nearest public supply well Owner of nearest puolic suoply well. Name Address Telephone Number Distance to nearest public supply well, if less than 300': Taped distance Compass direction if .T.ore than 300' name of nearest map reference point Distance co nearest Tiap reference point if less than 300' taped distance compass direction if more than 300'• Reach A Reach B Reach C Odometer or paced distance Road name Road direction Date of inventory Name of person doing inventory Name(s) of person(s) supplying information Year facility began operation Previous use of site Macerial(s) Handled On-Site cPlease Circle) 2 3 4* « i T 3 •? 13 PCS Olonn Crude Oil Gatolin* OieseL Oil Other Oisti.late Fuel Asphalt or Qttiar residual Anmal or '•'•gtt.abl* Oil Waste Oil Other Oil 2 slptha'"" S0i'"n" 3 «iner»l 3piri'.» •• '/erann Poisons i '.r.secticides o -iemat-cides ' Herbicides 3 Fungicides 3 .'Uiibiotics 3 Fertilizers 22 23 2k 2 5 26 27 23 29 20 Acids Organic Solvents Caustics Alconols •mines Aldehydes Radiological Brines Other 'Jnxnown Source Nebraska Source Identification Inventory Report, p.32. ------- Page 23 Source Number Inventory Person Exhibit 4-3: EPA Sample Survey Format PWS Well Number See Attached Map No. SUGGESTED INVENTORY FORM A. B. C. D. E. Landowners Name Address Phone: ( ) City: Zip Code County: Description of Location: Residential Commercial Nature of Property Agricultural City Gov't Site State Gov't Site Other ( Potential Sources of Contamination Industrial ) Circle the potential sources listed below that you have identitled at this site. In the space provided, indicate how many. (EXAMPLE: 2 ) POTENTIAL SOURCE Abandoned Water Well Above Ground Storage Tank Airport Animal Feedlot Artificial Recharge Auto Salvage Yard Cemetery Cesspool Chemical Storage Facility Drainage Well/Canal Dump Fertilizer/Pesticide Application Golf Course Grain Storage Bin Highway Notes: QUANTITY POTENTIAL SOURCE QUANTITY Holding Pond/Lagoon Injection Well Landfill Mine Municipal Sewage Line Oil/Gas Well Quarry Railroad Septic Tank Service Station Disposal Well _____ Sewage Plant Sludge Disposal Stream (Lake, River, Creek) Underground Storage Tank __, Water Well Other ------- Page 24 SUGAR LAND. TEXAS The community of Sugar Land, Texas, conducted a mail survey to identify potential sources of contamination for their wellhead protection program. Community officials planned to use the mail survey as a preliminary base of information for their source identification efforts. They prepared a survey form that included questions on land uses and sent it to recipients with their water bill. Officials were very pleased with the 45 percent response rate obtained with this survey; they completed the source inventory process using a door-to-door survey. CS-7 Mailing lists can be obtained from a number of sources. Rhode Island defines its list from property owner names obtained through the tax assessor and supplements this list with addresses and phone numbers from the local telephone directory. Other sources of mailing lists include voter registration lists, Chamber of Commerce rosters, tax rolls, and utility records. The use of lists organized by zip code or voter registration lists grouped by precincts can facilitate the identification of contacts within a particular geographic area (e.g., a WHPA); mailing lists arranged by zip code can be purchased from a number of companies. Once the surveys are mailed, they must be collected and tabulated. The collection effort may be as simple as enclosing a self-addressed stamped envelope with a mailed survey, or as labor intensive as a door-to-door collection; for telephone surveys the collection is accomplished by compilation of survey sheets from the interviewers. After the collection is completed, a data base may be constructed to compile the information obtained by the survey. Data base management systems are discussed in Section 6.0. CENTRAL AND NORTHEASTERN SOUTH CAROLINA The South Carolina Departmeat of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), UIC Program conducted an evaluation of potential sources of ground water contamination near public water supply wells in live cities and towns. After DHEC staff collected information from various State and local government agencies, and conducted detailed windshield surveys, they contacted by telephone each facility suspected as a source of potential contamination. Staff questioned responsible parties regarding the operations of the facilities to determine if they engaged in activities that could lead to ground-water contamination. Officials surveyed over 230 facilities by telephone. DHEC identified and inspected a total of 485 potential sources of ground-water contamination; 219 were identified as sources which could potentially contaminate public water supply wells. CS-8 ------- Page 25 4.2.2 Door-to-Door Surveys Door-to-door surveys, as a source identification method, generally involve canvassing the residences and businesses within the WHPA to determine the activities and materials that exist in the area of concern. Door-to-door surveys allow for visual observations which mailed surveys do not; however, door-to-door surveys are subject to response bias, just as are mail and phone surveys. The design of the survey can be much like the mailed survey design, although it can be far more extensive. When staff are trained prior to conducting the survey, the answers to the survey will be more concise, complete, and uniform than those of mailed surveys. The design of the survey should be tailored'for the potential contamination sources relevant to the particular local area. Basic site information to be collected through a door-to-door survey at a minimum should include the following: • The landowner's name, address, and phone number; • The waste management company's name, address, and phone number; • The facility name and street address; • The type and number of potential sources; • An identification number; and • History of any discharges. Additional information could include a physical description of the property and source location, latitude and longitude, distance from the nearest well, status of the source (active or inactive), and characteristics of the potential pollutant; in El Paso, Texas, the surveyors took photographs of potential sources of contamination. CUBA. MISSOURI A door-to-door survey was designed to help identify Class V well types and other sources of contamination in Cuba, Missouri. It included questions addressing possible residential, commercial, and industrial contamination sources such as: the location of active or abandoned wells, cisterns, fuel oil tanks, heat pumps or septic systems, and the location and storage of chemicals used in businesses. Surveyors also noted any wells, cisterns, and storage tanks that they spotted while conducting the survey. Information from State and local agencies was combined with the results of the door-to-door survey to develop a comprehensive listing. The revealed 465 possible sources of contamination that were unknown previous to the investigation. These sources included: 103 above ground storage tanks, 73 underground storage tanks, 115 Class V wells, 149 active water wells, and 21 chemical storage locations. CS-9 Recruiting and training workers to conduct a door-to-door survey can be both a costly and labor intensive process. Nebraska addresses the question of inventory personnel saying, ------- Page 26 "Finding a low-cost solution of trainable labor is the most difficult question in source inventory. Some possibilities are: tax assessors, emergency services, sheriffs deputies, property appraisers, 'Save the World' volunteers under EPA grant, city health departments, service organizations, and temporary workers hired by public water suppliers."1 Another option for low-cost survey workers is to use volunteers and local service organizations in the inventory process. The Texas Water Commission recommends this option as a method which "not only will conserve resources at both the local and State levels of government, but provides for local public education and participation." Retired professionals such as engineers or others with technical backgrounds have the expertise needed to identify sources and conduct the survey, and they bring the added advantage of their own historical knowledge of the area. The survey should be conducted after a period sufficient tor the media to inform the public about the survey process and purpose. Surveys should not be conducted during holiday periods when landowners may be on vacation and businesses may be closed. If volunteer workers are used to conduct the survey, particularly if they are senior citizens, efforts should be made to avoid sending them out in inclement weather. Surveyors should be trained and given detailed maps of the areas they are to survey, lists of potential sources, and survey forms which they will complete with information describing land uses and potential contamination sources. A system of numbering sources should be developed so that surveyors can assign each source a unique identifier. If volunteers are conducting the survey, it is helpful for them to be given badges which identify them as WHP volunteers. Once all of the survey data has been collected, the results need to be tabulated and analyzed. It is helpful to produce detailed maps of the surveyed area which include the locations of all identified potential sources of contamination; street addresses should be converted to latitude and longitude. A transverse Mercator grid system can be used to locate potential contamination sources on USGS topographic maps. In a South Carolina study, all identified sources were given a pollution potential rating based on the type of source, historical and current practices at the facility, and proximity to the public water supply wells. Communities that have conducted door-to-door surveys frequently find sources which are unpcrmitted or otherwise not in compliance with current regulations. These instances should be brought to the attention of the relevant regulatory authority. The advantages of a door-to-door survey include the increased accuracy and uniformity of data collected by trained surveyors, the opportunity to promote public education about ground- water contamination, and the increased likelihood of identifying previously unknown sources. Door-to-door surveys are, however, time consuming and require a staff of trained surveyors, although these staff requirements may be met with the use of volunteers. These surveys require organization to be successful and may need to be conducted outside of regular work hours. 1 Nebraska, Source Identification Inventory Personnel, p. 33. ~ Texas Water Commission, A Ground Water Protection Strategy: The Citv of El Paso. ------- Page 27 TEXAS CASE STUDIES Senior volunteers were used to conduct El Paso's inventory, while extensive media coverage or" the inventory process in Houston led to a multi-generational range of volunteers, including junior high school science classes (working with the school's corporate sponsor), families who have "adopted" a particular wellhead protection area, and college students. Three cities in Texas used Boy Scouts to conduct the inventories; a wellhead protection inventory could be used as an Eagle Scout project. Recruiting volunteers from the community has the advantage of establishing a team of surveyors who are familiar with their area and contributes to the public education and involvement which are necessary for a successful wellhead protection program. The Texas Water Commission recommends that local governments intending to conduct door-to-door inventories work closely with'the media to inform the community what is being done and why: this will help ensure that information is accurately disseminated. Media coverage is essential for public cooperation; an understanding that these efforts are lit protect everyone's water supply can help diffuse resistance by those who may feel threatened by survey questions. CS-10 4.23 Windshield Surveys A windshield survey c;m be conducted in much less time than a field search and can be effective in identifying a large percentage of potential sources present in an area. To conduct a windshield survey, the surveyor obtains detailed maps of the survey area and drives through all or parts of the area, noting the potential sources of contamination that they observe. Windshield surveys work best in areas where most of the sources can be located from the road. They are more difficult to conduct in rough terrain. Conducting a windshield survey requires access to a vehicle and one or two people. It may be easier to conduct this type of survey with two people, so one can drive while the other records information about the .sources spotted. Windshield surveys can be used effectively to identity sites for further investigation, either through a mail or phone survey, or by field searches or site visits. These types of follow-up contacts can obtain information about waste management practices which often can not be obtained simply by observing a site from the road. There are many advantages to conducting windshield surveys. They do not require as much time, as many people, or as many steps as other types of surveys or fields searches. Windshield surveys would probably work well in most communities and a large amount of useful information can be gained from them. Unlike Held searches, windshield surveys are conducted without entering private property so access is not a problem. Windshield surveys may not be as effective an inventory method in some rural or mountainous areas where many sources will not be visible from the road. ------- Page 28 NORTH KINGSTOWN AND HQPKINTQN. RHODE ISLAND The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Division of Groundwater and Freshwater Wetlands used seven different methods, including a "windshield or field survey" to identity potential sources of contamination in the city of North Kingstown and the rural town of Hopkinton. DEM staff used road maps and an automobile to conduct a detailed street-by-street windshield survey of land uses, touring each road in both study areas. Staff found that, although time consuming, the windshield survey alone identified the highest percentage of total sources found among the source inventory methods used. Of the universe of potential sources identified, the windshield survey identified 77 sources or 86 per cent of all sources in Hopkinton and 105 sources or 95 per cent of all sources in North Kingstown. DEM staff found that this method worked well in both an urban and a rural community. CS-11 4.2.4 Personal Interviews Personal interviews are an extremely valuable source of information to identify and.locate sources of potential contamination. Personal interviews differ from telephone or door-to-door surveys in that interviewers often do not have a prearranged list of contacts; they informally gather names of potential contacts as they are conducting their source inventories. Contacts are often long-term residents with a wealth of knowledge about past commercial operations and practices. Personal interviews of a specific type of individual, such as facility operators, fire marshals, planning board members or secretaries, building officials, or health inspectors can provide a great deal of information often not available through other source identification methods. Local officials can often supply names of such contacts. SOUTHWESTERN MAINE A contractor hired by the towns of South Paris, Oxford, and Norway, Maine interviewed long-term residents who were identified as people who cither worked at a facility or lived near a particular site for many years. These people provided valuable and detailed information on the types and amounts of chemical products used at facilities, site operations, and waste management practices. The contractor noted that, of all the source identification methods used for their study, the personal interviews provided the best source of information, in part because the information gathered from the interviews was not available anywhere else. CS-12 The advantage of conducting personal interviews is that a large amount of useful information may be obtained which is not available from any other source. These interviews may be particularly useful in small communities with long-term residents who are very familiar with the area. It may, however, require several contacts to find the most helpful people to interview, and a fair amount of time may need to be spent making preliminary contacts. ------- Page 29 Although surveys and interviews are a relatively straightforward means of identifying potential contamination sources, they are subject to certain deficiencies. For example, data obtained through mail and telephone surveys ot personal interviews may be tainted by response bias. People who have an interest in responding to surveyors' questions will respond, while those who feel they may be affected adversely by the results of the survey will not respond in full. Another problem is that a survey will be only as complete as its list of contacts. For example, if the list of addresses for a mail survey includes only residences and not commercial or industrial facilities, a large sector of potential contamination sources may be missed. Conversely, a list of only commercial establishments could miss such potential sources as public works garages, fuel depots for school buses, or many private-home activities. These problems may be remedied by using mail or phone surveys, or personal interviews in conjunction with other source identification methods such as historic records, door-to-door surveys, and field searches. 4.3 Field Studies Thorough inventories of potential ground-water contamination sources often include field studies of some or all of the area being inventoried. Field studies allow the persons conducting the inventory to look at the survey area themselves to determine if potential sources are present, without relying on landowners to identify and provide information about sources. SPRINGFIELD. OHIO The Ohio EPA, Division of Ground Water (DGW) scheduled interviews with various local and county officials to supplement other source identification methods and gather information about past, current, and proposed commercial and residential activities. DGW also interviewed managers of local industries, area business people, and farmers; interviewers obtained detailed information on industry processes, management practices, and potential wellhead protection area contaminants. DGW used the interviews to inform these individuals about Springfield's ground-water resources, its wellhead protection efforts, and how land uses could contaminate the wellhead protection area. DGW staff found the personal interviews in Springfield to be very successful. The business people interviewed were surprised to learn of the potential impacts their activities and management practices have on the city's wellhead drinking water. Although DGW found that conducting personal interviews was very labor and time intensive, the exchange of information that it entails makes it a critical component of the source identification process. CS-13 4.3.1 Field Searches Field searches are conducted much like door-to-door surveys and require the same amount of planning, but often require more time to complete. Field searches consist of an extensive loot survey of an area, and are often used when a particular situation calls for a detailed inspection of land uses. Field searches are best used in relatively small study areas with relatively easy access. ------- Page 30 Field searches are often used in conjunction with other source identification methods, such as aerial photographs, to complete a detailed source inventory. Conducting a field search involves a number of steps much like those required for telephone, mail, or door-to-door surveys: designing a data collection form, coordinating and training workers to conduct the survey, mass producing the data collection form, conducting the survey, constructing a data base, and interpreting the results. The data collection form must be designed to easily record the observations of the surveyor and should contain information on the presence, location, and number of known or suspected contamination sources or activities; type and quantity of chemical products used on site; site-specific characteristics, such as gasoline odors or soggy ground; name of the surveyor; and date of site visit. Much like the door-to-door survey, field searches can be costly and labor intensive because of the surveyor training that is involved. These costs may be reduced by using local professionals such as tax assessors, property assessors, or city and county health department workers that have a good working knowledge of the study area. Although field searches are costly and time consuming, they are one of the most accurate inventory methods as they allow little room for surveyor or respondent error, misconception, or interpretation. Officials managing a field search can help minimize potential problems by securing permission for access to the study area from the property owners or operators. Surveyors should also wear name tags identifying their affiliation with the agency responsible for the source identification study. The responsible agency should take these and other precautions, as necessary, to help avoid problems with access or liability that may arise. TALLAHASSEE. FLORIDA U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) personnel are participating in a pilot study to identify previously unknown Class V wells that threaten to contaminate Tallahassee's underground source of drinking water. Because of" their widespread use and little data on Class V wells in Florida, officials have found that these potential sources of ground- water contamination are difficult to identify. As a result, USGS personnel have developed a field survey to locate undocumented Class V wells. Officials note that in this situation, a field search is the best method to identify this potential source of wellhead contamination. CS-14 43.2 Aerial Photographs Aerial photographs can be useful particularly for surveying large geographic areas or areas that are not easy to access on foot or by vehicle. Many localities will have some aerial photos on file available through the local soil conservation service, survey firms, or in the local historical archives. Aerial photos come in a variety of formats, ranging from high altitude satellite images at small scale to photographs taken from small planes for custom applications, such as marketing or evaluating individual pieces of property. Although the entire United States is catalogued through various satellite image libraries, these photographs are, for the most part, at a scale too small for mapping or identifying activities at the detail required for a source inventory. Medium scale air photos in the range of 1:12,000 to 1:50,000 are considered to be the most suitable widely available ------- Page 31 resource for mapping land use; color and color infrared aerial photos at a 1:8,000 scale have been used successfully to detect failing septic systems. Aerial photos can be used to identify particular sources or to screen large areas for follow-up investigations. A review of updated aerial photographs should be conducted to develop a historical perspective of the changes in surface features of a given area. These "before-and-after" comparisons are very important in revealing the location of sources or activities (e.g., landfills, railyards, etc.) that may contribute to ground- water contamination. WAVERLY. NEBRASKA Officials from a variety of agencies in Nebraska worked together in November, 1989 to develop and test techniques to identify and locate sources of wellhead contamination in Waverly, a town of approximately 2,000 people. Officials used an extensive list of potential contamination sources in conjunction with air photos of land uses in the town to conduct the source inventory. Particular land uses were identified from the air photos and checked against the list of potential sources to determine if they merited additional consideration. Officials found the air photos were effective, especially where the landscape had sufficient reference points that were also specified on local topographic maps. CS-15 ------- Page 33 5.0 IMPLEMENTING METHODS FOR SOURCE IDENTIFICATION Implementation of source inventory techniques requires not only careful planning upfront, but appropriate selection of one or many source identification methods. The following section discusses a progression of steps that could be used in conducting the inventory. For a discussion of specific aspects of inventory methods, consult the descriptions in Section 4 of this document. The flow chart in Exhibit 5-1 further illustrates the possible progression of steps involved in conducting a thorough source inventory. 5.1 Consult Existing Sources of Information The amount and quality of existing information will vary greatly from community to community; however, all localities will have at least some existing information available to them. These information sources include aerial photos, various types of existing lists, and published information. An investigation will determine the availability, accessibility, and potential usefulness of local, state, and federal data bases. If the information is easily available, it is generally worthwhile to consult these data bases. If it is not easily available, the community may wish to consider whether its resources might be used more effectively on another inventory method, or may choose to wait until near the end of the inventory process and then consult the data bases if resources allow. In the latter case, information from the data base can be used to confirm that gathered through other methods. 5.2 Share Information with Other WHP Elements and Tools Tasks associated with identifying sources of contamination in a WHPA may overlap with other elements of the wellhead protection process. For example, information gathered during wellhead delineation may be useful in directing water managers to appropriate source identification locations; likewise, once the WHPA has been delineated, the geographic area to be inventoried will be limited. In the same way, potential sources of contamination identified during the source identification process may help decision-makers focus on the areas of concern in a Contingency Plan. Wellhead protection managers may choose to utilize the source identification process to enhance many of the community's management tools (e.g., zoning ordinances, design standards, source prohibitions, ground-water monitoring, public education). These tools, whether combined or used alone will benefit from source identification efforts. For example, if the local water agency has been able to identify the sources of contamination in a WHPA, they can target appropriate rules and ordinances to that community. 5.3 Compile a List of Sources Once a community has consulted the available existing sources of information, officials can compile a preliminary list of sources. It is generally a good idea to check the sources identified by different methods against each other to confirm that the listings are accurate and current. At this point interviews and windshield surveys can be helpful in identifying additional sources not included on existing lists. Interviews and windshield surveys may take more time than that required to consult lists of existing information, but they can be conducted by a small number of people and may provide more current information. Interviews may provide an historical view of potential sources and may provide information unavailable by other methods, while windshield surveys provide a limited visual inspection of the entire survey area. ------- Page 34 5.4 Access Unknown Sources After these stages in a source inventory, officials will likelv have identified most known o * * sources of contamination. Known sources are those which are already known to local authorities or which are included in files or data bases, while unknown sources generally have not been brought to the attention of authorities due to oversight, lack of regulatory controls, or lack of concern. The later steps in the inventory process, i.e., surveys and site visits, will help identify information on sources which were unknown previous to their identification by the inventory. Collecting information on unknown sources generally requires some type of direct contact with landowners as they are likely to be the only ones who know about a source. WQODBURY. CONNECTICUT LAND USE SURVEY One surveyor was hired to conduct an inventory of land uses in Woodbury, Connecticut's aquifer recharge area. The surveyor's source inventory identified approximately 130 high risk sources of potential wellhead contamination. The Health District Director estimated that the land use survey took the one surveyor approximately 6 weeks to complete. The surveyor used yellow pages phone directories for a broad identification of current potential sources, and reviewed a number of data bases maintained by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. The surveyor also reviewed historical land use maps and aerial photos maintained by the tax assessor's office. The aerial photos were particularly helpful because of their large size and detail. The most informative source identification method, however, was conducting personal interviews of the fire marshal! and the town planner. Finally, the surveyor conducted a windshield survey of land uses in the recharge area to identify any potential sources that may have escaped identification through the other surveying methods. CS-16 5.5 Modify a Program to Support Individual Community Needs Probably no community needs to conduct mail, phone, door-to-door surveys, and field searches, as this would gather a large amount of repetitious information; however, the choice of a particular configuration of methods to be used will depend on the situation of the community conducting the inventory. If resources are not available for some of the more labor intensive methods (e.g., surveying all landowners and businesses in a given area), various means may be used to reduce the efforts without losing their value (i.e., pare down the survey contact list or area).' Also, the use ot volunteer organizations or local public service groups should always be considered where resources are a major issue (see Section 3.4, Page 11). A windshield survey could be used to identify locations to contact via a mail or phone survey; conversely, a mail or phone survey could identify locations for follow-up site visits. Although a door-lo-door survey combines the advantages of both allowing a visual inspection of sites and involving direct contact with the landowner to discuss potential sources and waste ------- Page 35 management practices, these same two elements could be gained from a thorough windshield survey of an area, followed by phone contacts with all the landowners. The resources available to a community also will have an important effect on the process of conducting a source inventory. If resources are limited, a community may choose to stop the inventory process midway through the idealized flow process, although this will increase the likelihood that some potential sources will not be identified. Ideally, each community should strive to conduct the most complete inventory possible given their situation and the resources available to them. WAVERLY. NEBRASKA SOURCE INVENTORY DEMONSTRATION To conduct Waverly's source inventory, officials from a variety of agencies used an extensive list of potential contamination sources in conjunction with air photos of land uses in the town. Particular land uses were identified from the air photos and checked against the list of potential sources to determine if they merited additional consideration. Officials found the air photos were effective, especially where the landscape had sufficient reference points that were also specified on local topographic maps. Once a source of concern was identified, officials attempted to interview, by telephone or in person, at least one person who was knowledgeable about that source to collect specific information on it. Officials found that identifying sources of potential contamination in the town of Waverly was not very difficult. The inventory took two person-days to complete, with gathering information on potential sources being the most time consuming task. Waverly's source inventory identified 33 potential sources of ground-water contamination. CS-17 ------- Exhibit 5-1 Sequence of Methods used for Source Identification ------- Page 37 6.0 DATA MANAGEMENT 6.1 Whv Do You Need It and What Do You Do With It? A successful WHP program requires accurate and timely information that is capable of defining problems and evaluating prevention strategies within WHP areas. Such an information base can be developed by identifying the goals and objectives of the WHP and source • identification programs. It is, therefore, essential to clearly define the objectives of the data gathering effort prior to any data collection activities. The collection and management of source identification data should be viewed in the context of other WHP and ground-water protection programs and projects (e.g., RCRA, SARA, NPDES, and VST). It can be beneficial to take into account compatible objectives from other projects in the data gathering and management scheme, so as to avoid the duplication of efforts. Data are the raw material from which information is extracted. Conceptually, data are assembled into records and files for management purposes. A data record is made up of a small group of related data items, and a collection of data records is known as a data file or data set. A data record which belongs to a particular data file also can be cross-referenced to other data files that contain additional information. For example, land-use categories can be linked to a file containing typical chemicals found within these land-use categories. Data management is the process of maintaining data in a logical fashion to facilitate information retrieval and analysis. It begins with a set of procedures for entering the data in a systematic fashion and to check, sort, and classify the data. Under a proper data management scheme, the data must be securely stored to minimize any chances of accidental destruction or gradual degradation over time. It also should not be possible for any unauthorized persons to alter the content of the data. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview and a working guideline for managing data collected Tor the source identification process. Issues and problems that arise in the storage and management of data in both manual and computer compatible forms are also discussed. 6.2 Current Approaches to Data Base Management A data base is a collection of records and files that are logically organized to facilitate the analysis and processing of data. The purpose of collecting and maintaining information in a data base is to uncover relationships among facts and situations that were previously separate. The development of a data base should follow a series of procedures such as: 1. Data collection; 2. Data investigation; 3. Data base design; 4. Data base implementation; and 5. Data base evaluation and modification. Managers and technical staff need accurate and correct information at the right time to make decisions that will protect the resource, and to ensure adequate QA/QC measures are in place during the collection, processing, and interpretation of data. ------- Page 38 The primary objective of developing a data base is to enable the analysis and processing of data to reveal relationships among various facts and situations. A data base on potential sources of contamination within a WHPA. therefore, should contain and be organized using information on: types of land-use activities, the spatial location of the identified sources, the quantities and chemical composition of the material stored or processed at the identified sites, the name of the facility and the owner or operator, and other information that may be collected as part of a survey. Ideally, this information on potential sources of contamination should be analyzed in conjunction with hydrogeological data and water supply information to provide a basis for decision-making on source reduction, aquifer protection, and water quality monitoring. A data base on the spatial distribution of chemical use and disposal is essential for determining the type and location of monitoring activities for potential contaminants. If a contamination event is detected, a data base on the distribution and use of chemicals would allow for a timely and efficient allocation of resources to determine the source or sources of contamination. The types and qualities of data that are to be incorporated into the data base need to be specified and evaluated. Data base design involves the formation of a conceptual model of the data (i.e., relationships between different data fields) taking into account all the basic facts and constraints under which the data base will have to operate. Once a data base design is selected, detailed decisions are made on the logistic and physical organization and the layout of data records to facilitate the entering of data to create the data base. Finally, through the data base monitoring phase, the data management system can be fine tuned and modified to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the system for data retrieval and analysis. 6.2.1 Manual Systems Prior to the advances of electronic data processing, most data were managed through manual filing systems. Data sheets, index cards, maps, and aerial photographs were stored in file folders and filing cabinets according to some specific criterion or criteria. For a small amount of data, a manual filing system may well be adequate; however, when dealing with a larger amount of data, a manual filing system is very slow in data retrieval and highly limited in its analytical capabilities. A manual filing system is inexpensive, however, and does not require special equipment and specialized training. Filing cabinets can be kept under lock to limit access by unauthorized persons. As long as the data base is not going to be shared and updated frequently, a manual filing system is generally sufficient to manage a limited amount of data from a source identification process. The disadvantages of manual filing systems can be summarized as follows: information in a manual filing system cannot be easily shared by other programs due to its strictly defined file structure; a high degree of redundancy may result from different applications; and, the system has very limited data analysis and processing capabilities. In a manual filing system, data records are generally organized in a particular order. For example, records could be organized according to land-use categories. Thus, if given a category of land-use activity, one can quickly find out all land parcels that are associated with that category of land-use activities. If given a parcel number, however, it would be necessary to go through the entire file, record by record, until that particular land parcel number is located to reveal its land- ------- Page 39 use category. To speed up the search by land parcel numbers, it would be possible to have a second file containing all parcel numbers listed in an ascending order, and beside each parcel number would appear the associated land-use category and other data items. This second file would contain much of the same information as the first data file but organized in a different order. .This high degree of redundancy can be reduced using index files. Instead of duplicating everything, index files containing key fields and addresses can be generated. For example, an index file can be set up using the parcel number' field as a key field and data sheet numbers as addresses. In this way, given a parcel number, the particular data sheet could be located quickly to reveal the associated land-use category. A major drawback of this approach is that systems with even this amount of data redundancy are expensive to maintain. For instance, if the land-use status of a parcel was changed, corrections would be required in two different files. Because of the inflexible structures of manual filing systems, it is very difficult to deal with large data files and conduct complicated data retrievals. In addition, it often too labor intensive for an individual to manually cross-reference even a small number of data files in a timely manner. Depending on the particular needs and circumstances of individual localities, however, a manual data base may be sufficient'. Data collected through the source identification process can be entered on data sheets and organized according to land-use categories, U.S. Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes, or parcel identification numbers. It is, however, highly desirable to generate index files to facilitate efficient data searches. Furthermore, a data maintenance procedure should be developed to keep the data file up-to-date and to protect the integrity of the data base. 6.2.2 Computerized Data Base Management Systems Data Base Management Systems (DBMSs) were developed to manage the sharing of data in an orderly manner. The primary objective of a DBMS is to permit a user to deal with a large quantity of data and to perform complex data processing tasks. In addition, with DBMSs, data from many sources can be integrated and presented in reports that are concise and understandable. The advantages of DBMSs include their great flexibility, which permits existing data to be used for purposes that were not envisioned when it was collected; data usage is less restricted than with manual filing structures; centralized control of data helps ensure the integrity of the data base: the ease of conducting unique data base searches; the lessening ol data redundancy as a DBMS can be used to monitor and update multiple copies of data files; and the increased overall control over data security and the accessibility of the data base to various individuals. Conversely, there are a number of disadvantages associated with DBMSs. These disadvantages include the added costs of hardware and software acquisition and maintenance, the additional training of users that is often needed to make the DBMS operational, and the centralized risk of losing or corrupting the data due to insufficient backup and recovery procedures. 6.2.3 Spreadsheets and Data Base Management Systems Electronic spreadsheets and structured data base management systems can both be considered computerized data base management systems, although spreadsheets are more limited in their data processing capabilities. Using the sorting and limited data searching capability of a ------- Page 40 spreadsheet program, a data base can be used effectively to provide information for analysis and decision-making. Setting up a data base management system is complicated and expensive. However, the long-term benefits of using DBMS technologies can easily outweigh the costs, because these systems provide a much better basis for complex data processing, decision-making support, and cross program integration. Cape Cod Aquifer Management Project An intensive land-use study within a WHPA in the town of Barnstable, Massachusetts was undertaken by the Cape Cod Aquifer Management Project (CCAMP). The goal of the study was to obtain a more detailed understanding of the information necessary for an effective resource-based ground-water management plan. A thorough inventory of the land-use data within the WHPA was conducted on the data from existing regulatory programs at all levels of government. Information gathered from the various programs was organized in a hierarchical set of dBase III files; dBase III is the trademark of a computerized DBMS. A master dBase file contains the parcel number, map number, land-use category, business name and address, sewer information, and the presence of various land-use regulatory programs associated with that particular parcel. Additional data files containing specific program information were developed on the basis of map number, parcel number, and business name. By linking these data files together, CCAMP was successful in providing an excellent characterization of the use of hazardous materials and the risk posed to the public-water supply within the WHPA. CS-18 6.2.4 (ieographic Information Systems A Geographic Information System (GIS) is an integrated DBMS that presents a graphic picture of the locations of sources in relationship to other data elements (e.g., longitude/latitude, water supply wells, underground storage tanks, pipelines, land parcels, buildings, ponds, etc.). The GIS contains a base map and several layers, representing land-use activities, soil types, and vegetation types. A GIS is capable of performing input, storage, retrieval, analysis, output, and display of geographically or spatially-indexed data. An operational GIS allows users to encode, analyze, and display data layers from a variety of sources, such as field notes, land-use and zoning maps, topographic maps, aerial photographs, and satellite images. The first step in implementing a GIS project is to obtain base maps and source maps ol the area(s) of interest. It is of great importance to evaluate these maps based on the following criteria: scale, accuracy, level of detail, date the map was produced, and consistency with other maps. Once a base map is selected for the GIS project, spatial data can be encoded based on a commonly used coordinate system. Similar to spatial data, attribute data may also vary greatly in quality. Generally, a large volume of attribute data is available in paper format without proper ------- Page 41 geo-reference. Once a GIS data base is completed, data verification must be carried out to determine if the data are accurate, truthful, and free of data entry errors. With an operational GIS, spatial data searches can be performed on the GIS data base using a variety of commands (e.g., locate all small quantity generators within a WHPA). In addition, encoded geographic data may be manipulated by users to extract and display desirable information in a variety of ways (e.g., maps, tables, and statistics). GIS technology was used in the CCAMP project in Massachusetts to assess the risk of contamination to public water supply wells from a number of different sources. (See Appendix B for this case study.) The establishment of a GIS is a major undertaking. A fully functional GIS is often very expensive and costly to implement, although less expensive desktop mapping systems have become increasingly sophisticated and user-friendly. It is important to point out that for most GIS applications, the development of data is often the most resource intensive part of the system. The dynamic nature of most physical and cultural phenomena make data base development a continuous process for every operational GIS. In addition, training of users often is required to make a GIS functional. A fully functional GIS can be an extremely useful resource. Wellhead protection managers can use the system to scan a particular area for potential sources of contamination (e.g., industrial structures, underground tanks). The system is a useful tool for managing and organizing information from a variety of sources. In this way, several environmental protection programs could utilize and contribute to the data contained on GIS. 6J Maintaining GIS and Data Bases All data management systems, including GISs, require some sort or' periodic maintenance. Data maintenance for a source inventory can begin when a preliminary list of potential sources has been compiled. Since a successful WHP program is dependent on data of known quality, locational and source attribute information must be verified to meet established data standards. Once an inventory has been completed, the data must continue to be updated. The dynamic nature of most physical and cultural phenomena make data base development ;i continuous process. It may be necessary to reinventory the WHPA every few years. Under a proper data management scheme, the data must be securely stored to minimize any chances of accidental destruction or gradual degradation over time. It should also not be possible for any unauthorized persons to alter the contents of the data. Through data base verification and updating, a computerized data management system can be fine tuned and modified to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the system for data retrieval and analysis. Maintenance of a computerized data base also can involve training of new users and updating the skills of previous users whenever modifications are made to the system. In addition, backups and recovery procedures should be well established to minimize the risk of losing data due to error or malfunction. ------- Page 43 7.0 USING THE INVENTORY TO PROTECT WATER SUPPLIES The ultimate purpose of a source inventory is to protect underground supplies of drinking water. This section discusses a number of ways in which officials can use the information from the source inventory to protect their wellheads. We organize this section into three different tools for wellhead protection: 1. Priority Setting 2. New Zoning and Health Regulations 3. Developing a Pollution Prevention Policy 7.1 Priority Setting Officials can use the information gathered through the source inventory process to help them to establish action priorities within their WHPA. WHPA managers can evaluate the risks posed to the WHPA and prioritize their management efforts. For example, managers can use risk-based source ranking systems to identify which of many potential sources of contamination pose the greatest risk to the well. Such tools, however, require a great deal of input data, such as a complete list of potential sources, that officials can gather through a well-structured source inventory. Priority-setting techniques can vary from simple screening and ranking tools to sophisticated, site-specific risk models. If managers are interested in a tool to help them plan land-uses within a WHPA, a simple risk ranking tool may be sufficient. If the ground-water is already contaminated, however, a full, sophisticated risk assessment may be necessary to choose the appropriate remedial action technique. EPA has developed several risk-based tools for different applications. These tools include the following: • DRASTIC, which evaluates ground-water vulnerability to contamination; • the ground-water pathway ol the Hazard Ranking System; • the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water's abandoned well risk assessment methodology; and • GWPD's Managing Contamination Sources in Wellhead Protection Areas: A Priority Setting Approach. The results from such assessments can be used to assist managers in a number of ways including: • prioritizing source management efforts; e.g., site inspections, monitoring, data collection, enforcement actions, and education; • identifying planning and zoning approaches aimed at controlling the siting of new potential contamination sources; and • - conducting vulnerability assessments. ------- Page 44 7.2 New Zoning and Health Regulations Identification of potential sources of contamination will be meaningless unless steps are taken to prevent the potential threat from becoming an actual problem. Most states have delegated to local authorities the right to adopt and enforce laws that are necessary to protect the public health and welfare. At the local level, the major tools that are used to accomplish these goals include zoning and health regulations. Once individual threats have been identified through the source inventory process, a community can determine the most appropriate techniques to regulate their future use or location. Zoning regulations are used throughout the U.S. to control or prohibit conflicting land uses within a jurisdiction. Zoning is most useful for directing future land use, rather than altering present use or existing development. Furthermore, zoning controls are generally adopted for an area only after development pressures grow. Because pre-existing land uses and their associated materials management practices may become "grandfathered" under a new land use management plan, zoning ordinances can not be relied on to remedy all past and present activities that pose a threat to ground-water quality. Furthermore, as a result of differences in administrative time and staff, planning expertise, political will, and statutory authority, the ability of local jurisdictions to develop and enforce zoning programs varies significantly across the country. MASSACHUSETTS' STATE ZONING ACT In Massachusetts, the State Zoning Act (M.G.L. ch.40A and ch. 808) specifically includes the conservation of natural resources as a purpose of zoning. At least 75 communities in Massachusetts have adopted the use of overlay district zoning to further control potential contaminant sources in sensitive natural resource areas. Several Massachusetts towns have instituted large lot zoning for water supply protection and other conservation purposes. These types of zoning initiatives can help to regulate sources and potential sources of contamination within sensitive natural resource areas. Several Massachusetts towns have instituted large lot zoning for water supply protection and other conservation purposes. These types of zoning initiatives can help to regulate potential sources of contamination. CS-19 A thorough source inventory will serve lo identify the potential activities of concern within the wellhead area. Although zoning can provide only limited relief from sources that are already located within a WHPA, zoning regulations can be used effectively to limit future land use activities within sensitive natural resource areas or WHPAs. Zoning regulations can prohibit incompatible uses within critical areas, incorporate density limits which may affect the number of septic systems in a given area, require special use permits, or set performance standards for specified activities. In areas that are not developed to the full potential of their existing zoning classification, communities can seek to "downzone" or to impose restrictions, such as management practices, on specific activities within the area of concern. ------- Page 45 Municipalities and counties are generally delegated wide-ranging authority to adopt rules and regulations to prevent threats to the public health. Standards for septic systems and requirements for sewage hook-up are common examples of the use of this authority. More recent applications of this power are found in the adoption of local ordinances that govern the storage and handling of hazardous substances specifically to prevent contamination of ground-water supplies. As with zoning regulations, health regulations are most effective when applied in a prospective manner; that is, before a situation or activity within the wellhead area becomes a problem. Moreover, health regulations may be able to impose restrictions on existing activities or practices within a wellhead area, depending on the nature of the threat and the specific powers that have been delegated to local government. PORTLAND. OREGON'S WATER QUALITY PROTECTION PLAN The City of Portland, Oregon, reiies on an wellfield that draws from an aquifer along the South Shore of the Columbia River for emergency and supplemental water supply. Due to limited areas for economic growth, the city is also promoting industrial growth in this area. Recognizing the potential incompatibility between these two uses, Portland developed a water quality protection plan. The plan includes prohibitions or controls on specified high-risk activities, land use and building regulations, traffic controls, and specifications for control and treatment of runoff. An integral part of the plan is the Columbia South Shore Hazardous Materials Containment Facilities Design Handbook which includes specifications for facilities that are located within the water protection area. CS-20 For a more detailed discussion of the role of zoning and health regulations as a part of your WHP program refer to the USEPA publication Wellhead Protection Programs: Tools for Local Governments (EPA 440/6-89-002). 7.3 Developing a Pollution Prevention Program Once communities have identified potential sources of contamination in their WHPA, they can use that information to control future contamination by developing a pollution prevention program. In addition to the steps discussed earlier in this chapter, such as priority setting and development of local land use controls, EPA encourages communities to adopt a Pollution Prevention Strategy. Pollution prevention is a long-term, proactive waste management technique that aims to reduce or eliminate any waste at its source. Using data from the source inventory, oli'icials can target facilities that will benefit from pollution prevention techniques; benefits to individual facilities will advance the overall community goal of protecting the water supply. The following discussion presents three categories of pollution prevention techniques recognized by EPA that officials can use or seek help in implementing at these targeted facilities. These techniques include the following: • Source reduction. Involves several process modifications designed to reduce the amount of waste generated, such as changes to input materials. chanties to equipment and other technological changes, re-designing ------- Page 46 processes to reduce waste generation, maintaining and managing equipment and materials to minimize the opportunity for accidental releases, waste separation to improve recovery of usable materials, and employee waste minimization training and supervision. • Recycling. Involves the use, reuse, or reclamation of a waste product as a substitute for raw materials or ingredients. Recycling can occur on-site, or it can be done off-site by recycling services or waste exchanges. Examples of recycling include using a small, on-site still to recover degreasing solvents, or selling waste pickling acids as raw materials for fertilizer manufacturing. • Treatment. This least preferred pollution prevention technique involves processing hazardous waste after it is produced to reduce its toxicity or volume. Source reduction and recycling are preferable over treatment since treatment still involves the production of wastes. Nonetheless, treatment is preferred over the disposal of raw waste materials. Localities can seek help in developing and implementing these pollution prevention techniques through a variety of sources. Many states and inter-state authorities have organized pollution control offices or programs that play a critical role in providing technical assistance to localities. NEW ENGLAND WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY OFFICIALS' ASSOCIATION The New England Waste Management Officials' Association (NEWMOA) is a regional organization comprised of state environmental agencies in the Northeast. NEWMOA serves Northeastern states, academic institutions, and the private sector with pollution prevention efforts. The organization is developing a regional, centralized waste reduction clearinghouse and data bank to facilitate technology transfer throughout the region. In addition, it provides states with direct technical assistance on facilitating source reduction measures at specitlc industries common throughout the region. To support this effort, NEWMOA recently published brochures for the dry cleaners and automanufacturers educating them specifically about techniques for preventing pollution. With support from area experts from the academic, government and industrial sectors, NEWMOA is developing a program that will reduce pollution before it is generated. CS-21 EPA is encouraging the establishment and expansion of such State programs through its Pollution Prevention Incentives for States grant program. In fiscal years 1989, 1990, and 1991, EPA awarded a total of $15 million to 56 State and interstate organizations to conduct demonstration projects, provide direct technical assistance to local governments, industry, and businesses, and institutionalize multi-media pollution prevention as an environmental management priority. ------- Page 47 EPA has established the Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse (PPIC) to help disseminate information on pollution prevention opportunities. The PPIC can help States and localities establish pollution prevention programs, identify technical process options to reduce pollution, discover grant and project funding opportunities, locate and order documents, as well as other activities. Additional details regarding this resource can be found in Appendix C. As noted in our discussion of source identification techniques, business owners are often unaware of the potential impacts of their activities on the local water supply. A community that can not only identify the potential problems, but also help to formulate solutions will go a long way towards ensuring the long term quality of their water supply. ------- Page 49 8.0 SUMMARY This Technical Assistance Document (TAD) provides a range of suggestions for state and local water managers to develop and refine methods for inventorying existing and potential sources of contamination. The intention of this document is to identify several methods that make up a comprehensive source identification program. This TAD is not meant to provide an exact recipe for conducting source identification activities, hut a resource of valuable source identification options. A community's unique situation will dictate the composition of source identification methods it chooses to pursue. If resources are limited, a community may choose to alter its inventory process to fit its specific needs. Ideally, each community should strive to conduct the most complete inventory possible given its situation and the resources available to it. By using this.TAD as a guide states and local water managers can assess their existing abilities and available resources, while implementing one or many of the suggestions identified in this document. By examining the case study examples provided, lead agencies can interpret the organizational and environmental circumstances in their state, and consider how these examples provide analogies for building their own source identification programs. Inventorying contamination sources is one of six elements in the Wellhead Protection program. Although this document has focused on the techniques associated with only one of these elements: source identitlcation, it is evident that the achievements gained during source identification will contribute to progress in other areas of a Wellhead Protection program. For example, knowledge gained through a source inventory process will provide water managers with valuable information when preparing contingency plans or siting new wells. In the same way, progress made in other element areas may further source identification efforts. For example, wellhead delineation will limit the area for which a source identification search need be applied. Wellhead protection managers also may choose to utilize the source identification process to enhance many of the community's management tools (e.g., zoning ordinances, design standards, source prohibitions, ground-water monitoring, public education). These tools, whether combined or used alone will benefit from source identification efforts. For example, if the local water agency has been able to identify the sources of contamination in a WHPA, they can target appropriate rules and ordinances to that community. In whatever capacity state and local water managers choose to use the source identification method, it can contribute to overall ground-water protection. By identifying existing or potential sources of contamination, water managers can prevent the spread of contamination into the Wellhead Protection Area and ultimately, the ground-water supply. ------- Page 51 9.0 CASE STUDY REFERENCES The sources listed below were used to develop the case studies included in this document. 1. New York Data Bases Kevin Roberts New York State Department of Environmental Quality Water Quality Division (518) 457-3656 2. Florida Data Bases Rodney Dehan Florida Department of Environmental Protection (609) 488-3601 3. Massachusetts' Land Use Data Bases Mary Wheeler Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (617) 292-2929 4. Vermont Health Department Surveys David Butterfield Vermont Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering -- Water Quality Division (802) 244-5638 5. Florida's Land Use Locator System Rodney Dehan Florida Department of Environmental Protection (609) 488-3601 6. Maine Source Inventories Terry Mingel Maine Division of Human Services Department of Health Regulations (207) 289-5694 7. Sugar Land, Texas Brad Cross Texas Water Commission (512) 371-6321 ------- Page 52 8. Central and Northeastern South Carolina Stanley M. Swartzel Assessment and Development Section Ground-Water Protection Division South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (803) 734-5465 9. Cuba, Missouri Evan A. Kifer Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of Geology and Land Survey P.O. Box 250 Rolla, MO 65401 10. Texas Case Studies Brad Cross Texas Water Commission (512) 371-6321 11. North Kingstown and Hopkinton, Rhode Island Terry Simpson UIC Inventory Coordinator (401)277-2234 12. Southwestern, Maine Terry Mingel Maine Division of Human Services Department of Health Regulations (207) 289-5694 13. Springfield, Ohio Dick McClish Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Division of Ground Water (614) 644-2894 14. Tallahassee. Florida Rodney Dehan Florida Department of Environmental Protection (609) 488-3601 ------- Page 53 15. Waverly, Nebraska Bruce Hanson Nebraska Department of Environmental Control Ground Water Section (402) 471-2186 16. Woodburv, Connecticut Land Use Survey •f ' S Fred Banach Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (203) 566-7049 17. Waverly, Nebraska Source Inventory Demonstration Bruce Hanson Nebraska Department ol Environmental Control Ground Water Section (402) 471-2186 18. Cape Cod Aquifer Management Project Mary Wheeler Massachusetts Department ol Environmental Protection (617) 292-2929 19. Massachusetts' State Zoning Act Mary Wheeler Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (617) 292-2929 20. Portland, Oregon's Water Quality Protection Plan City of Portland, Department of Water (503) 796-7770 21. New England Waste Management Olficals' Association Terri Goldberg New England Waste Management Olficals' Association (617) 367-8558 ------- APPENDIX A BIBLIOGRAPHY ------- Page A-l APPENDIX A BIBLIOGRAPHY Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators. May 1990. Proceedings of the State Congress on Pollution Prevention. Clean Water Act. 33 United States Code §1251-1387. Title IV, §402, Permits for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems. Clean Water Act.' 33 United States Code §1251-1387. Title IV, §311, Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures. Davis, Micheal, J. August 1989. Unregulated Potential Sources of Groundwater Contamination Involving the Transport and Storage of Liquid I-'ueh: Technical and Policy Issues. Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois. Management Information Service. 1990. (Jroiindwatcr Protection: Local Success Stories. International City Management Association: Washington D.C. Vol. 22, No. 2, February 1990. Nebraska Wellhead Protection Program. 1989: Source Identification Inventory Report. Nebraska of Environmental Control, Water Quality Division. Groundwater Section. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. 42 United States Code §6091 et seq. Subtitle C, Managing Hazardous Wastes. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. 42 United States Code §6091 et seq. Subtitle I, Underground Storage Tanks. Safe Drinking Water Act. 42 United States Code §3001'et seq. Underground Injection Control Program. Supcrfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act. 42 United States Code §6091 et seq. Title III, Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know. Schenectady County Planning Department. Ground Water Supplv Source Protection: A Guide for Localities in Upstate New York. Prepared in cooperation with the Capital District Regional Planning Commission and the Ne\v York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Texas Water Commission. 1989. A Ground Water Protection Strategy: The City oj El Paso. Austin. TX. The Underground Injection Practices Council and The United States EPA, Oft ice of Drinking Water. 1989. Slate and Local Solutions for the Protection of Underground Sources of Drinking Water: A Success Story in the Making ... The Shallow Injection Well Program: A Ground Water Protection Approach. ------- Page A-2 United States EPA, Office of Ground-Water Protection. 1985. Septic Systems find Ground-Water Protection: A Program Manager's Guide and Reference Book. United States EPA, Office of Ground-Water Protection. 1987. An Annotated Bibliography of Wellhead Protection References. EPA 440/6-87-014. United States EPA, Office of Ground-Water Protection. 1989. Wellhead Protection: Tools for Local Governments. EPA 440/6-89-002. United States EPA, Office of Ground-Water Protection. May 1990. A Review of Sources for Ground-Water Contamination from Light Industry - Technical Assistance Document. EPA 440/6-90-005. ' ' United States EPA, Office of Ground-Water Protection. May 1990. Guide to Ground-Water Supply Contingency Planning for State and Local Government. EPA 440/6-90-005. United States EPA. Otfice of Ground-Water Protection. May 1991. Protecting Local Ground-Water Supplies Through Wellhead Protection. EPA 570/9-91-007. United States EPA. Office of Drinking Water. July 1990. Revised Risk Assessment Methodology for Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells -- Field Test Draft. United States EPA. Ollice of Drinking Water, State Programs Division. 1990. Shallow Injection Well Initiatives Program: Project Summaries. August 1, 1990. United States EPA. Ollice of Ground-Water and Drinking Water. November IW1. Managing Ground-Water Contamination Sources in Wellhead Protection Areas: A Priority Setting Approach. United States EPA. 1W5. DRASTIC A Standardized System for Evaluating ('•round-Water Pollution-Potential Using Hydrogeologic Settings. EPA 600/2-85/018. United States EPA. 1990. Final Rule on Hazard Ranking System, 40 C'FR 300. f-'cdeml Register, vol. 55, no. 241, December 14, 1990. United States Office of Technology Assessment. October 1984. Protecting the Nation's Groundwater from Contamination (Vols. I and II). ------- APPENDIX B CASE STUDIES ------- Page B-l APPENDIX B CASE STUDIES TITLE: EPA REGION: CASE HISTORY: Woodbury, Connecticut Land Use Survey for Aquifer Protection Region 1 (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) Woodbury is a small town of approximately 8,000 people located in Western Connecticut. The town relies on ground water for 100 percent of its drinking water supply. Ground water is produced from an extensive stratified drift aquifer that is hydrologically connected to the Pomperaug River that flows through Woodbury. Under Connecticut law, municipalities are required to inventory land uses within the delineated wellhead area to identify potential sources of ground- water contamination. Woodbury completed this requirement in the Summer of 1990 by hiring one surveyor to conduct an extensive inventory of land uses in the town's aquifer recharge area. The surveyor used a variety of methods and resources to complete the inventory including phone directories, State data bases, historical land use maps and aerial photos, personal interviews, and a field search. The surveyor used yellow pages phone directories including the "Business to Business Yellow Pages" for a broad identification of current potential sources. For additional information the surveyor reviewed a number of data bases maintained by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). These data bases include data on water pollution compliance, underground storage tanks, hazardous waste generators, and community subsurface sewage disposal. Although the surveyor found the DEP data bases helpful, they were difficult to use because of their number, size, and they were often maintained at a variety of different locations. To supplement information gathered from these resources, the surveyor also reviewed historical land use maps and aerial photos maintained by the tax assessor's office. The aerial photos were particularly helpful because of their large size and detail. The most informative source identification method, however, was conducting personal interviews of the fire marshall and the town planner. The fire marshall was particularly helpful because as a long-term resident of Woodbury and the nature of his occupation he was very knowledgeable about commercial activities and operations in the town. The fire department is also responsible for inspecting replacement underground storage tanks, and receives lists under Title III of SARA regarding the commercial use of hazardous materials in the town. Finally, the surveyor conducted a windshield survey of land uses in the recharge area to identify any potential sources that may have escaped identification through the other surveying methods. ------- Page B-2 The surveyor's source inventory identified approximately 130 high risk sources of potential wellhead contamination. Although the town is relatively small, the Health District Director explained that the large number of sources is a result of the fact that nearly all commercial activity is centered along the river which is in the aquifer's recharge area. The Health District Director estimated that the land use survey took the one surveyor approximately 6 weeks to complete. CONTACT: Fred Banach Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (203) 566-7049 ------- Page B-3 TITLE: EPA REGION: CASE HISTORY: CONTACT: Source Identification for Wellhead Protection in Florida Region 4 (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC) The Florida Department of Environmental Regulation (DER) will rely primarily on two major State data bases to identify potential sources of wellhead contamination under its Wellhead Protection Program. These two data bases are the Ground Water Pollution Source Inventory (GPSI) and the Water Quality Assurance (WQA) data base. The GPSI locates all facilities that have received a DER permit allowing discharges to ground water. In addition to facilities' locations, the GPSI includes information on the type of discharge, volume of waste, and point of discharge. The data base is computerized and localities have access to the information through local DER district branch offices. Retrievals can be made by site location, type of facility, or category of the source. The WQA data base contains information on all other "non-permitted" sources. Data sources for this data base includes ambient ground-water monitoring information, investigations of ground-water contamination sites, State hazardous waste sites, underground storage tank sites, pesticide contamination sites, and Superfund and RCRA sites. In a few pilot studies in the State, USGS is under contract to identify previously unknown Class V drainage wells. To complete this task, USGS is conducting detailed field searches and interviewing key personnel. DER notes that Class V drainage wells are numerous in Florida and are responsible for a significant amount of ground-water contamination. In addition to these methods, DER will use a land use locator system developed for Florida's ground water monitoring network. This system is based on the property tax system and will enable officials to track historical land use of property by counties and likely help localities identify and locate potential sources of contamination. Rodney Dehan Florida Department of Environmental Protection (609) 488-3601 ------- Page B-4 TITLE: EPA REGION: CASE HISTORY: Wellhead Contamination Source Identification in South Paris, Oxford, and Norway, Maine Region 1 (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) The towns of South Paris (approximately 4,000 people), Oxford (approximately 2,500 people), and Norway (approximately 12,000 people) share a very long, discontinuous aquifer from which they draw their drinking water supply. Collectively, the towns hired a contractor to identify and locate potential sources of wellhead contamination and map the hydrogeologic setting of the aquifer and its recharge area. In undertaking this effort, the contractor followed the guidelines for inventorying sources of contamination established by the Maine Department of Human Services (DHS). DHS recommends that wellhead operators inventory potential sources in two stages: (1) conduct an initial source inventory to characterize all potential threats to the wellhead, and (2) after the WHPA has been delineated, conduct a more detailed investigation of those sources of particular concern. To inventory sources of contamination, DHS recommended in their Wellhead Protection Program that wellhead operators "review any printed materials that indicate the location of ... potential sources of contamination" including "telephone directory yellow pages; business records (such as fuel oil delivery services), state, and municipal, and county records and permit files, historic records, and news articles." For the initial inventory, the contractor conducted a broad review of State and EPA data bases on CERCLA and RCRA waste sites. After delineating the WHPA, the contractor began the detailed inventory of sources using a variety of methods. The contractor conducted windshield surveys, examined historical land use maps and air photos, interviewed long-term residents, and reviewed newspaper articles. The contractor noted that the best source of information came from long-term residents. These people were identified by town officials as people who may have worked at a particular facility or lived near a site for many years. These people provided the most detailed information on a variety of questions, including the types and amounts of chemical products used at a particular site, site operations, and waste management practices. The contractor also noted that reviewing newspaper articles provided the least amount of information. The contractor concluded the detailed inventory by interviewing at least one person for each contamination source and conducting a detailed site inspection of each facility. The contractor categorized each source of contamination identified as either a potential major or potential minor source of contamination. For all three towns, the contractor identified 18 major sources of contamination and 23 to 24 minor sources of contamination. ------- Page B-5 The contractor used two employees to conduct the source inventory. These employees spent an estimated one week to identify all sources of contamination and from one to three hours to inspect each facility. CONTACT: Terry Mingel Maine Division of Human Services Department of Health Regulations (207) 289-5694 ------- Page B-6 TITLE: EPA REGION: CASE HISTORY: Massachusetts - Source Identification Case Studies Region 1 (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has done and is in the process of doing a variety of work regarding source identification lor Wellhead Protection programs. Methods for identifying sources of contamination have included mapping, regulations, and community outreach efforts. Mapping Cape Cod Aquifer Management Project - During the Cape Cod Aquifer Management Project (CCAMP), an inter-agency project initiated in 1985 to develop a comprehensive, resource-based approach to ground-water protection, an effort was made to develop a more detailed list of potential and actual contamination sources. The CCAMP project involved participation of Massachusetts DEP, USEPA Region 1, USGS, and the Cape Cod Planning and Economic Development Commission. The Aquifer Assessment committee, composed of hydrogeologists from each participating agency, undertook the task of preparing a detailed list of categories of sources of contamination. The committee also wanted to determine the relationship between potential sources of contamination and the actual contaminants that each might release. Committee members reviewed all available literature and their personal experience to compile a full list of potential contaminants. A scries ol reports was published as a result of the CCAMP study, including a "Guide to Contamination Sources for Wellhead Protection" which provided detailed information on each land use; and regulatory controls that may be useful to prevent contamination. The DEP currently is distributing these reports to all ground-water dependent towns in the State. Additionally, the CCAMP undertook an intensive land-use study within one wellhead protection area in the town of Barnstable. A detailed inventory ol the land-use data within the Zone of Contribution #1 was gathered from the data available through existing regulatory programs at all levels of government. CCAMP's inventory ol' potential contamination sources provided an extensive characterization of the use of hazardous materials and the risk posed to public water supply with this ZOC. The most overuhelming conclusion was the high potential threat posed by petroleum products. Underground storage tanks are the most pervasive potential contaminate source in this ZOC. There are 186 USTs within the entire zone, a large majority clustered close to three of the public supply wells. Further, the investigation of spills and leaks indicates that 43% of all such incidents were due to leaking USTs and all six of the confirmed hazardous- waste sites are the result of petroleum-product contamination. On a site-specific basis for a particular well or waste source, the major tool used for risk assessment statewide is the Water Supply Protection Atlas which consists of 4 transparent overlays for nearly all of the USGS ------- Page B-7 quadrangle maps for the state, including a waste sources overlay. The Atlas is used heavily by DWS staff, other DEP divisions, consultants, local governments, and the public in order to assess threats posed by individual waste sources to supply wells and aquifers. The waste sources overlays inventory major waste sources, including landfills, surface impoundments, and hazardous waste disposal sites, but these overlays and the Atlas have not been updated and do not include smaller potential sources of contamination. The DEP is also currently planning a project in the Merrimack River area ("Merrimack River Basin Municipal Capacity Building Demonstration Project"), where parcel-level mapping of land use on a GIS will be completed for 2 to 3 towns. A few goals identified for this project include delineating and mapping wellhead and watershed protection areas using a GIS and inventorying land uses and activities located within protection areas that threaten water supplies. The DEP has mapped, or is in the process of mapping, onto their GIS system RCRA facilities, landfills, NPDES permit locations, ground-water discharge permit locations, public wells, and either interim Zone Us (1/2 mile around a well) or DEP approved Zone IIs (primary recharge areas). About 95 Zone IIs have been approved thus far. Finally, the DEP recently completed a demonstration project which mapped under-ground storage tanks on their GIS using street addresses. About 10-12 towns were done on that project. Outreach In addition to mapping, the DEP has also provided outreach and technical assistance to communities where they have identified underground storage tanks at wellheads. The identification of.towns was done through a review of Water Management applications which requested UST information on the permit application forms. The DEP also has an underground injection control program which works directly with communities to identity illegal floor drains and have them either sealed or drained to a tight tank. Finally, the DEP has a technical assistance and outreach program which provides towns with information and recommendations on land use and reducing risks to public supply wells. Staff members work with communities to identify and assess land use impacts in recharge areas of drinking water supplies. They encourage the water department, local boards, business interests, and residents concerned with water quality and quantity to work together in establishing comprehensive water supply protection measures. ------- Page B-8 Regulations In Massachusetts, community public water suppliers are required by DEP regulations to report annually on land use in their water supply areas. Instructions for the land use inventory require public water suppliers to obtain a base map of each water source and locate Zones I and II for wells and Zones A and B for surface water sources. Each land use activity that might threaten water quality also must be identified and researched. In addition, DEP's updated regulations for new public water sources require the municipality to pass regulations that prohibit or restrict certain land uses in Zones IIs prior to the source being approved for use. During the past three years the DEP has awarded over $750,000 in grants under a Federal grant provided to the DEP under Section 205(j) of the CWA to regional planning agencies to do wellhead protection projects with their member communities. Much of this funding was used for mapping wells and pinpointing potential contamination sources. Projects are being done by ten of the thirteen regional planning agencies. Also in Massachusetts, community public water suppliers are required by DEP regulations to report annually on land use in their water supply areas. Instructions for the land use inventory require public water suppliers to obtain a base map of each water source and locate Zones I and II for wells and Zones A (400 ft from the 100 year floodplain) and B (1/2 mile upgradient of Zone A) for surface water sources. Each land use activity that might threaten water quality must be identified by water suppliers and researched through contact with local Boards of Health, Fire Departments, Zoning Boards of Appeals or the DEP. In addition, the Massachusetts DEP's updated regulations for new public water sources require municipalities to pass regulations that prohibit or restrict certain land uses in Zones IIs prior to the source being approved for use. Examples of high risk land use activities which are prohibited include landfills, open dumps, junkyards, wastewater treatment plants, and facilities that treat, store or dispose of hazardous waste. Finally in Massachusetts, during the past three years the DEP has awarded over $750,000 in grants, under a Federal grant provided to the DEP under Section 205(j) of the Clean Water Act, to regional planning agencies to develop wellhead protection projects with their member communities. Much of this funding was used for mapping wells and pinpointing potential contamination sources. Ten of the thirteen regional planning agencies are participating in these projects. CONTACT: Mary Wheeler Massachusetts. Department of Environmental Protection (617) 292-5929 ------- Page B-9 TITLE: EPA REGION: CASE HISTORY: The Cuba Project Region 7 (IA, KS, MO, NE) A door-to-door survey was used in Cuba, Missouri to help identify Class V well types and other sources of contamination. Cuba is a small town in southeast Missouri with a population of about 2,000. The Cuba Project was designed in two phases. Phase I was a door-to-door survey, while Phase II was a dye tracing experiment. The door-to-door survey was designed specifically for Cuba. It included questions addressing possible residential, commercial, and industrial contamination sources such as: the location of active or abandoned wells, cisterns, fuel oil tanks, heat pumps or septic systems, and the location and storage of chemicals used in businesses. The surveyors also noted any wells, cisterns, and storage tanks that they spotted while conducting the survey. As a supplement to the door-to-door survey, State and local agencies were consulted for pertinent information or existing data bases that applied to this study. The information from the State and local agencies was combined with the results of the door-to-door survey to develop a comprehensive listing. The door-to-door survey revealed 465 possible sources of contamination that were unknown previous to the investigation. These sources included: 103 above ground storage tanks, 73 underground storage tanks, 115 Class V wells, 149 active water wells, and 21 chemical storage locations. Phase II of this study focused on the effect that septic tanks in unregulated areas have on local ground-water quality. Ten houses participated in this study in which two gallons of liquid dye were flushed down each toilet. Dye detectors were then placed in each toilet to monitor the presence of dye in the incoming water supply. This study revealed that although no dye was present in the drinking water, septic tanks often overflowed during periods of wet weather. This indicates that septic tank effluent may be leaching into and contaminating the ground water. ------- Page B-10 TITLE: EPA REGION: CASE HISTORY: Waverly, Nebraska Source Inventory Demonstration Region 7 (IA, KS, MO, NE) Officials from a variety of agencies including the Nebraska Department of Environmental Control (NDEC), Nebraska Department of Health, and the City of Waverly w6rked together in November 1989 to develop and test techniques to identify and locate sources of wellhead contamination in Waverly, a town of approximately 2,000 people. The NDEC plans to use the lessons learned from the Waverly demonstration to train public water suppliers across the State to identify sources of wellhead contamination in their localities. To conduct the source inventory officials used an extensive list of potential contamination sources in conjunction with air photos of land uses in the town. Particular land uses were identified from the air photos and checked against the list of potential sources to determine if they merited additional consideration. Officials found the air photos were effective, especially where the landscape had sufficient reference points that were also specified on local topographic maps. Once a source of concern was identified, officials attempted to interview at least one person who was knowledgeable about that source. This was done to collect specific information on that source. Interviews were conducted either in person or by telephone. Officials then plotted the source of concern on a WHPA map using a variety of measuring methods including measuring tapes, the surveyor's wheel, the pace and compass method, and the optical range finder. Overall, officials found that identifying sources of potential contamination in the town of Waverly was not very difficult. The inventory took two person-days to complete. The most time consuming task was gathering information on potential sources. They recommend that to save time a local inventory worker should conduct the personal interviews because they are more familiar with the locale. The source inventory in Waverly identified 33 potential sources of ground- water contamination. Sixteen of these sources belonged to source categories known to have contaminated ground water in Nebraska, including eight underground storage tanks. The potential contaminants present at these sources included waste oil, organic solvents, acids, pesticides, gasoline, diesel fuel, and a variety of other chemical products. The closest source was within a 60 day time-of-travel zone to one well while other sources were more than a 20 years time-of-travel distance away from another well. The results of the source identification and location inventory enabled officials to design a ground-water monitoring schedule for each well that will serve as an early warning system for the public water supply system. In conjunction with the monitoring program, the town will use the findings of ------- Page B-ll the inventory to assist with their contaminant source management and contingency planning efforts. CONTACT: Bruce Hanson Nebraska Department of Environmental Control Ground Water Section (402) 471-2186 ------- Page B-12 TITLE: EPA REGION: CASE HISTORY: Source Inventory for the Town of Meridith, New Hampshire Region 1 (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) Two pilot projects have been conducted in New Hampshire. The first, in the town of Merrimack, officials indicate was successful, but the second, in the town of Meridith, was more extensive, more thorough, and should prove to be more successful. The purpose of the Meridith project was to develop procedures for towns to use in inventorying their sources of contamination. The project included using existing data-bases as well as doing field surveys. The ultimate goal of this project is to have all towns use these procedures in order to maintain consistency. CONTACT: Paul Curry New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (603) 271-3503 ------- Page B-13 TITLE: EPA REGION: CASE HISTORY: New Jersey Data Base and Mapping Efforts Region 2 ( N.I. NY, PR, VI) New Jersey uses a State-wide data base as a method for.identifying sources of contamination. Although New Jersey is in the draft stage of inventorying sources, currently, an Arc-Info based GIS is being used that contains data on Superfund sites, known and suspected pollution lists, NJPDES (ground and surface water discharges) and SARA Title III. Gathering the data, however, is too big a job for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) alone because there are so many entities from which to gather data. The NJDEP relies on those being regulated to provide them with information for their local GIS. New Jersey Mapping Efforts Although no law requires municipal involvement with WHP, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has been encouraging local action for source identitlcation. The NJDEP has provided localities with a base map of their area as a starting point for local inventories. However, integrating existing NJDEP maps with those of created through municipal inventories will be needed but has not been planned to date. Officials have indicated a problem yet to be faced with these maps is accuracy. Locations on the maps are based on latitude and longitude, but more accurate global positioning would result in better quality maps. CONTACT: Dan Van Abs N.J. Department of Environmental Protection ------- Page B-14 TITLE: EPA REGION: CASE HISTORY: New York Region 2 (NJ, NY, PR, VI) New York's Wellhead Protection submittal indicated that there was no uniform method for inventorying sources of contamination, but that their priority would be on known sources of public water contamination. However, officials indicate that the key source identification method used is an industrial chemical survey data-base in which all industries report average annual uses. It is a very broad data-base but can be manipulated in various ways, e.g., to search for a single chemical. Local governments have access to the industrial chemical surveys and a number of localities are using them. Another data-base used as a source identification method is a bulk storage data-base. In addition, New York is in the planning process for developing better pesticide usage data. The existing data-bases used for source identification overlap each other, but work is being done towards unifying existing data-bases and a GIS objective is being maintained. Site-specific inventories are in the process of being completed with the help of funding under Section 205(j) of the CWA; however, no documentation is available regarding those inventories until those projects are completed. Officials indicate that a major problem of WHPPs will be funding, particularly given the current economic situation which forces programs to reevaluate their priorities. However, ground-water and aquifer protection programs are considered very important to New York and it has been suggested that those programs would not be tremendously affected. CONTACT: Kevin Roberts NYSDEC, Water Quality Division (518) 457-3656 ------- Page B-15 TITLE: EPA REGION: CASE HISTORY: Butler, Clennont, Hamilton, and Warren Counties, Ohio Region 5 (IL. IN, MI, MN. OH, WI) In June 1988 the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) conducted an extensive review of potential sources of aquifer contamination in four counties in southwestern Ohio. The ground- water resources of the greatest concern are those of the Great Miami River buried valley aquifer system which supplies drinking water to two- thirds of a million people, or one-half of the area's population. OKI categorized potential pollution sources into nine different areas: liquid waste disposal sites, solid waste disposal sites, hazardous waste generators and/or disposal sites, concentrations of onsite wastewater treatment systems, land application, road salt storage sites, animal feedlots, sand and gravel extraction sites, and cemeteries. OKI relied primarily on existing State and Federal data bases to identify sources in each category and supplemented this information with personal interviews, maps, and telephone directories. Source identification methods for each category are detailed below. Liquid Waste Disposal Sites - OKI identified liquid waste disposal sites from the pits, ponds, and lagoons that are listed in Ohio EPA's Surface Impoundment Assessment file. Solid Waste Disposal Sites - OKI identified active and closed sites from a list of Licensed Solid Waste Disposal Facilities maintained by Ohio EPA's Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste Management. OKI identified demolition landfills through conversations with each county's Board of Health. OKI also recommends contacting building trade associations for additional information on the location of demolition landfills. OKI identified closed dumps from existing lists it maintains as well as the CERCLIS list. OKI further recommends interviewing county engineers regarding location of illegal dumps. Hazardous Waste Generators and/or Disposal Sites - OKI used the CERCLIS list and sites subject to RCRA regulations to identify potential sources in this category. Onsite System Concentrations - OKI used previous studies it conducted as well as soils suitability maps developed tor onsite septic treatment systems and conversations with county health department staff to locate potential sources in this category. Land Application of Sludge - OKI identified sites in this category by reviewing Sludge Management Plans filed with Ohio EPA. OKI recommends however that each management agency should be contacted tor the most current information because new land application sites can be added to an existing sludge management plan. ------- Page B-16 Road Salt Storage Sites - OKI interviewed personnel from the Ohio Department of Transportation and from county engineer, township, and municipal offices to identify sites under this category. OKI also recommends contacting commercial sellers of road salt and airports for .'.dditional information if necessary. Animal Feedlots - OKI obtained the locations of animal feedlots from each county's Soil and Water Conservation District and/or Soil Conservation Service office. Mineral Extraction Sites - Mineral extraction site locations and owner/operators were identified from a report prepared by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). OKI recommends that this information be verified through questionnaires sent to all facilities. More specific locations and other information were provided by ODNR's Division of Reclamation. OKI also recommends that the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers permit system be reviewed for sites not permitted by ODNR. Cemeteries - OKI identified cemeteries through the most recent yellow pages phone directories for a number of cities/towns. OKI contacted these sites for additional information. OKI recommends that a cemetery trade association should be contacted, if possible, regarding a complete list of active cemeteries including minor cemeteries that are often overlooked. A.S a result of OKI's inventorying methods, its June 1988 survey identified 403 sites lying directly over local aquifers. Thirty-five of these sites are considered medium or high priority sites listed under CERCLA. In continuation of this work, OKI is currently developing a ground-water protection and management strategy. As part of that effort it has identified five new categories of potential aquifer pollution sources: hazardous material sites, sites of reported spills, auto salvage sites, commodity transfer points, and wastewater treatment plants. The majority of information identifying sites under these new categories will come from existing lists and data bases, including data filed under SARA (for hazardous material sites and commodity transfer points) and records from Ohio EPA's Division of Emergency Response (for sites of reported spills). OKI points out, however, that such sources of information are being located only now and may likely change as staff actually begin to identify and locate sources. CONTACT: Jane Wittke OKI Regional Council of Governments (513) 621-7060 ------- Page B-17 TITLE: EPA REGION: CASE HISTORY: CONTACT: Ohio Region 5 (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI) The Ohio Division of Ground Water conducted an inventory of potential pollution sources in Springfield's wellhead protection area. An initial inventory was conducted by a windshield survey of all roads in the area. Notes were taken on existing facilities and land uses and then were located on USGS 7'/2 minute topographic maps. Meetings were held with various local and county officials to gain more information about past, current, and proposed activities in the area. Division staff found each of these individuals very helpful and received a large amount of useful information from them. Ohio EPA offices and other State agencies also were consulted. The second stage of information gathering and inventorying consisted of personal interviews which were conducted with several local industry managers, farmers, and commercial businessmen. An introductory letter was sent to each facility followed by a phone call and site visit. Although this process was time consuming, it served several valuable purposes. Staff were able to obtain detailed information on industry processes, management practices, and pollution threats, but these visits were equally valuable as an educational and public involvement tool. The individuals visited were given a basic understanding of Springfield's wellfield and local aquifer, and how their activities could potentially impact the quality of the ground water resource. Ohio EPA staff found that, although most people they talked with were aware of the wellfield, they had little idea that their activities and management practices could affect the water quality of these wells. These interviews introduced them to the concept of wellhead protection. From its studies, the Ohio EPA found that the inventory process need not be costly, but it may require considerable labor. The key to a successful and cost effective inventory is identification of existing sources of information. A large amount of data already exist and duplication of effort should be avoided. Although conducting individual site assessments is extremely time consuming, it is believed to be a critical component of the inventory. The ultimate success or failure of a local wellhead protection program depends on the education and cooperation of the individuals located within the protected area. Dick McClish Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Division of Ground Water (614) 644-2894 ------- Page B-18 TITLE: EPA REGION: CASE HISTORY: CONTACT: Rhode Island Region 1 (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) Of the seven methods used in the pilot project on methods of inventorying sources, the director of the project highly recommended the windshield survey, although there might be restrictions on this method depending on the size of the area to be surveyed, terrain, or the surveyor's access to a vehicle. It is a fairly easy method to use, although it is recommended that two people go together in the car so one can take notes while the other drives. This method gave the most complete information of any single method used alone and was fairly time efficient when compared with the number of other information sources which must be consulted to come up with a similar number of potential sources of contamination. In the pilot project, this method worked well both in a rural and in an urban community. Terry Simpson UIC Inventory Coordinator (401) 277-2234 ------- Page B-19 TITLE: EPA REGION: CASE HISTORY: South Carolina Region 4 (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC) The South Carolina UIC program conducted a project to evaluate Class V wells and other potential sources of ground-water contamination near public water supply wells in five South Carolina communities. The study was conducted in areas deemed to have geology particularly vulnerable to ground-water contamination. Two of the study communities were small, rural areas, while the other three had moderate to high population densities. The study in the most densely populated area involved an extensive wellfield with 27 public water supply wells. For this inventory, information about potential sources was first obtained from various government agencies, offices within the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, county officials, and various private businesses and professional associations. After this information was compiled, a detailed drive-through visual survey of each area was conducted. Every road in each study area was travelled and the pertinent information recorded. Every facility which was suspected of containing a potential contamination source was then contacted by telephone. Facilities inaccessible by telephone and those for which visual inspection was deemed necessary were visited in order to conduct personal interviews and inspections. All of the potential sources of contamination within 2 miles of the selected public water supply wells were mapped and rated as low, medium, high, or very high, according to their potential for impacting the water supply. A distance of 1000 feet from each well circumscribed an area of greater concern, and facilities within this area increased their pollution potential rating by one degree. A total of 485 potential sources were identified and examined. Of these, 219 were identified as sources which could potentially contaminate public water supply wells. It was discovered that 101 facilities were in need of corrective or compliance actions ranging from submittal of the proper permit applications to permanent system abandonment with possible assessment and remediation requirements. As a result of this project, the SC UIC Program has added 41 injection wells to its inventory and the SC UST Program became aware of 35 unpermitted underground storage tanks. In conducting this survey, the initial time allotted for deciding which types of facilities to direct the most attention to, and the most reliable sources to approach for information, greatly increased project efficiency. Government contacts at the local level proved especially valuable and relatively efficient for the amount of information gained. The proposed personnel resource allocation of one-half work year was exceeded by two months, and the amount of follow-up work needed to bring the 101 facilities into regulatory compliance is estimated at two work years. ------- Page B-20 CONTACT: Stanley M. Swartzel Assessment and Development Section Ground-Water Protection Division S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (803) 734-5465 ------- Page B-21 TITLE: EPA REGION: CASE HISTORY: CONTACT: South Dakota Region 8 (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY) The East Dakota Water District conducted a Class V demonstration project in a predominantly agricultural area. Over approximately 100 square miles, all landowners were contacted by telephone and asked about potential sources of contamination such as abandoned wells, irrigation and chemigation systems and livestock. Data was collected for all locations which contain livestock, not just those qualifying as feedlots. Jerry Siegel Manger, East Dakota Water District (605) 692-5185 ------- Page B-22 TITLE: EPA REGION: CASE HISTORY: Texas Region 6 (AR, LA, NM, OK. TX) El Paso In El Paso, Texas, door-to-door surveys of all potential contamination sources around public water supply wells wer-c conducted by senior citizen volunteers. The city of El Paso has a population of about 590,000 and is located in the far western tip of Texas. El Paso's geology consists of aquifers which exist in basins filled with non-uniform deposits of clay, sand, and gravel. Aquifers exist at shallow, intermediate, and deep levels, and there is no impermeable geologic stratum of regional extent, so ground water moves between them in response to hydraulic pressure. The Texas Water Commission delineated WHP areas around El Paso's PWS wells using the calculated fixed radius method with a travel time of five years. The completion of the inventories of potential contamination sources within these areas was the responsibility of the local government. In El Paso, members of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) were used to help complete the inventory. This organization was found to have the best mechanism for recruiting volunteers, as opposed to other organizations for senior citizens which arc more socially oriented. Senior volunteers were used because they possessed the maturity and the historical knowledge needed for a complete inventory. The volunteers first attended a seminar which described the WHP program, fundamentals of ground water protection, source identification and inventory procedures. Then, when actually conducting the inventory, volunteers were sent out with maps of their assigned area,"inventory forms, lists of sources, and name tags identifying them as volunteers. Extensive media involvement had prepared the public and the volunteers did not encounter any uncooperative individuals. Volunteers who were unable to go door-to-door searched city and county records. . El Paso's efforts were extremely successful. Twenty-three volunteers inventoried sources around 138 wells in three and one-half days. They inventoried over 1900 potential contamination sources. Alt previously known contamination sources were identified by the volunteers. The volunteers were very enthusiastic and wanted to survey the entire city, not just the WHP areas. After the inventory was completed, several of the volunteers formed a WHP Task Force committee to assure that BMP's exist on the local level to control potential sources of contamination. Houston The Texas Water Commission is currently conducting a WHP source inventory in Houston. This area has 204 public water supply wells, with 98 protection areas being delineated. ------- Page B-23 The Houston Retired Senior Volunteer Program is providing volunteers to conduct the inventory. Additionally, extensive media coverage has led to many other sources of volunteers of all ages. For example, junior high school classes, families working together, and college students have all become involved as volunteers. Media involvement is important both in recruiting volunteers and in creating a cooperative attitude in the public. Sugar Land This community conducted a mailed survey inventory of potential contamination sources. The inventory form was included with the recipient's water bill. The city obtained a 45 percent response rate for these inventory forms. A door-to-door survey was then used to complete the WHP inventory. Atlanta, Silsbee. Queen City These cities used Boy Scouts to conduct WHP inventories. The inventory makes an excellent Eagle Scout project. CONTACT: Brad Cross Texas Water Commission (512) 371-6321 ------- APPENDIX C REGULATORY DATA BASES ------- Page C-l APPENDIX C REGULATORY DATA BASES TITLE: DEVELOPED BY: TIME SPAN: UPDATING: DESCRIPTION: AVAILABILITY: Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (TRI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Toxic Substances, Emergency Response Division Data available for 1987 through 1989. Information is available two years after the reporting date. Annually TRI contains a compilation of the annual release reports required under Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986). Data are required from all manufacturing facilities (SIC codes 20-39) with 10 or more full-time employees that (1) manufactured, imported, or processed more than 75,000 pounds of any SARA Section 313 toxic chemical in 1987, more than 50,000 pounds in 1988, or more than 25,000 pounds in 1989; or (2) "otherwise used, more than 10,000 pounds of any SARA Section 313 toxic chemical in any calendar year. Information contained in TRI, includes: • Facility identification: name, address, public contact number. Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) number, and EPA Identification Number; • Substance identification: names, uses, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number, and maximum amount onsite; • Environmental release information: estimates of the amounts of chemicals released into the air, water, land, and injected underground, and the source of these releases; • waste treatment information: condition of the general wastestream, method, treatment efficiency, and waste minimization data; and • off-site waste transfer information: names and addresses of wastes transferred, estimated amounts transferred, and basis for these estimates. TRI is maintained on EPA's NCC and the National Library of Medicine's TOXNET on-line service. Access via these systems would require resources for data retrievals and analyses. TRI information is available on various mainframes. Electronic extracts also are available for public reference. ------- Page C-2 CONTACT: Mr. Bill Wallace Information Management Division, Public Data Branch (TS-793) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 401 M St., SW Washington, D.C. 20460 (202) 260-8680 ------- Page C-3 TITLE: DEVELOPED BY: TIME SPAN: UPDATING: DESCRIPTION: AVAILABILITY: CONTACTS: CERCLA Information System (CERCLIS) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Emergency and Remedial Response, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response 1980 to date Daily CERCLIS provides an inventory of potential hazardous waste sites in the United States. The database contains information on approximately 30,000 releases of hazardous substances reported to EPA by any interested party (municipal authority or citizen). CERCLIS covers incidents of hazardous chemical spills as well as hazardous waste sites nominated or selected for cleanup under the provision of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Action of 1986 (SARA). For each site, the following information is included: • Site identification: EPA identification number, name, alternate name (if applicable), geographic location (e.g., street address, city, county, state, and ZIP code), EPA Region; • Action taken at the site: precleanup investigations, cleanup activity status, and for some sites, descriptions of environmental problems encountered. During the Preliminary Site Investigation, if the site is found to pose no environmental threat and require No Further Action, a NFA flag, appears in this column; • Project dates: actual start and completion dates; and • Lead agencies. Appropriate portions of the CERCLIS database in either electronic or printed copy can be obtained through EPA's Freedom of Information (FOI) office. Online services are also available through the EPA's contractor for an annual subscription fee of $3(X). Ms. Jeralene B. Green FOI Officer (A-101) U.S. EPA 401 M Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20460 (202) 260-4048 Ms. Gloria Brooks U. S. EPA Office of Emergency and Remedial Response 401 M Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20460 (202) 260-9833 ------- Page C-5 TITLE: DEVELOPED BY: TIME SPAN: UPDATING: DESCRIPTION: AVAILABILITY: CONTACT: Hazardous Waste Data Management System (HWDMS) RCRA Information System (RCRIS) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Planning, Policy, and Information and Office of Solid Waste 1980 to date Monthly. Information on waste types, estimated annual quantities, and management processes contain data derived from Part A permit applications. This data may have been updated since the Part A information was entered, and therefore the updated information may not be included in HWDMS/RCRIS. HWDMS data entry capabilities will be discontinued on December 31, 1991 and final implementation of *RCRIS will take place on January 1, 1992. RCRIS will replace HWDMS as the national data base for tracking RCRA Subtitle C facility-specific data as well as accomplishments. HWDMS/RCRIS is maintained by Regions and States who submit monthly updates to the data base. National, regional and state personnel utilize HWDMS/RCRIS to support the implementation and oversight of RCRA programs. The database contains permitting and compliance monitoring activities for all generators, transporters, and TSDFs. HWDMS/RCRIS is maintained on mainframe by EPA contractor. Electronic extracts are available and can be converted to Lotus or dBase. Printed output is also available. Initial information can be obtained through written request from the EPA Work Assignment Manager through the EPA contact listed below; followup communication occurs directly between the requestor and the database contractor. Cost associated with data retrieval are covered under the contractor's work assignment to maintain the database. Dina Villari U.S. EPA 401 M Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20460 (202) 260-4670 ------- Page C-6 TITLE: Water Management Permit Compliance System DEVELOPED BY: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency TIME SPAN: Mid-70s to date UPDATING: DESCRIPTION: AVAILABILITY: CONTACT: Twice a week The system monitors the NPDES process for permits. The amount of relevant ocean pollution data and other data varies greatly among approximately 2700 permits in this database. The system includes: • Information about permittee and application process to issue permit; • Information on diluent units; • Monitoring requirements for permittees. Printed reports, CRT read outs, microforms, tapes, plots and charts are available through EPA. Interested parties may access the database with an account in indirect/hatch mode. Non-automated interface in the project office is also available at no charge. Ms. Dela Ng Permit Compliance System Waste Management Division U.S. EPA 401 M Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20460 (202) 260-8313 ------- Page C-7 TITLE: DEVELOPED BY: TIME SPAN: UPDATING: DESCRIPTION: AVAILABILITY: CONTACT: Hazardous Material Incident Reporting System U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Special Programs Administration, Information Systems Branch 1976 - present Every 90 days This database provides a statistical compilation of all accidents and incidents involving hazardous materials. The system contains the following: • Information on each reported incident; and • Data elements: the date of the accident, location, shipper, carrier, commodity Involved and other detailed information concerning the packaging and nature of the incident. Customized searches are available upon request from the Department of Transportation. There is a $30.00 minimum charge for this service. Ms. Evelyn Gainey U.S. Department of Transportation Research and Special Programs Administration Information Systems Branch DHM-63, Room 8112 401 M St., SW Washington. D.C. 20460 (202) 366-4555 ------- Page C-8 TITLE: DEVELOPED BY: TIME SPAN: UPDATING: DESCRIPTION: AVAILABILITY: CONTACT: Underground Storage Tanks Case History File U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Continuously The database system is a compilation of factual data from site coordinators, detailing corrective action methods to guide leaking underground storage tank corrective actions. Case studies available in the database provide technical information to Federal, State, and local officials in response to UST releases. The database will include the following information: • Documentation of hazardous materials spills; • National overview of remedial and removal actions at Superfund sites and corrective actions for UST problems; • Alternative approaches to respond to leaking underground storage tanks, cost estimates for these approaches, and information on the successes/failures of alternative corrective action approaches; and • Rationale for the selection of site characterization techniques, various corrective action technologies, and termination of individual corrective actions. The system is comprised of two components, a narrative section and a database. The data base allows the user to conduct file searches by 27 criteria to select incidents of interest. The narrative section is comprised of ten subsections in text format which contain detailed information on various UST incidents. Several of these subsections that may be appropriate for source identification include: general information, chemical information, effects, and site characterization. The system is available tree of charge to anyone who requests it from U.S. EPA, The system is easily accessible with a personal computer, modem, and a telecommunications software package. Robert Hilger U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Edison, New Jersey (201) 321-6639 ------- Page C-9 TITLE: DEVELOPED BY: TIME SPAN: UPDATING: ABSTRACT: AVAILABILITY: CONTACTS: The Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse (PPIC) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Environmental Engineering and Technology Demonstration and the Pollution Prevention office 1989 to date Continuously PPIC is a clearinghouse dedicated to reducing industrial pollutants through information transfer. The clearinghouse contains technical, policy, programmatic, legislative, and financial information. The following information on various pollution prevention options also is included in the network: periodic assessments, inventory control, housekeeping and preventative maintenance, training, production planning and sequencing, process/equipment modification, product substitution, waste segregation, and recycling. The clearinghouse can he accessed by the following four information exchanges. • Repository - A hard copy reference library containing exemplary case studies; pollution prevention training and educational materials; a compilation of successful program, legislative, and policy initiatives at the local, state, and federal government levels; and fact sheets. • Pollution Prevention Information Exchange System (PIES) - A computerized conduit to information databases and document ordering accessible by any PC equipped with a modem. • Hotline - A free telephone service to answer or refer questions and provide a link to PIES for users without access to a PC; and • Outreach Efforts - Information packets containing general and industry-specific materials on prevention opportunities as well as workshop training sessions. Myles E. Morse Office of Environmental Engineerint: and Technology Demonstration U.S. EPA 401 M St., SW Washington, D.C. 20460 (202) 260-3161 Priscilla Flattery Pollution Prevention Office U.S. EPA 401 M St., SW Washinsiton, D.C. 20460 ------- Page C-10 CONTACTS: PPIC Technical Support continued 8400 Westpark Drive McLean. VA 22102 (703) 821-4800 The RCRAySupertund Hotline (800) 424-9346 ------- Page C-ll TITLE: Federal Reporting Data System (FRDS) DEVELOPED BY: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Drinking Water TIME SPAN: UPDATING: DESCRIPTION: AVAILABILITY: The data base contains information from 1980 to the present. Quarterly FRDS organizes and stores information on public water supply systems (PWSS). This information includes: • Inventory information, including physical characteristics of water supply, well-specific information, location and source of well; and • Compliance-related information, including violations, enforcement actions, variances, and exemptions. States may either update the system directly or send EPA changes/updates for the Agency to input. The information is available to state or municipal users and can be accessed on a PC system with a telecommunications package. Fees for useage vary from user to user. CONTACT: Larry Weiner U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Drinking Water 401 M Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20460 (202) 260-2799 ------- APPENDIX D STATE AND U.S. TERRITORIES WELLHEAD PROTECTION AGENCIES ------- Page D-l APPENDIX D STATE AND U.S. TERRITORIES WELLHEAD PROTECTION AGENCIES Alabama AL Dept. of Environmental Mgmt. Water Supply Branch 1751 Congressman W. L. Dickinson Drive Montgomery, AL 36130 (205) 271-7773 Alaska AK Dept. of Environmental Conservation Ground Water Program 3601 C Street. Suite 1334 Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 563-6529 Arizona AZ Dept. of Environmental Quality Groundwater Monitoring Unit 2005 North Central, Room 202-A Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 257-2278 Arkansas AR Dept: of Health 4815 West Markham Little Rock, AR 72205 (501)661-2623 California CA State Water Resources Control Board Ground Water Unit Div. of Water Quality 901 P Street, P.O. Box 100 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 445-1788 Colorado CO Dept. of Health Water Quality Control Div. 4210 East llth. Avenue Denver, CO 80220-3716 (303) 331-4556 Connecticut CT Dept. of Environmental Protection Bureau of Ground-Water Mgmt. 122 Washington Street Hartford, CT 06106 (203) 566-7049 Delaware DE Dept. of Natural Resources & Environmental Contamination Div. of Water Resources Ground-Water Mgmt. Section P.O. Box 1401 Dover, DE 19903 (302) 739-4556 District of Columbia D.C. Dept. of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs Water Hygiene Branch 5010 Overlook Ave., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20032 (202) 767-7370 Florida FL Dept. of Environmental Regulation Bureau of Drinking Water & Ground- Water Resources 2600 Blairstone Road Tallahassee, FL 32301 (904) 488-3601 ------- Page D-2 Georgia GA Geological Survey Branch Environmental Protection Division Room 400 19 M.L.King, Jr. Drive, S.W. Atlanta, GA 30334 (404) 656-3214 Hawaii HI Dept. of Health Groundwater Protection Program P.O. Box 3378 Honolulu, HI 96901 (808) 543-8338 Idaho ID Dept. of Environmental Quality Water Quality Bureau/Wellhead Protection ID Dept. of Health & Welfare 1410 N. Hilton Street Boise, ID 83706 (208) 334-5860 Illinois ILEPA 2200 Churchill Road P.O. Box 19276 Springfield, IL 627794-9276 ° (217) 782-3397 Indiana IN Dept. of Environmental Mgmt. Ground Water Section 105 S. Meridian/P.O. Box 6015 Indianapolis, IN 46206 (317) 233-4222 Iowa IA Dept. of Natural Resources Surface & Ground Water Protection Bureau Henry Wallace State Office Bldg. 900 East Grand Des Moines, IA 50319 (515) 281-8869 Kansas KS Dept. Health & Environment Bureau of Water Building 740, Forbes Field Topeka, KS 66620 (913) 296-5502 Kentucky KY Dept. for Environmental Protection Ground Water Branch 18 Reilly Road Fort Boone Plaza Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 564-3410 Louisiana LA Dept. of Environmental Quality Ground Water Protection Division P.O. Box 44274 Baton Rouge, LA 70804 (504) 342-8950 Maine ME Dept. of Human Services Drinking Water Program Div. of Health Engineering State House Station 10 Augusta, ME 04333 (207) 289-5685 Maryland MD Dept. of the Environment Water Supply Program 2500 Broening Highway Baltimore, MD 21224 (301) 631-3702 Massachusetts MA Dept. of Environmental Quality Engineering Div. of Water Supply 1 Water Street Boston, MA 02108 (617) 292-5529 ------- Page D-3 Michigan MI Dept. of Natural Resources Stevens T. Mason Building P.O. Box 30028 Lansing, MI 48909 (517) 373-1220 MI Dept. of Public Health 3432 N. Logan P.O. Box 30035 Lansing, MI 48909 (517) 335-8000 Minnesota MN Dept. of Health 925 Delaware Street, S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55459 (612) 623-5000 Mississippi MS Bureau of Pollution Control Ground-Water Division P.O. Box 10385 Jackson, MS 39209 (601) 961-5119 Missouri MO Dept. of Natural Resources Public Drinking Water Program P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 (314) 751-1300 MO Dept. of Natural Resources Division of Geology & Land Survey P.O. Box 250 Rossa, MO 65401 (314) 364-1752 Montana MT Dept. of Health & Environmental Sciences Environmental Science Division Cogswell Building, Room A206 Helena, MT 59620 (406) 444-2406 Nebraska NE Dept. of Environmental Control Ground Water Section Statehouse Station P.O. Box 98922 Lincoln, NE 68509-8922 (402) 471-4230 Nevada NV Div. of Environmental Protection Ground-Water Protection Program 123 West Nye Street Carson City, NV 89701 (702) 687-4670 New Hampshire NH Dept. of Environmental Services Ground-Water Protection Bureau 6 Hazen Drive/P.O. Box 95, Concord, NH 03301 (603)271-3645 New Jersey NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection Bureau of Water Supply, Planning & Policy CN029 Trenton, NJ 08625-0029 (609) 633-1179 New Mexico NM Environmental Improvement Division 1190 St. Francis Drive Santa Fe, NM 87504 (505) 827-2981 New York NY Dept. of Environmental Conservation Div. of Water, Room 306 50 Wolf Road Albany, NY 12233-3508 (518) 474-2121 North Carolina NC Dept. of Environmental Health & Natural Resources Ground-Water Section P.O. Box 27687 Raleigh, NC 27611 (919) 733-3221 ------- Page D-4 North Dakota ND Dept. of Health & Consolidated Labs Div. of Water Quality Environmental Health Section P.O. Box 5520 Bismarck, ND 58502-5520 (701) 224-2354 Ohio OH EPA Div. of Ground Water 1800 Water Mark Drive/Box 1049 Columbus, OH 43266-0149 (614) 644-3020 Oklahoma OK Dept. of Pollution Control Pollution Control Coordination Board P.O. Box 53504 Oklahoma City, OK 73152 (405) 271-4877 Oregon OR Dept. of Environmental Quality Water Quality Div. 811 S.W. Sixth Avenue Portland, OR 97204 (503) 229-5945 Pennsylvania PA Dept. of Environmental Resources Bureau of Community Environmental Control Div. of Water Supplies P.O. Box 2357 Harrisburg, PA 17105-2357 (717) 787-5017 Rhode Island RI Dept. of Environmental Mgmt. 291 Promenade Street Providence, RI 02908-5767 (401) 277-2234 South Carolina SC Department of Health & Environmental Control Ground-Water Protection Division Supply & Special Programs Dept. 2600 Bull Street Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 734-5465 South Dakota SD Dept. of Water & Natural Resources Div. of Environmental Regulation Joe Foss Building 523 E. Capitol Pierre, SD 57501 (605) 773-5049 Tennessee TN Dept. of Health & Environment Div. of Water Supply T.E.R.R.A. Building 150 Ninth Avenue, North Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 741-6636 Texas TX Water Commission Ground-Water Conservation Section Capitol Station P.O. Box 13087 Austin, TX 78711-3087 (512) 371-6320 TX Dept. of Health 1100 West 49th Street Austin, TX 78756 (512) 458-7497 Utah UT Dept. of Health Bureau of Drinking Water & Sanitation 288 North 1460 West Street P.O. Box 16690 Salt Lake City, UT84116 (801) 538-6350 ------- Page D-5 Vermont VT Dept. of Health Div. of Environmental Health Water Supply Program 60 Main Street/P.O. Box 70 Burlington, VT 05402 (802) 863-7230 Virginia VA Water Control Board Ground Water Program Office of Water Resources Mgmt. P.O. Box 11143 Richmond, VA 23230-1143 (804) 367-6347 Washington WA Dept. of Health Wellhead Program LD-11 Olympia, WA 98504 (206) 588-9041 West Virginia WV Office of Environmental Health Services Environmental Engineering Division Capital Complex, Bldg 3, Room 550 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East Charleston, WV 25305 (304) 348-2981 Wisconsin Wl Dept. of Natural Resources Div. of Environmental Standards 101 S. Webster Madison, WI 53707 (608) 267-7610 Wyoming WY DEQ - Water Quality Div. Herschler Building, 4th Floor 122 West 25th Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307) 777-7090 American Samoa American Samoa EPA Office of the Governor Pago Pago, Am. Samoa 96799 (684) 633-2682 Guam Guam EPA Government of Guam Harmon Plaza Complex Unit D107 130 Rojas Street Harmon, Guam 96911 (671) 646-8863 Mariana Islands Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Div. of Environmental Quality P.O. Box 1304 Saipan, Mariana Isl. 96950 (670) 234-6114 Palau Palau Environmental Quality Protection Board P.O. Box 100 Koror, Palau 96940 (680) 488-1639 Puerto Rico PR Environmental Quality Board Water Quality Area Box 11488 Santurce, PR 00910 (809) 767-8181 Virgin Islands VI Dept. of Planning & Natural Resources 179 Altona & Welgunst St. Thomas, VI 00820 (809) 774-3320 ------- |