905R83113
AN ASSESSMENT OF
POTENTIAL GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION
FROM SEPTIC TANKS
IN INDIANA
PREPARED BY
CHRIS P. POTOS
FOR
WATER DIVISION
DRINKING WATER/GROUNDWATER PROTECTION BRANCH
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
230 SO. DEARBORN STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
OCTOBER 1983
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
LIST OF EXHIBITS i.ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iii
INTRODUCTION 1
BACKGROUND 5
GENERAL INDIANA GEOLOGY 7
POTENTIAL GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION 11
ALLEN COUNTY 11
CLARK COUNTY — 13
ELKHART COUNTY - 16
FLOYD COUNTY — 21
LAPORTE COUNTY 23
MARION COUNTY 24
PORTER COUNTY 28
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY - 29
VIGO COUNTY 35
WAYNE COUNTY — - 36
SUMMARY 39
REFERENCES 46
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LIST OF FIGURES
1) Map showing the general distribution of unconsolidated deposits in
Indiana.
2) Map of Indiana showing the potential yield of groundwater from properly
constructed large diameter wells.
3) Map showing high density non-sewered areas over permeable soils in
Allen County.
4) Map showing high density non-sewered areas over permeable soils in
Clark County.
5) Map showing high density non-sewered areas over permeable soils in
Elkhart County.
6) Map showing high density non-sewered areas over permeable soils in
Floyd County.
7) Map showing high density non-sewered areas over permeable soils in
LaPorte County.
8) Map showing high density non-sewered areas over permeable soils in
Marion County.
9) Map showing high density non-sewered areas over permeable soils in
Porter County.
10) Map showing high density non-sewered areas over permeable soils in
St. Joseph County.
11) Map showing high density non-sewered areas over permeable soils in
Vigo County.
12) Map showing high density non-sewered areas over permeable soils in
Wayne County.
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LIST OF TABLES
1) High density non-sewered areas in Allen County.
2) High density non-sewered areas in Clarksville - Jeffersonville area
(Clark County).
3) High density non-sewered areas in Porter County.
4) High density non-sewered areas in St. Joseph County.
5) High density non-sewered areas in Vigo County.
11
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Special thanks are due to those sanitarians, environmentalists and
planners of the Health Departments, and Planning Commissions of the
counties considered in this report, and who are listed under personal
communication in the references. Without their alacritous contributions,
especially those relating to high density septic tank sites, this
report could not have been written.
111
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INTRODUCTION
Septic tank (on-site) systems are used by approximately 25 percent
of the U.S. population. The goal of these systems is to remove
pathogens and to reduce the concentrations of other wastewater
constituents so that no adverse effects occur from public consum-
tion of pertinent receiving water.
In many cases, given adequate and proper design, installation, and
operation, on-site systems will perform satisfactorily; however,
failures do occur and can result in the contamination of local
water resources. Two basic types of septic tank failure are
recognized. One type of failure generally is caused by soil
clogging. This type severely restricts or even eliminates the waste
water flow into the absorption field, and is manifested either by
surface seepage of partially treated effluent above the drainfield,
or by wastewater backing up into the plumbing fixtures in the house.
In the first case, the seepage can create standing pools of effluent
that can cause odors, attract insects, and pose health risks to
playing children, or that can be carried with surface run-off into
nearby domestic wells, lakes and streams.
The second type of failure which is potentially more serious and
less obvious, occurs when septic tank effluent reaches the groundwater
without sufficient treatment. This, too, can result in contamination
of groundwater supplies or nearby surface waters fed by groundwater
sources.
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The contamination of ground or surface waters from domestic wastewater
may create both public health and environmental hazards. Outbreaks
of waterborne disease have been traced to microbial or viral
contamination of groundwater by malfunctioning septic tanks.
Moreover it would seem likely that inadequately treated wastewater
that surfaces above a drainfield could cause disease from direct
contact or vector transmission. However, no reports of such
outbreaks were encountered in the literature reviewed. In addition,
nitrogen, in the form of nitrate, has been linked with cases of
methemoglobinemia in infants. Although volatile organic chemicals
(VOC) have recently been discovered in groundwaters and are known
to be carcinogenic to laboratory animals and in some cases to man,
the waterborne transmission of these materials has not to date been
traced to any human pathology.
From the environmental standpoint, accelerated eutrophication can
result if excessive nutrient concentrations reach surface waters.
Lake shorelines are particularly sensitive. In some lakes, growth
of aquatic plants in shallow waters has been blamed on shore emerging
groundwater plumes containing septic tank effluent. Other chemical
constituents in household wastewater pose potential health and
environmental problems if not degraded and rendered harmless in the
soil before reaching receiving waters. The latter constituents
include the daily used household cleaners and cosmetics. The major
toxic compounds found in household cleaners are solvents such as
benzene, toluene, dichlorobenzene, trichloroethane, phthalates,
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dichloropropanes, dichloropropylene, and trichloroethylene,
and disinfectants such as phenols and chlorophenols. The main
toxic ingredients of cosmetics are heavy metals and aromatic
organics. Moreover a home having difficulty with the septic tank
system or sewer pipe clogging is likely to have a high wastewater
concentration of benezene, trichloroethane, and/or trichloroethylene
since drain and pipe cleaners contain these solvent ingredients,
along with a highly caustic inorganic such as sodium hydroxide to
help solubilize grease and microbial slimes.
High chloride concentrations are also found in groundwaters near
on-site disposal systems. Much like nitrate, chloride is a
mobile ion that is typically present in domestic wastewaters in
concentrations much greater than background levels. At excessive
concentrations, in the range of 250 to 500 mg/1, chlorides may
impart a salty taste to drinking water, interfere with agricultural
processes, or accelerate corrosion. In addition, in that they
are normally associated with the sodium ion in domestic wastewaters,
chlorides would be detrimental to a significant portion of the
population, including persons suffering from hypertension, edema
associated with congestive heart failure, and women with toxemias
of pregnancy. Chlorides, like nitrates, are not removed readily
from the soil and concentrations for both are reduced primarily
by dilution.
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Up until the last few years the only known problems associated with
septic tanks were those of soil-clogging and effluent ponding with
possible ambient surface water degradation. The tighter (more
clayey) the soil, the poorer the drainage and the greater the
likelihood of ponding. However, during the last few years, abetted
by a growing sophistication in micro-analysis, groundwater organics
contamination from septic tanks located in highly permeable soils
and naturally high water tables, has been recognized as a signifi-
cant water resources problem.
Several factors would appear to affect the potential for groundwater
contamination from septic tank systems. These factors include
septic tank and population densities, depth of water table, bedrock
condition (fractures), contaminant biodegradability and/or
absorbability, and soil type. With respect to the latter, and in
order to give regulatory guidance to the placement of successfully
operating (non-ponding) on-site systems, the Soil Conservation
Service has classified soils based upon the soils ability to move
water through the soil profile (percolation rate). Upon this
basis, soils are classified as slight (faster than 45 minutes per
inch), moderate (45 - 75 minutes per inch), and severe (slower
than 75 minutes per inch). It can be seen that a soil classified
in the slight category, which would be most appropriate for placement
of non-ponding on-site systems, would also be most likely to easily
pass toxicants (biologically unalterred or otherwise) from septic
tank effluents to underlying aquifers. This characteristic of the
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slight soil category of course, is not limited to septic tank
effluent. Leachate from any and all waste repositories would be
passed in the same facile manner.
This report will suggest areas in Indiana that can be expected to
have the highest potential for groundwater contamination with
coliform organisms, nutrients, chlorides, and volatile organic
chemicals originating from on-site (septic tank) systems. The
areas are located primarily in the outskirts of urban centers, and
are serviced by relatively large or many on-site systems to accomodate
fairly dense populations (hospitals, hotels, subdivisions, mobile
home courts, restaurants, etc.). The on-site systems discharge to
absorption beds or drainage fields located over fairly permeable
or porous soil.
BACKGROUND
Based upon discussion with State Department of Health personnel,
high density non-sewered areas (septic tanks) are located in at
least a dozen Indiana counties. In most instances these
counties include more than one (1) such area. In and of themselves,
high density non-sewered areas do not guarantee groundwater
contamination from septic tank effluents. For this type of
contamination to occur, it is necessary that septic tank absorption
or drainage fields "overlay permeable or porous soils, and/or that
the area water tables be high. The latter criterion, of course,
indicates a large groundwater availability, and/or a flood plain area.
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In the discussion to follow, each suspect county will be addressed
separately. Should the geology be similar, two (2) contiguous
counties may be simultaneously considered with potential problem
definition related not only to high density, but also to area soil
type and depth of water table. Moreover only those high density
non-sewered areas with appropriate geology and hydrology for
groundwater contamination will be considered. A sandy soil and a
high water table almost invite groundwater contamination from septic
tank effluents. Data with respect to septic tank density and site
location from Lake and Tippecanoe Counties were not forthcoming
from the contacted local sources, therefore these counties were not
considered in this report.
The soil conditions described below are general in nature and may
be indicative of conditions below a particular drain field, or
several drainfields. However, since the general categorization
describes the major soils primarily, and since the considered
landscape also includes minor soils of varying and undefined
character, it is not a foregone conclusion that a high density non-
sewered area located over a generally described sandy loam, for
example, would actually contribute to groundwater contamination in
the pertinent aquifer. Nevertheless, where the general characterizations
define a high groundwater availability, indicating highly permeable
and thick bedrock overlay, more likely than not, those indicating
conditions will exist in the area being considered and potential
groundwater contamination would be a likelihood. For positive
identification of soils in a local area, it would be necessary to
refer to the county detailed maps of the Soil Conservation Service.
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GENERAL INDIANA GEOLOGY
The groundwater resource of Northern Indiana can be classified as
good to excellent and exclusive of some areas in the northwestern
part of the State, well yields of from 200 to 2000 gpm can be
expected in most areas. Major areas of groundwater availability
are found where the productive Silurian-Devonian bedrock aquifer
system underlies large areas, and where deposits of glacial material
up to 500 feet in thickness contain highly productive inter-till
sand and gravel aquifers. A number of major outwash plain and
"valley train" sand and gravel deposits are associated with the St.
Joseph, Elkhart, Pidgeon, Fawn, Eel, and Tippecanoe River Valleys.
In the central portion of the State, groundwater availability ranges
from fair to good. Well yields from 100 to 400 gpm are typical for
large diameter wells. Major groundwater sources of outwash sand
and gravel are located in the valleys of the West Fork of the White,
Whitewater, Eel, and Wabash Rivers, and in portions of the valleys
of Eagle, Fall and Brandywine Creeks, and the Blue River. Bedrock
aquifers in the Silurian-Devonian limestone sequence yield up to
600 GPM to large diameter wells. Locally thicker inter-till sand
and gravel aquifers are normally capable of yielding up to 300 GPM.
Many areas of the southern part of the State are particularly
lacking in groundwater and only limited amounts, generally less
than 10 GPM are available to properly constructed wells. In these
areas, the major sources of groundwater are present in the sand and
gravel deposits of the stream valley aquifers. The valleys of the
Eel, East and West Forks of the White, Ohio, Wabash, Whitewater, and
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the main stem of the White are underlain by thick deposits of outwash
sand and gravel capable of supplying over 1000 GPM to properly
constructed large diameter wells.
Figure 1 is a map showing the general distribution of unconsolidated
deposits in Indiana. Based upon location coincidence with groundwater
availability (see Figure 2), the sand and gravel in outwash deposits
are the most permeable or porous of all parent soil materials. In
order of permeability (most to least), the remaining Indiana uncon -
solidated deposits are till, sand in windblown dune and sheet
deposits, silt in windblown sheet deposits, till with deep soil
lapped by thin windblown silt, till in hummocky moraine form,
clay, silt, and sand in lakebed and shorelines deposits, and finally
red clay. Generally the availability of groundwater in Indiana
decreases from north to south (except for the aquifers under the
outwash sand and gravel found in stream beds). Conversely, preci-
pitation in Indiana is greatest in the southern part of the State
(average annual north 36 in. - average annual south 44 in.). The
generally greater permeability of soils in the north allows for
the more efficient percolation of the precipitation to groundwater
aquifers below. The generally tighter soil of the southern part
of the State decreases the efficiency of percolation causing greater
run-off to area surface waters. These differences in geology
account for the general difference in groundwater availability
from north to south.
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Age
EXPLANATION
Till
Till in hummocky moraine
form; includes associated
ice-contact gravel deposits
Sand in windblown dunt
and sheet deposits
Silt in windblown start deposits
Sand and gravel in outwash de-
posits; includes some modem
river alluvium
Clay, silt, and sand in iaketed
and shorefcne
TiH with deep soM capped
by thin windblown tft
Red day
Significant ice-
marginal position
DashKt whtrt burittt
30 Miles
50 Km
Figure 1
Map of Indiana showing general distribution of unconsolidated deposits. The uncolored
areas in southern Indiana represent areas with little or no unconsolidated deposits.
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ALLEN COUNTY
Mulitiple glacial advances have left a thick mantle composed of
till, with scattered deposits of ice-contact sand and gravel, lake
bed deposits, and some outwash sand and gravel throughout Allen
County. Several moraines are present lying diagonally accross
Allen County. The combined Fort Wayne - Wabash moraines served in
blocking melt waters from the receding glacier and created ancient
Lake Maumee which at one time covered most of the east-central part
of the county. In general glacial drift ranging in thickness from
50 to 200 feet is common, with the thickest materials occurring in
northwestern Allen County.
Exclusive of an area in the east-central part of the county, large
diameter wells will yield from 200 to 600 GPM. Major groundwater
supplies are present in the thick inter-till sand and gravel aquifers
located in northwestern Allen County. Examination of Figure 3
reveals that there are many high density non-sewered (septic tank)
areas in the immediate periphery of Fort Wayne and especially to the
west and to the north. Lesser numbers of high density septic tank
areas are found in the southeast outskirts of Fort Wayne. The
entire metropolitan area of Fort Wayne is situated in a generally high
soil permeability, high groundwater availability area; an area
that would be described as slight (percolation faster than 45
minutes per inch) by the Soil Conservation Service. While the
slight category is ideal for efficient effluent drainage and the
prevention of surface ponding, it will also allow for a quicker
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ALLEN COUNTY
HIGH-DENSITY NON-SEWERED AREAS
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and easier contamination of any susceptible groundwater aquifer.
In addition, Figure 3 shows other Allen County high density septic
tank areas where, for the same reasons, potential groundwater
contamination is likely. Table 1 lists these high density areas
along with the number of septic tank units in each area.
Although the Cities of Fort Wayne and New Haven directly to the
east are serviced by a public water supply that obtains water from
the St. Joseph River and reservoirs (area groundwater is high in
hardness, iron, and manganese), that distribution system does not
extend beyond city lines. The high density septic tank areas on
the periphery of Fort Wayne and in the rest of Allen County resort
to private wells for water requirements. Any potential groundwater
contamination would take on added significance in these peripheral
areas and especially in the areas, north, west, and south of Fort
Wayne to the county boundaries.
CLARK COUNTY
Much of Clark County is located within the driftless portion of
Indiana which was untouched by continental glaciation. The bedrock
overlay in the northeastern part of the County is composed of till
capped by thin windblown silt. Along the Ohio River, to the deep
south, and to the far north, the valleys are underlain with sand
and gravel in outwash deposits, although some modern river alluvium
can also be found. Groundwater availability is quite limited in
Clark County with a substantial number of dry holes being reported
in the eastern portion. However, major groundwater sources occur
in the thick deposits of sand and gravel in the Ohio River Valley
(southeastern border) where wells yield in excess of 1000 GPM.
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TABLE 1
Entity
FORT WAYNE PERIPHERY
( 1) Limberlost and Mardego
( 2) Northway Gardens
( 3) Aldale Acres
( 4) Hollywood
( 5) Waterswolde and Northwood
( 6) Briar Rose
( 7) Mayhew Park
( 8) Cinderella Village
( 9) Concordia Gardens
(10) Parkerdale
(11) Golfview and Gerding Woods
(12) Lexington Heights
(13) Ranchwood
(14) State and Leesburg Rds
(15) Riverhaven
(16) Covington and Washington Rds
(17) Fort Wayne Country Club
(18) Fairfax
(19) Ridgeview
Direction
From
Fort Wayne
(N)
(N)
(NW)
(NW)
(NE)
(N)
(NE)
(NE)
(N)
(NE)
00
(NE)
(E)
(W)
(E)
(W)
(W)
(E)
(E)
Septic
Tank
Density
150
55
100
230
110
60
60
100
350
120
80
110
400
150
280
100
250
120
90
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TABLE 1
(CONT.)
Entity
ALLEN COUNTY
( 1) Cedar Canyons
( 2) Lake Everett
( 3) Arcola
( 4) Hacienda Village
( 5) Rolling Hill, Parkway
and Manor Woods
( 6) Zanesville
( 7) Yoder
( 8) Hessen Cassel
( 9) Poe
(10) Hoagland
Direction
From
Fort Wayne
(N)
(NW)
00
(E)
(SW)
(SW)
(S)
(S)
(S)
(SE)
Septic
Tank
Density
500
125
100
100
200
(90)
150
100
70
260
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Clark County is serviced by 18 municipal and rural water supplies.
These supplies, whose only sources are groundwater, serve approxi-
mately 61,000 people. Since the county population is a approximately
82,000 people, it is indicated that 21,000 people satisfy their
water requirements through private wells.
Figure 4 illustrates the high density septic tank areas in Clark
County. As can be seen most of these areas are in the southern
part of the county, in the Clarksville - Jeffersonville area and
environs. The areas border on, or are in close proximity to, the
Ohio River, where the bedrock overlay consists of permeable sand
and gravel in outwash deposits. While much of the area is composed
of rolling knobs and rugged hills, and precipitation can be expected
to run-off to the nearest watercourse, the soil associations are such
that septic tank effluent distributed under the surface would
percolate rapidly to aquifers below with the distinct possibility of
groundwater contmination, especially in the high water availability
areas. Table 2 lists the high density non-sewered areas in the
Villages of Clarksville and Jeffersonville proper.
ELKHART COUNTY
Of particular importance in Elkhart County are the glacially derived
unconsolidated deposits which contain the major sources of groundwater.
The deposits consist of glacial till, inter-till sand and gravel,
outwash-plain and valley-train sand and gravel, lake clays,
dune sand and ice stratified drift. These materials range in
thickness from about 100 to 500 feet. Significant outwash-plain
and valley-train sand and gravel deposits are located along the
Elkhart river system. In addition, complex inter-till
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CLARK COUNTY
HIGH-DENSITY NON-SEWERED AREAS
FIGURE 4
17
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TABLE 2
JEFFERSONVILLE TOWNSHIP HIGH DENSITY NON-SEWERED AREAS
A. Carr Circle
B. Centralia Subdivision
C. Evergreen Acres
D. Walnut Ridge
E. Sellers Court
F. Thompson and Hoskins Lane
G. Edgewood
H. Loma Vista
I. Cherokee Terrace
J. Wathen Heights
K. McBride Heights
L. Riverview Drive
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sand and gravel aquifer systems are present in the moraines located in
Elkhart County, making Elkhart County an area of major groundwater
availability. Estimated recharge rates of 500,000 gallons per day per
square mile are applicable to much of the area testifying to the permeability
or porosity of the soils, and to the thickness of the bedrock overlay in
the area.
The County of Elkhart is serviced by eight (8) public water utilities
each of which totally uses groundwater as its source of supply. The
largest utility is the city of Elkhart which pumps more than eleven (11)
MGD and services approximately 41,000 customers. The other seven (7)
public utilities serve another 20,000 people. Since the county population
is approximately 138,000, it is indicated that approximately 78,000 people
satisfy their water needs through the use of private wells.
Examination of Figure 5 reveals the location of the high density non-
sewered areas in Elkhart County. All illustrated high density areas are
located over well drained loamy soils overlying outwash sand and gravel.
The largest concentration of the high density areas is located southeast
of the City of Elkhart in the Dunlap area. Other high density areas are
located on the entire periphery of Elkhart City especially along the St.
Joseph River east and west of Elkhart City, and to the north surrounding
Simonton Lake, the north Bristol area, Indiana Lake, the north and south-
west Middlebury area, and the area east of Waterford Mills. Since in
each instance the soils would be rated as slight under Soil Conservation
Service guidelines, it is indicated that the illustrated areas all have
a high potential for groundwater contamination from septic tank effluents.
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ELKHART COUNTY
HIGH-DENSJTY NON-SEWERED AREAS
OF Ml
J 0 s t
R.7E.
c o
FIGURE 5
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FLOYD COUNTY
Most of Floyd County is located within the "driftless" portion of
Indiana which was untouched by continental glaciation. The topography
is varied with high rolling knobs and rolling hills occurring in
the eastern two-thirds of the county and sink-hole dotted limestone
plain in the remainder. Groundwater availability is quite limited
in much of Floyd County with a substantial number of "dry holes"
being reported in the northeastern part. However, major groundwater
sources occur in the thick deposits of sand and gravel in the Ohio
River Valley which is the southeastern border of the County.
Figure 6 shows the high density non-sewered areas that are located
in well drained soils; soils that would be classified as slight,
for percolation test purposes, by the Soil Conservation Service.
High density areas located in "severe" soils are not shown, since
these areas would not be considered as having likely potential to
contaminate groundwater aquifers. The illustrated areas are to the
west, northwest, and north of the City of New Albany and include
the Towns of Georgetown, Greenville, and Lafayette. Additionally
the high density areas in Lafayette Township are located over
bedrock with high water table characteristics.
While the Villages of Georgetown in the Town of Georgetown, and
Greenville in the Town of Greenville are serviced by public water
supplies that primarily obtain water from surface sources, the
Village of Georgetown supply is a mix of both groundwater and
surface water. Moreover those areas outside the distribution
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FLOYD COUNTY
HIGH-DENSITY NON-SEWERED AREAS
••SMINSTOH CO I
*.«£.
cm
usT*u /l
FIGURE 6
22
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system serving these vi111 ages and the high density areas in
Lafayette Township must resort to private wells. Based upon 1980
figures, it is estimated that some 12,000 Floyd County citizens
obtain water from private wells.
LAPORTE COUNTY
The glacial deposits in LaPorte County consist of glacial till,
inter-till sand and gravel, outwash-plain and valley-train sand and
gravel, lake clays, dune sand, and ice-contact stratified drift.
These materials range in thickness from 100 to 500 feet. Significant
outwash-plain and valley-train sand and gravel deposits are located
adjacent to the Valparaiso Moraine and along the Kankakee Valley.
Lake clays and wind-blown dune sand are found along Lake Michigan.
Beneath the thick cover of glacial materials are bedrock formations
composed of siltstone, shale, dolomite, and limestone. The bedrock
aquifers are not considered to be an important source of water
because of their depth, low yielding character, and the general
occurrence of good aquifers within the glacial drift.
The area of lowest potential groundwater yield capability is located
in the northwestern part of the county where fine sand deposits are
not likely to yield more than 50 GPM. Southeast of this area
conditions begin to improve as sand and gravel deposits become
more prevalent and yields up to 400 GPM are possible. South of the
City of LaPorte and to the Kankakee River Valley, groundwater
availability increases substantially and well yields of 1000 GPM and
more are possible.
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Figure 7 shows the high density septic tank and private water
supply areas in LaPorte County. High density non-sewered areas
include Trail Creek in the southeastern part of Michigan City, a
corridor in Central Township between Trail Creek and Pine Lake
northwest of LaPorte City, Hudson Lake, Saugany Lake, Upper Fish
Lake, Lower Fish Lake, Rolling Prairies, Kingsbury, and Union Mills.
Two other disconnected corridors, one north and the other south of
the Center Township corridor are also high density septic tank areas.
Although the general geology of LaPorte County defines a soil that
is conducive to the promotion of groundwater contamination from
septic tanks, those high density areas located on loamy, well-
drained soils overlying outwash sand and gravel appear to have the
most potential for groundwater contamination. These areas include
Trail Creek, Pine Lake, the Center Township corridor between Trail
Creek and Pine Lake, Union Center, Rolling Prairies, Kingsbury,
South LaPorte and Springville.
MARION COUNTY
All of Marion County was covered by the Wisconsin Glacier that
advanced through Indiana some 20,000 years ago. The deposits left
by the glaciers consist predominantly of glacial till, ice contact
sand and gravel, silt, lake clays, outwash sand and gravel, and
alluvial materials. Of particular importance are the permeable
sand and gravel deposits found in the valleys of the West Fork of
the White River, Fall Creek, and Eagle Creek. Also contained
within the glacial drift are numerous thin, inter-till sand and
gravel zones.
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LAPORTE COUNTY
HIGH-DENSITY NON-SEWERED AREAS
FIGURE 7
25
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Beneath the glacial and alluvial materials to the west are sedimentary
rock formations of siltstone, shale, and limestone. A black
carbonaceous shale underlies western Indianapolis. Further east,
the region is underlaid by limestone, dolomite, and thin inter-
bedded shale and limestone. Major groundwater sources occur in the
West Fork of the White River Valley sand and gravel system and the
underlying limestone and dolomite bedrock aquifers. Well yields
from 250 to 1500 GPM are obtained from these aquifer systems. The
Marion County aquifers are easily recharged and the water table is
high because of the porosity or permeability of the unsaturated
zone and because of the adequate precipitation in the area.
Examination of Figure 8 reveals that there are many high density
non-sewered areas in the immediately periphery of Indianapolis. In
fact the high density areas, which are too numerous to "pinpoint" or
to tablelist, are located in every direction around the city, and
in some instances within the city proper.
Most of Marion County is serviced by the Indianapolis Water Company
which supplies water to approximately 85 to 90 percent of the
population. While a preponderance of the water distributed by the
Indianapolis water company is obtained from surface supplies
(reservoirs), approximately four (4) percent of the total daily
pumpage is obtained from groundwater supplies located in the
northwestern part of the county. In addition, the remaining 10 to
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MARION COUNTY .
i
HIGH-DENSITY NON-SEWERED AREAS
• 00
*it
M o « t
FIGURE'S
27 '.
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15 percent of the Marion County population not serviced by the Indianapolis
water company, obtains water from approximately 15,000 private
wells or the public wells of the Speedway and Lawrence water
companies. It is obvious that any groundwater contamination could
affect, in an insidious way, a significant portion of the Marion
County population.
Most of the soils, with some exceptions, are well drained loamy
soils on outwash sand and gravel and in glacial till. The areas
most likely to promote groundwater contamination are directly south
and slightly west of Indianapolis and a large area generally north and
northwest of the city limits to the county boundaries.
PORTER COUNTY
The unconsolidated deposits located in Porter County vary in
thickness from less than 50 feet to over 300 feet, and include lake
clays, glacial till, dune sand, and outwash sand and gravel. Sand
and gravel deposits serve as important aquifers in much of the
county particularily south of the Valparaiso Moraine (41°40').
The lake clays, which along with fine sand predominate in areas
near Lake Michigan, are not readily permeable; therefore, groundwater
availability near Lake Michigan is not great. However, any
contamination in these low availability areas would be more severe
because of the lesser dilution available in the pertinent aquifers.
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Figure 9 and Table 3 reveal high density non-sewered Porter County
areas in the Towns of Porter, Pleasant, Morgan, Washington, Portage,
Westchester, and Pine. The high density areas away from Lake
Michigan are located above porous sand and gravel in outwash deposits,
and in porous ice-contact gravel deposits. Closer to Lake Michigan,
the high density areas are generally in clay, silt, and sand in
lakebed and shorelines deposits. Each of the areas illustrated is
located in soils classified by the Soil Conservation Service as
"slight" meaning soils that have little water attenuation capability.
Groundwater contamination in these areas is highly possible. Except
for Ogden Dunes, which is supplied Lake Michigan water by the
Gary-Hobart Water Company, all high density areas in Porter County
are serviced by public or private wells.
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
The unconsolidated deposits in St. Joseph County, which contain
major sources of groundwater, consist of glacial till, intertill
sand a'nd gravel, outwash-plain and valley-train sand and gravel,
lake clays, dune sand, and ice-contact stratified drift. These
materials range in thickness from about 100 to 500 feet. Significant
outwash-plain and valley-train sand and gravel deposits are located
adjacent to the Valparaiso Moraine and along the Kankakee and St.
Joseph Rivers. The bedrock aquifers are not considered to be an
important source of water in St. Joseph County because of their
depth, low yielding character, and the general occurrence of good
aquifers within the glacial drift.
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PORTER COUNTY
HIGH-DENSITY NON-SEWERED AREAS
-Dune
Acrgs
Poster
Beach
Beverly'
Shore
Ogden
Dun
Porter Crossroads
fown of Pines
Square
Divisidn Rd.
Patrician Hi/Us
Ridge l^eadow Estates
Spmmerwood Manor
FIGURE 9
30
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Locality
TABLE 3
PORTER COUNTY HIGH DENSITY
SEPTIC TANK AREAS
Township
Septic Tank Density
( 1 ) Ogden Dunes
( 2) Dune Acres
( 3) Porter Beach
( 4) Beverly Shores
( 5) Pines
( 6) Crocker
( 7) Woods of the
Winding Creek
( 8) Washington Square
( 9) Porter Crossroads
(10) Division Road
(11) Patrician Hills
(12) Ridge Meadow Estates
(13) Maiden
(14) Fivepoints Subdivision
(15) Kouts
(16) Sommerwood Manor
(17) Baums Bridge Road
Portage
Westchester
Westchester
Pine
Pine
Liberty
Liberty
Washington
Porter
Morgan
Morgan
Morgan
Morgan
Pleasant
Pleasant
Pleasant
Pleasant
120
120
70
95
120
50
95
35
50
45
40
50
50
40
35
30
35
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Outwash plain deposits of sand and fine gravel occurring in western St.
Joseph County constitute one of the major aquifer systems in the State.
This system, the Kankakee aquifer, is capable of producing 600 to 1000
GPM to properly constructed wells. Further east, extensive outwash
sand and gravel aquifers form another area of major groundwater
availability. Estimated recharge rates of 500,000 gallons per day per
square mile are applicable to most of the area and testify to the
permeability or porosity of the soil in this area.
The largest single water utility operating in the county is the South
Bend Public Utility. This utility served approximately 120,000 people
in 1980 and withdrew an average of 30 MGD. Seven other public utilities
in the county served another 20,000 customers. The largest of the
seven, which pumps more than 6 MGD, is located in Mishawaka. No surface
supplies are used for drinking water purposes in St. Joseph County; all
utilities are supplied from groundwater sources. Since approximately
150,000 people are served by the eight (8) public utilities, based upon
population estimates, it is indicated that approximately 90,000 people
satisfy their water needs from private wells.
Figure 10 and Table 4 illustrate the high density septic tank areas in
St. Joseph County. It can be seen that most of these areas are located
in the periphery of South Bend and Mishawaka. Except for areas in the
far northwest and the far southeast, all soils in St. Joseph County
would be classified in the slight category using Soil Conservation
Service guidelines. The high density areas where potential groundwater
contamination from septic tank effluent is likely include the entire
area north and east of Notre Dame University to the County Line, the
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ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
HIGH-DENSITY NON-SEWERED AREAS
R.IW
STARKE CO I
FIGURE 10
33
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TABLE 4
HIGH DENSITY SEPTIC TANK AREAS IN ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
1) Grant Trunk RR - Tollway Area
2) Chapel Hill Subdivision
3) Osceola Area
4) Trail-Beech Roads Subdivision
5) Willow Creek Subdivision
6) Area North and East of Notre Dame to
County Line
7) West South Bend
8) Bass-Szmanda Lakes Area
9) Area North of Chamberlain Lake
10) South South Bend
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northeastern part of the county east of the Grant Trunk Railroad and
north of the Indiana tollway, the Bass-Szmanda Lakes Area, the area north
of Chamberlain Lake, the area south of South Bend between Roosevelt and
Jackson Roads, and a large area west of South Bend to Pine Road between
Grant Street and Lincolnway.
VIGO COUNTY
The unconsolidated deposits in Vigo County consist of glacial till,
outwash sand and gravel, dune sand and large clays. The thickness of the
glacial drift ranges from 100 to 200 feet. The most important water
bearing formations are the outwash sand and gravel aquifers associated
with the Wabash River Valley and its tributaries. Properly constructed
wells in the permeable sand and gravel aquifers of the Wabash Valley are
capable of yields exceeding 2000 GPM. In most of the county, to the
northwest and southeast, groundwater availability is quite limited. Most
wells in these low availability areas are located in Pennsylvania bedrock
and yield less than 50 GPM, 10 GPM being the highest expected yield in
many areas.
Vigo County is serviced by seven (7) public water supply systems. All
systems withdraw their water from groundwater sources. In addition, the
largest, Terre Haute, augments its seven (7) MGD groundwater supply with
two (2) MGD from the Wabash River. The 1980 population of Vigo County
was approximately 113,000. The service population of the seven (7) public
water supply systems is approximately 72,000, indicating that about 40,000
people in the county get their water from private wells. Most of the
private wells are located in the southern part of the county.
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Figure 11 and Table 5 show the high density non-sewered areas in Vigo
County. All areas are located in the sand and gravel deposits associated
with the Wabash River Valley. In addition all illustrated areas are
located in soils that would be characterized as slight by the Soil
Conservation Service. These areas include the Villages of Shepardsville,
Atherton, Meltonville, Spelterville, North and West Terre Haute, Prairieton,
and the subdivisions of Springwood, Osmar Estates, Bartley, Spring Hill,
and Ferguson Hill.
WAYNE COUNTY
The thickness of glacial deposits in Wayne County ranges from less than
10 feet in the southeast to over 350 feet in a buried pre-glacial valley
in the west. The types of deposits include glacial till, valley train
outwash sand and gravel, ice contact sand and gravel, and alluvium. The
outwash sand and gravel deposits, located under the Whitewater River and
tributaries, constitute the major groundwater source in the county.
Elsewhere sand and gravel units occur as scattered deposits contained
within the glacial till. Wayne County is rich in groundwater resources.
The only limited groundwater areas are in the southeastern and extreme
southwestern sections. From 400 to 1000 GPM are available in the sand
and gravel deposits in the valleys of the East Fork, and main stem of
the Whitewater River, Martindale Creek, Greens Fork, and Nolands Fork.
Wayne County is served by seven (7) water utilities with a connected
population of approximately 54,000 people. Groundwater is the exclusive
source for the county's public water systems with the exception of the
City of Richmond. Richmond is serviced by the American Water Works which
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VIGO COUNTY
HIGH-DENSITY NON-SEWERED AREAS
VtKUIlLtON
R.IIW.
FIGURE 11
37
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TABLE 5
HIGH DENSITY SEPTIC TANK AREAS IN VIGO COUNTY
1) Spelterville
2) Springwood
3) Bartley
4) Northwood
5) Shepardsville
6) Atherton
7) Meltonville
8) Osmar Estates
9) Shawvelle
10) North Terre Haute
11) West Terre Haute
12) Ferguson Hill
13) Spring Estates
14) Prairieton
15) Springhill
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obtains 60 percent of its supply from the Middle Fork Reservoir. The
remaining 40 percent is withdrawn from groundwater sources located in
sand and gravel aquifers.
Figure 12 illustrates the high density non-sewered areas in Wayne County
where groundwater contamination from septic tanks is a likely possibility.
These areas are located over the permeable outwash sand and gravel deposits
composing the major river valleys in the county. Moreover the soils have
been classified as slight by the Soil Conservation Service indicating
rapid percolation to groundwater aquifers. The suspect high density
septic tank areas include the Villages of Milton, East Germantown,
Pennville, Jacksonburg, Greens Fork, and Economy, and sub-divisons to the
northeast of the City of Richmond; namely, Row Wow Ridge, Highland KOA,
Grand Pa's Farm, and an area northeast of Indiana Highways 121 and 227.
SUMMARY
1) Septic tank systems are used by about 25 percent of the U.S. population
2) Two (2) basic types of septic tanks failure are recognized. One type
is caused by soil clogging, resulting in "ponding" above the drainfield
or by wastewater backup into the home plumbing fixtures. A second
type occurs when septic tank effluent reaches the groundwater without
sufficient treatment, contaminating water wells in the area.
3) Several factors appear to affect the potential for groundwater
contamination from septic tank systems. These factors include septic
tank and population densities, depth of water table, bedrock condition
(fractures), contaminant biodegradability and/or absorbability, and
soil type.
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WAYNE COUNTY
HIGH-DENSITY NON-SEWERED AREAS
RANDOLPH
L.
t T i t
FIGURE 12
40
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4) While septic tanks placed in a soil classified by the Soil Conservation
Service as "slight" would be most appropriate to prevent surface
ponding or effluent backup into home plumbing fixtures, this type of
soil would also be most likely to easily pass toxicants from septic
tank effluents to underlying aquifers.
5) The description of soils in the report are general in nature. Since
the general categorization describes the major soils primarily, and
since the report considered landscapes also include minor soils of
varying and undefined character, it is not a foregone conclusion
(only a likelihood) that a high density non-sewered area located over
a generally described permeable soil would actually contribute to
groundwater contamination.
6) Groundwater in Indiana occurs in a variety of both unconsolidated and
bedrock aquifer systems. The most significant of these aquifers are
the various outwash sand and gravel deposits associated with glacial
drift, and the limestone, dolomite, and sandstone bedrock formations.
7) Generally the most productive groundwater aquifers are in the northern
part of Indiana and get progressively less productive north to south,
exclusive of major river aquifers.
8) The generally greater permeability of soils in the north allows for
the more efficient percolation of precipitation to groundwater aquifers
below. THe generally tighter soil of the southern part of the State
decreases the efficiency of percolation causing greater run-off to
area surface waters. These differences in geology account for the
general difference in ground water availability from north to south.
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9) There are many high density non-sewered areas in Allen County, primarily
in the east, west, and north outskirts of Fort Wayne. In the rest of
the county these areas incude Lake Everett, Cedar Canyon, Hacienda
Village East, Hessen Castle, Poe, Yoder, Zanesville, Rolling Hill
Manor, and Arcola. All high density areas are located over permeable
or porous soils - soils that have high percolation rates, and that are
prone to promote a facile passage of any contaminants to aquifers
below.
10) Most of the high density non-sewered areas in Clark County are located
in the southern part -- in the Clarksville - Jeffersonville area, close
to the Ohio River where the bedrock overlay consists of permeable sand
and gravel in outwash deposits. Other suspect high-density septic
tanks areas include Utica, Long Beach, Watson, Lakeview, Highview,
North Charlestown, Maplehurst, New Washington, Underwood, Memphis,
Allentown, Speed, and Hamburg Twinbrook.
11) Elkhart County is an area of permeable soils and major groundwater
availability. All suspect high density septic tank areas in Elkhart
County are located over well drained loamy soils overlying outwash
sand and gravel. The largest concentration of high density septic
tanks in the county is in the Dunlap area. Other high density areas
are located adjacent to the St. Joseph River east and west of the City
of Elkhart, Simonton Lake, the area north of Bristol, Indiana Lake,
the north and southwest Middlebury area, and the area east of
Waterford Mills.
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12) Groundwater availability is quite limited in much of Floyd County
with a substantial number of "dry holes" being reported in the
northeastern part. However, the high density non-sewered areas west,
northwest, and north of the City of Albany, which are located over
well drained soils and bedrock with high water characteristics, can
be suspected of the likelihood of groundwater contamination. These
areas include the Towns of Georgetown, Greenville, and LaFayette.
13) Although the general geology of LaPorte County defines a soil that is
conducive to the promotion of groundwater contamination from septic
tanks, those high density areas located over loamy, well-drained
soils overlying outwash sand and gravel have the most potential.
These areas include Trail Creek, Pine Lake, the Center Township
corridor between Trail Creek and Pine Lake, Union Center, Rolling
Prairies, Kingsbury, South LaPorte, and Springville.
14) There are many high density non-sewered areas in the immediate
periphery of Indianapolis. In fact, the high density areas, which
are too numerous to "pinpoint" or to tablelist, are located in every
direction around Indianapolis and in some instances within Indianapolis
proper. Most of the Marion County soils, with some exception, are
well drained loamy soils on outwash sand and gravel, and in glacial
till. The areas most likely to promote groundwater contamination are
directly south and slightly west of Indianapolis, and a large area
generally north and northwest of the Indianapolis city limits to the
Marion county boundaries.
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15) The Porter County high density non-sewered areas are located in the
towns of Porter, Pleasant, Morgan, Washington, Portage, Westchester
and Pine. These illustrated areas are all sited over soils classified
by the Soil Conservation Service as slight indicating the likelihood
of a high potential for groundwater contamination from septic tanks.
16) St. Joseph County is one of the richest counties in groundwater
availability in the State, indicating a very thick and permeable
bedrock overlay. In such a setting, groundwater contamination from
high density septic tanks areas is a distinct likelihood. Among
others, these areas include the entire area north and east of Notre
Dame University to the county line, the Grant Trunk Railroad - Indiana
Tollway area in the northeast, the Bass-Szmanda Lakes area, the area
north of Chamberlain Lake, south South Bend, and west South Bend.
17) The Vigo County high density non-sewered areas are located in the
Villages of Shepardsville, Atherton, Meltonville, Spelterville, north
and west Terre Haute, Prairieton, and the subdivisions of Springwood,
Osmar Estates, Bartley, Spring Hill, and Ferguson Hill. These areas
are all located in the highly permeable sand and gravel deposits of
the Wabash River Valley and in soil classified as slight by the Soil
Conservation Service, indicating a high potential for groundwater
contamination.
18) The suspect high density non-sewered areas in Wayne County are located
in the major river valleys composed of permeable outwash sand and
gravel and in soils classified as "slight" by the Soil Conservation
Service. These areas include the Villages of Milton, East Germantown,
Pennville, Jacksonburge, Greens Fork, and Economy, and subdivisions
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to the northeast of the City of Richmond; namely Row Wow Ridge,
Highland KOA, Grand Pa's Farm, and an area northeast of the
junction of Indiana highways 121 and 227.
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REFERENCES
( 1) Personal Communication, Mr. M. Patterson, Indiana Department of
Public Health, July 11, 1983
( 2) Personal Communication, Mr. J. Lausche, Gary Health Department,
July 11, 1983
( 3) Personal Communication, Mr. J. Riebe, Hammond Health Department,
July 11, 1983
( 4) Personal Communication, Mr. N. Doffin, Lake County Health
Department, July 12, 1983
( 5) Personal Commuication, Mr. R. Morse, Marion County Health
Department, July 12, 1983
( 6) Personal Communication, Mr. T. Sargent, Porter County Health
Departmnet, July 13, 1983
( 7) Personal Communication, Mr. N. Labheart, Clark County Health
Department, July 13, 1983
( 8) Personal Communication, Mr. R. Streagle, Floyd County Health
Department, July 14, 1983
( 9) Personal Communication, Mr. P. Trost, St. Joseph County Health
Department, July 14, 1983
(10) Personal Communication, Mr. T. Wilson, Elkhart County Health
Department, July 15, 1983
(11) Personal Communication, Mr. B. Hassoun, Allen County Health
Depatment, July 15, 1983
(12) Personal Communication, Mr. T. Atkinson, Wayne County Health
Department, July 19, 1983
(13) Personal Communication, Mr. D. Wingstrom, LaPorte County Health
Department, July 20, 1983
(14) Personal Communication, Mr. K. Querry, Tippecanoe County Health
Department, July 20, 1983
(15) Personal Communication, Mr. T. Kiesling, Indiana State Board of
Health, July 27, 1983
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(16) Personal Communication, Mr. T. Decker, Indiana State Board
of Health, September 23, 1983
(17) Personal Communication, Mr. T. Byers, Elkhart County Planning
Commission, September 29, 1983
(18) Clark, G.D., The Indiana Water Resource, Indiana Department
of Natural Resources, Indianapolis (1980)
(19) Potos, C.P., An Assessment of Potential Groundwater Contami-
nation in Indiana, USEPA, Region 5, 1983
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