Illinois: Pekin - Wellhead Protection for Shallow Wells
Background
Pekin, Illinois is a community rich in agricultural and industrial heritage. It is located in
the west central portion of the state, on the east bank of the Illinois River. Pekin's
topography is marked by river bluffs, rolling hills, mature wooded areas and several
man-made lakes. Pekin (pop. 33,200) serves as the seat of Tazewell County (pop.
125,000), and is considered part of the Peoria metropolitan market area (total pop.
345,000). Nearly eighty percent of the land in the county is devoted to some form of
agriculture. Pekin residents enjoy a high quality of life as a result of serene residential
settings, natural scenic landscapes, a low crime rate, a moderate pace of activity,
community spirit, and proximity to metropolitan areas. In addition, the community is
particularly proud of their medical facilities, public parks, and public education system,
Seven wells provide Pekin with 100% of its drinking water. These are relatively shallow
wells in sandy soil, ranging from a well depth of 90 to 154 feet deep. Because Pekin's
wells are shallow and the soils are highly permeable, the water supply is highly
vulnerable to contamination from any pollutant discharge in the recharge areas.
Priority Contamination Threat
Nonpoint and point source pollution in the recharge area is the priority contamination
threat.
Local Involvement and Developing the Protection Plan
Although well sampling (as a part of the Illinois Statewide Ground Water Monitoring
Program) revealed no ground water contamination, the Pekin City Council appointed a
"Ground Water Guardian Team" to protect the community's water supply. Pekin's ten
member Ground Water Guardian Team consists of two citizens, one educator, four
representatives from government, and three business/agriculture representatives.
To date, the Team's accomplishments include:
The formation of a Ground Water Education Committee to implement the
recommendations of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Pilot Needs
Assessment. The Education Committee sets up informational booths at a
variety of conferences, business expositions and community fairs. The
educators also give presentations to classes within the Pekin school system
and conduct an annual field trip for 5th graders.
The installation of street signs that mark the boundaries of well recharge areas
and alert citizens to the location of sensitive recharge areas.
The creation and implementation of a ground water protection ordinance to
regulate land uses within ground water sensitive areas. Pekin's Protection Area
Ordinance (see next section for details) can be found on-line at
http://www.ci. pekin.il.us/index.cfm?paqe=public/qrnwater/ordinance. htm.
Office of Water (4606M) 816F100011 January 2010
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Management Measures
In 1995, Pekin's Ground Water Protection Area Ordinance was approved by the City
Council. The City of Pekin and the Illinois EPA prepared the ordinance using other state
ordinances as a guide.
The ordinance plays a significant role in land use decisions in Pekin as it is consulted
every time a building permit is issued. Furthermore, the ordinance triggers additional
reviews by entities such as the State Fire Marshall.
Specifically, the Ordinance does the following:
Delineates Ground Water Protection Areas/Zones in the city;
Lists prohibited uses and activities in ground water sensitive areas;
Establishes setbacks and other regulations in ground water-sensitive areas;
Specifies facilities that are obligated to comply with the ordinance;
Specifies the review process of proposed activities and land uses;
Conveys guidelines and conditions for obtaining operating permits (including the
provision of adequate containment devices and the development of a regulated
substance management plan);
Specifies the reporting process for unauthorized releases and the responsibilities
of the landowner;
Specifies the powers and authority of the City to enforce the provisions of the
Ordinance;
Specifies the creation and obligations of the Ground Water Appeals Committee
to hear petitions for exemption from the Ordinance; and
Specifies "Best Management Practices" for the construction industry regarding
ground water protection.
Contingency Planning
A Contingency Plan has been developed by the city fire department and the local water
company to provide an emergency response plan in the event of a hazardous or special
waste spill in a well recharge area. The contingency plan describes how to control and
minimize the impact of contamination, and delineates how emergency supplies of
drinking water will be provided to the community. The City of Pekin is in close proximity
to neighboring communities and water districts, thus connections to those systems is
possible in the event of contamination.
Measuring Program Effectiveness
Office of Water (4606M) 816F100011 January 2010
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The effectiveness of the City of Pekins' Ground Water Protection Program is exemplified
by the fact that any proposed land uses within ground water sensitive areas are now
closely examined to determine their impact on ground water. As an outgrowth of the
Needs Assessment, the Water Company has made some improvements to its treatment
system. Furthermore, several businesses within the recharge areas have disconnected
drywells and now dispose of that waste into Pekins' sanitary sewer system.
Contact
Dennis Kief
Pekin City Manager
(309) 477-2328
dkief@ci.pekin.il.us.
Office of Water (4606M) 816F100011 January 2010
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