Agenda - Council - 11/10/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chairperson Elvig stated that the DWSMA is located near the highest density development and the most impervious surfaces, such as railroads and Highway 10, He stated that it appears that there is a lot for the City to consider and it seems to be critical that the City gets percolation and asked if the City is counting on the aquifer. City Engineer Jankowski noted that the good news is that the area was not designated as highly vulnerable. Chairperson Elvig asked about the contamination from other wells and whether the City is concerned about overflows or broken lines. City Engineer Jankowski stated that there would be concern if well casings rust out and water is flowing right down to the aquifer, Chairperson Elvig asked if there were any homes in the DWSMA that the City should make a priority to get them hooked tip to City sewer and water because this would protect the area, City Engineer Jankowski stated that the City can encourage people to get their wells tested periodically, He stated that the City could consider using a portion of the utility fund to assist people in properly treating abandoned wells. Chairperson Elvig asked if the City had the responsibility to use the utility fund to assist in monitoring a vulnerable area. Public Works Director Olson stated that the City can make this as rigid or relaxed as it would like. He noted that there are 130 action steps the City can choose from, that even include controlling land use directly next to the DWSMA, for example, not allowing gas stations or dry cleaners. He stated that suggestions included in the packet were just to get the "City's feet wet" and get the process started, but the City could make this more strict in the future. Chairperson Elvig asked about concerns with acts of terrorism. Public Works Director Olson stated that this was a concern after 9/11, but, in order for a terrorist to infect the entire water supply, they would basically have to have a tanker truck dumping all kinds of chemicals into the system, which would be extremely obvious, Councilmembe,r Olson noted that regarding abandoned wells, it is against the law for property to change hands without having a well scaled and most people have their properties inspected now, so they are usually discovered, City Engineer Jankowski noted that if the Public Works Committee has any specific suggestions, he asked them to pass them on to staff. Chairperson Elvig stated that he would like to look at some sort of protection around the wells that are right by the high traffic areas, perhaps a burm. Public Works Committee / September 16, 2008 Page 15 of 17 —94—