HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 4937 - Paticipation-Wellhead Protection Program-EPA Funded Wellhead Protection Project - 09/14/1995Resolution No. 4937
September 14, 1995
Item #9
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) is
pursuing a federal grant from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency to conduct nonpoint
source pollution reduction/prevention activities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Lubbock recognizes the importance of protecting its public water
supply wells from contamination; and
WHEREAS, the TNRCC has been working with the City in establishing a local Wellhead
Protection Program; and
WHEREAS, the TNRCC has indicated it will be able to allocate $102,000 for the City of
Lubbock for the purpose of establishing a Wellhead Protection Program for public water supply
wells; NOW THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LUBBOCK:
THAT the City Council of the City of Lubbock hereby agrees to participate in the
Wellhead Protection Program as described in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated in this
Resolution as if fully set forth herein and shall be included in the minutes of the Council.
Passed by the City Council on this the
ATTEST:
Betty M. ohns , City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
L�
Terry Eller ook, Director of Water Utilities
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
r.,
JES:js/TNRCC.RES
ccdocs/August 25, 1995
John Hall, Chairman
Pam Reed, Commissioner Exhibit A. page 1 of 3
R. B. "Ralph" Marquez, Commissioner
Dan Pearson, Executive Director
M
TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Protecting Texas by Reducing and Preventing Pollution
July 27, 1995
Mr. Bruce Blalack
Water Production & Treatment Superintendent
Office of Water Utilities Operations
City of Lubbock
P.O. Box 2000
Lubbock, Texas 79457
Re: Proposed EPA -Funded Wellhead Protection Project
Dear Mr. Blalack:
The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission is pursuing a federal grant from
the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 Office. The purpose of
the grant would be to conduct nonpoint source pollution (NPS) reduction/prevention
activities. As you know, the TNRCC has been working with the city of Lubbock in
establishing a local Wellhead Protection Program. The outcome of the program will
be a Wellhead Protection report. This report will describe the potential contaminant
sources identified near the city's public water supply wells and recommend best
management practices (BMPs) for implementation.
Due to the size of Lubbock's wellfield and the scope of the BMP implementation
efforts, enactment of BMPs could be difficult. By obtaining funding from EPA, federal
funds could be used to establish a Wellhead Protection Program and to offset costs
of implementing the BMPs. Furthermore, by incorporating Geographic Information
System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies, the city could
establish an accurate and technologically advanced means for preventing and
responding to critical pollution events.
In applying for the federal grant, the TNRCC has been able to appropriate $170,000
for the city of Lubbock. Sixty percent of this amount ($102,000) would be provided
by TNRCC from federal funds. The city would need to provide a 40°x6 match from
either in-kind services, staff time, or budget from nonfederal sources. The grant
project is scheduled to begin on September 1, 1996 and terminate on August 31,
1999.
P.O. Box 13087 Austin, Texas 78711-3087 . 512/239-1000
printed — .rry<Ied rarer using soy -based ink
Mr. Bruce Blalack Exhibit A. page 2 of 3
July 27, 1995
Page 2
In oarticioating in the project the city would be asked to:
Locate all PWS wells and potential contaminant sources with GPS technology;
Assist in mapping all PWS wells and potential contaminant sources;
Erect roadside markers defining the perimeters of the Wellhead Protection Areas;
Adopt or update an emergency spill response plan/contingency plan;
Facilitate the removal and clean-up of leaking petroleum storage tank sites;
Consider for passage either a Wellhead Protection ordinance or a Ground Water
Protection master plan resolution (Note: It is NOT required that the city adopt an
ordinance or any regulatory measures);
Conduct public education/outreach activities;
,• Plug private abandoned water wells using federal funds (under negotiation with EPA);
The benefits to the city are as follows:
Abatement of potential contaminant sources surrounding city wells;
Clean-up of hydrocarbon contaminated PST sites;
Plugging of privately owned abandoned water wells with federal funds;
Contingency plan;
Accurate location of all potential contaminant sources and city wells/decrease
response time in emergencies, spills, or contamination events;
Possible reduction in TNRCC sampling costs via sampling waivers;
Geographic Information System for city use;
Global Positioning System technology for city use;
Most technologically advanced Wellhead Protection Program in United States.
Proactive, non -regulatory approach to safe drinking water.
These points are the highlights of what the project should produce. Obviously, the
TNRCC will be providing technical assistance to the city throughout the project
wherever necessary. It will be the city's responsibility to implement the Wellhead
Protection Program since, ultimately, the protection of a city's drinking water is best
accomplished via local solutions. In this instance, we have an opportunity to help
offset the costs of these protection efforts and help establish a state-of-the-art
Wellhead Protection Program.
All that I need to continue pursuing the federal grant is a letter or resolution of
commitment from the city of Lubbock. This will demonstrate to EPA that the city is
a willing participant in the project. If you have any questions or comments, please call
me at (512) 239-4755.
Mr. Bruce Blalack
July 27, 1995
Page 3
cc: Brad Cross, TNRCC
Exhibit A. page 3 of 3