Source Protection Plan

Introduction

March 21, 2008

This Source Protection Plan was developed as a requirement of the State of Vermont in 1996, by the water system operator, Marc Maheux. The plan is a study of potential contaminants within the Source Protection Area. It also includes high hazard contaminants in proximity. There were state regulations followed to design the plan. This plan is designed to assess and manage existing and future risks.

In the process of developing the plan, several steps were taken. They went from brainstorming on paper to mailing several notices and other informational papers to land owners within the plan area.

The plan was started with an electronic parcel map of Underhill and Jericho. Using a software package called Mapinfo ver. 6.0, the electronic parcel map was imported and the map was created using the layers from the file. A layer on the map was digitized to show the Source Protection Area. The computer then, with a little help, attained all the parcels within the area.

A database was attained from the grand list file from the Town of Underhill and Jericho. The database lists owners by name, address, city, state, zip, x and y coordinates, so they will be referenced on the map.

The queried databases are imported, the form letters, surveys, and mailing list are developed.

A package is then sent out that includes a cover letter explaining why we were doing this, a survey, a colored detailed map showing the Source Protection Area and the parcels of land. Thirty surveys were returned. All but one home owner completed or was interviewed in Zone 2. The data from the surveys were compiled into an assessment and management section of potential contaminants. Additional research was gathered from the Hazardous Materials Division of the Department of Environmental Conservation and incorporated into this plan.

An informational letter and map are then sent out to local, regional, and state levels of government to inform them of the Source Protection Area. Their assistance is solicited in implementing this plan and bringing us into the review process.

As the different agencies change personnel, quite often I find it may be necessary to send the informational letters and an updated map to the various government agencies every three years.

The land owner data base along with the parcel map should be updated with the grand list and the map changed to reflect any subdivisions or change in current parcels every three years as required in the water supply rule. New information packages and a map should then be sent to the new land owners.

The purpose of this plan is to give people awareness about the factors that affect their water supply. Hopefully the continual updates on this plan will keep the water at good drinkable quality.

In February of 2001 new orthophotos became available from the towns and new maps were created. Contour lines showing topography were added in another map. Parcel boundaries were current in February 2001 and the source protection area remained the same.

In March 2005 a new parcel map and data were collected for the 2005 update. The land owner data was compared to 2001 land owner data. The board of trustees made a decision to do a direct mailing to all land owners in protection area 2 and 3. The information sent to the land owners is contained in this plan.

In February 2008 a new parcel map and data were collected for the 2008 update. A decision was made to do a complete mailing to everyone in source protection areas 2 and 3. The letter contained a description of what the source protection area is, two information brochures, “Drinking Water Protection Begins at Home” and “Source Water Awareness”.

Assessment of Risks

And

Management of existing Risks

· Zone #1 is owned and controlled by the Jericho-Underhill Water District. The District production wells are 54 ft apart. There is a locked 6’ high perimeter fence which surrounds both wellheads. The present practice is to keep brush and grass trimmed around the impoundment area on an annual basis. This zone is located in a remote area that is accessible only by crossing the Brown’s River from the control building area or by coming through Jericho Land Trust land. Access to the control building is through a locked road gate.

· Zone #2 is a two year travel time zone established by Wagner, Heindel, and Noyes during the development of a hydrogeological report that firm made on the two wells. Water from the perimeter of this area is estimated to take approximately two years to reach the wellheads. Potential contamination in this zone is very minimal. There are eight land owners in this zone. All are residential except for two which include agricultural activities. It is known that twenty seven head of cattle were buried in the mid 1980s after a barn fire at property code RV019. This property (RV019) is currently being used as grazing land for cows. The other agricultural property is RV097 and is currently being used to grow produce. All the property owners have been sent “An Ounce of Prevention” booklet and “What’s a Wellhead Protection Area” description sheet in 1996, to inform them on “Best Management Practices” and make them aware that they are within our source protection area. All septic systems are on-site treatment and disposal and are believed to be located above two confining layers (one till, the other clay) so they should not pose a significant threat of contamination. The produce farmer is conservative in his use of pesticides. This was confirmed by an interview from a board member. Our water was tested by the Dept. of Agriculture in August of 1995, for pesticides and found all which were tested for were below detectable limits. We have supplied these two farms with Best Management Practice information. A visit will be made to these farms every three years to review current pesticide use. A change of ownership will also prompt a visit by a District Representative.

2001 Update: During the 2001 source protection plan update nine land owners in zone 2 were interviewed and filled out a survey or questionnaire concerning possible sources of contamination They were also given a brochure titled “Think Oil & Water” and “Get the Facts” about septic systems. During the personal interview the protection of our drinking water was stressed to ensure quality for both the public system as well as theirs.

2005 Update: “Drinking Water Protection begins at Home” and “Source Water Awareness” information sheets were direct mailed to residents in protection area 2 and 3. A letter explaining the requirement and reason to update the source protection plan was also included.

2008 Update: “Drinking Water Protection begins at Home” and “Source Water Awareness” information sheets were direct mailed to residents in protection area 2 and 3. A letter explaining the requirement and reason to update the source protection plan was also included.

· Zone #2 List of Possible Sources of Contamination (PSOCs)

· Property code RV097 is a residential/ agricultural farm that grows produce for resale during the summer. PSOCs are a septic tank system and fertilizer. A completed survey form was returned and lists the following : 8 tons of Agway fertilizer is applied to the land for growing produce, pumps out the septic tank every two years, changes his own oil and uses the recycling facility, and has a 160 gallon diesel fuel/ gas tank at the shop, that was installed in 1977.

2001 Update: The 2001 survey was completed and listed that about 5 tons of fertilizer is spread over 75 acres. A phone call was made to find out what type of fertilizer was used. The brand of fertilizer used is Agway; the type 10-20-10 and 14-28-28. These numbers relate respectively to nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content.

Also this land owner uses some herbicides and pesticides when the crops are first started. These are applied according to recommended agricultural practices and are not consider a hazard at this time. As a control and as required by government regulations, the district tests for these substances periodically. Above ground fuel tanks were replaced in 1995. One tank holds 150 gals and the other holds 300 gals gas/fuel.

2005 Update: The land use has remained the same for this property. Although the owner was on vacation during the protection update, this landowner is aware of the source protection area. In past conversations, the owner has presented detailed sheets of name, and amounts of chemicals used on the land, to start the crops. The landowner does test his soil and applies fertilizer as necessary. He uses the extension service at UVM and applies “Best Management Practices.”

2008 Update: The land use remained the same for this property. Again the owner was on vacation during this update. The land owner is very careful to use “best management practices”, as determined from previous conversations.

· Property code RV091 is a residential/ agricultural farm that has some livestock. PSOCs are a septic tank system and buried livestock (mid 1980s). Completed survey forms was returned and list the following: 800 lb. of fertilizer is applied annually to the land, has a small garden, discards used motor oil at the town garage, and has a 300 gal. diesel tank mounted on a skid behind the barn.

2001 Update: During the 2001 update, the landowner indicated on the survey form that approximately 250 lb. per acre of fertilizer is applied to the hay fields. The soil is tested for nitrogen and phosphate, and only the recommended amounts are applied. The brand was not known. The owners also indicate that there are not any storage tanks on the property.

2005 Update: A phone call confirmed no change in use. Fertilizer was not applied in 2004 and will only be applied if soil test shows a need in future years. Manure from farm animals is spread on the fields only during times of the year, as allowed by state law. “Best Management Practices” are applied.

2008 Update: A phone call reconfirmed that fertilizer is applied to the hay fields based on a soil test and “Best Management Practices” are applied. In 2007 no fertilizer was necessary. Any waste oil is disposed of in a waste oil furnace located off site.

· Property code RV124T is an open lot. The windshield survey did not turn up any PSOCs. A completed survey form was returned and lists an open lot.

2001 Update: The 2001 update revealed the same (an open lot).

2005 Update: The 2005 update revealed the same (an open lot)

2008 Update: The 2008 update revealed the same (an open lot)

· Property code RV063T is a residential/ farm property with pasture land and a barn used for raising sheep. A portion of this parcel bordering River Road is currently being considered for a subdivision. It is of concern to the water district because of its close proximity to zone one. A letter from Kenneth Bannister of Bannister Research and Consulting, dated July 25, 1995, states that he (Bannister) was co-author of the recently developed wellhead protection area Demonstration Grant Report by Wagner, Heindel and Noyes for this water system. He mentions the low permeability aquitards that protect the aquifer. He also states that test borings in the proposed leach field area would give more information about the possible presence of the aquitards in this proposed critical area. This information was presented to the water district by the Underhill Zoning Administrator, after informing him of our Source Protection Area and the importance of protecting it. A completed survey form was not returned. A telephone interview by the system operator indicated that they are aware of the well head and do not use pesticides. They do not have an underground storage tank. They are also concerned about the Water District limiting the use of their land

2001 Update: The 2001 update showed no changes in use. There still is a possibility of creating building lots, as indicated by the owner. If good practices are followed, there is the possibility that this development could be done without posing a threat to the district source.

2005 Update: The 2005 update showed an additional change in use. A little wood work shop was added and outside lawn furniture is sold during the summer. The owner has planted Christmas trees on the property. During the phone conversation the owner expressed that the use of fertilizer and or some pesticides may be necessary in the future to protect the trees. The owner will contact the state agriculture department for further information on “Best Management Practices.”

2008 Update: A phone conversation revealed the same practices with the addition of raspberries as a crop. Fertilizer has been added to the raspberries in the form of composted manure. Soil test are planned for spring of 2008 to determine if additional fertilizers will be necessary. As of this conversation, fertilizer and pesticides have not been used on the Christmas trees.

· Property code RV128T is a residential property, whereby one edge of the property lies within the zone 2 of the Source Protection Area. A completed survey form was returned. It lists that he does change his own automobile oil and uses the recycling facility, pumps out the septic tank every 5 years and uses very little fertilizer on a small garden.

2001 Update: No change.

2005 Update: A phone call made to the land owner indicated a change in use. A blueberry patch has been added to a lower field. The blueberry patch is located within part of protection area 2 and extends into protection area 3. The landowner does test the soil and applies fertilizer as required to the blueberry patch. He was given the agriculture department phone number and the name of a person to contact with questions regarding the proper use of chemicals and fertilizer in the protection area.

2008 Update: A phone call made to the owner indicated the same use as in 2005. He did state that “Roundup” and “Lime Sulfur” are used. The Roundup is used to kill vegetation and the Lime Sulfur to kill a fungus on the blueberry plants.

· Property code VT338 is open land that borders zone 1. No PSOCs were found on the land. 2001 Update: This piece of land was sold to the Jericho Land Trust in 2000 and is to be used for recreation and natural habitat area. The directors were given a map of the source protection area and told of the importance to protect this area against any sources of contamination. It was suggested that they try to limit use in the area near the wells. In addition, information was given to assist them in developing a use plan for the area. Orthophotos and parcel maps were presented to the directors at the April 4 2001 meeting to show the location of the wells. At this meeting the directors indicated plans to rent property in Zone 2 for agricultural uses. This should be compatible with source protection requirements if good correct management practices are employed.

2005 Update: A phone call was made to the chair of the board informing them of the update. They are still aware of the wells and the importance of protecting them. Athletic fields will be added to the land in the future. The locations of the fields are outside of the protection area and should not pose a threat.

2008 Update: The land use has not changed. The athletic fields have been added and as a result there is more activity.

· Property code RV130 is a residential property located at the outside edge of zone 2. A survey form was not returned as of this report. The windshield survey did not find any underground storage tank that were visible or any other PSOCs. Three mailing attempts have been made to the owner, and have been returned.

2001 Update: A survey was filled out for the 2001 update. It revealed a 275 fuel oil tank in the basement. They also use a minimal amount of Jo Lawn fertilizer on their lawn.

2005 Update: The landowner was contacted by phone to discuss any changes to the land. He is still aware that he is in the source protection area and is cautious in the use of lawn fertilizer. He could not think of any other changes that have taken place.

2008 Update: Left a message to call if there were any changes to the septic system or any other items that may affect our water.

· Property code RV133 is now a residential property. Years ago this property was used for farming. Only a very small part of this property lies in our zone 2.

2001 Update: The 2001 update listed on-site treatment and disposal of septic. A 275 gallon fuel tank is located in the basement.

2005 Update: This property has not changed in use. The owner is elderly and does not farm the land at this time. Basically the land is just idle.

2008 Update: Ownership has changed, however use remains the same at this time. Information will be sent to inform the new owners of the source protection area.

· Zone #3 is referred to by the hydrogeologist who developed our hydrogeological report as a 25 year travel time. Again all with a few exceptions are residential properties, with high density development only at the outer most easterly edge of zone 3. All the parcel owners have been sent the “Ounce of Prevention” information booklet and “What’s a Wellhead Protection Area” description sheet in 1996. We have identified two high hazard concerns in this zone. One parcel contains a “Mom and Pop” store with gasoline service pumps and the other is the town salt storage shed and maintenance garage for the town equipment. Both high hazard locations are situated at the outer most easterly perimeter of zone three (about 2.5 miles east of the wells). The “Mom and Pop” store is identified as parcel code MA002 and is listed as a Hazardous Material Site #941710 by the State of Vermont, DEC., Hazardous Materials Division. The leaking gasoline tanks were pulled and replaced in May, 1995. It is listed as “remediation ongoing.” The Town salt shed and Town garage are identified as MA130x. Low hazard sites would include a cemetery (RA066x), again located near the outer edge of the zone 3 perimeter at Underhill Center. Currently Underhill does not have any commercial land use zoning. Each applicant for commercial use, however, is asked to appear before the zoning board and, if approved, is issued a conditional use to operate under that ownership.

2001 Update: All 86 property owners in Zones 1, 2 and 3 were mailed an information letter on source protection and brochure on the importance of maintaining septic systems and fuel storage tanks. Parcel Code MA002 remains in remediation; current reports indicate cleanup is on or ahead of schedule which means the hazard is lessening with time. The Underhill Town salt shed has been relocated and is now outside Zone 3. The situation at the cemetery is unchanged.

2005 Update: All property owners in protection area 2 and 3 were sent information. The information sent contained “Drinking Water Protection begins at Home” and “Source Water Awareness,” along with a cover sheet explaining why the District is updating the source protection plan.

2008 Update: All property owners in protection area 2 and 3 were sent information. The information sent contained “Drinking Water Protection begins at Home” and “Source Water Awareness,” along with a cover sheet explaining why the District is updating the source protection plan. After checking with ANR website (http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/wastediv/sms/list.htm#U), only two hazardous waste sites were listed for Underhill. The site that may concern the source water is: 941710 - - - Wells Country Store - - - River Rd - - - Underhill - - Remediation has been completed, monitoring of drinking water supply wells and groundwater is ongoing. One supply well replaced. The report states that well monitoring is ongoing and remediation has been completed.

· Zone 4 is the entire drainage basin for our two wells.

There are closed landfill sites and one former open dump within zone 4. These are situated on a class 4 road (not maintained) and located on the zone 4 map. The area consists of wooded and residential parcels. Two underground storage tanks were listed with State Department of Environmental Conservation’s, Hazardous Materials Division. They serve Underhill Central School and the Moore Residence on Stevensville Road. Both tanks have been located on the underground storage tank map. The Underhill Zoning Administrator is aware of zone 4 and our concerns with permitting potentially high hazard land use in this area.

2001 Update: No zoning changes have occurred have occurred in Zone 4 since the last Plan. Zone 4 was not surveyed for this update. In March 2001 a representative of the District met with the Underhill Select Board to obtain an update on the status of the town garage and salt shed; and to make the Select Board aware of the District Source Protection Plan and its objective of protecting water quality for the District as well as those in the source protection area.

2005 Update: After checking with Agency of Natural Resources underground storage tank and hazardous waste sites map, we have no major concerns with protection area 4. We expect the residential build out to occur over many years with no impact on our source water.

2008 Update: Refer to zone 3, 2008 Update regarding hazmat sites. We expect the residential build out to occur over many years with no impact on our source water.

Contingency Plan

March 21, 2005

!!!! STOP!!!!

THINK BEFORE TAKING ACTION

Ÿ Emergency Shut Down in case of well contamination, natural disaster or other emergency requiring the well pumps NOT to pump water. The situation requires the well(s) not be used. (Example: gasoline, fuel oil, pesticides, etc. in the source water) Turn off well pump electrical disconnect for the well(s) that is contaminated. Depending on the system contamination, all customers may have to be notified not to drink the water. The distribution system may have to be flushed and decontaminated. Notify Water Supply Division of the Environmental Conservation Department of the State of Vermont at 241-3400. Ask for assistance in determining the correct procedure for handling the contamination.

Note: if the water system has become contaminated DO NOT DRAIN THE

STORAGE TANK the tank may contain hazardous material and proper disposal

methods, need be used. Contact Hazardous Materials Division of Natural

Resources Department of the State of Vermont.

Ÿ A second storage tank was added to district’s distribution system in 2004. This storage tank will allow isolation of either tank in case of vandalism or possible contamination. The additional storage tank will allow certain areas of the system to remain in service while other areas shut down. Before the addition of the second tank the entire system would be shut down. With the additional storage capacity, we could supply up to 10 days of water, with conservation efforts. This may allow for planning of “fresh water haulers” to truck water for use.

Ÿ Short Term Plan for well pump failure would be to use which ever drilled well is operating. A selection would have to be made in the alternate pump selection circuit to lock on the pump that needs to operate on demand. The alternate pump selection circuit is located in the control panel for Pump # Two, the panel closest to the sink in the control building at 52 River Road, Underhill.

Ÿ Short term plan

I. Contract with fresh water hauler to truck water for use. Possible contractors are Spafford and Sons Company at 899-3642. They have the equipment to haul 2500 gallons of water and to pump off into our hydrant system. Another water hauler in town is Fresh Water Haulers, owned by Steve Owen on River Rd. His phone is 658-2223, and he has the capability of hauling up to 12,000 gallons at a time. They have the equipment to pump off into our hydrant system. In either case special adapters may be needed to connect to the hydrant system. The water source would have to be determined depending on current use. A possible source would be Champlain Water District’s hydrant, at Packard road in Jericho. A representative of the water district should monitor procedures used for disinfection of hoses and tanks. A free chlorine level should be recorded and maintain in the system. This may have to be done by adding chlorine to the water hauler’s tank, before pumping into our system.

II. Restore non-potable water to the system in an emergency would be to arrange for use of a Fire Dept. pumper or a portable pump, capable of pumping water to the storage tank. Water would be drafted out of the Browns River or a potable non-contaminated well and pumped into the fire hydrant near the Control Building at 52 River Rd, Underhill approximately 300 feet or less away. Chlorination would have to be done manually at the storage tank or other ways could be developed. A do not drink notification would have to be put into place. Temporary power would be laid on top of the ground to an electric pump whether submersible (to lie directly in the river) or other type of electrical pump. It may be possible to use the well pump’s motor control that exists, to control the on and off cycle of a temporary pump as the storage tank fills and empties. This procedure may have to be used first to get water into the storage tank. This process would be very quick to implement to reduce the potential health risk of not having any water or fire protection. All customers are to be notified with a call and or notice left on their premises. Schools and businesses that are served by the water system would have to have their drinking fountains shut off and potable water brought in for drinking. Plans would be made with vendors to supply drinking water to our customers for the short term.

Ÿ Long Term Plan would be to consider the existing test wells drilled at a former source (the well point site located behind 431 Vermont Route 15). The two wells (one monitoring) were not selected as a primary source because of high iron and manganese that would have required treatment. However, these wells may be usable long term if properly treated. This plan may be very cost effective due to the location of piping, and control building.

Ÿ Champlain Water District connection would be another possibility. A considerable amount of time, money, and voter approval would be necessary for this plan. Depending on the time of year a temporary over ground pipe might be laid to supply water until a permanent solution can be determined. The best route for the temporary line would be Raceway Rd. A fire hydrant is located on Raceway Rd. to make one connection and possibly the culvert that crosses Rt. 15 by the bank could be used to connect to the hydrant on the corner of Rt. 15 and Packard Rd. This hookup would supply water from Champlain Water District to the Jericho Underhill Water District’s system. It may take a year or more to get this project OK’d and supplying water.

This

Section

Contains

Information

Sent

Protection Area

2 and 3

JERICHO-UNDERHILL WATER DISTRICT

P.O. BOX 174

UNDERHILL, VERMONT 05489

SAMPLE NAME

SAMPLE STREET ADDRESS

UNDERHILL, VT, 05489

For property SAMPLE

Dear SAMPLE NAME ,

I am writing on behalf of the Jericho-Underhill Water District Board of Trustees to advise you of the ongoing research we are doing to plan and protect one of our valuable resources, our water source. You are receiving this information because you live within our water source protection area.

One of the Vermont State requirements for a permit to operate a water system is a “Source Protection Plan”. Part of the plan is to delineate a “Source Protection Area”. This was done for us by a Hydrogeologist at the time the well was constructed.

The State is requiring us to define “Potential Sources of Contamination” within our Source Protection Area and to work with the land owners to educate them on possible sources of contamination. For example, how ground water becomes contaminated, and what can be done to prevent contamination.

We are in the process of doing our third update. The update is done every 3 years, with new ideas and ways to prevent water contamination. This will help keep our water safe to drink and avoid the high cost of trying to find a new uncontaminated source. By working together we can protect our district’s water supply and your water supply as well. We will do our best to inform you of any potential contaminants which may contribute to polluting the ground water.

At this time we are in the process of updating our information on the potential sources of contamination within our Source Protection Area. Please take a moment now to look over the enclosed information.

We ask for your cooperation in helping us to accomplish our goal of protecting all of our water sources. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Marc Maheux at 899-2660 or visit our web site at http://jerichounderhillwater.org

Thank you for your anticipated interest in protecting one of our valuable resources, our drinking water.

Sincerely:

Marc Maheux

System Operator

Enclosures: “Drinking Water Protection begins at Home”

“Source Water Awareness”

cc: Peter Mitchell, President

Dick Eldred, Trustee

Joseph O’Brien, Trustee

Detailed Information
Vermont Active Hazardous Sites List

November 2007

Site ID Number:	941710
Site Name:	Wells Country Store
Site Address:	River Rd
Site Town:	Underhill
Site Status:	Remediation has been completed, monitoring of drinking water supply wells and groundwater is ongoing. One supply well replaced.

Detailed Information Vermont Active Hazardous Sites List

November 2007

Detailed Information
Vermont Active Hazardous Sites List