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PROTECTION ACTION PLAN

Section 1:

October 2009

Section 1: Groundwater Recharge

Contents Groundwater Recharge Introduction Sensitive Recharge Areas Quality and Quantity A. General Policy Recommendations B. Use and Zoning C. Management D. National Discharge Elimination Systems E. Open Space and Natural Areas F. Operations G. Wastewater H. Abandoned Wells I. Underground and Above Ground Storage Tanks J. Wrecking Yards K. Agricultural Operations and Golf Courses L. Regional Recharge Recommendations Conclusion Definitions References Appendices Appendix A: Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas Map Appendix B: Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas Map Descriptor Appendix C: Wisconsin Runoff Rules NR 151 Subchapter III Appendix D: Potential Sources of Contamination Categorized by Appendix E: Subcommittee Recommendations

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INTRODUCTION

It is important to note that in the State of Illinois, there is no statutory authority for counties to control groundwater withdrawals and there are limited controls on protection of groundwater quality. Therefore, this model policy is intended to help guide development decisions. If adopted, this model policy has the potential to impact municipalities, townships, developers, and the County through placing protections on groundwater quality and quantity. This policy includes the Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas Map (SARA) to assist stakeholders in understanding the complexities of groundwater recharge and the spatial distribution of high quality recharge areas as well as those areas especially vulnerable to groundwater contamination countywide.

McHenry County is solely dependent on groundwater for all of its potable water needs, including all private and public water supplies. All wells within the County withdraw groundwater from either locally recharged shallow or deeper, regionally recharged aquifers. Recharge areas are locations where water from and/or is transmitted downward to an aquifer area critical for its recharge1. Discharge areas are areas that are fed by an upward influx of groundwater to the surface. In McHenry County, most features are considered groundwater discharge points. These include , lakes, creeks, , and . As a result, protecting groundwater recharge is essential to all of McHenry County’s residents, businesses, and economies as well as its water- dependent environmentally sensitive areas.

While recharge occurs in all areas of the County, all areas do not recharge uniformly or quickly. Groundwater recharge for any particular area is a complex function that varies according to that area’s , hydrogeology, topography, and land uses. A common characteristic of an effective or sensitive recharge area is the presence of relatively permeable granular soils near the surface, underlain by sandy or gravelly deposits2. The Washington Administrative Code3 uses the following definition for groundwater recharge: “Areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water are areas where an aquifer that is a source of is vulnerable to contamination that would affect the potability of the water.”

While recharge areas effectively replenish aquifers, the County’s more permeable soils also make local groundwater more susceptible to contamination. A substantial portion of the County is underlain by soils that exhibit a “high potential for groundwater contamination.”4 Once contaminants are released into the soils they are able to seep into our water supply. These contaminants may pose a public health risk and may be difficult to contain and remove. Existing data on groundwater contamination shows that problems vary spatially and not all regions are equally vulnerable5. In McHenry County, sensitive aquifer recharge areas are categorized on the SARA map by their potential for groundwater recharge and contamination.

1 Washington State, Department of Ecology, Ground Water Protection Handbook, Published December 1986. 2 Draft McHenry County 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Water Chapter, 2009. 3 Washington Administrative Code, Chapter 365-190 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/ 4 Ibid 2. 5 Merchant, 1994. Groundwater Recharge Page 3

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The identification of recharge areas6 is an essential step in the integration of water supply and land use planning. It is essential that all land use and development options be carefully examined and planned within sensitive groundwater recharge areas to ensure that , quantity, and natural recharge functions of the area are safely maintained. Establishing aquifer recharge protection zones and identifying potential pollution risks are important mechanisms for source water protection in groundwater dependent communities. Finally, through protection of groundwater recharge and , the County and its stakeholders7 can begin to work towards maintaining consistent, sustainable, and high quality yields from our potable water resource.

The following model policy recommendations should be incorporated into municipal comprehensive plans and County ordinances so that protection of areas with high potential for groundwater recharge can be addressed on a much broader scale than parcel to parcel.

WHO: Municipalities and the County are the primary parties responsible for permitting residential and commercial developments within McHenry County. Municipalities and the County have the ability to influence and control growth and development decisions through annexations and zoning. Developers, residents, business owners, local, regional, and state governments, and other agencies are all stakeholders in this process. Development decisions have the potential to impact groundwater recharge by increasing impervious surfaces and groundwater withdrawals as well as by increasing pollution potential that development brings. If implemented, best management practices have the ability to offset these impacts.

6 See McHenry County Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas Map. 7 Stakeholders include residents, businesses, developers and engineers, local, regional and state governments, special interest groups, and the County. Groundwater Recharge Page 4

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SENSITIVE AQUIFER RECHARGE AREAS MAP (Appendix A)

The Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas map was developed by the Recharge Areas Subcommittee of the Groundwater Protection Action Plan Taskforce and the County of McHenry Division. The primary purpose of this map is to: spatially identify areas throughout McHenry County with respect to their potential for aquifer contamination and recharge, and to identify the most sensitive areas within McHenry County that can effectively preserve and protect the recharge of our groundwater shallow aquifers to ensure sustainable yields for current and future generations. The composite map classifies these areas based on previously identified near surface materials and previously taken and well borings. A detailed map descriptor is included in Appendix B.

The Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas were mapped based on the geology and physical characteristics of the soils in the County, utilizing the following criteria: Soils identified in Circular 559 Aquifer Sensitivity Map with High Aquifer Contamination Potential or Moderately High Aquifer Contamination Potential, excluding: o Hydric discharge soils, o Steep slopes (4% or greater), and o Soils with restricted permeability, based on the USDA-NRCS Soil Survey for McHenry County.

An assessment of the relative sensitivity of the areas led to the classification of SARAs into two categories (labeled A and B), with Category A as most sensitive and Category B as moderately sensitive. Areas meeting these criteria can be considered as having high potential for infiltration, recharge and aquifer contamination and therefore are an estimate of Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas (SARA). Areas of the County that do not fall into either of the classifications are thought to have a lower potential for the contamination of groundwater and a lower groundwater recharge potential. However, it is important to be aware that groundwater exists essentially everywhere and that all chemical spills, the misuse or improper storage of home cleaners or chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides, may have the potential for some degree of environmental damage if proper protections are not taken.

There are two categories of Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas: Category A: High Potential for Aquifer Recharge/ Contamination: Sand and gravel deposits are more than 20 feet thick (commonly 50 feet thick) and lie within 20 feet of the surface. About 37% of the County falls in Category A. Category B: Moderately High Potential for Aquifer Recharge/Contamination: Sand and gravel deposits less than 20 feet thick and generally lie within 20 feet of surface and are either at land surface or overlain by the Haeger diamicton or fine-grain deposits. 20% of County soils are classified as Category B.

The SARA map for McHenry County indicates approximately 57% of the total land area can be considered to be critical for aquifer recharge. Undefined map areas are considered less at risk for shallow aquifer contamination and have less potential as significant recharge areas. However, all , regardless of sensitivity, provide routes to surface water and shallow aquifers for recharge and contamination. It is important to note that this map does have limitations and is intended to be used as a broad-based planning tool. A hydro-geologic site evaluation is recommended to 8 confirm site specific soil/geology . Comment [MGP1]: Implementing this recommendation would require an amendment to the SMO. 8 The SARA map cannot substitute for evaluation of individual sites. All sites and regions where proposed or present land use activities could adversely affect groundwater quality should be separately investigated because of the variations in earth materials and the uneven distribution of data used to develop the geologic maps (ISGS 559, p 48). Groundwater Recharge Page 5

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The Water Resources Division will maintain a GIS layer depicting the Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas in McHenry County. This map will be updated upon completion of the 3-D Hydro-geological Survey that is currently being conducted for McHenry County by the Illinois State Geological Survey.

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WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY: Development Standards and Restrictions

As McHenry County develops, it will increasingly rely on its shallow aquifers. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to protect and preserve the quality and quantity of groundwater from the County’s shallow aquifers. A critical step is the protection of Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas through land use planning. Many land use activities can potentially affect the quality and/or quantity of groundwater recharge. When development activities occur, it is imperative to implement surface water and groundwater protection measures to protect the County’s water resources for all to enjoy9. The human impacts that can potentially have adverse impacts on water quantity include, but are not limited to: the addition of impervious surfaces, groundwater extraction, sand and gravel mining, agricultural activities and wastewater.

The protection of groundwater quality requires both the identification and characterization of the different sources of groundwater contamination. Potential land use activities that store, use or produce known contaminants of concern (constituents found to be a risk to human health) and have a sufficient likelihood of releasing such contaminants to the environment are considered threats. The concentration thresholds of these constituents are prescribed by the USEPA and are referred to as Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).

The USEPA has developed a list (Appendix D) of possible contaminant sources categorized into four major land use categories: Industrial/Commercial, Agricultural, Municipal/Residential, and Miscellaneous. From this list, the following activities were selected for additional groundwater recharge water quality protection measures within McHenry County:

Industrial/Commercial Land Uses: Underground and Above Ground Storage Tanks Mining (Sand and Gravel) Wrecking Yards Municipal/Residential Land Uses: Addition of Impervious Surfaces and Stormwater Management Activities Golf Course On-site (Septic) Systems Conventional Centralized Agricultural Use and Storage of Fuel and Agricultural Chemicals Confined Animal Feeding Operations Miscellaneous Land Uses Abandoned Wells

9 Local Examples of Groundwater Recharge Protections: 1) of Crystal Lake, Crystal Lake Watershed Stormwater Management Design Manual, November 6, 2007. 2) Crystal Lake, Bull Valley, and Woodstock have mapped sensitive recharge areas that are critical to both surface and future water supplies. They have also adopted ordinances to control development in these areas to minimize adverse impacts to natural recharge functions. Groundwater Recharge Page 7

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In addition to water quantity protection recommendations, each of the above mentioned water quality protection activities are addressed throughout the groundwater recharge policy.

A. GENERAL POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS Raise public awareness and establish development guidelines about the best practices for implementing groundwater recharge programs that balance water extraction and replacement. Preserve the quality and replenish the quantity of existing groundwater resources. Preserve the capacity of groundwater systems to supply projected potable and non-potable water needs and to provide adequate base flows to sustain healthy aquatic ecosystems.

i. Groundwater Withdrawals Extracting groundwater through pumping wells changes the natural rates of recharge and discharge, thus having an effect on water quantity10. The impact of one well may not be significant to regional aquifer recharge, but several hundred wells (or several large capacity wells) in a limited aquifer may stress the system and/or locally change the flow direction. Currently, corporate boundaries define where a community can site a well. While this works for each individual municipality, the cumulative effects of well siting by multiple jurisdictions are not considered. This also applies to other large water users such as business, industry, and agricultural- wells.

 Policy Recommendation: o Conduct an impact assessment prior to siting a well to determine the following: . the carrying capacity of the aquifers, . potential effects on neighboring groundwater users, . potential effects on hydrologically connected water-dependent environmentally sensitive sites (both quantity and quality) when making land use decisions. Comment [TS2]: Community water wells o regulated by IEPA. Would need to confirm All new proposed high capacity wells will be reported to the local Soil and Water authority to require for private/semi-private/non- Conservation Districts by the State (Senate Bill 2184) community wells. o In cooperation with the local Soil and Water Conservation District, the County Water Resources should perform a clearing house function notifying neighboring municipal water users of proposed high capacity wells.

ii. Regulated Recharge Areas (RRA) Designation Consider obtaining a Regulated Recharge Areas Designation for each municipality as well as unincorporated McHenry County. Section 3 of the Illinois Groundwater Protection Act (“IGPA”) of 1987 established a definition of a regulated recharge area that describes it to be “…a compact geographic area, as determined by the Illinois Pollution Control Board, the geology of which renders a potable resource groundwater particularly susceptible to contamination” [415 ILCS 5/3.67]. The Comment [SF3]: It may be possible to designate such areas with a zoning overlay process by which this designation can be obtained can be summed up with five general principles: district, which would require an amendment to 1. Local involvement, the Zoning Ordinance as well as rezoning for 2. Responsible partnership, the specific properties affected. 3. Differential protection, Comment [SF4]: Renumbered to 5/3.385 4. Sound technical information, 5. Preference for prevention.

10 Dingman, 2002 Groundwater Recharge Page 8

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With assistance from the Illinois Pollution Control Board, local jurisdictions can utilize the RRA designation to place protections on groundwater quality. The following are items that the Illinois Pollution Control Board can assist with: Recharge Areas Suitability Assessment (RASA) which can establish a means of assessing the risk of a new “major potential source (of contamination)” before commencing construction and to provide an incentive for implementing best management practices before locating in a RRA area. Public input is part of this process. Implementation of abandoned and Improperly Plugged Well Education and Assistance Programs. Road sign posting to increase awareness of where recharge protection areas or watersheds are located. Also serves to provide a mechanism for notification in cases of Comment [SF5]: Changed to plural an accidental contaminant release. Establishing a registration process for potential sources and potential routes of groundwater contamination Publicizing information and Registration Meetings Chemical Management Systems to prevent contamination from chemical substances including performance based requirements for contaminant containment. Promoting chemical substance management training program as offered by the Illinois EPA to provide technical assistance to the small businesses in the delineated recharge area. Intended to provide for awareness regarding the sensitivity of the recharge area, meeting the requirements in the regulation, and assistance with pollution prevention.

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B. LAND USE AND ZONING:

As the County is urbanized, the use of conventional development practices such as mass grading, , and the creation of large amounts of reduce the ability of aquifers to naturally recharge. Prior to development, recharge was facilitated by permeable, uncompacted soils that underlie most of the County as well as by deep-rooted that provided pathways for precipitation to infiltrate the upper soil layer. With conventional development practices, the natural hydrologic cycle is altered causing substantially more (i.e. stormwater) to storm sewers, thereby impairing infiltration and recharge.

Any development that involves grading or paving over large tracts of land11 can be particularly damaging to the soil’s natural recharge ability. Such high intensity developments also generate pollutants , such as salt, herbicides, pesticides, nutrients, and petroleum by-products that can contaminate surface and/or groundwater. Additional concerns in sensitive recharge areas are land uses that can contaminate groundwater due to leaks or spills12.

POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS:

i. Prohibited Practices The following new facilities, sites, units, or potential routes should not be located within a delineated Category A or B sensitive aquifer recharge area: o Low-level radioactive waste sites o Municipal waste landfills. o Special or hazardous waste landfills. Comment [SF6]: This could be implemented with a zoning overlay district where such uses would be prohibited. ii. Restricted Practices The following new facilities, sites, units, or potential routes should be restricted within a delineated Category A or B sensitive aquifer recharge area: o Class V underground injection wells . “Restricted” could include, but not be limited to, the use of best management practices, setbacks, and pretreatment to protect groundwater quality. If Class V wells are allowed, stormwater best management practices should be required. . Retrofitting existing drywells utilizing a treatment train and other best 13 management practices should be encouraged. Comment [MGP7]: Implementing these . recommendations would require amendments Class V underground injection wells include multiple-family and non-residential to the SMO. [SF]: A zoning overlay district onsite wastewater treatment systems serving 20 or more individuals a day. would be an effective method to implement However, Article X of the McHenry County Public Health Ordinance already setbacks in the given areas. includes requirements to address systems installed in rapidly permeable soils on individual sites and for new subdivisions. It is not the intent of this policy to propose additional restrictions for onsite-wastewater treatment systems.

11 such as shopping centers, parking lots, and high density housing developments 12 Examples include: landfills, chemical storage facilities, and industrial or manufacturing facilities involving solvents or other polluting chemicals. 13 Reference the McHenry County Stormwater Ordinance for best management practices Groundwater Recharge Page 10

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iii. Development: Minimize intensive development activities in sensitive aquifer recharge areas. Efforts should be made to minimize impervious surfaces and mass grading in recharge areas, utilizing conservation design techniques such as clustering, narrower street widths, reduced parking lot sizing, and pervious pavement. Use of pervious pavement may also require some consideration of water quality protection due to vehicle fluids, etc. o Intensive development activities, such as industrial facilities, shopping centers, parking lots, and high density housing developments should be discouraged in areas designated on the SARA map. Stormwater best management practices14 that promote infiltration and treatment should be used to the maximum extent practical. Conservation design techniques should be employed to the maximum extent practical in sensitive recharge areas. These techniques help preserve open space and reduce impervious surfaces. Comment [MGP8]: Implementing these o recommendations would require amendments Review and revise the County’s subdivision ordinance, as appropriate, to: to the SMO. [SF]: Implementing these . require an inventory of high priority recharge areas on the site and within 200 recommendations would require amendments feet of the boundary of the site, and to the Zoning Ordinance and the Subdivision Ordinance. . add high priority recharge areas to the list of resources to be included as a cumulative trigger for the purpose of determining if a conservation design requirements are mandatory. Comment [MGP9]: Implementing this recommendation would require an amendment Natural landscaping with native prairie grasses, trees, shrubs, and plants in lieu of to the Conservation Design Standards of the conventional turf grass should be promoted. Natural landscaping does not require irrigation or Subdivision Ordinance. fertilizer and can significantly enhance groundwater infiltration. Comment [MGP10]: Implementing this recommendation would require an amendment 15 to the SMO. [SF]: Implementing these iv. Wellhead Protection Areas (WHPAs) via Zoning Authority recommendations would require amendments State statutes provide local governments the authority to protect groundwater recharge areas to the zoning ordinance. and community wellhead zones via ordinances and zoning controls. A detailed discussion of relevant land use related groundwater protection tools can be found in the County’s Groundwater Resources Management Plan, Report 3. A summary follows:

o WHPA’s must first be determined . Establish minimum and maximum wellhead setback distances . Identify potential contamination sources within the WHPA . Adopt protection programs, such as restricted zoning within. Certain land uses within zones could be restricted Permits could be required for potentially hazardous land uses within setback distances. o Limit the location of new wells within identified setback distances of likely contaminant sources, such as industrial facilities. Comment [TS11]: There are existing setback o distances from new water wells to potential Restrict certain activities within established WHPA’s. sources of contamination. A number of factors in addition to setback distance impact whether a well is at risk of contamination from a specific source.

14 Stormwater Best Management Practices can be found in the McHenry County Stormwater Ordinance. 15 Marengo, Lake in the Hills, and Fox Grove have adopted groundwater protection ordinances (WHPA) that could serve as models.

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C. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT:

Stormwater runoff is increased from the addition of impervious surfaces. Runoff can adversely affect groundwater quality though the introduction of contaminants and sediments. The USEPA16 reports that 77 of the 127 priority pollutants have been detected in nationwide. The presence of pollutants makes water quality treatment of stormwater runoff necessary.

The addition of impervious surfaces and management of stormwater runoff can also affect the quantity of recharge to the aquifer. The addition of impervious surfaces can have a large impact to groundwater recharge by changing the local water balances and volumes and decreasing base flow components17. The use of low impact, infiltration based, development (LID) in stormwater management can offset the losses of recharge, and in some cases completely eliminate the losses due to impervious surface additions18. A more detailed discussion on the elements of a LID can be found in “Low Impact Development (LID) – A Literature Review”19. It should be noted that increasing impervious surfaces does not necessarily lead to decreases in recharge or base flow, so long as infiltrative best management practices are used to keep water onsite. However, increasing , which involves both the replacement of soil and vegetation by pavement and buildings and the replacement of natural networks by artificial systems, can reduce infiltration, thereby impacting groundwater recharge20.

The routing of stormwater into /infiltration systems (in most cases) is the preferred method for stormwater management in McHenry County. A number of literature sources have been compiled demonstrating that they can be effective in providing contaminant removal21. Stormwater control techniques that maximize recharge benefits should be a priority provided they do not result in a degradation of the groundwater quality. Under current law, only rate, not volume, is controlled.

Policy Recommendations: i. Protection of Groundwater Quantity: To limit post-development runoff to predevelopment volumes and rates to the maximum extent practicable by encouraging infiltration, utilizing a treatment train, where will not result. Utilize WI NR 151 Subchapter III as a guideline for stormwater management in McHenry County (Appendix C). o Infiltration Goals: For Residential Development, 90% of the pre-development infiltration volume should be maintained. For Commercial/Industrial Development, 60% of the pre-development infiltration volume should be maintained. Encourage the use of natural drainage best management practices (BMP’s) and distributed small scale controls, in combination with natural landscaping, to reduce runoff volumes and encourage recharge, wherever practical, in lieu of curb and gutter and storm sewer systems22.

16 2001b 17 Holman-Dodds et al., 2003 18 Konrad and Burges, 2001; Holman-Dodds et al., 2003 19 USEPA, 2000 20 Dingman, 2002 21 Barrett, 2002; Potts, 2002; USEPA, 2000; Wisconsin Runoff Rules NR151 Subchapter III 22 including, but not limited to use of: permeable pavement, bio-swales, gardens, and infiltration basins Groundwater Recharge Page 12

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Retrofitting of existing stormwater management systems should be encouraged, to ensure the use of best management practices that maximize groundwater recharge. Limit impervious surfaces, as well as grading and compaction of surficial soils and underlying materials, which adversely affect natural water recharge capabilities. Restoration of those areas with diminished recharge, such as pre-developed areas, should be a priority. Restoration could include use of permeable pavement, native grasses, rain gardens, and bio-swales. Comment [MGP12]: Implementing these recommendations would require amendments to the SMO. ii. Protection of Groundwater Quality: To protect groundwater quality, infiltration is discouraged in areas associated with23: (unless adequate treatment is provided to ensure that there will be no degradation of groundwater quality) o Tier 1 industries, o storage and loading areas of Tier 2 industries, o fueling and maintenance areas, o areas in close proximity to wells, o areas with inadequate separation distance to groundwater or bedrock, o areas where the soil is contaminated

Class V Injection Wells (excluding approved onsite wastewater treatment systems) should be restricted within sensitive aquifer recharge areas. o It should be a priority to implement best management practices for all existing and proposed stormwater drywells in McHenry County utilizing a treatment train approach.

Promote the infiltration of clean runoff in developing areas, developed areas, and during redevelopment utilizing techniques such as bio-swales, filter strips, , and natural landscaping. Comment [MGP13]: Implementing these recommendations would require amendments to the SMO. [SF]: A zoning overlay district may be utilized to regulate certain uses. Amending the zoning and/or subdivision ordinance would be one way to establish standards for these requirement s. Class V injection wells are regulated by the Public Health Ordinance.

23 Wisconsin Runoff Rules, NR151, Subchapter III Groundwater Recharge Page 13

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D. National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES)

National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II program requires operators of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) in urbanized areas to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs). These BMPs aim to preserve, protect and improve the nation's water resources from polluted stormwater runoff discharges; to reduce pollutant contaminations that have the greatest likelihood of causing continued environmental degradation; to enhance water quality, aquatic health, and in our streams and riparian areas; and to preserve the quality of water entering our groundwater system.

The six minimum control measures of the NPDES Phase II Program for which BMPs are implemented given below: 1. Public Education and Outreach 2. Public Involvement and Participation 3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination 4. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control 5. Post-Construction Stormwater Management in New Development and Redevelopment 6. Municipal Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping

Policy Recommendations: i. Education Educate the public (countywide) of possible point and non-point source pollutants from entering into various water bodies such as ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and sensitive groundwater recharge areas. o Utilize school programs, brochures, articles, and water conservation events.

Educate the public on the importance of stream quality classification and the need for protection. Comment [CLM14]: Implementing this would require a change to the NPDES education and outreach efforts and staff assistance. Develop and distribute training materials for commercial and industrial businesses for pollution prevention and good housekeeping practices with regard to water conservation, recharge, and quality.

Support community efforts for best management practice program participation events.

ii. Coordination of Efforts Coordinate countywide stormwater and sanitary drainage system mapping information sharing 24 through utilizing the County’s GIS application of ATHENA . Comment [CLM15]: Beginning talks are underway with the GIS department Develop a coordinated NPDES Phase II Program with local government entities under the Countywide Stormwater Management Program for Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control and Post-Construction Stormwater Management in New Development and Redevelopment through low-impact design conservation practices. Comment [CLM16]: Implementing this would require a change to the NPDES program. This has benefits.

24 McHenry County GIS Web Viewer that is publicly available. Groundwater Recharge Page 14

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E. OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL AREAS

Growth and urbanization have historically included greater amounts of impervious surfaces i.e. parking lots, sidewalks, rooftops, driveways, and roads that are not common in undeveloped or less developed areas. These hard surfaces reduce the infiltration capacity of the earth below, causing most of the precipitation that falls on these surfaces to become stormwater runoff. Infiltration of precipitation into the ground is a natural process and pathway by which a portion of a precipitation event travels to recharge aquifers, provides base-flow to local streams and rivers, and supports other water-dependent ecosystems (e.g. wetlands). As water infiltrates and percolates through the ground, some contaminants can be filtered, mediated, or removed by the soil and water quality is consequently improved. This insures the capability of communities dependent on shallow groundwater to sustain their existing populations and accommodate future growth as long as the aforementioned natural processes are allowed to continue unimpeded.25

The reduction or elimination of infiltration capacity, however, leads to increased run-off which can cause flooding, lower the , contaminate surface waters, and negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. Further, flow levels in rivers and streams cannot be managed independent of shallow groundwater withdrawals and knowledge of the hydrologic connection between groundwater and surface water. In Illinois, groundwater contributes at least 25% to the total stream flow26. The relationship between groundwater and surface water varies depending on the weather conditions. In drier periods, groundwater tends to provide a very high percentage of streamflow compared to wet periods when rivers and streams are dominated by surface runoff. During dry periods or drought, a time when human water-use demands are often greatest, groundwater may be the only available source of water to streams27. Urbanization and other land use factors also affect the hydrologic relationship between groundwater and surface water.28

Wetlands, streams, rivers and our aquifers are all vulnerable to anthropogenic causes of hydrologic change. Therefore, protection of open space and natural areas is of significant importance for groundwater recharge and for ensuring a sustainable water supply for McHenry County.

Policy Recommendations:

Encourage the protection of sensitive recharge areas by townships, municipalities, the McHenry County Conservation District and land conservancy agencies. o Consider protection of sensitive aquifer recharge areas via purchase, (fee title) easement, lease and/or donation options. Comment [MGP17]: This recommendation could be implemented by creating a “fee-in-lieu of infiltration” program under the SMO whereby developments which cannot or should not infiltrate runoff pay a fee that would fund the purchase of SARAs that would be protected 25 Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, Regional Water Supply Plan, Draft Version 8, September 2009. from development. 26 Herzog, Beverly L. and Paul R. Seaber. Ground-Water and Surface-Water Relationships in Illinois. Illinois State Geological Survey, October 24, 1990. White Paper Executive Summary compiled in Report of the Illinois Instream Flow Protection Committee, April 30, 1991 prepared by the Illinois Instream Flow Protection Committee, page 25. 27 Ibid. 28 Ibid 24. Groundwater Recharge Page 15

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Implement conservation design strategies that minimize any alteration of the natural or water quality for any new development in ground-watersheds that discharge to sensitive aquatic ecosystems. Comment [SF18]: Implementing this recommendation would require amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and/or Subdivision Work with McHenry County Conservation District, municipalities, townships, and other Ordinance. appropriate agencies, and private landowners to identify and preserve greenway connections along streams and that link to nearby natural areas and open spaces.

Preserve and enhance the chemical, physical, biological and hydrologic integrity of streams, lakes and wetlands. More specifically, preserve the aquatic integrity of all Class A and B streams and rivers as reported and defined by the Biological Stream Characterization System of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (on a scale of A to E) and enhance those presently of lower quality to achieve a minimum Class B rating, where feasible. Preserve the integrity of all water dependent MCNAI sites. Comment [MGP19]: Implementing this recommendation would require an amendment to the SMO. Implement land use and development policies that preserve a minimum base flow in wetlands and streams. Comment [MGP20]: Implementing this recommendation would require an amendment to the SMO. Protect and enhance the capacity of streams and lakes to meet recreational demands for fishing, swimming and boating.

Designate Class III Special Resource Groundwater Protection Areas as overlay districts and protect them from inappropriate development following the recommendations put forth in the McHenry County 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Comment [SF21]: To implementing this recommendation it may be possible to designate such areas with a zoning overlay Countywide, encourage the use of natural drainage in combination with natural landscaping, district, which would require an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance as well as rezoning for wherever practical, in lieu of curb and gutter and storm sewer systems. Utilize natural the specific properties affected. It might also be landscaping in lieu of turf grass, wherever feasible. possible to require conformance with the Comprehensive Plan, (such as has been done in the City of Crystal Lake).

Comment [MGP22]: Implementing this recommendation would require an amendment to the SMO. [SF]: Such requirements could also be added to the Zoning Ordinance.

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F. MINING OPERATIONS

Open pit mining operations, such as sand and gravel mining, also may pose a groundwater quality threat. While a mining operation itself does not contaminate the water, the process creates a more direct connection or route between the exposed ground surface and groundwater than would normally be present. Removing the protective layer of soil makes the groundwater more susceptible to environmental accidents like spills in the operating pit. Excavating above the water table with no associated activities such as vehicle maintenance or asphalt batch plants causes a relatively low risk to groundwater quality and quantity. However, mining below the groundwater table causes greater risk. Surface water can then carry higher levels of pollutants to sand, gravel, and shallow bedrock aquifers without passing through the top soil layers that act as a natural filtration system. For this reason, great care is needed in siting potentially contaminating land uses within, or in the vicinity of, open mined areas.

Open pit mining also has the potential to impact groundwater quantity. While quantity concerns have not been recorded to date in McHenry County, the types of water quantity issues related to sand and gravel mining could include: Loss of water supplies due to breach of an aquifer plug or site water consumption29, Changes in the timing or quantity of discharge from springs30.

Policy Recommendations: Continue to monitor water levels and water quality from the associated monitoring wells required for the mining operations.

Continue to audit and minimize impacts of gravel mining on water quality by enforcing and implementing reclamation plans for future land uses and encourage reclamation of historic borrow pits.

Encourage sensitive and approved reuse of reclaimed mining areas.

Encourage the use of a vegetated around the mined area similar to recommended buffers around wetlands. This will reduce the potential of surface water pollutants from entering the mined area by providing an area for filtration and infiltration of water. Comment [SF23]: Implementing these recommendations would require amendments to the Zoning Ordinance applicable to mining.

29 Example: In October 1993, mining activities at the High Rock gravel mine near Monroe, WA caused a loss of water supply due to a breach of an aquifer plug (Garland, D. and Liszak, J., 1995). 30 WA State Dept. of Ecology, 2000c; Garland and Liszak, 1995 Groundwater Recharge Page 17

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G. WASTEWATER REUSE AND SEPTIC SYSTEMS31

Unincorporated areas of McHenry County currently rely almost exclusively on onsite wastewater treatment technology (i.e. septic systems.). Onsite wastewater treatment systems, which are properly sited, constructed and maintained, represent a viable, long-term wastewater treatment option for meeting public health and water quality goals. These systems are recognized as permanent, viable, wastewater treatment systems by the USEPA and properly sited well functioning systems do provide for groundwater recharge.

Conventional wastewater collection and treatment systems can also contribute to water resource problems. McHenry County municipalities draw all of their water supplies from groundwater, treat their wastewater at a centralized facility, and then dispose of their treated wastewater as surface water. As a consequence, groundwater withdrawals have no opportunity to replenish the aquifers that they were originally drawn from. Several municipalities, notably Huntley and Lakewood, have begun to implement alternative wastewater disposal options by using treated wastewater to irrigate golf courses and open space during the growing season. This approach not only reduces the need for groundwater in irrigation, but also releases a significant percentage of the treated wastewater into the ground, providing better water quality protection for surface water bodies. Richmond has developed plans for the reuse of treated wastewater while Algonquin provides treated wastewater to companies for use in irrigation.

Most municipalities rely principally on conventional centralized wastewater collection and treatment systems that discharge treated wastewater into area streams and rivers, converting groundwater to surface water and thereby preventing groundwater recharge.

Another strategy to reduce the amount of groundwater that is converted to surface water is the use of greywater (e.g. wastewater from showers and washing machines) for flushing and landscape irrigation. Greywater reuse requires separate lines for wastewater and greywater collection and is becoming more common in new construction, particularly in the West, Southwest, and other areas of the Country that experience water shortages.

Policy Recommendations: H. For specific policy recommendations, please refer to the Chapter addressing Wastewater within the Groundwater Protection Action Plan. Comment [TS24]: Would require changes at state level in Sewage and Plumbing Codes before it could be considered at the local level. Would require a public health risk versus benefit evaluation.

31 This section was derived from the McHenry County 2030 Comprehensive Plan Public Comment Draft, September 2009. Groundwater Recharge Page 18

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ABANDONED WELLS

Abandoned water wells and monitoring wells represent potential routes of contamination to groundwater. McHenry County Department of Health has a comprehensive water well program which requires sealing of abandoned water wells under permits issued and inspected by the Department. The program includes identification and sealing of abandoned wells upon installation of replacement wells, demolition of structures, connection to community water, and siting of new developments. The Department participates on the Northern Regional Groundwater Protection Planning Committee, whose efforts include facilitating sealing of abandoned water wells by offering low cost sealing materials and public education throughout the Northern Illinois region.

Policy Recommendations:

Continued emphasis should be placed on public education to ensure that property owners understand the importance of properly sealing abandoned water wells to protect the quality of groundwater.

McHenry County should continue to work with the Northern Regional Groundwater Protection Committee in abandoning wells and providing education and cost assistance to well owners wishing to abandon their wells. Comment [SF26]: No change to Ordinance required.

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I. UNDERGROUND AND ABOVE GROUND STORAGE TANKS32 An underground storage tank (UST) system is a tank and any underground piping connected to the tank that has at least 10 percent of its combined volume underground. USTs, which are generally associated with industrial/commercial land uses, can be found at filling stations, airports, hospitals, automotive repair shops, military bases, industrial plants, residential areas and other facilities.

Historically, USTs have not had a good track record, with over 35 % of UST systems nationwide showing leak rates over 1.2 gallons/day33. In an effort to prevent future contamination from USTs, the USEPA mandated underground storage tanks that contain hazardous substances, including fuels, be removed by December 22, 1998 or have spill, overfill, and corrosion protection upgrades (40 CFR 280)34.

Another concern regarding USTs is that regulations focus on monitoring and post-leak detection rather than prevention of leaks35. And, certain classes of tanks, most notably home heating oil tanks, are exempt from federal and state regulations, providing no assurance of safety.

Above ground storage tanks (ASTs) usually store products similar to UST. Past instances of contamination from ASTs include releases from corrosion holes, failures of piping systems, spills and overfills, and equipment and human operational failure. Groundwater contamination from ASTs can be prevented by routine monitoring, proper design to prevent corrosion, and quick cleanups of minor spills36.

List of Contaminants: o VOCs, Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chloride, Lead (Historic), and other agencies.

Policy Recommendations: All underground storage tanks are subject to UST regulations. The federal requirements for USTs can be found in 40CFR Part 280 and 40CFR Part 281, although codification of individual state and territorial programs is found in 40 CFR Parts 282.50-282.105.

All above storage tanks for hazardous substances should be prohibited, unless protected with primary and secondary containment areas and a spill protection plan.

For additional pollution prevention measures, refer to the Pollution Prevention Model Policy of the Groundwater Protection Action Plan. Comment [CLM27]: Regulated Recharge Areas Protection Measures could be used to further protect sensitive recharge areas and groundwater supplies. Comment [TS28]: Storage tanks regulated by IEPA and State Fire Marshal. Modifications to regulations would require further investigation of applicable regulations and an inventory of sites.

32 This section was derived from Chapter 6: Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas King County Washington, Executive Report, Best Available Science, Volume 1, February 2004. 33 Young and Golding, 2002 34 Young and Golding, 2002 35 Redmond, 1999 36 USEPA, 2001a Groundwater Recharge Page 20

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J. Salvage yards and automotive recyclers37

Wrecking yards are establishments that engage in auto wrecking. In 1987, Congress mandated that "industrial" sites obtain stormwater permits. In 1990, USEPA defined "industrial" to include, among many other types of sites, "salvage yards and automotive recyclers." [Title 40 CFR 122.26(b)(14)(vi)]. These mandates apply across the country.

The primary regulatory issues at an auto salvage yard facility are: Fluid storage Waste fluid storage Storage tanks--above ground and under ground Fugitive air emissions--evaporating fuel, refrigerants Contaminated stormwater Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) recovery licensure and training Improper disposal Tire storage and disposal

The two most important regulatory issues for salvage yards as related to groundwater protection are fluid management and contaminated stormwater.

Some of the fluid management issues include fluids such as oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, windshield wiper solvent, etc. being improperly removed or not removed at all from the vehicle prior to storing in the salvage yard area. Fluids commonly leak from the deteriorating vehicles and spill out onto the ground contaminating the water and soil. This is particularly troublesome with regard to stormwater and groundwater contamination. Although Congress and USEPA created the national rules that provide the basic framework for stormwater regulations, the rules are implemented by the individual state environmental agencies.

Policy Recommendations: The following is a list of BMPs for auto salvage facilities identified by the USEPA when the stormwater 38 regulations were published : Comment [SF29]: Implementing the recommendations below could be accomplished with adoption of a zoning overlay district and Dismantling and vehicle maintenance: prohibiting this use in critical recharge areas. This would require an amendment to the zoning ordinance. Wastewater disposal should be Drain all fluids from vehicles upon arrival at the site. Segregate the fluids and properly store or regulated by the Public Health Ordinance. dispose of them. Standards such as those that require berms around storage areas or prohibit outdoor vehicle Maintain an organized inventory of materials used in the maintenance shop. washing could be added to the Zoning Keep waste streams separate (i.e. waste oil and solvents). Non-hazardous substances that are Ordinance. contaminated with hazardous substances are considered a hazardous waste. Comment [TS30]: There are existing regulations for the storage/handling/disposal of Recycle antifreeze, gasoline, used oil, spirits and solvents. the waste streams of concern. Special and Dispose of greasy rags, oil filters, air filters, batteries, spent coolants and degreasers properly. hazardous wastes are manifested. Article X prohibits discharge of non-domestic waste into or onto the ground. What is lacking is a mechanism to ensure regular 37 This information was derived from the Great Lakes Regional Pollution Prevention Roundtable website. For oversight/inspection of these types of facilities. additional information see: http://www.glrppr.org/hubs/index.cfm?page=subsection&hub_id=506&subsec_id=12 38 This information was extracted from the ECAR Center website. ECAR is a "one-stop shop" for all automotive dismantling and recycling operations and provides comprehensive and up-to-date environmental compliance assistance. http://www.ecarcenter.org/il/il-stormwater.htm Groundwater Recharge Page 21

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Label and track the recycling of waste material. Drain oil filters before disposal or recycling. Store cracked batteries in a nonleaking secondary container. Promptly transfer used fluids to the proper container. Do not pour liquid waste down floor drains, sinks or outdoor storm drains. Plug floor drains that are connected to the storm or . If necessary, install a sump that is pumped regularly. The Illinois Plumbing Code requires facilities for vehicle maintenance to have floor drains. The critical issue is the end discharge point for the floor drain waste. It would be appropriate for vehicle fluids to go into a floor drain connected to a special waste holding tank. The waste from the tank is properly disposed of by a special waste hauler. Comment [SF31]: Implementing this recommendation would require an amendment Inspect the maintenance area regularly for proper implementation of control measures. to the Building Code. Filter stormwater discharges with devices such as oil-water separators. Train employees on proper waste control and disposal procedures.

Outdoor vehicle, equipment and parts storage:

Use drip pans under all vehicles and equipment waiting for maintenance and during maintenance. Store batteries on impervious surfaces. Curb, dike or berm this area. Confine storage of parts, equipment and vehicles to designated areas. Cover all storage areas with permanent cover (roof) or temporary cover (canvas tarps). Inspect the storage yard for drip pans and other problems regularly.

Vehicle, equipment and parts washing areas:

Avoid washing parts or equipment outside. Use phosphate-free biodegradable detergents. Consider using detergent-based or water-based cleaning systems in place of organic solvent degreasers. Designate an area for cleaning activities. Contain steam cleaning washwaters or discharge under an applicable NPDES permit. Ensure that washwaters drain well, and are not draining into a MS4 or surface water body. Do not discharge wastewater into a dry well. All discharges authorized by the general stormwater permit must fully meet all applicable water quality standards. Inspect cleaning area regularly. Install curbing, berms or dikes around cleaning areas.

Liquid storage in above ground containers:

Maintain good integrity of all storage containers. Install safeguards (such as berms) against accidental releases in the storage area. Inspect storage tanks to detect potential leaks. Perform preventative maintenance. Inspect piping systems for failures or leaks. Train employees on proper filling and transfer procedures.

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Improper connection with storm sewers:

Plug all floor drains if it is unknown whether the connection is to storm sewer or sanitary sewer. Alternatively, install a sump that is pumped regularly. Update facility schematics to accurately reflect all plumbing connections. Install a safeguard against vehicle washwaters and parts cleaning water entering the storm sewer unless permitted. Maintain and inspect the integrity of all underground storage tanks; replace when necessary Comment [SF32]: Implementing these recommendations would require amendments to the Building Code.

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K. AGRICULTURAL AND GOLF COURSE OPERATIONS

The use of fertilizers and pesticides on landscaped lands can contribute to groundwater pollution. Examples of heavily landscaped areas include golf courses, residential yards, commercial yards, ball fields, and parks39. Agriculturalists also use pesticides in crop production and nursery production. A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest. Pests can be insects, mice and other animals, unwanted plants (weeds), fungi, or microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. Though often misunderstood, the term pesticide also applies to herbicides, fungicides, and various other substances used to control pests. Under United States law, a pesticide is also any substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a regulator, defoliant, or desiccant40.

The physical and chemical properties that make pesticides effective for pest control also add to their potential for groundwater contamination. Pesticides have two properties, persistence and adsorption, that control their fate after application to the soil. Persistence relates to a pesticide’s ability to degrade over time so pesticides that are highly persistent (i.e., do not degrade quickly) pose the highest threat to groundwater. Adsorption refers to the pesticides ability to bind to soil particles after application. However, many pesticides have a high adsorption potential and low solubility in water, making them less of a contamination risk to groundwater41.

Fertilizers are organic and inorganic materials added to soil to supply nutrients for plant growth. Fertilizers that contain nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are commonly used, and regardless of the form of nitrogen added - chemical fertilizer, an organic mix, manure, or sewage - soil organisms convert it to nitrate before plants take it up.

Pesticides most commonly leach to groundwater in areas with permeable soils and high water table surfaces42. Studies specific to the application of pesticides to turfgrass have shown that can be a problem on sandy soils when a rainstorm or heavy irrigation occurs in the first few days after application43. It has also been documented that improper or excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer on golf courses can lead to nitrate pollution of groundwater44. The same is true for agricultural fields.

In addition to pesticides and fertilizers, manure mismanagement from small and large farms, including hobby farms, can cause pollution of surface and groundwater resources. In McHenry County, large confinement livestock operations housing beef, dairy, poultry, and hogs are decreasing. However, the hobby farm and equine facility horse populations45 are increasing. Poor manure management practices, including spreading manure on frozen or compacted soils, manure application in excess of crop requirements, and improper manure storage can result in the contamination of surface and groundwater.

39 USEPA, 2001 c 40 USEPA, 2003 41 Mahler et al., 2002 42 Teso et al., 1996 43 CSU, 1993 44 Wong et al., 1998; CSU, 1994 45 A single horse produces seven to nine tons of manure a year Groundwater Recharge Page 24

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Agriculture Policy Recommendations:

Conduct nutrient management, including regular soil testing, to determine optimum rates and locations for fertilizer applications. Comment [CLM33]: To qualify for farm bill programs, nutrient management is a required Exclude livestock from direct stream access and filter strip areas practice through the USDA NRCS Install filter strips along streamside property that is not currently covered by year-round vegetation Install grassed waterways where runoff concentrates at topographic low points in farm fields Comment [CLM34]: Optional practices with the USDA NRCS. Practice conservation tillage Comment [CLM35]: To qualify for farm bill Restore farmed wetlands that will serve as pollutant sinks programs, conservation tillage is a required practice on Highly Erodible Land through the Ensure that all livestock operations comply with applicable local, state, or federal laws USDA NRCS. such as the Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Rules Comment [CLM36]: Required by USDA In conjunction with the Soil and Water Conservation District, the USDA Natural NRCS and other agencies Resources Conservation Service, and the Farm Bureau, develop Best Management Practices for all livestock facilities, small and large Educate agriculturalists about proper storage of farm materials, including on site storage of fuel, oil, fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals. Comment [CLM37]: new

Golf Course Policy Recommendations:

Conduct nutrient management, including regular soil testing, to determine optimum rates and locations for fertilizer applications Install filter strips along streamside property that is not currently covered by year-round vegetation Educate golf course superintendents about proper storage of golf course materials, including on site storage of fuel, oil, fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals, Fertilizer and pesticide applicators should implement Best Management Practices for their use Encourage golf course superintendents to participate in programs such as the Audubon Certification, that works with natural landscaping and other environmentally friendly techniques in design and management Comment [CLM38]: No authority in place. This is a recommended policy action item that requires further review and outreach efforts

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L. REGIONAL RECHARGE RECOMMENDATIONS

Some McHenry County community water supplies rely on water from deeper aquifers whose recharge areas lie outside McHenry County. As outlined above, land use can negatively impact both quantity and quality of groundwater. High priority should be given to a comprehensive, regional review of land use impacts on the recharge areas for these deep aquifers in cooperation with Boone County, Winnebago County, DeKalb County and the applicable counties in southern Wisconsin. Timely development and implementation of a protection plan for those recharge areas is vitally important.

Since recharge rates of deep aquifers are often very low, additional withdrawals are to be discouraged in favor of development of shallower sand and gravel aquifers. Comment [CLM39]: Additional Regional Work is being completed by the Chicago Metro. Agency for Planning Regional Water Supply Planning Group. McHenry County is represented on this group as a stakeholder and a delegate. The draft plan can be found on CONCLUSION CMAPs website.

There are many land use activities that can potentially affect the quantity or quality of groundwater recharge. Any potential land use activity that stores, uses, or produces known contaminants of concern (constituents found to be a risk to human health and capable of groundwater transport) and has a sufficient likelihood of releasing such contaminants to the environment at detrimental levels is considered a threat. Any land use that can reduce the quantity of recharge to the aquifer to a significant degree is also considered to be a threat. If these activities occur above aquifer recharge areas critical to groundwater quantity and quality, it is prudent to implement groundwater protection measures in those areas to protect the groundwater resources of the County.

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DEFINITIONS

Agricultural Operations: includes, but is not limited to: hobby farms, farmettes, nurseries, greenhouses, commercial operations, etc.

Aquifer: means saturated (with groundwater) soils and geologic materials, which are sufficiently permeable to readily yield economically useful quantities of water to wells, springs, or streams under ordinary hydraulic gradients. [35 IL Adm. Code 620.110] Aquifer Recharge Area: is defined by its ability to infiltrate precipitation and runoff and effectively recharge underlying aquifers. A common characteristic of an effective recharge area is the presence of relatively permeable “granular” soils near the surface, underlain by sandy or gravelly deposits. While recharge areas effectively replenish aquifers, the County’s more permeable soils also can lead to groundwater contamination. It is important to note that a very substantial part of the County is underlain by areas that are categorized as having “high potential for aquifer contamination” (SARA map)

Groundwater Recharge: For the purpose of this policy, the term recharge refers to the infiltration of water into soil such that it has the potential to recharge an aquifer. It does not reference the recharge of any one specific aquifer. More specifically, recharge is the process by which precipitation reaches and re-supplies the groundwater. Areas that have conditions that favor rapid recharge are the main areas where the groundwater is replenished. Groundwater can be extracted from anywhere, but can only be re-supplied (naturally or artificially) through recharge areas. Therefore, recharge areas provide a fast conduit to re-supply groundwater and counter the effects of human consumptions. On the other hand, the characteristics that encourage rapid refreshment of the groundwater are the same characteristics that favor the travel of contaminants from the surface to the groundwater and which can degrade the groundwater supply. Activities that use materials that might generate contaminants when released to the ground have the potential to cause these contaminants to migrate rapidly to groundwater.

Large Water User: a user that extracts 100,000 gallons or more per 24 hour period.

Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas (SARAs) Map in McHenry County are defined as the geographic areas where there is the highest infiltration (or recharge) potential.

Tier 1 Industry and Tier 2 Industry: as defined by the Wisconsin Administrative Code, Chapter NR 216, STORM WATER DISCHARGE PERMITS, pages 9-10.

Class V means injection wells not included in Class I, II, III, or IV. Class V wells include: (from Part 617 Regulated Recharge Areas, Subpart A, Section 617.102) Air conditioning wells used to return to the supply aquifer the water used for heating or cooling in a heat pump; Cesspools, including multiple dwelling, community or regional cesspools, or other devices that receive wastes, which have an open bottom and sometimes have perforated sides. The Underground Injection Control (UIC) requirements do not apply to single family residential cesspools nor to non-residential cesspools that receive solely sanitary wastes and have the capacity to serve fewer than 20 persons a day;

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Single pass non-cooling non contact Cooling water return flow wells used to inject water previously used for cooling; Drainage wells used to drain surface fluid, primarily storm runoff, into a subsurface formation; Dry wells used for the injection of wastes into a subsurface formation; Recharge wells used to replenish water in an aquifer; Sand backfill and other backfill wells used to inject a mixture of water and sand, mill tailings, or other solids into mined out portions of subsurface mines whether or not what is injected is a radioactive waste; Septic system wells used to inject the waste or effluent from a multiple dwelling, business establishment, community, or regional business establishment . The UIC requirements do not apply to single family residential septic system wells that are used solely for the disposal of sanitary waste and have the capacity to serve fewer than 20 persons a day (Conflicts with Conservation Design); Subsidence control wells (not used for the purpose of oil or natural gas production) used to inject fluids into a non-oil or gas producing zone to reduce or eliminate subsidence associated with the overdraft of ; Radioactive waste disposal wells other than Class IV; Injection wells associated with the recovery of geothermal for heating, aquaculture, and production of electric power; Wells used for solution mining of conventional mines such as stope leaching; Wells used to inject spent into the same formation from which it was withdrawn after extraction of halogens or their salts; Injection wells used in experimental technologies; Injection wells used for in-situ recovery of lignite, coal, tar sands, and oil shale (40 CFR 146.5).

For the purpose of this policy, “new” means the following: A facility site or unit that is not in existence or for which construction has not commenced at its location as of the effective date of this policy; A facility, site, or unit that expands laterally beyond the currently permitted boundary or, if the potential primary sources in not permitted, the boundary in existence as of the effective date of any part of this policy; A unit or site that is part of a facility that undergoes major reconstruction, which shall be deemed to have taken place where the fixed capital cost of the new components, constructed within a 2-year period, exceed 50% of the fixed capital cost of a comparable entirely new facility; or A Class V injection well that is not in existence or for which construction has not commenced at its location as of the effective date of any part of this policy that creates a delineated recharge area in which that facility is located.

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References

Barrett, Michael, “Re: Risk of GW contamination from infiltration BMPs.” E-mail to Multiple recipients of list. 20 Dec 2002.

Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, Regional Water Supply Plan, Draft Version 8, September 2009. CSU, 1993

Colorado State University Cooperative Education. Agricultural Chemicals and Groundwater Protection. 1993. Turf BMP Fact Sheet.

Colorado State University Cooperative Education. Best Management Practices for Nitrogen Fertilization. 1994. Bulletin #XMC-172

King County Washington. Chapter 6: Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas, Executive Report, Best Available Science, Volume 1, February 2004.

Dingman, S.L. 2002. Physical Hydrology. Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River New Jersey. p. 382.

Garland, D. & Liszak, J. “The High Rock Aquifer Break of October 1993.” WA State Dept. of Ecology, NWRO. Technical Memorandum. December 1995.

Herzog, Beverly L. and Paul R. Seaber. Ground-Water and Surface-Water Relationships in Illinois. Illinois State Geological Survey, October 24, 1990. White Paper Executive Summary compiled in Report of the Illinois Instream Flow Protection Committee, April 30, 1991 prepared by the Illinois Instream Flow Protection Committee, page 25.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Part 617 Regulated Recharge Areas, Subpart A and B, Pleasant Valley

Konrad, C.P. and S.J. Burges. 2001. Hydrologic Mitigation using On-Site Residential Storm- Water Detention. Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management 127(2): 99-107.

Mahler, R.L., H.W. Homan, and G.P. Carpenter. 2002. Pesticides and their Movement in Soil and Water. Quality Water for Idaho Current Information Series No. 865. University of Idaho Cooperative Extension System.

Merchant, J.W. 1994. GIS-Based Groundwater Pollution Hazard Assessment - A Critical- Review of The Drastic Model. Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing 60 (9): 1117-1128.

Holman-Dodds, J.K., A.A. Bradley, and K.W. Potter. 2003. Evaluation of hydrologic benefits of infiltration based urban stormwater management. Journal of the American Water Resources Association 39(1): 205-215.

McHenry County 2030 Comprehensive Plan Public Comment Draft, September 2009

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Potts, A. 2002, Dec 13. “Risk of GW contamination from infiltration BMPs.” E-mail to Multiple recipients of list.

Redmond – Bear Creek Valley Ground Water Management Committee. 1999. Redmond-Bear Creek Valley Groundwater Management Plan: Management Strategies.

Teso, R.R., M.P. Poe, T. Younglove, and P.M. McCool. 1996. Use of logistic regression and GIS modeling to predict groundwater vulnerability to pesticides, Journal of Environmental Quality 25: 425-432.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2000. Low impact development (LID) – A literature review, EPA 841-B-00-005.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2001a. Source Water Protection Practices Bulletin – Managing above ground storage tanks to prevent contamination of drinking water, EPA 916- F-01-022.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2001c. Source Water Protection Practices Bulletin – Managing turfgrass and garden fertilizer application to prevent contamination of drinking water, EPA 816-F-01-029.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2003a. “Pesticides – about pesticides.” Downloaded from the web on July 24, 2003. URL: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/about/index.htm

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2003b. Potential sources of drinking water contamination index, documentation from webpage: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/swp/sources1.html#COMM

Washington Administrative Code, Chapter 365-190 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/ Washington State, Department of Ecology, Ground Water Resource Protection Handbook, Published December 1986.

Washington State Dept. of Ecology. 2000c. Maury Island Gravel Mining Impact Studies – Final Fact Sheet. (Pub #00-09-005).

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Wisconsin Runoff Rules. NR151. Subchapter III

McHenry County Groundwater Resources Management Plan: Wong et al., 1998;

Young, T.M. and R.D. Golding. 2002. Underground storage tank system field-based research project report. California State Water Resources Control Board, Sacramento, CA. Great Lakes Regional Pollution Prevention Roundtable website: http://www.glrppr.org/hubs/index.cfm?page=subsection&hub_id=506&subsec_id=12

ECAR Center website: http://www.ecarcenter.org/il/il-stormwater.htm

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