DRINKING WATER SOURCE ASSESSMENT for Myeerah Nature Center (PWS ID # OH4652616)

September 17, 2014

INTRODUCTION. The 1996 Amendments to the Ground Water Pollution Potential for Logan Safe Drinking Water Act establish a program for County (ODNR, 1995), depth to water in this states to assess the drinking water source for all aquifer is between 75 to 100 feet below the public water systems. Ohio’s Source Water ground surface. Assessment and Protection Program is designed to help public water systems protect their sources Soils in the area are silty loam (the upper 7 inches of drinking water from becoming contaminated. of soil) and silty clay (beneath the silty loam and This assessment: within 5 feet below ground surface). The soils have a low permeability, meaning that much of the  identifies the drinking water source protection rainfall and snowmelt has a tendency to run off area, based on the area that supplies water to the surface then to infiltrate the surface. the well(s); The topography immediately surrounding the well  inventories the potential contaminant sources is generally flat with an average relief of 6 to 12 in the area; feet over a distance of 100 feet. Ground water in this area is replenished by the gradual flow of  evaluates the susceptibility of the drinking water underground from higher to lower elevations water source to contamination; and and by approximately 4 to 7 inches per year of precipitation that infiltrates through the soil. In  recommends protective strategies. karst settings, local flow direction is highly variable and is influenced by fracture orientation. Since The purpose of the assessment is to provide detailed information on local fracture orientation is information that Myeerah Nature Center can use unavailable, flow direction cannot be accurately to help protect its source of drinking water from determined. contamination. PROTECTION AREA. The protection area for SYSTEM DESCRIPTION & GEOLOGY. Myeerah Myeerah Nature Center was delineated on Nature Center is a non-community public water September 15, 2014 and is depicted in Figure 2. system serving 25 people in Jefferson Township, Figure 2 shows two areas, one inside the other. Ohio. This system operates 1 well that pumps The “inner protection zone” is located closer to the approximately 2,000 gallons of water per day. water supply well and a chemical spill in this zone There is no well log for the system, but based on poses a greater threat to the drinking water, so surrounding well log information, the drinking this area warrants more stringent protection. The water is likely obtained from a carbonate bedrock “outer protection zone” is the additional area that aquifer (water-rich zone) that is located in a contributes water to pumped wells within five potential karst region. Ohio’s potential karst years. Together, the zones comprise the drinking regions are carbonate aquifers that are covered water source protection area. by less than 25 feet of glacial material and typically exhibit surficial karst features, such as Method Selection sinkholes. A map of the potential karst regions in A variety of methods can be used to determine a Southwest Ohio is presented in Figure 1. Based public water system’s drinking water source on review of available resources, it appears that protection area, from simple equations to more the aquifer is covered by less than 25 feet of low- complex computer modeling programs. In karst permeability material, which provides minimal areas, the use of modeling programs to determine protection from contamination. Based on the protection areas is inappropriate because modeling programs assume that water is flowing drinking water source protection area was slowly through grains of silt and sand. Also, conducted by Ohio EPA with the assistance of modeling programs require a good understanding Myeerah Nature Center personnel (Figure 2). of the ground water flow direction to produce an accurate protection area. In karst areas, water A facility or activity is listed as a potential can flow quickly through discrete fractures in solid contaminant source if it has the potential to rock and the ground water flow direction is often release a contaminant, based on the kinds and variable. For these reasons, Ohio EPA conducted amounts of chemicals typically associated with dye trace investigations in Ohio’s karst aquifers to that type of facility or activity. It is beyond the better understand how quickly water can travel in scope of this assessment to determine whether Ohio karst areas and define more appropriate any specific potential source is actually releasing protection areas in karst aquifers. Data from dye (or has released) a contaminant to ground water. traces indicate that ground water flow velocity in Also, the inventory is limited to what our staff was karst aquifers can be up to 22,800 feet per day. able to observe on the day of the site visit. Therefore, Myeerah Nature Center staff should be Since dye trace data indicate ground water flow alert to the possible presence of potential sources rates are fast in karst aquifers, a regional of contamination that are not on this list. delineation was performed for Myeerah Nature Center. As a starting point, the volumetric GROUND WATER QUALITY. A review of equation was used to delineate a calculated fixed Myeerah Nature Center’s water quality record radius based on a maximum pump rate of 2,000 currently available in Ohio EPA’s drinking water gallons per day pump, 10 feet aquifer thickness, compliance database did not reveal any evidence and 3% porosity. This circular area represents of chemical contamination at levels of concern in the public water systems inner management zone. the aquifer. To determine the outer management zone, the circular area was extended up-gradient until it Please note that this water quality evaluation has reached a ground water flow divide. some limitations:

In addition, the protection area was expanded 1) The data evaluated is for treated water samples laterally to account for uncertainty in ground water only, as Ohio EPA’s quality requirements are flow direction and the contribution from fractures for the water being provided to the public, not that differ in orientation from the primary flow the water before treatment. direction. 2) Sampling results for coliform bacteria and Finally, since there are multiple wells in this karst naturally-occurring inorganics (other than area, a regional composite protection area was arsenic) were not evaluated for this delineated. The Zane Shawnee Caverns public assessment, because they are not a reliable water system shares some of your protection indicator of aquifer contamination. area. SUSCEPTIBILITY ANALYSIS. This assessment If you would like to have more information about indicates that Myeerah Nature Center’s source of how this protection area was derived, or if you drinking water has a high susceptibility to would like to collect additional information and contamination because: revise your protection area, please call Ohio EPA staff listed at the end of this report. Also, a more  The well is located in a sensitive potential karst detailed discussion of the technical aspects of area. modeling drinking water source protection areas can be found in the Delineation Guidelines and This does not mean that the aquifer will become Process Manual (Ohio EPA, 2009) on Ohio EPA’s contaminated, only that under the existing Source Water Assessment and Protection Web conditions ground water could become impacted page http://epa.ohio.gov/ddagw/swap.aspx. by potential contaminant sources.

INVENTORY. On June 17, 2014, an inventory of PROTECTIVE STRATEGIES. Each public water potential contaminant sources located within the supplier can take a few simple steps to protect the

2 drinking water source. The attached checklist For further technical assistance on drinking water identifies strategies for protecting your drinking source protection, please contact the Ohio EPA water source from the potential contaminant Southwest District Office at (937) 285-6357, or sources located on your property. Ohio EPA visit the Ohio EPA Source Water Assessment and encourages Myeerah Nature Center to please Protection Web page at: take a few minutes to review this checklist, then: www.epa.ohio.gov/ddagw/swap.aspx.

 Place a checkmark in the box next to the This report was written by Megan Marhelski, Ohio protective strategies that could be implemented EPA, Division of Drinking and Ground Waters, at your facility, and indicate the date you plan Southwest District Office. to implement the strategy. BIBLIOGRAPHY  If a protective strategy included in the checklist Ohio EPA public drinking water files. is not appropriate or applicable to the facility, please mark N/A next to the strategy. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, 1995, Ground Water Pollution Potential of Logan  If a strategy is already in place, check the box County, Ohio, Report No. 36 and indicate, in the date column, approximately when the strategy was implemented. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, 2000, Glacial Aquifer Map (digital). Please note the protective strategies in this checklist are recommended best management Ohio EPA, 2009, Drinking Water Source practices for the potential contaminant sources Protection Area Delineation Guidelines & Process identified during your inventory and are not a Manual. comprehensive list of the strategies that can be used to minimize the potential for contamination. United States Department of Agriculture, 2013, Local ordinances and state and federal Web Soil Survey, Logan County, Version 11, regulations may also apply to the potential accessed on September 16, 2014 contaminant sources that appear in this checklist. (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilS Ohio EPA recommends that you become familiar urvey.aspx) with the requirements of any ordinances and regulations that may apply. Ohio EPA can also provide assistance with education and training activities.

Myeerah Nature Center’s shares its drinking water source protection area with Zane Shawnee Caverns. The shared protection area is shown in Figure 3. Ohio EPA recommends that Myeerah Nature Center and Zane Shawnee Caverns work cooperatively together to protect this shared resource.

CONTACT INFORMATION After the checklist has been completed, please fax or mail a copy of the checklist to:

Megan Marhelski Ohio EPA, DDAGW 401 East Fifth Street Dayton, Ohio 45402-2911

Fax: (937) 285-6249 Phone: (937) 204-1008

Protective Strategies Checklist for Myeerah Nature Center

PWS ID #OH4652612 Contact Name: Kris Myers Address: OH-540 City, Zip: Bellefontaine, Ohio Phone: 937-935-2770

Suggested Drinking Water Source Protective Strategies Planned (Please check the box beside each suggestion you feel Implementation appropriate and plan to implement) Date

General Protective Well Construction Strategies Install backflow prevention devices on equipment such as boilers and dishwashers. Replace loose, cracked, or missing well caps with new, insect and vermin proof, vented well caps. Ensure proper construction of new wells.

Education Inform employees about the protection area and the potential contaminant sources identified in the report. Train employees on proper material handling and spill cleanup techniques. Take opportunities to inform neighbors about drinking water source protection. Inform local elected officials (trustees, council members, commissioners) about issues that may impact drinking water protection areas.

Contingency and Emergency Planning Identify any short- and long-term alternative sources of drinking water that may be available. Prepare a list of important contacts for water supply related emergencies. Inform the local fire department and local emergency planning committee about the location of the drinking water source protection area. Other protection strategies:

Shared Protection Myeerah Nature Center and Zane Shawnee Caverns share a Areas drinking water source protection area. The shared protection area is shown in Figure 3. Ohio EPA recommends these public water systems work cooperatively together to protect this shared resource.

On-Site Potential Suggested Drinking Water Source Protective Strategies Planned Contaminant (Please check the box beside each suggestion you feel Implementation Sources appropriate and plan to implement) Date

Aboveground Place tanks on paved surfaces within secondary containment Storage Tanks structures (berms, dikes, liners, or vaults that can hold 110% of (ASTs) the contents of the largest tank) or use double walled tanks. Remove and properly dispose any rainwater that accumulates in the secondary containment area. Perform preventive maintenance on the storage tanks and piping systems to detect potential leaks before they occur. Train employees on proper material handling and spill cleanup techniques. Install spill and overflow protection. Use dry clean-up methods rather than hosing fueling and loading areas down. Store absorbent cleaning materials in a readily accessible location. Cover fueling areas to reduce exposure to storm water. Inspect storage areas (fueling and loading areas) to detect problems before they occur. Keep storage areas secure against unauthorized entry. Locate ASTs as far as possible from wells, surface water bodies and storm drains. Other protection strategies: .

Agricultural Avoid the use of drain tiles or drainage wells which could allow agricultural wastes to gain entry to ground water. Relocate animal waste storage areas to locations away from wells, drains, and surface water bodies. Keep animal waste storage areas covered with tarps or other waterproof materials. Store animal wastes on paved surfaces. Keep animal burial areas outside of the drinking water source protection area. Other protection strategies: .

Dry Wells / Waste Plug or disconnect floor drains that empty into septic systems or Disposal Wells leaching lines. Sinks in service, maintenance, or shop areas should not be connected to septic systems or dry wells. Properly abandon dry wells and sumps. Other protection strategies: .

Chemical Storage Move chemical storage as far from wells as possible. Areas (Indoor) Store fuel, paints, and solvents in a protected, secure location away from floor and storm drains. Ensure that lids are shut and caps are closed on all containers. Educate personnel for proper storage, use, cleanup, and disposal of materials. Employ measures to protect against spillage, such as using drip pans during the transfer of liquids. Inspect shelving annually and replace or repair as needed. Inspect the external condition of the containers. Store containers no more than 2 rows deep with large containers in back. Store large and heavy containers on lower shelves. Maintain enough space between containers so that you can remove one without knocking others over. Store chemicals in an area where spills can be easily monitored, contained, and cleaned up. Other protection strategies: .

Floor Drains Store fuel, paints, and solvents in a protected, secure location away from drains. Avoid washing grease, oil, or chemicals into floor drains. Clean up chemical spills (even small ones) immediately. Have spill material (cat litter or sawdust) available. Train employees on proper spill cleanup. Determine whether or not floor drains connect to a septic system surface water. If the drain is connected to a septic system and is located in an area that could receive leaks and spills, the drain should be plugged during chemical handling operations, or may need to be permanently closed. Other protection strategies: : .

Parking Areas Use dry clean-up methods rather than hosing the parking areas. Control storm water flow on parking lots by grading or paving the area away from wells. Avoid using road salt for snow/ice removal; substitute with sand or gravel. Other protection strategies: .

Lawn Chemicals Select lawn chemicals that are labeled for the intended application site and break down rapidly in the environment. Consider the location and condition of wells when applying pesticides or fertilizer. Take measures to prevent spills while mixing and applying chemicals. Leave untreated areas around wells, streams, storm drains, ponds, and sink holes. Other protection strategies: .

Maintenance Dispose of greasy rags, oil filters, batteries, spent coolant and Areas (Vehicles degreasers properly. and Equipment) Do not pour liquid waste down floor drains, sinks or outdoor storm drain inlets. Do not dispose of old lead acid batteries, absorbents contaminated with chlorinated solvents (or other motor vehicle fluids), or used oil filters in the trash (dumpster). Seal all floor drains that are not attached to a recovery system. Train employees on proper waste control and disposal procedures. Install curbing, berms or dikes around storage areas. Cover all storage areas with a roof or temporary cover. Store cracked batteries in a non-leaking secondary container, and new batteries upright in a secure covered location; check often for leaks. Store all spill response equipment (absorbent materials, brooms, dust pans, etc.) in a visible location. Promptly transfer used fluid to the proper container. Empty and clean drip pans and containers. Use funnels or pumps to dispense chemicals and keep all chemicals or wastes in sealed containers with tight fitting lids. When possible, substitute non-petroleum based cleaners, such as citrus-based solvents for organic solvents when cleaning parts. Determine whether or not a floor drain is connected to a septic system. If so and it is located in an area that could receive leaks and spills, the drain should be plugged during chemical handling operations, or may need to be permanently closed. Other protection strategies: .

Septic Systems Have your septic tank inspected annually to ensure that the internal structures are in good working order and to monitor the scum level. Have tank pumped out by a licensed professional. Do not dispose of grease, oil, or chemicals in the septic system. Garbage disposals should not be used with septic systems. Avoid septic system additives or cleaners that contain hazardous ingredients. Only use normal amounts of detergents, bleaches, drain cleaners, household cleaners and other products. Divert roof runoff, drains and other surface runoff away from the leachfield. Reduce the amount of water that flows through the system by practicing water conservation, such as using water-saving devices and repairing leaky plumbing. Look for signs of septic system failure. Consider replacing old or outdated systems and removing unused systems. Keep vehicles and other heavy objects off of the leach field and lines. Follow manufacturers’ guidelines for operation and maintenance of the system. This is particularly for systems with aeration tanks. Other protection strategies: .

Storm Sewer Notify the sewer district about the drinking water source protection Lines area. Other protection strategies: .

Storm Drains Avoid washing grease, oil, or chemicals into storm drains. Clean up chemical spills (even small ones) immediately. Keep absorbent spill materials (cat litter or sawdust) readily available. Determine whether or not storm drains drain to surface water (river or retention pond) or to the ground (drainage well). If the storm drain drains to the ground and is located in a loading area or other areas that could receive leaks and spills, the drain should be plugged during loading or unloading operations. Other protection strategies: . .

Unused Water Properly seal unused wells. Wells Contact the local health department about unused wells in the surrounding area. Other protection strategies: .

Surface Water Leave a buffer strip of grass or other vegetation around surface Bodies (includes water bodies. ponds receiving Properly maintain retention ponds. runoff) Do not use pesticides and fertilizers in buffer strips around surface water bodies. Do not store liquid or bulk materials near surface water bodies. Other protection strategies:

Transportation/ Post the telephone number of the local fire department near Transportation telephones. Related Spills Contact the local fire department and local emergency planning committee about the location of the drinking water source protection area. Reduce the use of road salt. Other protection strategies:

Underground Install spill and overflow protection. Storage Tanks Ensure that your tanks are in compliance with leak detection requirements. Perform preventive maintenance on storage tank systems to detect potential leaks before they occur. Train employees on proper material handling and spill cleanup techniques. Use dry clean-up methods rather than hosing the fuel area down. Grade the fueling area so storm water runs off instead of standing in this area. Cover the fueling area to reduce exposure to storm water. Inspect the fueling area to detect problems before they occur. Maintain accurate inventory records for USTs, if deliveries do not match product used it may indicate a leak and the tank should be inspected. Other protection strategies:

Utility Sheds Move chemical storage as far from wells as possible. Ensure that lids are shut and caps are closed on all containers. Employ measures to protect against spillage such as using drip pans during the transfer of liquids. Educate personnel for proper storage, use, cleanup, and disposal of materials. Other protection strategies: .

10 Figure 1. Potential Karst Regions (Beige) and Sinkholes (red) in Southwest Ohio

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0 1,000 2,000 4,000 Feet ` Legend Protection Area Data Z .! DDAGW Active Wells "U Historic Landfills Number of Wells = 1 Source Water Protection Areas ` Karst Features Total Well Pumping Rate = 2,000 GPD Porosity = 0.03* Inner Management Zones ï Cemeteries Aquifer Thickness = 10* [% Hydrogeologic Setting = Karst* Above Ground Storage Tank Land Use = Recreational õ Agricultural Source .! *Assumed. No well log .! # ) Petroleum Pipeline .! [ Junk Yard (Scrap & Auto) .! õ.!Z[% õ Z Septic System (leachfield) AQUIFER SUSCEPTIBILITY Date: September 17, 2014

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.! Figure 3. Overlapping Drinking Water Source Protection Areas Myeerah Nature Center, PWSID# OH4652612 Zane Shawnee Caverns, PWSID# OH4642012 JeffersonTownship, Logan County

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Zane SC Protection Area Data

Number of Wells = 1 Zane Shawnee Caverns.! Total Well Pumping Rate = 1,250 GPD Porosity = 0.03 Aquifer Thickness = 10 Hydrogeologic Setting = Karst Land Use = Recreational/Commercial

0 1,000 2,000 4,000 Feet

Legend .! DDAGW Active Wells Source Water Protection Areas

Inner Management Zones Date: September 17, 2014