Wellhead Protection Program. Thornhill Water System September 29 th, 2015

Transcription

1 Wellhead Protection Program Thornhill Water System September 29 th, 2015

2 Presentation Overview Why wellhead protection and a committee? Thornhill Water System Risks to the system The Wellhead Protection Program Next steps

3 Why Source Water Protection? A proactive approach by managing potential sources of contamination can prevent the expense of treating polluted water or drilling new wells New regulations including the Water Sustainability Act of BC (2016) may mean changes to how we manage the wells (e.g. sustainability plans) Ensures healthy drinking water for residents now and in the future Promotes aquifer and environmental health- degradation of the aquifer can have adverse effects on the ecosystem

4 Why a Wellhead Advisory Planning Committee? Preparation of a Wellhead Protection Program is a technical exercise (RDKS & consultant to complete) Having a committee allows input from outside the RDKS Having input from various stakeholders ensures a wide range of community interests are captured The committee acts as a first point of feedback for the program Having the committee brings legitimacy to the process, increases transparency and increases public buy-in

5 Efforts up to Date November 2007 Framework for Wellhead Protection: report from Kala Geosciences Ltd. outlining a wellhead protection program for the Thornhill Water System September 2012 Upgrading of Source Water Protection Plan: report from Kala that provided an upgrading of the source water protection plan February 2013 Above report from Kala presented August 2015 The Thornhill Water System is currently undergoing a GWUDI assessment

6 Thornhill Water System Wells 1 & 2 draw water- located in the Copper Mountain Subdivision Well 4 for future use Well 3 Simpson-Crescent not in use Well in Woodlands area for emergency use 3 Reservoirs: Woodlands, Thornhill & Schoolhouse (backup) [Refer to Water Distribution System Map]

7 Thornhill Water System Two water-drawing wells located in Copper Mountain Subdivision that provide unchlorinated potable water to Thornhill and the Kulspai Reserve Wells are monitored regularly by RDKS Works & Services Annual drinking water analysis Water levels can be seen daily at pumphouse station Bacteriological testing every two weeks for 6 different samples Twice a year testing for nitrates, phosphates, ammonia, sulphides & sulphates Reservoirs checked for levels weekly Unilateral system flushing in April & dead-end flush each season

8 Risks to the Wells & Aquifer Aged septic systems in a dense neighbourhood Run-off from roadways and highway Nearby industrial activity Nearby residential activity such as fertilizer use Pollution of surface water (Skeena River) Point source vs. non-point source pollution

9 Program Resource Documents The Well Protection Toolkit (March 2000)- joint federal and provincial regulatory and resource document Kala Geosciences Ltd. various studies and technical reports on the program Source Water Protection Plan 2007 Upgrading of Source Water Protection Plan 2012 Ongoing consultation

10 Wellhead Protection Program Outline Form Planning Team Define Wellhead Capture Zones Identify Potential Sources of Contamination Develop Management Strategy Develop Contingency Plan Monitor Effectiveness

11 1. Form Planning Team - WPAC Representative Local Government Staff TAPC Members/Public Area Director Kitselas First Nation Health Authority- Northern Health Role/Jurisdiction Authority for bylaws/regulations pertaining to wellhead protection. Delivers potable water to community. Represents community interests. Represents the Regional District Board and community interests. Represents community interests. Brings knowledge of septic/sewer systems, ensures safe drinking water supply, issues permits for water system construction and operation. Offers technical advice. Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure Environmental Authority- BC Ministry of Environment Groundwater Expert Maintains roads and highways, issues approval of subdivisions. Offers technical advice. Brings knowledge of flood forecasting, handling of manure, pesticide use, water discharge and contaminated sites. Offers technical advice. Provides technical expertise/advice and may be engaged to carry out work for the program.

12 WAPC Roles & Responsibilities RDKS Staff is responsible for administrative work such as organizing meetings, agenda packages, keeping a Record of Meeting, gathering necessary materials, organizing public info/meetings Consultant/Staff are responsible for writing of the document Ministry members are responsible for offering their technical expertise and knowledge of their ministry s regulations APC members, Area Director & Kitselas representative are responsible for offering their local knowledge and representing community and public interests

13 WAPC 6-8 members desirable Committee-elected Chair? Ability to adjust members Day time or evening preference? Conference calling option Ongoing consultation for activities in the wellhead capture zone, as needed

14 Public & Stakeholder Involvement Success of program requires support and commitment from residents, the public and stakeholders Various engagement techniques possible Flyers/brochures/info packages Articles in local media Surveys* Workshop/public meetings

15 2. Define Wellhead Capture Zones Well subsurface capture zones tell us the area surrounding the wells where high-risk activities should be avoided 50 day, 2 year & 5 year Time of Travel (TOT) zones commonly used to represent wellhead protection areas

16 3. Identify Potential Contaminants & Assess Risk Survey the wellhead protection areas to develop a list of all potential threats ID areas vulnerable to contamination ID historical potential contaminants ID/decommission abandoned wells ID current efforts/risk reduction Inventory of high-risk activities Landfills Industrial by-product ground water contamination Discharges to surface water Storm water and infiltration lagoons Septic fields & cemeteries Road-salt piles & snow dumps

17 4. Develop Management Strategy Focus on Prevention Differential Management: variety of approaches for different areas Range of management options for each potential contamination source Regulatory vs. non-regulatory strategies [Refer to Ownership of Property Surrounding Wells Map]

18 4. Example Develop Management Strategies Regulatory (enforceable) Development Permit Areas Bylaws Provincial Legislation Non-regulatory (voluntary) Education Sewage Control Incentives

19 5. Develop Contingency Plan Addresses unforeseen events or accidents Emergency Response Plan Add to existing ERP for Thornhill Water System? ID accidental pollution events ID mitigation processes and responses ID and secure resources to respond ID alternative sources of water Provide updated information Public and media interaction

20 6. Monitor Effectiveness Verifies if Management Strategies are meeting objectives The WAPC may review new development applications within the wellhead protected areas and provide recommendations based on program

21 Next Steps Consultant involvement? Next meeting date TBD Notifying residents