SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT SUMMARY BROCHURE

Transcription

1 SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT SUMMARY BROCHURE CITY OF GOLD HILL PWS # WHAT IS A SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT? The Source Water Assessment was recently completed by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) to identify the surface areas (and/or subsurface areas) that supply water to City of Gold Hill s public water system intake and to inventory the potential contaminant sources that may impact the water WHY WAS IT COMPLETED? The Source Water Assessment was completed to provide information so that City of Gold Hill s public water system staff/operator, consumers, and community citizens can begin developing strategies to protect the source of their drinking water, and to minimize future public expenditures for drinking water treatment. The assessment was prepared under the requirements and guidelines of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). WHAT AREAS ARE INCLUDED IN GOLD HILL S DRINKING WATER PROTECTION AREA? The drinking water for Gold Hill is supplied by an intake on the Rogue River. This public water system serves approximately 1,110 citizens. The drinking water intakes for the Ashland Water Department, Medford Water Commission and Country View Mobile Home Estates public water systems are also located on the Rogue River (or its tributaries) upstream of the Gold Hill intake. This source water assessment addresses the geographic area providing water to Gold Hill s intake (Gold Hill s portion of the drinking water protection area) between Gold Hill s intake and the upstream intake for Ashland (on Ashland Creek, a tributary to Bear Creek) and Medford (on the Rogue River). Information on Gold Hill s protection area upstream of the Ashland and Medford intakes (including the area upstream of Country View Mobile Home Estates intake on the Rogue River) is summarized in this report. In addition, the drinking water intakes for the City of Rogue River and City of Grants Pass are located on the Rogue River downstream of Gold Hill s intake. Activities and impacts in the Gold Hill drinking water protection area have the potential to also impact downstream users. A schematic of the Upper and Middle Rogue drinking water protection areas is attached to this summary. All water providers and the communities in the Upper and Middle Rogue Sub-basins are encouraged to work together on protection strategies. The geographic area providing water to Gold Hill s intake (Gold Hill s portion of the drinking water protection area) extends upstream approximately 552 miles in a southeasterly and easterly direction and encompasses a total area of 444 square miles. Gold Hill s portion of the protection area is located in the Bear Creek and Rogue River/Snider Creek Watersheds in the Middle Rogue Sub-Basin of the Southern Oregon Coastal Basin. Included in this area are a number of tributaries to the Rogue River including Water Gulch, Rock Creek, Sams Creek, Snider Creek, Bear Creek (and its numerous tributaries), and Whetstone Creek. The protection area within an 8-hour travel time from the intake extends approximately 16 miles upstream of the Gold Hill intake. It is recommended that the water systems and community consider increased protection within an 8-hour travel time from the intake since eight hours should provide adequate response time to protect the integrity of the public water system intake should a spill or release occur at any crossing or discharge point to the stream. The Rogue River intake is located at an approximate elevation of 1,080 feet and the upper edge of the watershed is located at an elevation of approximately 6,091 at Soda Mountain. The boundaries of Gold Hill s portion of the Drinking Water Protection Area are illustrated on the figure attached to this summary.

2 WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION TO CITY OF GOLD HILL S PUBLIC DRINKING WATER SUPPLY? The primary intent of this inventory was to identify and locate significant potential sources of contaminants of concern. The delineated drinking water protection area is primarily dominated by residential and commercial land uses. Due to the large size of the protection area and DEQ s limited resources, the inventory for Gold Hill was limited to areas closest to the intake and also within sensitive areas along the Rogue River and Bear Creek. The potential contaminant sources identified in the watershed include non-irrigated crops, irrigated crops, grazing animals, timber mills, photo processing plants, chemical storage areas, gravel and mine operations, fleet/maintenance facilities, wastewater and water treatment plants, high density housing, rural homesteads, county parks, highly populated areas, transportation corridors, 303d listed streams, utility stations, and transfer stations. This provides a quick look at the existing potential sources of contamination that could, if improperly managed or released, impact the water quality in the watershed. Since DEQ s inventory was limited, it is highly recommended that the community enhance or refine the identification of the potential contamination sources through further research and local input. WHAT ARE THE RISKS FOR OUR SYSTEM? A total of 50 potential contaminant sources were identified in City of Gold Hill s drinking water protection area. All of these are located in the sensitive areas and 48 are high- to moderate-risk sources within sensitive areas. The sensitive areas within the City of Gold Hill drinking water protection area include areas with high soil permeability, high soil erosion potential, high runoff potential and areas within 1000 from the river/streams. The sensitive areas are those where the potential contamination sources, if present, have a greater potential to impact the water The information in this assessment provides a basis for prioritizing areas in and around our community that are most vulnerable to potential impacts and can be used by the City of Gold Hill community to develop a voluntary Drinking Water Protection Plan. NEED MORE INFORMATION? Gold Hill s Source Water Assessment Report provides additional details on the methodology and results of this assessment. The full report is available for review at: Contact City of Gold Hill staff if you would like additional information on these Source Water Assessment results.

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4 1 Drinking Water Chavner Water Off Hwy 234 NE of Gold Gold Hill Database (2) Within Moderate Treatment chemicals and equipment Treatment Plants Treatment Plant Field- sensitive maintenance materials may impact groundwater or surface water source. Location of treatment plant needs to be verified. May fall just outside DWPA. 2 Transportation - Highway Runs East of Gold Hill Gold Hill Field- Within Higher Vehicle use increases the risk for leaks or Freeways/State 234/Upper River sensitive spills of fuel & other haz. materials. Road Highways/Other Road building, maintenance & use can increase Upper River Road runs along Heavy Use Roads erosion/slope failure causing turbidity. the Rogue River and is a narrow two lane road. Over-application or improper handling of pesticides/fertilizers may impact water. 3 Transportation - Railroad Runs along I-5 Gold Hill Field- Within Higher Rail transport elevates the risk for Railroads sensitive leaks/spills of fuel & other haz. materials. Installation/maintenance of tracks may increase erosion & slope failure causing turbidity. Over-application/improper handling of pesticides may impact the 4 Homesteads - Rural Rural Homestead Throughout DWPA Gold Hill Field- Within Lower If not properly sited, designed, installed, - Septic Systems sensitive and maintained, septic systems can (< 1/acre) impact drinking water. Use of drain cleaners and dumping household hazardous wastes can result in groundwater 5 Crops - Nonirrigated Non-Irrigated Throughout DWPA Gold Hill Field- Within Lower Over-application or improper handling of (inc. Christmas Crops sensitive pesticides/fertilizers may impact drinking trees, grains, grass water. Some agricultural practices may seed, pasture) result in excess sediments discharging to surface waters, but non-irrigated crops are generally considered to be a low risk. 3/13/2003 Page 1 of 14

5 6 Mines/Gravel Pits Sylvanite Mine Off of Hwy 234. Gold Hill Database (2) Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of sensitive chemicals and wastes generated in mining operations or from heavy equipment may impact the drinking water Potential risk should be verified during enhanced inventory. Site identified in ECSI database. 7 Grazing Animals (> Grazing Animals Throughout DWPA Gold Hill Field- Within Higher Improper storage and management of 5 large animals or sensitive animal wastes may impact drinking water equivalent/acre) Concentrated livestock may Majority of the grazing animals and irrigated crops that are contribute to erosion and sedimentation of close to the intake can be surface water bodies. found along Hwy Crops - Irrigated Irrigated Crops Throughout DWPA Gold Hill Field- Within Higher Over-application or improper handling of (inc. orchards, sensitive pesticides/fertilizers may impact drinking vineyards, water. Excessive irrigation may transport Kirtland Orchards off Kirtland nurseries, contaminants or sediments to Road are located in close proximity to the Rogue River. groundwater/surface water through runoff. Drip-irrigated crops are considered to be a low risk. 9 Transmission Lines Transmission Lines Throughout DWPA Gold Hill Field- Within Higher Construction and corridor maintenance - Right-of-Ways sensitive may contribute to increased erosion and turbidity in drinking water Overapplication or improper handling of pesticides or fertilizers may impact 3/13/2003 Page 2 of 14

6 10 River Recreation - Rogue River East of intake Gold Hill Field- Within Moderate Inadequate disposal of human wastes may Heavy Use (inc. sensitive contribute bacteria and nutrients to the campgrounds) drinking water Heavy use may Numerous tributaries to Rogue River are listed for bacteria on contribute to streambank erosion causing the 303d list. A small dam is turbidity. Fuel spills and emissions may located on Rogue just above also contribute to contamination. intake (Gold Ray dam). Other -Rogue River (303d) Moderate The impacts of this potential contaminant source will be addressed during the enhanced inventory. Numerous tributaries to Rogue River are listed for bacteria on the 303d list. A small dam is located on Rogue just above intake (Gold Ray dam). 11 Other -Bear Creek Bear Creek Runs SE of intake Gold Hill Field- Within Higher The impacts of this potential contaminant (303d) sensitive source will be addressed during the enhanced inventory. Bear Creek is listed on 303d list for bacteria. This stream is the outfall for numerous industry/municipalities within the City of Medford and surrounding communities. 12 Transportation - Interstate 5 Runs SE through DWPA Gold Hill Field- Within Higher Vehicle use increases the risk for leaks or Freeways/State sensitive spills of fuel & other haz. materials. Road Highways/Other building, maintenance & use can increase Heavy Use Roads erosion/slope failure causing turbidity. Over-application or improper handling of pesticides/fertilizers may impact water. 13 Wood/Pulp/Paper Tolo Forest Off Tolo Rd Central Point Database (2) Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of wood Processing and Products Field- sensitive preservatives and other chemicals during transportation, use, storage and disposal Site is beyond public access, no visual observation - needs verification. 3/13/2003 Page 3 of 14

7 14 Transportation - Highway Runs SW through DWPA Gold Hill Field- Within Higher Vehicle use increases the risk for leaks or Freeways/State 99/Blackwell Rd sensitive spills of fuel & other haz. materials. Road Highways/Other building, maintenance & use can increase Blackwell road turns into Hwy Heavy Use Roads erosion/slope failure causing turbidity. 99, therefore both roads are included in inventory. Over-application or improper handling of pesticides/fertilizers may impact water. 15 Mines/Gravel Pits Rogue Aggregates 3750 Kirtland Rd Central Point Database (2) Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of Field- sensitive chemicals and wastes generated in mining operations or from heavy equipment may Company may be owned by LTM Inc. In addition, Rock & impact the drinking water Ready Mix and Crater Sand and Gravel are located off 16 Other - Whetstone 1100 Kirtland Road Central Point Database (2) Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of Environmental Industrial Park Field- sensitive chemicals and other materials during Clean-Up Site transportation, use, storage, and disposal Potential risk should be verified during enhanced inventory. Site was once a military landfill and is listed in ECSI database. Status of clean-up effort unknown. Groundwater contamination occurred and possible adverse affects to Whetstone Creek. Same address as Medford wastewater treatment plant. Verify location. 17 Lagoons/Liquid Medford 1100 Kirtland Road White City Database (2) Within Higher Improper seepage or overflows of liquid Wastes Wastewater Field- sensitive wastes may impact the drinking water Treatment Plant Wastewater Higher Improper management of wastewater, Treatment treatment chemicals, or equipment Plants/Collection maintenance materials may impact Stations drinking water 3/13/2003 Page 4 of 14

8 18 Wastewater Water Quality Next to Sewage Central Point Database (2) Within Higher Improper management of wastewater, Treatment Control Plant Treatment Plant Field- sensitive treatment chemicals, or equipment Plants/Collection maintenance materials may impact Potential risk should be verified Stations drinking water during enhanced inventory. This may be an expansion of the wastewater treatment plant. There are sludge ponds related to this site. Verify information. Unknown operations - needs verification. 19 Utility Stations - ALSTOM Off West Antelop Rd White City Database (2) Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of Maintenance Field- sensitive chemicals and other materials including Transformer PCBs during transportation, use, storage ALSTOM is a manufacturer of transformers and associated and disposal may impact the drinking water equipment. 20 Waste Rogue Transfer Off Table Rock Rd White City Database (2) Within Higher Improper management of water contacting Transfer/Recycling Station Field- sensitive waste material may impact the drinking Stations water 21 Drinking Water Medford Water Off Table Rock Rd White City Database (2) Within Moderate Treatment chemicals and equipment Treatment Plants Treatment Plant Field- sensitive maintenance materials may impact groundwater or surface water source. 3/13/2003 Page 5 of 14

9 22 Photo Eastman Kodak Off Pacific Ave White City Database (2) Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of Processing/Printing Field- sensitive photographic chemicals during transportation, use, storage and disposal Plant is very large with multiple above ground storage tanks present. Site is located beyond DWPA but it may impact the DWPA. Above Ground Storage Tanks - materials may impact the drinking water Excluding Water Plant is very large with multiple above ground storage tanks present. Site is located beyond DWPA but it may impact the DWPA. 23 Sewer Lines - Close Sewer Lines Throughout DWPA White City Within Moderate If not properly designed, installed, and Proximity to PWS sensitive maintained, sewer lines can impact drinking water, especially adjacent to a waterbody or within the 2-year time-of-travel zone for drinking water wells. 24 Wood All Weather Off Pacific Rd White City Database (2) Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of Preserving/Treating Treaters Field- sensitive chemicals and other materials during transportation, use, storage and disposal 25 Transportation - Table Rock East of intake White City Field- Within Higher Vehicle use increases the risk for leaks or Freeways/State Rd/Antelope Rd sensitive spills of fuel & other haz. materials. Road Highways/Other building, maintenance & use can increase Two roads that have a high Heavy Use Roads erosion/slope failure causing turbidity. volume of industrial traffic. Over-application or improper handling of pesticides/fertilizers may impact water. 3/13/2003 Page 6 of 14

10 26 Other -County Jackson County Off Antelope Road White City Database (2) Within Moderate Spills, leaks, or improper handling of Maintenance Maintenance Field- sensitive chemicals and other materials during transportation, use, storage, and disposal Oregon Department of Transportation fleet maintenance. Also located on site is County Roads and Parks UST - Lower Spills or improper handling during tank Upgraded/Registere filling or product distribution may impact d - Active the drinking water Oregon Department of Transportation fleet maintenance. Also located on site is County Roads and Parks Fleet/Trucking/Bus Moderate Spills, leaks, or improper handling of fuels, Terminals grease, solvents, and other materials from vehicle service, fueling, and parking areas may impact the drinking water Oregon Department of Transportation fleet maintenance. Also located on site is County Roads and Parks 27 Wood/Pulp/Paper Boise Cascade 1155 Antelope Rd White City Database (2) Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of wood Processing and Laminated Plant Field- sensitive preservatives and other chemicals during transportation, use, storage and disposal Above Ground Storage Tanks - materials may impact the drinking water Excluding Water 28 Chemical/Petroleum Georgia Pacific 1405 Antelope Rd White City Database (2) Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of Processing/Storage Resin Field- sensitive chemicals and other materials during transportation, use, storage and disposal Above Ground Storage Tanks - materials may impact the drinking water Excluding Water 3/13/2003 Page 7 of 14

11 29 Wood/Pulp/Paper Boise Cascade 1795 Antelope Rd White City Database (2) Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of wood Processing and Rogue Valley Field- sensitive preservatives and other chemicals during Plywood transportation, use, storage and disposal 30 Wood/Pulp/Paper US Forest 7975 Antelope Rd White City Database (2) Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of wood Processing and Industries Field- sensitive preservatives and other chemicals during transportation, use, storage and disposal 31 Junk/Scrap/Salvage Wrecking Yard Off Agate Street White City Field- Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of Yards sensitive automotive chemicals, batteries, and other waste materials during storage and This wrecking yard could be C&R Salvage need verification. disposal may impact the drinking water Also located in DWPA is Action Auto Parts, and Cascade Auto Wrecking. 32 Other -Charcoal Royal Oaks Off Agate Street White City Database (2) Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of Producer Charcoal Field- sensitive chemicals and other materials during transportation, use, storage, and disposal Potential risk should be verified during enhanced inventory. UST - Status Unknown materials may impact the drinking water Potential risk should be verified during enhanced inventory. 33 Utility Stations - Substation Off Antelope Rd White City Field- Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of Maintenance sensitive chemicals and other materials including Transformer PCBs during transportation, use, storage Several substations are found throughout the DWPA. and disposal may impact the drinking water 3/13/2003 Page 8 of 14

12 34 Chemical/Petroleum Bill Terpening Inc Antelope Road White City Database (2) Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of Processing/Storage Field- sensitive chemicals and other materials during transportation, use, storage and disposal Five underground storage tanks on site. Above Ground Storage Tanks - materials may impact the drinking water Excluding Water Five underground storage tanks on site. UST - Lower Spills or improper handling during tank Upgraded/Registere filling or product distribution may impact d - Active the drinking water Five underground storage tanks on site. 35 Wood/Pulp/Paper Boise Cascade 7890 Agate Road White City Database (2) Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of wood Processing and White City Field- sensitive preservatives and other chemicals during Lumber/Veneer transportation, use, storage and disposal UST - Lower Spills or improper handling during tank Upgraded/Registere filling or product distribution may impact d - Active the drinking water 36 UST - Status Boise Cascade 8380 Agate White City Database (2) Within Unknown White City Field- sensitive materials may impact the drinking water Wood/Pulp/Paper Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of wood Processing and preservatives and other chemicals during transportation, use, storage and disposal 37 Transportation - Highway 62 East of intake White City Field- Within Higher Vehicle use increases the risk for leaks or Freeways/State sensitive spills of fuel & other haz. materials. Road Highways/Other building, maintenance & use can increase Heavy Use Roads erosion/slope failure causing turbidity. Over-application or improper handling of pesticides/fertilizers may impact water. 3/13/2003 Page 9 of 14

13 38 UST - Medford Jackson Off Biddle Road Medford Database (2) Within Lower Spills or improper handling during tank Upgraded/Registere County Airport Field- sensitive filling or product distribution may impact d - Active the drinking water Airport has a total of eight upgraded underground storage tanks. Airport - Moderate Spills, leaks, or improper handling of fuels, Maintenance/Fuelin de-icers, and other chemicals during g Area transportation, use, storage and disposal Airport has a total of eight upgraded underground storage tanks. 39 Fleet/Trucking/Bus Viking Freight Off Table Rock Rd White City Database (2) Within Moderate Spills, leaks, or improper handling of fuels, Terminals Field- sensitive grease, solvents, and other materials from vehicle service, fueling, and parking Reddaway Truck Lines is located in close proximity to areas may impact the drinking water UST - Lower Spills or improper handling during tank Upgraded/Registere filling or product distribution may impact d - Active the drinking water Reddaway Truck Lines is located in close proximity to 40 Automobiles - Gas Pilot Travel Off Table Rock Road Central Point Database (2) Within Moderate Spills, leaks, or improper handling of fuels Stations Field- sensitive and other materials during transportation, transfer, and storage may impact the Has a total of five upgraded underground storage tanks. drinking water There are many gas stations, and petroleum storage areas throughout the protection area. UST - Lower Spills or improper handling during tank Upgraded/Registere filling or product distribution may impact d - Active the drinking water Has a total of five upgraded underground storage tanks. There are many gas stations, and petroleum storage areas throughout the protection area. 3/13/2003 Page 10 of 14

14 41 Cement/Concrete LTM Inc. Off Hammrick Road Medford Database (2) Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of Plants Field- sensitive chemicals and high turbidity wastewaters during transportation, use, storage and Risk elevated to Higher because -multiple facilities disposal may impact the drinking water throughout DWPA. A very large plant is located within 20 yards of Bear Creek. There appears to be several LTM asphalt/concrete plants within DWPA. UST - Status Unknown materials may impact the drinking water Risk elevated to Higher because -multiple facilities throughout DWPA. A very large plant is located within 20 yards of Bear Creek. There appears to be several LTM asphalt/concrete plants within DWPA. 42 Mines/Gravel Pits Rock & Ready Off Blackwell Road Central Point Database (2) Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of Field- sensitive chemicals and wastes generated in mining operations or from heavy equipment may impact the drinking water 43 Wood/Pulp/Paper Sierra Pine Medite Off Rogue Valley Blvd Medford Database (2) Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of wood Processing and Division Field- sensitive preservatives and other chemicals during transportation, use, storage and disposal 3/13/2003 Page 11 of 14

15 44 Lagoons/Liquid Timber Products 25 East McAndrews Rd Medford Database (2) Within Higher Improper seepage or overflows of liquid Wastes Field- sensitive wastes may impact the drinking water Wood/Pulp/Paper Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of wood Processing and preservatives and other chemicals during transportation, use, storage and disposal UST - Status Unknown materials may impact the drinking water Very large facility. Has several large wastewater lagoons present. Another large Timber Products plant is located off Table Rock Rd. Very large facility. Has several large wastewater lagoons present. Another large Timber Products plant is located off Table Rock Rd. Very large facility. Has several large wastewater lagoons present. Another large Timber Products plant is located off Table Rock Rd. 45 Other -Light Industrial Park Off Sage Road Medford Field- Within Moderate Spills, leaks, or improper handling of Industrial Park sensitive chemicals and other materials during transportation, use, storage, and disposal Numerous companies are located within this large industrial park. 46 Metal Farwest Steel Off Rogue Valley Blvd Medford Field- Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of Plating/Finishing/Fa sensitive solvents, metals, and other chemicals brication during transportation, use, storage and Very large plant. disposal may impact the drinking water UST - Status Unknown materials may impact the drinking water Very large plant. 3/13/2003 Page 12 of 14

16 47 Wood/Pulp/Paper Boise Cascade N. Pacific Hwy Medford Database (2) Within Higher Spills, leaks, or improper handling of wood Processing and Medford Plywood Field- sensitive preservatives and other chemicals during transportation, use, storage and disposal 48 Other -Heavy Medford and South East of intake Medford Field- Within Higher The impacts of this potential contaminant populated cities Surrounding sensitive source will be addressed during the Communities enhanced inventory. Includes Medford, White City, Central Point, Jacksonville, Talent and Phoenix. A limited inventory was completed due to size of delineation. "Enhancing" or refining the inventory through further research and local input is recommended. Housing - High Moderate Improper use, storage, and disposal of Density (> 1 household chemicals may impact the House/0.5 acres) drinking water Stormwater run-off Includes Medford, White City, Central Point, Jacksonville, or infiltration may carry contaminants to Talent and Phoenix. A limited drinking water inventory was completed due to size of delineation. "Enhancing" or refining the inventory through further research and local input is recommended. 49 Other -Helicopter Erickson Air Off Willow Springs Rd Medford Database (2) Within Moderate Spills, leaks, or improper handling of Crane Company Field- sensitive chemicals and other materials during transportation, use, storage, and disposal Above Ground Storage Tanks - materials may impact the drinking water Excluding Water UST - Status Unknown materials may impact the drinking water 3/13/2003 Page 13 of 14

17 50 Other -County County Along Bear Creek. Off Medford Field- Within Moderate The impacts of this potential contaminant Park/Fairgrounds Park/Exposition Blackwell Rd sensitive source will be addressed during the enhanced inventory. Other -Livestock Higher The impacts of this potential contaminant Containment Area source will be addressed during the enhanced inventory. Large County Park and the County Fairgrounds. Park located right next to Bear Creek. Potential risk should be verified during enhanced inventory. Risk elevated to Moderate because testing Large County Park and the County Fairgrounds. Park located right next to Bear Creek. Potential risk should be verified during enhanced inventory. Risk elevated to Moderate because testing 3/13/2003 Page 14 of 14