Spring 1997 Newsletter



VOLUME 13 NUMBER 1 March 1997


DON'T MISS THE 1997 IGA SPRING MEETING!

The IGA is proud to present its Spring 1997 meeting at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. The Spring 1997 IGA meeting features an update of the Illinois Tiered Approach to Corrective Action Objectives (TACO) by Ken Page, Illinois EPA. Another presentation features the influence of the internet on the water resource community by Tim McDonald, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Several presentations will approach standard issues from a new perspective: addressing uncertainty in characterization from a research perspective and also a regulatory perspective. The contrast between these approaches should be illuminating, especially to IGA members who happen to be consultants. As usual, there are a variety of presentations on applied to research topics, including geophysical techniques in a karst area, Wisconsin deposit reclassification, several presentations on wetlands research, groundwater flow modeling, the effects of Atrazine on DNA, and much more! With this breadth and depth of topics there should be one to pique everyone's interest.

Registration for the Spring 1997 IGA meeting begins at 8:00 AM on April 1st. IGA meeting activities will be in the Skyroom, located at the Northern Illinois University Holmes Student Center in DeKalb, Illinois. The program continues from 9:00 AM through 3:40, and includes a luncheon in the Heritage Room (2nd Floor of the Holmes Student Center) and an open podium session at noon. Meeting fees for pre-registration are $45 for non-IGA members, $35 for member, and $20 for students. The $45 fee for non-members will include your membership fee if you fill out and send in the membership form found on page 13. Registration at the door (late registration) is $45 for members and $55 for non-members. Pre-registration by March 24, 1997 is strongly recommended to ensure your place at the conference luncheon. For information on registration call Dan Kelleher, IGA Secretary-Treasurer, at (630) 574-3941. For those who wish to stay overnight in DeKalb, Hotel rooms are available at the Holmes Student Center, with rates for a single $42.18 and a double at $47.73. Call (815) 753-1745 for reservation information.

FALL 1996 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

The beautiful Starved Rock Lodge in Starved Rock State Park with its glorious fall colors was a fine venue for the October 9th and 10th, 1996 Fall Illinois Groundwater Association (IGA) Meeting. IGA was proud to co-host the conference with the Illinois-Indiana Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists. The Featured Speaker, Dr. Nicholas P. Schneider, Executive Director of the Nature of Illinois Foundation, made his banquet presentation on Opinion for Sale: Professional Ethics and the Hired Gun. His topic was illuminating to those in and out of the "hired gun" field, since IGA's membership range from regulatory to academia to municipal industry and consulting.

Presentations at the October 9th and 10th meeting had topics to interest every taste, with sixteen presentations running the gamut from regulatory reviews to field applications. Regulatory topics discussed included an update of the hydrogeologic criteria for low level radioactive waste disposal, an Illinois geologist registration update, and details of the U.S. EPA's RBCA program. Academic-oriented presentations included groundwater remediation using in-situ air sparging and multi-dimensional groundwater model simulations. Field-oriented presentations of technologies and techniques included GIS applications to hydrogeology, surficial infiltration barriers to water infiltration to underlying waste, and the affects of septic systems on groundwater quality. The evening highlight on October 9th was a self-guided hike around Starved Rock State Park and the nearby Matthiessen State Park.

FALL 1997 JOINT MEETING

The IGA will be co-hosting our fall meeting with the Wisconsin Ground Water Association (WGWA). This is a terrific opportunity to get to know and bond with our groundwater neighbors from across the Cheddar Curtain. The meeting location has not been precisely determined but it will be in the northern Illinois/southern Wisconsin area. The meeting date will work around announced national groundwater and geologic conferences (such as GSA and NGWA) and will be either in the third week of October or the first week of November. The topic of the combined meeting (which could have a one-day or two-day format) will be groundwater resources management and identification, with a focus on issues such as the Brownfields initiative. IGA and WGWA officers and members are currently trying to identify a keynote speaker for the joint meeting. Additional details will be included in the Fall IGA Newsletter. Don't miss it!

PROPOSED IGA CONSTITUTION CHANGES

The Executive Committee of IGA is proposing that the office of Secretary-Treasurer be separated into two offices: Secretary and Treasurer. This change requires amending the Constitution and By-Laws of the Illinois Groundwater Association.

The growth of the Association has increased the time required for taking care of the duties and responsibilities of the Secretary-Treasurer. It is also recognized that greater demands are being placed on the time of our members in discharging their professional responsibilities. The main purpose of separating the Secretary-Treasurer into two offices is to reduce the demands on one person's time. This separation would allow each officer to better carry out the duties and responsibilities of the office. This change would strengthen the program of the Association by providing opportunities to enhance the Student Grant Program, the newsletter, and cooperation with groundwater associations in Illinois and surrounding states.

The changes in the IGA constitution will be detailed in a handout at the Spring 1997 IGA Meeting at Northern Illinois University. Interested parties may also request a copy of proposed changes by calling or writing an IGA officer. IGA plans to place a copy of the proposed changes on the IGA home page. After member review, these changes will be voted on at the Fall 1997 IGA meeting.

CONSERVATION CONGRESS CAUCUS REPORT

On January 28, 1997 Molly Arp and Dan Kelleher attended the Conservation Congress Caucus in Princeton, Illinois as representatives of the IGA. Steve Wilson (former Chair and Secretary/Treasurer of IGA) was also present representing the Illinois State Water Survey to help with technical issues.

The purpose of the Conservation Congress is to identify and discuss environmental issues of general public concern and ultimately to present these issues to Illinois legislators in September 1997. The Conservation Congress was developed upon a directive from the Illinois Governor, Jim Edgar. The Congress has a broad base of representatives including fishing and hunting associations, field archers, natural area guardians, saddle clubs, conservation districts, Izaak Walton leagues, county farm bureaus, Audubon Societies, and the IGA.

Members of the Caucus were not technically versed on many areas of land management or environmental regulations. For instance, some representatives did not distinguish between "water quality" and groundwater until IGA representatives discussed the importance of wellhead protection with the environmental subcommittee. After caucus presentation, discussions, and voting, the top issues identified by the caucus are:

1. Developing and integrating a statewide land management and restoration plan with an emphasis on historic native habitats
2. Watershed protection and enhancement, streambank erosion, and riparian buffer strips
3. Improving overall water quality by reducing toxins, siltation, livestock waste, and litter
4. Aggressive acquisition of rail corridors
5. Educating our educators through information available from other agencies

The IGA (which has one voting delegate and an alternate) will continue to refine the issues which appear to elicit the most concern among the public.

THE IGA IS ONLINE!

The IGA has developed a web page to promote member communication and to discuss Illinois groundwater issues. A web page will allow us to post job opportunities, information about the IGA, industry updates, and provide a location for members to request technical information from other members who may have pertinent experience. Those who have suggestions for the web page should contact Steve Wilson at: swilson@sun.sws.uiuc.edu. The IGA Home Page address is: http://www.iga.uiuc.edu.

ILLINOIS GEOLOGIST LICENSING UPDATE

The process to implement the Illinois Professional Geologist Licensing Act (Public Act 89-0366) was signed into law by Governor Edgar in 1995 and went into effect in July 1996 with the appointment of the Board of Licensing for Professional Geologists (PG). The Board is drafting rules, including required curriculum and academic standards for the Illinois Professional Geologist registration program. It is anticipated that the rules will be finalized and approved by the first part of 1997, at which time the rules will be given to the Joint Committee of Administrative Rules for final approval. Upon final approval, the rules will be published in the Illinois Register and PG applications will be printed and distributed, likely in June 1997.

The PG application fee proposed by the Department of Professional Registration is $250, and the proposed bi-annual renewal fee is $150. These fee levels are intended to make the Illinois PG program's funding self sufficient. Educational requirements include a degree in geology with 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in upper level geology plus four years of experience. The grandfather application period (during which time the examination portion of the registration will be waived) extends to June 30, 1997, and it is expected that the grandfather application period will be extended to one year from the date when the rules are published if program rules and standards and/or PG applications are not available in a timely fashion. Comments on the PG application and renewal fees should be forwarded to the Board, whose open meetings occur at the following address:

Dept. of Professional Registration, 2nd Floor
320 West Washington Street
Springfield, Illinois 62786

The next Board meeting is scheduled for March 6, 1997. The board strongly encourages geologists to request applications in advance to ensure enough are printed and appropriate planning for the start of the program can be completed.

Comments, concerns about the Illinois PG program, and requests for an Illinois PG application should be sent to:

Director Nikki M. Zollar
Attention: Judy Vargas
Dept. of Professional Registration, 3rd Floor
320 West Washington Street
Springfield, Illinois 62786

1997 STUDENT RESEARCH GRANT

The IGA has a number of small awards available to provide partial support for student research on groundwater or related topics. Applications will be evaluated on the basis of scientific merit, capability of the applicant, and reasonableness of the requested funding relative to the proposed work. These grants are open to any graduate or undergraduate student registered at an accredited Illinois college or university. Grant winners are requested to present the findings of their research at an IGA meeting. The 1997 student grant applications will be accepted through March 29, 1997. If you are interested in an application, contact Dan Kelleher, IGA Secretary-Treasurer at (630) 955-6694 before March 29th.

WATER SUPPLY PROTECTION INITIATIVES

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) have developed a non-regulatory road sign program designed to identify and protect water supply protection areas. Each sign will be placed at the entrance and exit of drinking water supply protection areas, such as recharge areas or wetlands, along State and Interstate routes. The signs are intended as a form of groundwater education and will also provide a mechanism for notification in the event of a spill or release. Twenty-four communities with public water supplies are currently participating in the sign program. Other communities that want to participate in the drinking water supply protection area program should contact the IEPA at (217) 785-4787.

The National Groundwater Guardian Foundation is instituting the Groundwater Affiliate Program (GAP). The Guardian Foundation and GAP are sponsored by the United States Geological Survey, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Kellogg Foundation. In Illinois, the IEPA is working with redional groundwater protection planning committees that will work with communities on area groundwater projects. The GAP is results-oriented, intended to promote networking between local, agency, and private concerns. GAP initiatives that are judged to be exemplary will receive national recognition. For more information call (800) 858-4844.
 
 

IEPA PROPOSED RULES

On September 16, 1996 the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) filed three rulemaking proposals with the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB):
 

The IPCB has made these proposed rules available for viewing on the Internet at the address: http://www.state.il.us/pcb/proposal.htm. Paper copies may be requested($10/each) or electronic copies in Microsoft Word 6.0 ($5.00 per disk) from the Board by calling (312) 814-3461.

The LUST rulemaking is due to be completed by March 15, 1997. TACO and the Site Remediation Program (Brownfields) rulemaking are each due to be completed on or before June 16, 1997. LUST, TACO, and the Brownfield rules will most likely take effect at the same time.

Other proposed rules available at the above internet address are Livestock Waste Reduction, Emergency Livestock Waste Regulations, Proposed Emissions Reduction Market System Rules, and Boards Proposed Procedural Rules. Comments on any of the proposed rules should be sent via e-mail to Don Brown at dbrown@pcb016R1.state.il.us. Please use "Public Comment on (docket number)" as your subject, and include your name, telephone number, and e-mail address in the text of your message.

Additional questions should be forwarded to the IEPA Bureau of Land at (217) 782-6760 or (217) 782-6762. Seminars sponsored by the IEPA and CECI on Brownfields, TACO, and LUST rules are available on March 26th and April 3rd. See the Spring 1997 Calendar of Events on page 15 for more information.

TACO PROMULGATION PROPOSED

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has proposed that the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) promulgate the Tiered Approach to Corrective Action Objectives (TACO) into law. The proposed regulatory citation is 35 Illinois Administrative Code (IAC) Part 742. TACO guidance is a three tiered risk-based approach that protects human health and the environment by allowing owners of contaminated sites and their consultant to decide how to use site-specific information to develop more cost-effective remedial action. The guidance can be used by any owner whose site falls under the auspices the IEPA, including leaking underground storage tank (LUST) owners and operators. The IPCB will review and promulgate the TACO guidance into law in 1997. Until this time, the IEPA will use the draft TACO submitted to the IPCB. For more information call the IEPA at (217) 782-6760.

BROWNFIELDS

The Illinois Site Remediation Program, or "Brownfields" initiative, was passed by the Illinois General Assembly in November 1995 (Public Act 89-431, HB 544) and additional provisions were passed in July 1996 (Public Act 89-443, HB 901). The Brownfields program creates a new process for cleaning up sites other than those:


The Brownfields initiative provides for risk-based cleanup objectives to be based on future proposed land use (e.g. residential, industrial, commercial). Site remediation work is subject to IEPA review and approval. Upon IEPA approval of the final remedial report, the IEPA will issue a No Further Remediation Letter, which would contain limitations on proposed future land use which would carry from owner to owner. The IEPA can void the No Further Remediation Letter under certain circumstances.

The July 1996 provisions of the Brownfields initiative include:

The Pollution Control Board has until June 16, 1997 to develop and adopt site remediation program (SRP) rules. Additional detail on the Brownfields initiative is available through the Illinois Pollution Control Board web site: http://www.state.il.us/pcb/96leg.htm.

LUST FUND REPLENISHED

After stalling in 1995 Illinois Legislative Session, the Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) cleanup reimbursement fund was replenished in the 1996 (Public Act 89-457, SB 1390) through the imposition of a new fee. The fee is $60 per 7,500 gallons of gasoline (which is approximately one load) and is expected to generate $50 million per year. Additional changes to the LUST laws bring Illinois into compliance with U.S. EPA guidelines. Some of these changes include:

A tank owner may be required to conduct further investigation at no further action sites if conditions warrant

Plans and reports are no longer being "approved by operation of law" if the Agency does not approve, deny, or modify the plan or report within the regulatory time frame. The plans and reports are being "denied by operation of law" with appeal rights.

Release reporting is the responsibility of the owner/operator, not the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) as was the case in the previous law.

Additional detail is given by the Pollution Control Board web site: http://www.state.il.us/pcb/ 96leg.htm.

SDW ACT REAUTHORIZED

An updated and steamlined version of the Safe Drinking Water (SDW) Act was passed by the 104th Congress with broad legislative support and signed into law by President Clinton on August 6, 1996. The SDW Act was initially enacted in 1974 to protect public health by ensuring water quality, and was revised in 1986 to require the U.S. EPA to set standards for 83 contaminants and set standards for 25 additional contaminants every three years thereafter.

The new federal legislation removes the mandate for the U.S. EPA to set contaminant standards and instead requires the U.S. EPA to set standards based on risk and cost-benefit analysis. In addition, the bill gives the states greater flexibility in identifying and considering the likelihood for contamination in potable water supplies in establishing monitoring criteria, increases reliance on "sound science" paired with more consumer information presented in readily understandable form, and calls for increased attention to assessment and protection of source waters. Congress has authorized a $7.6 billion state revolving fund loan program which runs through fiscal year 2003. States that have adopted federal regulations can be granted primary enforcement authority for these federal regulations, and will be required to develop safeguards for future capacity development, identify water systems with a history of significant non-compliance, and revisit by 1999 minimum standards for certification/recertification of water system operators. (summary modified from SDW Act statement in http://www.epa.state.il.us/pubs/ progress/v21-n3/sdwa.html)

CFR 40 AVAILABLE THROUGH INTERNET

Title 40 of the 1995 edition of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR) is freely available and fully searchable through the World Wide Web site sponsored by the National Environmental Information Service (NEIS). The environmental regulations under 40 CFR of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) can be searched using either key words or hypertext-linked table of contents. NEIS technicians will update the regulations every six months. The new site address is http://www.neis.com. [summary from the Ground Water Monitoring Review, Fall 1996]

IGA-SUPPORTED STUDENT THESES

The IGA is proud to have supported so many outstanding Illinois student research projects through the IGA Student Grant Program. Below are listed IGA Grant winners from 1994 to date.

1996: Kurt Kraske, Northern Illinois University. Thesis Title: Movement and Evolution of Nitrogen Compounds in the Prairie Aquigroup and Alexandrian - Maquoketa Aquifer in Campton Township, Kane County, Illinois.

Yanzhong Liang, University of Illinois at Chicago. Dissertation Title: Speciation and Complexation of Lead (Pb) in Contaminated Surfaces and Ground Waters.

1995: Reynald de Castro, Illinois State University. Thesis Title: Groundwater Chemistry Across a Buried Anticline in Douglas County, Illinois.

Rebecca Ried, Northern Illinois University. Thesis Title: Hydrogeological Characterization of Ground Water at a Wetland in Van Pattern Woods, Northeastern Illinois.

1994: Jacqueline N. Morrison, Northern Illinois University. Thesis Title: Influence of Buried Bedrock Valleys in North-Central Illinois on Recharge and Groundwater Flow in the Prairie, Upper Bedrock and Midwest Bedrock Aquigroups

Richard Poland, Northeastern Illinois University. Thesis Title: Field Comparison of Three Methods of Measuring Ks in the Vadose Zone.

Jinnan Zhou, University of Illinois at Chicago. Thesis Title: Effect of Slug Hydrodynamic Efficiency on the Accuracy of Field Hydraulic Conductivity Tests in Highly Permeable Formations

1993: Diane V. Hardisty Northern Illinois University. Thesis Title: Geochemical Characterization of Groundwater in Glacial Drift Aquifers of Northern Lake County, Illinois

Timothy A. McDonald, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Thesis Title:. Guelph Permeameter variability and development of an inexpensive, automated, modified Guelph permeameter
 


ILLINOIS WATER BUDGET PROPOSAL

It's not everyday that clean water is a priority for Illinois government. Yet Gov. Jim Edgar made it one when he presented his budget proposal for Illinois government, calling for increases in programs meant to benefit both evironmentalists and farmers.

The budget proposal being reviewed this spring by the General Assembly calls for the state to support a joint federal/state revolving loan program by which communities will be able to receive low-interest loans for projects improving their drinking water supplies.

The federal government would provide the bulk of funding for such loans, although the state would be expected to kick in 20 percent. And Edgar budget aides say the program could result in $56.4 million in loans for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

But that was not the only water-related program included in the budgets of the state departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The agencies' budgets call for $2 million to be spent to begin a 15- year initiative to improve the quality of the Illinois River, both for environmental and business purposes. The effort will cost Illinois government $100 million during those years, and is meant to encourage the federal government to give Illinois $400 million in matching funds.

Edgar also wants to provide $9 million for the Council on Food and Agricultural Research, which supports projects at state colleges and universities meant to expand markets and production to improve nutrition, food safety and food quality.

Also receiving a boost is the Conservation 2000 program, which promotes environmentally sound farming. The program will include an extra $2 million for Site M, a state-owned plot of land in Cass County that the state wants to turn into a major recreational site. Among projects scheduled to take place at the site this year is creation of a 200-acre lake to be stocked with fish and other wildlife. (excerpt from UPI, March 5, 1997)
 


WINSTANLEY NEW CHIEF OF WATER SURVEY

Dr. Derek Winstanley was recently appointed Chief of the Illinois State Water Survey by the Board of Natural Resources and Conservation, which governs the scientific Surveys. Winstanley assumed his duties at the Water Survey in January.

"The Illinois State Water Survey, which celebrated its centennial in 1995, is a unique institution with an international reputation for scientific excellence. I am pleased and honored to have the opportunity to lead the Water Survey into the twenty-first century. Working closely with the other Surveys in Champaign, state agencies, universities, not-for-profit organizations, industry, and the general public, I intend to maintain and enhance the quality of products and services the Water Survey provides to the citizens of Illinois," Winstanley said.

Winstanley has 27 years of international experience in environmental research and management. He comes to the Water Survey from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) where he served as Deputy Chief Scientist in Washington, D.C. Over the past two years, he had a lead role in a comprehensive review of that agency's $550 million research and development programs and a review of the 40 laboratories of the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Environmental Research Laboratories. He has also served as a member of the Expert Group on Emissions Scenarios of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change of the United Nations. Previously, Winstanley worked for NOAA as Director of the National Acid Precipitation and Assessment Program (NAPAP). He already has first-hand knowledge of the Illinois State Water Survey through his work with NAPAP and NOAA.

Winstanley is originally from Wigan, England, and earned his doctorate (D. Phil.) in climatology from Oxford University. During the 1970s, he worked with the Ministry for Agriculture and Natural Resources in The Gambia, the Office of the Science Advisor in Environment Canada, and the Center for Overseas Pest Research in the British Ministry for Overseas Development. He has conducted research on the climates of Africa, radar entomology, ornithology, air quality, and world food production.

The new Chief is an accomplished woodworker and gardener, interests he would like to pursue in his leisure time once he and his wife Betty are more settled in their new home in central Illinois. He also demonstrated his sense of humor by quipping,"My wife, a Cherokee, is happy to finally be married to a Chief."

Chief Winstanley may be reached at the Water Survey, a division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, via e-mail at dwinstan@uiuc.edu or by calling (217) 244- 5459. He replaces Dr. Lorin Nevling, who held the dual role of Acting Chief of the Water Survey and Chief of the Illinois Natural History Survey until his retirement in December 1996.

SPRING 1997 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Conferences and Expositions

March 18-21, 1997. Illinois Section of the American Water Work Association-88th Annual Meeting and Technical Program. Indian Lakes Hotel, Bloomingdale, Illinois. Contact Lauie Papanos (815) 246-7077.

March 21, 1997. Logan County Health Fair. Lincoln, Illinois. Contact Marcia Dowling (217) 735-2317.

March 26, 1997. The 7th Annual Research Planning Conference, Research on Agricultural Chemicals in Illinois Groundwater, Status and Future Directions VII. Sponsored by the Illinois Groundwater Consortium. Giant City Lodge, Giant City State Park, Makanda, Illinois

April 1, 1997. Illinois Groundwater Association Spring Meeting. Holmes Student Center, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois. For more information call Dan Kelleher (630) 574-3941 and see the Agenda in this Newsletter.

April 1-3, 1997. The Eleventh National Outdoor Action Conference and Exposition on Aquifer Remediation, Groundwater Monitoring, Geophysical Methods, Soil Treatment. Sponsored by The National Ground Water Association. Conference location: Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas, Nevada. Contact Sherry Morse (800) 551-7379 for more information.

April 6-9. 1997. Sixth Multidiciplinary Conference on Sinkholes and the Engineering and Environmental Impacts of Karst. Sponsored by the AGSC, ASCE, AEG, Southwest Missouri State University, The Karst Waters Institute, and PELA, Inc. Holiday Inn University Plaza, Springfield, Missouri. For more information write to PELA, Sixth Multidisciplinary Conference, P.O. Box 4578, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-4578 or http://www.uakron .edu/ geology/6th.html.

April 10, 1997. Groundwater Mentor Training. Sponsored by the Environmental Alliance for Senior Involvement and the U.S. EPA. Peoria area, Illinois. Contact Rock Cobb at (217) 785-4787.

April 18, 1997. K-8 Science Update Conference. Western Illinois University-Science Education Center, Macomb, Illinois. Contact Dr. John Beaver (309) 298-2065.

May 1-2, 1997. 31st Annual Meeting of the North Central Geological Society of America. Sponsored by the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Surveys and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Meeting location is at the Madison Concourse Hotel and the Governor's Club in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information call the Geological Society of America Meetings Department at (303) 447-2020 or http://www.geosociety.org, or Bruce Brown at (608) 263-3201.

May 16, 1997. The 5th Great Lakes Geotechnical/Geoenvironmental Conference, Site Characterization for Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Problems. Sponsored by the Environmental Engineering Geophysical Society and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Hosted by the University of Michigan, College of Engineering. Contact Professor R.D. Woods, (313) 764-8495 or e-mail rdw@engin.umich.edu for more information.

June 14, 1997. Mid-Atlantic Ground Water Expo. Sponsored by the National Groundwater Association. Hershey, Pennsylvania. Contact (800) 551-7379 for more information.

September 3-6, 1997. 49th Annual National Ground Water Association Convention/Expo. Las Vegas, Nevada. Contact (800) 551-7379, (614) 898-7791, or http://www.h2o.ngwa.org for more information.

September 30-October 4, 1997. 1997 AEG Annual Meeting. Portland, Oregon. Contact Gary Peterson at (503) 635-4419 or e-mail garyp@squier.com.

October 12-15, 1997. National Ground Water Association's 49th Annual National Convention and Exposition. Columbus, Ohio. Phone the NGWA at (800) 551-7379 or fax (614) 337-8445 for more information.

October 19-23, 1997. Annual Conference and Symposium on Conjunctive Use of Water Resources: Aquifer Storage and Recovery. Sponsored by the American Water Resources Association. Sheraton Long Beach Hotel, Long Beach, California. For more information call (703) 904-1225, e-mail awrahq@aol.com, or WWW Home Page http://www.awra.org/ ~awra.

November 12-14, 1997. Petroleum Hydrocarbons Conference/Expo. Sponsored by the National Groundwater Association. Houston, Texas. Contact (800) 551-7379 for more information.

Education and Training Courses

These courses listings are provided for our reader's information and inclusion in this Newsletter does not constitute endorsement by the IGA.

March 26, 1997. What You Should Know About the Proposed Part 740, 742 and 732 Rules on Brownfields, TACO and LUST. Sponsored by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Consulting Engineers Council of Illinois. The seminar will go over the background, applicability, and process of each program. Arlington Park Hilton Conference Center, Arlington Heights, Illinois. Call David Kennedy (217) 528-7814 for more information.

April 3, 1997. What You Should Know About the Proposed Part 740, 742 and 732 Rules on Brownfields, TACO and LUST. Sponsored by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Consulting Engineers Council of Illinois. The seminar will go over the background, applicability, and process of each program. Holiday Inn East, Springfield, Illinois. Call David Kennedy at (217) 528-7814 for more information.

June 16-20, 1997. Environmental Laws and Regulations - A Training Opportunity for Managers and Technical Staff. Sponsored by the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Corps of Engineers Course. Cincinnati, Ohio. Call Beverly Dunlap for more information (205) 895-7422.

Improving Hydrogeologic Investigations. Part I: Site Geologic Characterization in Glaciated Areas. Sponsored by the Midwest Geosciences Group. Call Tim Kemmis (414) 451-2657 and see announcement on page 6 for more information. Dates and locations:
September 19, 1997. Indianapolis, Indiana
September 26, 1997. Oak Brook, Illinois
September 27, 1997. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

National Ground Water Association Offerings. Call (800) 551-7379 or e-mail h2o@h2o-ngwa.org:
May 12-13, 1997. Principles and Concepts of Variogram and Kriging Analysis for Environmental Applications. Columbus, Ohio.
May 13-15, 1997. Remedial Action Assessment System (RAAS) Computer Workshop. Columbus, Ohio.
May 14-15, 1997. Introduction to Contouring Methods for Environmental Applications. Columbus, Ohio.
June 9-10, 1997. Application of Health Risk Assessment for Environmental Decision Making. Madison, Wisconsin.
June 11-12, 1997. Environmental Restoration for the Environmental Professional Madison, Wisconsin.
June 10-12, 1997. Treatment Technologies. Madison, Wisconsin.
September 23-26, 1997. Analysis and Design of Aquifer tests Including Fracture Flow. Columbus, Ohio.
September 24-26, 1997. Natural Attenuation for Remediation of Contaminated Sites. Columbus, Ohio.

Sponsored by Nielsen Environmental Field School, Inc. Call (614) 965-5026 for more information. Selected offerings listed below:
June 4-5, 1997. Accelerated Site Characterization: Methods for Rapid, Cost-Effective Assessment of Contaminated Sites. Columbus, Ohio.
June 16-18, 1997. Pumping Tests and Slug Tests: Field Methods and Data Analysis. Columbus, Ohio.
June 23-26, 1997. Environmental Sampling and Field Sample Analysis: Techniques for Site Characterization and Remediation. Columbus, Ohio

Darcy Lectures are sponsored by the Association of Ground Water Scientists and Engineers, are free to the public, and are typically held at universities. Below are listed selected locations where Darcy Lectures are scheduled:

DatePlaceContactPhone No.
3/6/97 U. of Minn. Olaf Pfannkuch (612) 624-1620
4/11/97 U. of Okl. Robert Knox (405) 325-5911
4/18/97 Wright State U. Robert Ritzi (513) 775-3455
4/24/97 Col Schl of Mines Eileen Poeter (303) 273-3829
4/25/97 Col State U. Bill Sanford (970) 491-5929

More information about the Darcy Lecture Schedule can be obtained from the NGWA web site at http://www.h2o-ngwa.org


IGA Feature Article

Illinois Groundwater Association Newsletter publishes short geology- or groundwater-related articles submitted by the IGA board, members, and interested parties on a wide variety of subjects. These articles are intended to as a service to our readers, who have diverse backgrounds and a variety of interests. Comments, suggestions, and requests are welcome.

An Investigation of The Karst Regions of Illinois: Groundwater Contamination Problems in Southwestern Illinois

Samuel V. Panno, Illinois State Geological Survey

A study began in 1982 of the geology, sinkhole density and characteristics, and groundwater contamination in the karst regions of Illinois. In the course of our investigations in southwestern Illinois, we found that there are approximately 10,000 sinkholes in southern St. Clair, Monroe, and Randolph Counties, which are known as the "sinkhole plain". Over three quarters of the sinkholes and the longest caves in the state (one with over 20 kilometers of mapped passage) are located in Monroe County. Residents of this county are also experiencing significant shallow groundwater contamination problems.

About half of the residents in the "sinkhole plain" depend on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water. A large part of our investigation focused on water quality and the relationships between well water quality and spring water quality. The sampling of over 50 wells and 15 springs on a seasonal basis has revealed that 55% of the water samples from the wells contained coliform bacteria in the summer, and pesticides in the spring. However, only about 20% of the water samples from wells collected during the other seasons tested positive for the presence of these contaminants. Concentrations of the pesticides alachlor and atrazine in well water samples never exceeded federal regulatory limits. Nitrate concentrations were elevated in many of the well water samples, but only about 10% exceeded federal regulatory limits, and exhibited no seasonal patterns. Spring water samples were contaminated with elevated concentrations of coliform and fecal coliform bacteria all year, and elevated concentrations of alachlor and atrazine in the spring time.

The seasonal nature of some groundwater contamination suggested that surface water, contaminated with relatively large concentrations of bacteria and pesticides (although at different times of the year), entered shallow karst aquifers via direct discharge to sinkholes and other macropores. Contaminated water found its way into the shallow karst aquifer and seeped into wells that are routinely left uncased below the soil-bedrock interface.

Bacterial contamination of well and spring water presents the greatest health concern in these counties. Field observations and bacterial analysis of septic effluent from well-maintained and relatively new aeration systems (commonly used in the sinkhole plain) revealed that septic effluent, often discharged directly into sinkholes, was a mixture of numerous enteric bacteria. Samples of effluent exceeded state guidelines for fecal coliform content in 63% of the systems. Contributions from other types of septic systems used in the area are likely.

The results of some of this work recently have been published by the ISGS. This project is a multi-departmental effort being conducted by S.V. Panno, C.P. Weibel, I.G. Krapac, of the Illinois State Geological Survey; J.D. Bade of the Monroe-Randolph Bi-County Health Department; and E.C. Storment of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and is currently funded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

PUBLIC EDUCATION/INFORMATION

The Illinois Middle School Groundwater Project Team of:

has been recognized for outstanding leadership and encouragement in developing and fostering the Illinois Middle School Groundwater Project, an effective science curriculum that educates teachers and students about groundwater in Illinois and the need for properly developing and protecting this resource. The four members of the project team are professional educators who have received numerous educational and service awards, and are active in the field of education through membership in many professional education organizations, writing articles and books, and extending their work and enthusiasm to others. Through their efforts they have spread the project from the initial 11 target counties to more than 50 counties and have reached over 500 teachers and an estimated 60,000 students. The team has established a new and productive model for community involvement that emphasizes groundwater professionals and local resource people. Through this project teachers and students develop an improved understanding of the hydrologic cycle, develop water well histories, and perform water quality screening with owners of potential problem wells that have been referred to the local health department. Over 200 groundwater flow models that simulate local hydrogeologic conditions have been built by participating teachers. Many local businesses and organizations have contributed funds for these models. The Illinois Middle School Team has provided workshops for teachers at conferences of the Illinois Science Teachers Association and the National Science Teachers Association in addition to regional teacher institutes. The program has enhanced the ties of teachers, students, and students' parents with local health departments, Cooperative Extension Service agents, soil and water conservation districts, farm bureaus, and water departments. Through their efforts they have succeeded in increasing the knowledge of teachers and students about groundwater, enhancing their awareness of protecting groundwater from contamination, and extending community participation in the program. The team has successfully sought and integrated participation of various state agencies and organizations in teacher training: DNR, IEPA, ISWS, ISGS, Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Environmental Council, Environmental Education Association of Illinois, the Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association, Illinois Association of Groundwater Professionals, Illinois Farm Bureau, and Illinois Groundwater Association.

1996 GROUNDWATER SCIENCE AWARDS

The annual Groundwater Science Awards, presented at the Illinois Groundwater Association's Fall 1996 Meeting, are co-sponsored by the IGA and the Illinois Groundwater Protection Education Program developed under the Illinois Groundwater Protection Act. The awards recognize outstanding science-based achievements in the management, protection, and utilization of groundwater.

Mr. Robert D. Stain was recognized for his outstanding commitment and contribution to the education of the public about the value of properly developing Illinois' groundwater resource for beneficial uses while protecting the availability of this resources for future generations. Mr. Stain attended New York University in New York City and, after graduating, was employed for 18 years by the A. E. Staley Mfg. Company of Decatur, Illinois. For the next 14 years he worked for the Edible Oil Division in the capacity of District Sales Manager in San Francisco and New York City, and as National Sales Manager for four years. Mr. Stain was employed by Continental Grain until retirement, serving as Branch Manager, Vice-President of Accounts Policies and Standards, and Senior Vice-President for the Departments of Management Information Systems, Research, and Accounting. After retirement he organized a consulting service and spent three years developing individual marketing plans for customers of the Grand Prairie Cooperative. Mr. Stain became interested in local water issues while serving an elected four-year term on the Monticello City Council. The Mahomet Valley Water Compact Group employed him to help in researching programs that could assist them develop water resource management for Piatt and DeWitt Counties. This included some of the initial work in developing the referendum for establishing the Mahomet Valley Water Authority. After the referendum was passed, he became the Administrative Consultant for the Authority, a position from which he was instrumental in developing the formation of the Illinois Water Authority Association. Mr. Stain became interested in economic development for Monticello while serving on the City Council and when serving as the City's economic development contact for five years.

Mr. George Gaffke, a Water Well and Pump Installation Contractor, was recognized for outstanding commitment and expertise in advocating and supporting education about proper water well construction and disinfection standards and practices, and the wisdom of using and protecting Illinois' groundwater resources. Mr. Gaffke is a licensed water well contractor in Illinois (since 1976) and Wisconsin. He has actively served on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Association of Groundwater Professionals (IAGP) since 1982, and was President from 1992-1994. He chairs the IAGP's Education Committee, which he has been part of since 1989, and has taken a leadership role in the IAGP's Grouting Committee. Mr. Gaffke has worked hard at raising the quality of the IAGP's educational programs for contractors and local health departments, and IAGP seminars have earned the endorsement of the Illinois Department of Public Health. He was instrumental in the IAGP being awarded a two-year grant for a well disinfection program, and is closely involved in planning and implementing this program. It is expected that this program will result in new disinfection and construction techniques. Mr. Gaffke has significantly contributed to building a solid working relationship with regulatory agencies, manufacturers, and scientists involved in groundwater with IAGP programs, which are often co-sponsored by these other groups. Through his strong interest in consumer education, he has actively supported and participated in expanding the IAGP's public educational displays and promotions, such as the IAGP participating in the Clean Water Celebration in Peoria. Mr. Gaffke is a member of the IAGP, the Wisconsin Water Well Association, National Groundwater Association, and the Illinois Groundwater Association.
 


AGENDA
ILLINOIS GROUNDWATER ASSOCIATION
Spring Meeting, Tuesday, April 1, 1997
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois

8:00 - 8:50 AM Registration
8:50 - 9:00Welcome
9:00 - 9:20 Geophysical Detection of Karst Features on the Oak Ridge Reservation, Tennessee
Phil Carpenter, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois
9:20 - 9:40 Groundwater Resource Information and the Internet
Tim McDonald, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois
9:40 - 10:00 The Induction of Chromosome Damage in Animal Cells Exposed to Levels of Atrazine Contaminating Potable Water Supplies
A. Lane Rayburn, University of Illinois at Urbana, Urbana, Illinois
10:00 - 10:20 Break
10:20 - 10:40Reclassification of the Deposits of the Last Glaciation (Wisconsin Episode)
Ardith Hansel, Illinois State Geological Survey, Champaign, Illinois
10:40 - 11:30 Implementation of the Tiered Approach to Corrective Action Objectives "TACO" - Focus on Groundwater
Ken Page, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Springfield, Illinois
11:30 - 11:50 Business meeting; open podium
11:50 - 1:00Lunch
1:00 - 1:20Addressing Uncertainty in Site Characterization from a Research Perspective
Don Keefer, Illinois State Geological Survey, Champaign, Illinois
1:20 - 1:40 Addressing Uncertainty in Site Characterization from a Regulatory Perspective
John Sherrill, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Springfield,Illinois
1:40 - 2:00Three-Dimensional Model of Groundwater Flow in a Funnel/Gate System
Frank Breen, TerraCon, Chicago, Illinois
2:00 - 2:20 Porosity Occlusion in Limestones: Preliminary Interpretations from Studies of Calcite Growth Morphology
Leo Kurylo, David J. Winter, Elizabeth A. Burton, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois
2:20 - 2:40 Break
2:40 - 3:00 Results of Investigations of Declining Water Levels, Jaycee Park Recreational Lake, Cary, Illinois
Steve Benton, Illinois State Geological Survey, Champaign, Illinois
3:00 - 3:20 A Hydrogeologic Characterization of a Wetland, Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve, Illinois
Rebecca Reid*, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois
3:20 - 3:40 Delineation of Wellhead Protection Areas for Central Illinois Communities
Larry Barrows, Illinois State University, Bloomington, Illinois. Co-authors Davies, Greenslate, Bowers, Kosek, Lee, and Lane.

*IGA student grant recipient



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