Groundwater Quality Study Committee Meeting

MINUTES – DRAFT

August 21, 2013 – 1:30 p.m.

This meeting was held at:

Regional Development Center

2880 International Circle

Colorado Springs, CO 80910

Conference Room A/B

Members Attending – Elise Bergsten, Diann Butlak, Randy Case, Annette Calabretta, Sean Chambers, Dave Doran, Jerry Hannigan, Paul Hempel, Jonathan Lovekin, Rich Muzzy, Ellen Robley, Gary Hamacher, Elaine Kleckner, Mike McCarthy

Members Absent – Lawrence Grahem, Sandra Martin, Cole Emmons

Technical Advisors and Public Attending – Mike Rupert, USGS; Bryan Long, Windmill Development; Steve Mulliken, Attorney; John Valentine, Colorado State Land Board

1. Call to Order and Establishment of Quorum – Randy Case, Vice Chair, called the meeting to order at 1:30 pm. A quorum was present. (Sean Chambers, Chair, later joined the meeting.)

2. Introductions – Members and guests introduced themselves.

3. Approve Agenda – The agenda was unanimously approved.

4. Approve Minutes of May 15, 2013 Meeting – The minutes were unanimously approved.

5. Reports from Members on Groundwater Activities and Events – There were no special reports.

6. Groundwater Quality Study, Phase 2 – Reports, Updates and Discussion

a. Update on Final Monitoring Well Locations, Sampling and Testing – Mike Rupert of the U. S. Geological Survey reported that sampling went well. The goal was 50 wells and this was achieved. 8 of the wells were new monitoring wells. He reviewed the sampling protocol and described operation of the mobile lab.

Mike reviewed preliminary results, cautioning that data needed further review and analysis. Nitrate levels were somewhat high (in mid-range of standards) throughout the basin. Five of the wells exceeded standards, but nitrate levels may have gone down over time given changes in land use. Fluoride did not exceed drinking water standards in available data.

Diane asked if pump and treat scenarios were considered in the sampling process. Mike responded they were not.

Randy Case asked if the Committee should update the Board of County Commissioners in October. Mike said he would not be ready by October, given the need for additional internal review and analysis.

Dave Doran said that the UBSCGWMD needs strong conclusions about specific source sampling. Mike commented that this level of sampling (isotope testing) was not feasible given the scope of work, but could be done as a separate effort. The cost would be approximately $300 per sample. Members discussed that land use correlations are part of the scope of work, to occur after testing and analysis, and USGS will also provide monitoring plan recommendations. Mike said that the Committee should do retesting every five years, if possible.

b. Review Progress Relative to Work Plan and Schedule – Mike Rupert said that the project is on schedule.

c. Update on Budget and Additional Needs for 2013 – Elaine Kleckner reported that there is currently a budget deficit for 2013 because the Severance Tax Grant request was not successful. $21,650 was budgeted for drilling, but $10,117.50 of that amount was not spent. If the unspent amount is applied to the deficit, the remaining funds still needed in 2013 would be $10,582.50.

Elise Bergsten moved to apply the $10,117.50 to the study budget deficit for 2013. Jonathan Lovekin seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.

The Committee discussed options for securing the needed additional funding, including FEMA and NRCS. A working group meeting to address funding was set on September 5 at 9:00 am at the Regional Development Center.

d. Review Potential Grant Opportunities – Will be discussed on September 5.

e. Discuss Scheduling and Format of Board of County Commissioners Update – Will be discussed on September 5.

f. Discuss Other Data Needs - USGS did not identify any other data needs at this time.

7. New Business

a. Black Forest Fire Assessment and Impacts on Groundwater – Mike McCarthy of EPC Health said that they are responding to resident questions. Residents lost both water and power. At a public meeting concern was expressed about PBCs in wellheads that were melted. A number of redrills will be needed. He will get numbers from the State Division of Water Resources. Of the 526 properties that were impacted by fire, 35% had wells. In the older Brentwood area, all wells were lost. Volunteers helped the County-led effort to cap wells. EPC Health is concerned about metals, fire retardant (nitrates), ash and debris. They have reached out to the Colorado Department of Health and Environment regarding baseline information and monitoring, and he should have more information to share at the next Committee meeting.

Ellen Robley said that the Park Forest Water District worked with the County to provide bulk water to residents. There have been issues with the quality of Arapaho aquifer water.

Dave Doran asked about septic system impacts. Mike responded that a few facilities were lost. The fire moved so fast that most systems survived.

Rich Muzzy said that USGS will be sampling surface water for fire effects.

b. Review and Recommendation on Groundwater Quality Study Committee Applications – Elaine Kleckner provided the three applications received for two at-large positions and asked for a Committee recommendation for the Board. Members asked that she invite the applicants to the November meeting at which time they will make a recommendation.

Dave Doran moved to make a recommendation that Ellen Robley be allowed to continue in her new special district capacity with Park Forest Water District. Elise Bergsten seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.

8. Public Comments – There were no public comments.

9. Confirm Date, Time, and Location of Next Meeting – November 20, 2013, 1:30 pm, at the Pikes Peak Regional Development Center.

10. Adjourn – The meeting was adjourned at 3:55 pm.