A Wellhead Protection Source Control Strategy (SCS) is developed to minimize the potential for contamination from identified potential pollution sources.   In developing a SCS plan, communities may choose any combination of regulatory and/or non-regulatory management options.  The options selected will differ from community to community based on variations in local hydrology, identified potential pollution sources, political support, protection objectives, and technical and financial resources.

SOURCE CONTROL STRATEGIES FOR THE HAMILTON TO NEW BALTIMORE AREA

The Consortium's SCS combines both regulatory and non-regulatory approaches.  The non-regulatory approaches are described in the Consortium's Public Education Plan.  The regulatory measures include  zoning-based ordinances that were adopted by one county and two municipalities, and are proposed for four townships, and one village.

One of the Consortium's primary goals in developing a SCS for the Wellhead Protection Areas (WHPAs) was selection of strategies that met the protection objectives of the Wellhead Protection Program (WHPP) while minimizing the burden on the regulated community.  The SCS was developed with the assistance of a public advisory group consisting of representatives from agriculture, aggregate mining, business, local/county government, and local civic groups.

Highlights of the Regulatory Source Control Strategies

•  Applicability.  Few provisions included in the WHPP ordinance apply unilaterally to all facilities in all time-of-travel (TOT) zones.  The applicability of specific requirements varies with the location of a facility in a TOT (1, 5, or 10 year TOT); type of regulated substance stored; manner of storage; and, in some cases, whether the facility is a retail/wholesale facility.

•   Facility Registration.  Registration of facilities storing regulated substances in quantities meeting or exceeding the threshold amounts established in the ordinance is required.  The registration will be completed by the Wellhead Protection Coordinator (WHPC) once every two years.  Registration includes (but is not limited to) information on the types, quantities, location, and manner of storage of regulated substances at the facility. 

•  Temporary Storage Requirements.  Regulated substances stored on a temporary basis must be secured against vandalism; stored in an area where the unit is least exposed to traffic, flammables, or other hazards; properly labeled; and stored on an impervious surface.

•   Facility Closure.  All regulated substances must be removed from a facility within 90 days of a facility's closure.

•   Aboveground  Regulated Substance Storage Units.  Storage units must be clearly labeled, inspected weekly, and stored on an impervious surface.  Secondary containment is required for new aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) .  A Spill Control Plan for regulated substance  releases must be developed by facility operators when storing non-exempt regulated substances without secondary containment.  Periodic structural integrity testing is required for ASTs meeting specified criteria.

•  Underground Storage Tanks.  All USTs in the WHPA must be registered once every two years by the  WHPC.  All new USTs must be installed in accordance with federal Sensitive Area requirements.  No new USTs may be installed in the 1 year TOT.  Annual or periodic structural integrity testing required for any UST meeting specified conditions.