Illinois EPA demands Hebron develop ‘better’ water protection plan – Shaw Local

The Hebron Town Council on Monday evening approved spending up to $11,175 to hire Engineering Enterprises, Inc. to revise and resubmit the source water protection plan.

A source water protection plan required by the Illinois State Department of Environmental Protection shows that a municipal water utility is protecting water that may end up in its wells and “being pumped into the distribution system and into the faucet,” said Tim Holdeman of the engineering firm.

There is no problem with the well water in Hebron and nothing to indicate that it has been contaminated in the past, said Hebron Mayor Robert Shelton.

There are two active wells in Hebron, both about 275 feet deep, Holdeman said, explaining that both end in the sand and gravel layer above the aquifer and “you draw water from the sand and gravel above the bedrock.”

Well No. 4, near the water tower, is close to commercial and industrial facilities that use chemicals, Holdeman said.

“If they are not careful when storing or using (chemicals), they can leak and get into the soil and groundwater,” he said.

Well No. 5 is located near the Hebron Community Park and agricultural use, Holdeman said. Excessive use can also leach agricultural chemicals into the groundwater.

The source water plan should ensure that the water provider – Hebron – has a plan to prevent contamination at these sites.

“As a municipal water supplier, you have a responsibility to ensure that the water is safe,” Holdeman said.

A state law that went into effect in 2019 sets dates by which municipal water systems must submit their plans. For cities with fewer than 3,000 residents, that deadline was July 26. Hebron’s water authority submitted a plan, Holdeman said, but “IEPA asked Hebron to submit a better plan.”

The IEPA is aware that Hebron is working with Holdeman on a new plan, Shelton said.

The engineering firm will submit to the village the four documents required by law, including a vision statement on its commitment to spring water production, an assessment of its spring water, its conservation goals and an action plan.

At a kickoff meeting, Holdeman will discuss the vision statement and resource allocation with Shelton, the board and village staff.

“Then we will focus on the scientific part,” he said.

A final plan could be presented to the municipal council at the end of September.

The amount cannot exceed $11,175, Shelton said, noting that the final bill could be much lower. The funds come from Hebron’s water and sewer fund, not the general fund, he added.