Mapping the Vulnerability of Glacial Aquifers & Mapping Contaminant Plumes
On behalf of the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota Geological Survey evaluated the vulnerability of glacial aquifers in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The project improved upon previous vulnerability assessments by incorporating a substantial amount of new aquifer property information and blending methods previously used by the Minnesota Departments of Health and Natural Resources. The result is a consistent vulnerability assessment across the metropolitan area based on the most up-to-date information available.
This project generated maps showing pathways of groundwater movement through glacial materials to bedrock. The maps are supported by a database of aquifer property and chemistry information developed through a related Clean Water Fund study. Maps and supporting files are made available on the Metropolitan Council website.
$400,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2011 from the clean water fund, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 114D.50, to the Metropolitan Council to fund Metropolitan Council water supply planning activities under section 473.1565, for projects that include, but are not limited to, protection of the Seminary Fen and Valley Branch Trout Stream; lessening groundwater vulnerability by mapping glacial aquifers; creation of a comprehensive map of known groundwater contaminant plumes; and the design of plans that can be used by communities for reusing storm water. By January 15, 2011, the council shall report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and divisions that make recommendations for appropriations from the clean water fund on the outcomes of the council's water supply planning activities. This appropriation is onetime and available until expended.
This project proposes to provide information that will assist wellhead protection coordinators in the development and implementation of source water protection plans, municipal water suppliers in the evaluation of availability and vulnerability of potential groundwater sources, and land use planners to ensure that activities at the land surface consider the potential for adversely affecting groundwater quality. The outcomes of this project will also support water resource managers and land use planners to evaluate potential water quality issues related to proposed well installation and contaminant plume migration. The proposed map will also support long-term planning to ensure that decisions about where to site wells do not result in unintended consequences that could compromise the ability of future generations to obtain clean water.
Outcomes will be reported at project completion.
$400,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2011 from the clean water fund, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 114D.50, to the Metropolitan Council to fund Metropolitan Council water supply planning activities under section 473.1565, for projects that include, but are not limited to, protection of the Seminary Fen and Valley Branch Trout Stream; lessening groundwater vulnerability by mapping glacial aquifers; creation of a comprehensive map of known groundwater contaminant plumes; and the design of plans that can be used by communities for reusing storm water. By January 15, 2011, the council shall report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and divisions that make recommendations for appropriations from the clean water fund on the outcomes of the council's water supply planning activities. This appropriation is onetime and available until expended.
See 2011 Fiscal Year Proposed Measureable Outcomes.
This project provides information that assists wellhead protection coordinators in the development and implementation of source water protection plans, municipal water suppliers in the evaluation of availability and vulnerability of potential groundwater sources, and land use planners to ensure that activities at the land surface consider the potential for adversely affecting groundwater quality. This project also supports water resource managers and land use planners to evaluate potential water quality issues related to proposed well installation and contaminant plume migration. The map and geodatabase also support long-term planning to ensure that decisions about where to site wells do not result in unintended consequences that could compromise the ability of future generations to obtain clean water.