Water at Risk

According to the Indiana DNR, “because the bedrock aquifer systems have complex fracturing systems, once a contaminant has been introduced into a bedrock aquifer system, it will be difficult to track and remediate.”

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources defines four unconsolidated aquifer systems within the IEC Planning Study Area, according to a study commissioned by St. Joseph County. The study by Peerless Midwest states:

• “The St. Joseph Aquifer System and Tributary Valleys is highly susceptible to groundwater contamination.”

• “Due to the absence of overlying clay deposits, the [Kankakee] aquifer system is highly susceptible to surface contamination. “

• Where a till cap layer is present the [Valpraiso Moraine] aquifer’s susceptibility to surface contamination is moderate. If the till cap is not present, then the chance for surface contamination increases.”

• The [Valpraiso Outwash Apron] aquifer is highly susceptible to surface contamination due to the absence of a clay rich cap layer.”

IEC’s Water Withdrawal

A report suggests “the Kankakee and Valparaiso Outwash Apron aquifer systems “can provide total safe yield of 49.0 million gallons per day (mgd)….without depletion of the aquifers’ storage reservoir.

Existing groundwater withdrawal rates…results in the remaining aquifer safe yield capacity of 20.9 to 27.3 mgd. “

The community needs to decide whether new industry should deplete about half of the aquifer capacity while putting the other half at risk for contamination.

The Peerless Midwest study concludes, “To maintain long term sustainability of area well fields and better manage the resource, groundwater development will need to incorporate long-term planning.”

Through 2020, there have not been ample opportunities for the community to participate in dialogue to guide planning. Nonetheless, the County continues to push through funding for the IEC.

Community Concerns

Per the County’s 2002 Comprehensive Plan, “People are very concerned about environmental issues and green space, more so than for any other development issues that were asked. Water quality is of particular interest, with 75% of all respondents indicating concern.”

Additionally, “The community study noted the wide variety of environmental concerns regarding future urban growth, including wetlands, floodplains, and groundwater issues.”