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Introduction
Northeast Geoscience, Inc. (NGI) is currently investigating the feasibility of developing sources of spring water at the Clinton Water Works in Sterling, Massachusetts. Testing to date has been positive but available quantity is less than initial estimates. The economic viability is unknown given the capital costs involved, the extensive permitting, and the required municipal agreements. The purpose of this document is to provide a working conceptual proposal to serve as a basis for discussing local agreements. For reference, the work to date has been concentrated around the reservoir known as Spring Basin Reservoir at three borehole locations known as BH-3, BH-16 and BH-17.
History
The Clinton Water Works, also known as “The Wekepeke” from its location within the watershed of Wekepeke Brook, was developed in 1881 as a source of drinking water for the Town of Clinton. The facility consists of five reservoirs (a.k.a. “basins”) and associated infrastructure on approximately 600 acres of land. Numerous springs occur at the site including a prolific system that feeds Spring Basin Reservoir. Between 1881 and the 1920’s numerous improvements were made to expand and enhance the water system, and at its peak the Water Works provided approximately 1.2 million gallons per day to the Town of Clinton.
After the construction of the Wachusett Reservoir in the early 1900’s, the use of the Clinton Water Works gradually diminished until it was shut down in the 1960’s. Since that time the Town of Clinton has maintained the facility as a potential supplement water supply for the Town. Since its development the property has provided an important natural resource for nearby residents.
Proposed Operations
Spring Water Sources:
The Clinton Water Works historically provided the Town of Clinton with over 1.2 million gallons of water per day (>833 gallons per minute). Based on the pumping tests completed to date the estimated yield of three boreholes installed at the site range from approximately 160-170 gallons per minute for a total production volume of 230,000 to 244,000 gallons per day. As a point of comparison, the Town of Sterling Water System produces up to 1.5 million gallons per day in the summer. These sources include wells 1 and 2 located off Route 12, and wells 3, 4 and 5 located off Redemption Rock Trail.
On-Site Operations:
Construction: One pumping station will be constructed at each of the three boreholes sites. The pumping station dimensions and construction can vary from a low-profile underground bunker to a one-story high (12 feet wide by 15 feet long) cinderblock building finished on the exterior with split-faced stone. The new pumping stations will require the introduction of a new power service to the site.
Operation and Maintenance: Periodic visits to the site for security and maintenance purposes will occur with a four-wheel drive pick-up truck. On occasion a larger utility vehicle will be on site to service the pumping equipment.
Off-site Operations – Water Main:
Construction: The pumping stations will be connected to a 6-inch to 8-inch diameter high-density polyethylene (HDPE) water main. The water main will extend from the site along one of several potential routes to a commercial/industrial-zoned location along the Route 12 corridor. If feasible, the new water line could be installed within portions of the existing water main. Limited grading of existing access roads located at the Clinton Water Works will be made to allow for maintenance vehicle access.
Operation and Maintenance: The maintenance of the water main will consist of periodic flushing and cleaning of the interior of the pipe by directing cleaning fluids from the borehole pumping stations to loading station. The solutions will be collected at the loading station and sent to a municipal waste water treatment plant for processing
Off-site Operations – Truck Loading Station:
Construction: A truck loading station will be constructed at a location to be determined along the Route 12 corridor on a parcel of land-zoned commercial/industrial. Spring water pumped from the site will be distributed to the loading station via underground water main.
Operation and Maintenance: Tanker trucks of approximately 8,000 gallons capacity, traveling to and from a bottling plant located in Framingham, will be directed to the loading facility from Interstate 190 via Route12. Trucks will enter and exit the station from Route 12. The trucks are filled in approximately 20 to 30 minutes. During filling operations the engines are turned off. In addition to the truck loading operations, periodic visits to the loading facility for maintenance purposes will occur with a pick-up truck sized vehicle. On occasion larger utility vehicles will be on site to service the equipment.
Permitting
The proposed project involves a variety of permits and approvals including but not limited to:
- DEP New Source Approval
- DEP Water Management Act Permit
- MEPA Review
- Sterling Wetlands Permitting
- Sterling Building Permits
- Massachusetts Highway Department Permitting
The prolonged pumping test phase of the DEP New Source Approval Process has been completed and we are currently compiling the data collected during the test. We are planning to submit the Source Final Report, Water Management Act Permit and Environmental Notification Form (to initiate the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Process Review). A topographic map of the site has been completed and the wetlands have been delineated. Applications are being developed for submittal to the Sterling Conservation Commission for the construction of the production wells, pumping stations and water main on-site. Once a property has been located for a truck loading facility, other local permitting and Massachusetts Highway Department permitting will commence.
Environmental Monitoring and Protection
Comprehensive hydrogeologic studies were conducted to determine the spring’s safe yield, to evaluate potential impacts on nearby streams and water supplies, and to ensure the springs are stable, abundant and yield high-quality water. Using DEP-approved procedures, a 15-day pumping test was conducted on the boreholes to verify the sustainability of the resource. The amount of allowable withdrawals and conditions on those withdrawals will be determined during the permitting process, which will include opportunities for public comment from interested persons.
Once the source is permitted and placed on line, long-term monitoring will be conducted to allow for proper management of the resource and to minimize environmental impacts. As can be seen in the chart below, the proposed spring water withdrawals are significantly less than the historic yield of the Clinton Water Works and, by comparison, are a small percentage of the maximum withdrawals of the Sterling Water System.
Environmental conditions are carefully monitored to ensure no adverse impact on nearby private wells or wetlands from the spring water withdrawals. This is accomplished by: installing monitoring wells configured to observe conditions between the boreholes and neighborhood wells; monitoring stream flow and surface water conditions; and measuring precipitation to understand the water balance.
The preservation and management of open space is essential to maintaining the quality and yield of a spring site. In order to utilize the springs at the Clinton Water Works as a drinking water source, the long-term preservation of the watershed land will be vital. In addition to protecting the water source, watershed lands provide critical habitat for wildlife. This proposal will also support public access of the watershed lands for passive recreation and educational opportunities.
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