(Click on images for easier viewing.)
Work continues behind-the-scenes to identify reasons for high ground water around Long Lake Marsh and areas of Indian Camp Trail.
Last spring a Task Force was appointed by the Town Council to investigate this issue, which was identified as a problem in January 2007 when water started ponding at the intersection of Diana Court and Diana Road. Around that time several residents also started experiencing various levels of water infiltration in their basements.
Several causes of the high ground water are being explored. It has not yet been determined if there is a single cause or if there are several contributing factors causing the problem.
Precipitation the Biggest Culprit
Last spring a Task Force was appointed by the Town Council to investigate this issue, which was identified as a problem in January 2007 when water started ponding at the intersection of Diana Court and Diana Road. Around that time several residents also started experiencing various levels of water infiltration in their basements.
Several causes of the high ground water are being explored. It has not yet been determined if there is a single cause or if there are several contributing factors causing the problem.
Precipitation the Biggest Culprit
Most likely the largest contributing factor is precipitation. As you can see from the above chart (click on the photo to enlarge it for better viewing), this area has experienced some unusually high rain and snow events since 2005, exceeding the wetland's ability to absorb and transpire water.
In addition, there are no evident surface outflows from the marsh. All outflow is far below ground, where the water is slowly seeping out rather than flowing out like a river. The effects of high precipitation this past few years, combined with increased run-off resulting from more development, can be evidenced all over Northwest Indiana, ranging from the recent flooding event on the Little Calumet River, to high ground water residents of Beverly Shores have been experiencing for several years.
Backflush Lagoon Cited as a Problem
Another critical area of investigation is the filter backflush lagoon that is owned by the Indiana American Water Co. on Diana Rd. At the urging of the Ogden Dunes Environmental Advisory Board (ODEAB), the company was cited twice by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) in the past 1.5 years for unlawful discharge of lagoon water into Long Lake. During the past few years, more than 130,000 gallons of chlorinated water and sediment have been discharged into the lagoon every 24-48 hours after the filtration plant's filters were cleaned.
It's possible that the current state of the lagoon infrastructure may be allowing backflush water to continually infiltrate through the sides and bottom, potentially causing what is known as "ground water mounding" in areas adjacent to the water treatment plant. The only way this can be determined, however, is by looking at data provided by monitoring wells on Long Lake owned by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). However, the data is spotty, with no recorded elevations or data later than 2006.
The Task Force is working to get these wells re-opened, and to get a new well placed in Ogden Dunes. The USGS can do nothing more, however, until necessary funding is obtained. A cost estimate is currently being developed by the USGS in Indianapolis. As soon as that cost estimate is received, the Task Force can start seeking sources of funding.
An outcome of continual communication with IDEM on this matter, which should also be viewed as a pollution violation, is that IDEM is requiring Indiana American Water to replace the current lagoon. Indiana American Water presented their plans to the public at the October 6 Town Council meeting.
An October 28, 2008 e-mail from Hala Kuss, Director of the Northwest Indiana office of IDEM, indicated that a referral has been sent to the IDEM Office of Enforcement requesting that an Agreed Order be prepared that obligates Indiana American to complete corrective actions within a specified time frame. This schedule will be provided to the public as soon as it is received.
At the request of the ODEAB to IDEM, Indiana American Water must also provide information on what will be done with the existing lagoon once it is taken off-line.
It's possible that water chemistry in the marsh and adjacent areas may also be an indicator of ground water infiltration from the lagoon, and that is being undertaken by the Task Force as well. Preliminary tests were run in July, and additional testing to re-confirm these results is being scheduled.
In addition, there are no evident surface outflows from the marsh. All outflow is far below ground, where the water is slowly seeping out rather than flowing out like a river. The effects of high precipitation this past few years, combined with increased run-off resulting from more development, can be evidenced all over Northwest Indiana, ranging from the recent flooding event on the Little Calumet River, to high ground water residents of Beverly Shores have been experiencing for several years.
Backflush Lagoon Cited as a Problem
Another critical area of investigation is the filter backflush lagoon that is owned by the Indiana American Water Co. on Diana Rd. At the urging of the Ogden Dunes Environmental Advisory Board (ODEAB), the company was cited twice by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) in the past 1.5 years for unlawful discharge of lagoon water into Long Lake. During the past few years, more than 130,000 gallons of chlorinated water and sediment have been discharged into the lagoon every 24-48 hours after the filtration plant's filters were cleaned.
It's possible that the current state of the lagoon infrastructure may be allowing backflush water to continually infiltrate through the sides and bottom, potentially causing what is known as "ground water mounding" in areas adjacent to the water treatment plant. The only way this can be determined, however, is by looking at data provided by monitoring wells on Long Lake owned by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). However, the data is spotty, with no recorded elevations or data later than 2006.
The Task Force is working to get these wells re-opened, and to get a new well placed in Ogden Dunes. The USGS can do nothing more, however, until necessary funding is obtained. A cost estimate is currently being developed by the USGS in Indianapolis. As soon as that cost estimate is received, the Task Force can start seeking sources of funding.
An outcome of continual communication with IDEM on this matter, which should also be viewed as a pollution violation, is that IDEM is requiring Indiana American Water to replace the current lagoon. Indiana American Water presented their plans to the public at the October 6 Town Council meeting.
An October 28, 2008 e-mail from Hala Kuss, Director of the Northwest Indiana office of IDEM, indicated that a referral has been sent to the IDEM Office of Enforcement requesting that an Agreed Order be prepared that obligates Indiana American to complete corrective actions within a specified time frame. This schedule will be provided to the public as soon as it is received.
At the request of the ODEAB to IDEM, Indiana American Water must also provide information on what will be done with the existing lagoon once it is taken off-line.
It's possible that water chemistry in the marsh and adjacent areas may also be an indicator of ground water infiltration from the lagoon, and that is being undertaken by the Task Force as well. Preliminary tests were run in July, and additional testing to re-confirm these results is being scheduled.
County Line Road Ditches May be a Factor
It's possible, but not yet proven, that lack of maintenance on ditches on the east side of County Line Road, as well as beaver dam construction, may be also be contributing to the problem of high ground water in the area. Task Force members are working with the City of Portage to request funding from Representative Pete Visclosky that will be used to clean the ditches and replace collapsing culverts. The earliest this funding will be received, however, will not be until 2010.
Task Force members include Susan MiHalo, Bill Gregory, Jay Lauritzen, John Hannon and Jim Kopp. Resident Gerry Lehmann has also informally joined the Task Force in the past few weeks. Critically needed technical assistance on this investigation is being provided by Dr. Erin Argyilan, who is a professor in the Geosciences Department at Indiana University Northwest.
We will try to keep you informed as new developments occur, and we apologize for the long duration of the investigation, which is dependent on goodwill and information provided by sources outside the Town's control.
It's possible, but not yet proven, that lack of maintenance on ditches on the east side of County Line Road, as well as beaver dam construction, may be also be contributing to the problem of high ground water in the area. Task Force members are working with the City of Portage to request funding from Representative Pete Visclosky that will be used to clean the ditches and replace collapsing culverts. The earliest this funding will be received, however, will not be until 2010.
Task Force members include Susan MiHalo, Bill Gregory, Jay Lauritzen, John Hannon and Jim Kopp. Resident Gerry Lehmann has also informally joined the Task Force in the past few weeks. Critically needed technical assistance on this investigation is being provided by Dr. Erin Argyilan, who is a professor in the Geosciences Department at Indiana University Northwest.
We will try to keep you informed as new developments occur, and we apologize for the long duration of the investigation, which is dependent on goodwill and information provided by sources outside the Town's control.
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