05/31/2000 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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GS Minnesota Pollution Control AftestY Environmental Outcomes Division Ground Water Monitoring & Assessment GWMAP, March 1999. excee anc lal sand an Manganese (Mn) 0 1 1 1 Nitrate (NO3) 0 1 1 0 Selenium (Se) 0 0 0 2 bias, since few samples were collected from sensitive aquifers in the older, more industrialized portions of the Twin Cities. VOCs were found in four (4.3 percent) of the wells. In each of these four wells, more than one VOC was detected. The primary VOCs were compounds commonly associated with fuel oils, gasoline, and industrial or household solvents. All VOC concentrations were below drinking water criteria. What are the primary research needs in Region 6? The primary research needs for Region 6 include: 1. determining the overall distribution ofVOCs in the major aquifers of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area; 2. identifying major plumes containing chlorinated solvents; 3. determining relationships between land use and ground water quality, including evaluation of long -term changes in ground water quality in the major aquifers of the Twin Cities; and 4. determining the relationship between geology, particularly mineralogy, and water quality of the bedrock aquifers. What are the primary monitoring needs for Region 6? The primary monitoring needs for Region 6 include: 1. expanding databases for the Paleozoic and water table aquifers by approximately 10 wells each; 2. incorporating data from regulated sites into the regional baseline data; 3. employing models to assist in tracking plumes, particularly for chlorinated solvents; 4. conducting ambient monitoring in aquifers impacted by humans, particularly forVOCs; 5. establishing agency -wide sampling, data - management and data - analysis protocol by an interagency group consisting of staff from all programs dealing with ground water cleanup and monitoring; and 6. collecting monitoring information on the distribution of pesticides and metabolites. What is the role of GWMAP in addressing these research and monitoring needs? GWMAP discontinued baseline sampling in 1997. We feel the emerging ground water issues are identifying aquifer and regional water quality as impacted by human activity, assessing the effectiveness of environmental policies and programs, and establishing long -term monitoring networks to determine whether water quality is changing in response to human activity. We will strive to work with other ground water programs that deal directly with ground water problems and effectiveness monitoring, and attempt to secure funding for establishing long -term monitoring networks. Baseline Water Quality of Minnesota's Principal Aquifers: Region 6, Twin Cities Metro Area