Sealing Abandoned Wells Highlights
Groundwater Protection Month

By DAVE KOLTUN, Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources

As part of this year's observance of May as Groundwater Protection Month, Illinois government officials organized a well sealing ceremony in Rochester, Illinois on April 19. This event helped highlight the 1989 theme "Sealing Abandoned Wells."

The abandoned well selected was on a farm owned by Mrs. Virginia Redman of Barry, Illinois and operated by Mr. Clarence Leach of rural Springfield. Located in a field across the street from a residential area, the approximately two-foot square opening of the well represented a potential hazard for neighborhood children. In recognition of their civic responsibility and cooperation, Mrs. Redman, Mr. Leach, and Mayor Henry Bregenhorn of the Village of Rochester in Sangamon County received certificates of appreciation from the Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources (ENR).

The main purpose of the well sealing was to draw the attention of the media and the public to the estimated 50,000 to 80,000 abandoned wells in Illinois. In addition to the safety hazard to people and animals and the potential threat to groundwater quality, failure of property owners to seal abandoned wells within 30 days after the well is no longer used for its intended purpose is a violation of state law punishable by a fine of up to $100 a day.

Efforts to encourage Illinois citizens, businesses, industries, and municipalities to seal abandoned wells and protect groundwater represent a good example of inter-agency cooperation. Groundwater protection cuts across a number of state agencies, all of which were represented at the Rochester ceremony.

Gretchen Bonfert of the Office of the Governor presented a proclamation which officially declared May as Groundwater Protection Month. Jim Onken of the Illinois Department of Agriculture noted the importance of "good, clean water" to farmers, and said this effort brings open, abandoned wells to the attention of the farm community. He encouraged farmers to obtain the necessary information to deal with well sealing.

Richard Semonin of the State Water Survey stressed the need to "search out these wells, report them, and do something about them." Richard Berg of the State Geological Survey referred to the potential for contamination. "We have pesticides and nitrates generated in rural areas that can very easily get into some of these abandoned wells if they are not properly sealed, and the potential for getting into the groundwater supply therefore is very high."

David Baker of ENR noted the participation of local Rochester residents in the actual sealing work. "We are demonstrating clearly that local communities and citizens can do something to protect their groundwater. It's not just up to state government or industry. It's something we can all do." Citing the Illinois Groundwater Protection Act (IGPA), Robert Clarke of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency pointed out that his agency is "conducting well site surveys at all of the community water systems looking for sources of contamination and routes such as this."

Merle King of the Illinois Department of Public Health noted that in the past, people would presume that groundwater was safe. The IGPA is a response to today's concerns that that presumption is not true." He offered details regarding provisions in the Illinois Water Well Construction Code, and described recommended procedures for sealing an abandoned well.

The point was made several times that well sealing can be performed by licensed water well drillers, individual property owners, or by contractors. Following these remarks, workers proceeded to remove the stone casing of the old well and fill it in according to requirements set forth in the Water Well Construction Code,

This event reflected a true spirit of cooperation among government officials and property owners. In particular, Mayor Bregenhorn has assumed a leadership role by searching out abandoned wells and spreading the word that they must be sealed.

He has found Rochester residents to be very coop-

May 1989 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 17

erative. "People are interested, and want to solve problems." Mayor Bregenhorn believes that talking and working with property owners is the best approach to dealing with abandoned wells. "You get more accomplished with sugar than you do with force."

Mayor Bregenhorn is concerned about the relatively low level of awareness of many people with statutory provisions. "We need more publicity about the law and the fine (for non-compliance)."

Similar concerns have been registered by other interested parties. With this in mind, a packet of materials was recently sent to municipal, county and township officials throughout Illinois as well as soil conservation offices, farm bureaus, cooperative extension service offices, county health offices, and numerous organizations and associations.

This packet contained a variety of information about sealing abandoned wells and groundwater protection. Included were the Governor's proclamation of May as Groundwater Protection Month, a poster designed to heighten public awareness of this issue, a leaflet on how to seal a well, a copy of the relevant provisions of the Illinois Water Well Construction Code, and a brochure listing activities which can be pursued by private citizens throughout the year to promote groundwater protection.

Municipal officials can help out in this effort by posting the poster and proclamation and by displaying the other information where residents can see them. If additional copies of any of these materials are needed, they can be obtained from the Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources Clearinghouse, 325 West Adams, Room 300, Springfield, IL 62704-1892, or 1-800-252-8955.

Information about well sealing needs to be shared to the greatest extent possible. An upcoming movie about Jessica McClure, the little girl who fell down a well in Texas, will not only raise public awareness of the issue but will also raise a number of questions about the degree to which a problem exists in each local community and what is being done to solve it.

In anticipation of this reaction, an inventory of abandoned wells in municipal jurisdictions may be deemed appropriate. Forming a local task force consisting of municipal officials, public health representatives, farm representatives, homeowners association leaders, and other interested citizens might also be helpful. Inviting a speaker to discuss groundwater protection at a future meeting could serve multiple purposes. Your County Health or Extension Offices can be contacted for a speaker, or the Groundwater Protection Speakers Bureau can be called at (217) 785-2800.

As Mayor Bregenhorn found, well owners are generally willing to fulfill their responsibilities under the law and be good citizens. However, they may need assistance in learning about sealing procedures and other related information. This is a good opportunity for a community effort from which everyone will benefit. •

Page 18 / Illinois Municipal Review / May 1989