Josh Cox, Manager of Operations for Indiana American Water, has issued a statement to the City of Noblesville asking the city to disapprove a request by Beaver Materials for a proposed gravel pit in the area of Potters Bridge.
Cox, in a letter addressed to the Noblesville Planning Commission, said the following:
Cox
“Our opposition to this project is based on the potential negative impact to both the quantity and quality of the Siluruan and Devonian Carbonates Aquifer System and three wellfields located near State Road 37 and Allisonville Road, Cumberland Road and the north side of the White River, and between the White River Christian Church and the White River.
“Through their activities, mine and gravel pits remove portions of the aquifer (sandmand gravel) which filters the water to remove a large portion of naturally occurring and biological contaminants. These mining operations will create a short-cut for contaminants to enter our supply wells by removing the filtering capability these materials provide and significantly reducing the time of travel for surface water and any associated contaminants into the aquifer. One U.S. EPA study notes that dealing with groundwater contamination can cost 30 to 40 times more than preventing it in the first place.
“In addition to the impacts on water quality, mining and gravel operations can also lower local groundwater levels and interrupt aquifer flow paths through mining operations and mine dewatering. This threat is especially concerning given the relative difficulty in locating and developing adequate groundwater supplies in this particular area.”
According to Cox, Indiana American Water provides potable water to Noblesville and surrounding areas, including approximately 41,000 residents and numerous commercial, industrial, and institutional customers in Hamilton County.
The Noblesville Planning Commission is scheduled to hear the formal proposal for the gravel pit at its next meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov 16 at Noblesville City Hall.
Cox’s letter and other documents related to the gravel pit can be found at this link.
I’m hoping the City of Noblesville considers all of the facts, which show many risks for this proposal. If/when problems with the city’s water supply (or other problems) occur due to the pit, will Beaver Materials and the Hamilton County Council compensate the homeowners/businesses/taxpayers to fix the problems they create?