The
aquifer is vulnerable to contamination. Unlike many other
aquifers, it does not have natural protective layers of clay or rock above
it to protect it from surface contaminants. While contaminated water
in the aquifer can be remediated (cleaned), it is costly and difficult.
Due to its special designations, use for drinking water by thousands of people, and vulnerability to contamination, DEQ regards any contamination or potential contamination of the aquifer as serious and takes appropriate actions to protect it.
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In September 2004, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) opened a mainline train fueling facility over the aquifer, near Hauser, Idaho. In December 2004, it was discovered that an industrial wastewater drain pipe had been damaged during construction and was leaking contaminated wastewater. DEQ required BNSF to complete a comprehensive investigation of the release, followed by a corrective action plan for cleanup.
Different problems with water and petroleum accumulation in leak detection sumps in other parts of the facility were discovered in February 2005. DEQ had concerns about the integrity of the constructed protective layers at the facility and sought an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order with the First Judicial Court in Kootenai County requiring BNSF to stop refueling operations at its Hauser facility. The order was granted and the facility was shut down on February 23, 2005, until BNSF could show measures to prevent contamination of the aquifer were restored and functioning properly. |
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On May 9, 2005, DEQ and BNSF reached agreements on the conditions that would be required in order for the facility to resume operations. Based on these agreements, the court lifted the temporary restraining order, allowing operations to resume.
The first agreement, called a consent order, addresses requirements for completing the site investigation and corrective action plan related to the December 2004 industrial wastewater line release. The full extent of contamination from the release will be defined and a plan for cleaning up soil and ground water will be completed and implemented. The consent order also requires BNSF to complete a supplemental environmental project for aquifer protection at a cost not less than $100,000. It also requires BNSF to reimburse DEQ for all oversight costs.
The second agreement, called an enhanced groundwater protection and monitoring program, addresses DEQ concerns related to the integrity of the constructed protective layers and adequate monitoring for leak detection. The agreement components include a concrete integrity management program, an enhanced leak detection program, vapor monitoring wells, a more comprehensive ground water monitoring well network, scheduled leak detection monitoring and reporting, and a response plan for remediation, if leaks from the facility occur.
Both the consent order and the agreement are binding and enforceable. DEQ believes that these combined agreements provide the additional prevention, detection, reporting, monitoring, and response measures to prevent releases from impacting the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, thus protecting human health and the environment. |
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