HELENA GROUNDWATER PROJECT PHASE II:
A Ground-Water Protection/ Restoration Project
Clean Water Act Section 319 Funding Request
Submitted by Lewis & Clark County Water Quality Protection District
Section I – NPS Grant Application Summary Form
Section II – Background Information
A. Introduction
Ground water in the valley has been demonstrated to have a strong connection with surface water in the
valley, with Lake Helena representing a ground water discharge point for the hydraulic system. This
project seeks funding for continuation of a ground water monitoring program to evaluate the impacts of
nonpoint source pollution to ground water quality in the unconfined Helena Valley aquifer. The proposed
project will continue to provide support to the ongoing implementation of the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) approved water quality restoration plan as detailed for the Lake Helena Watershed
Planning Area in the Framework Water Quality Restoration Plan and TMDLs for the Lake Helena
Watershed Planning Area, Volumes I and II (Framework Restoration Plan). The current project, the
Helena Area Ground Water Project (Phase I), was funded with a Clean Water Act Section 319 Grant from
MDEQ with a start date of July 1, 2009. This project incorporated developing a Sampling and Analysis
Plan (SAP) for the project, developing a ground water quality database for the study area, and
implementing the SAP with a semi-annual sampling program for general water quality parameters, and a
focused monthly water quality sampling program to assess the impacts of onsite wastewater treatment to
ground water quality. The period of performance for this project was anticipated to be approximately one
year.
The proposed project requests funding to continue baseline characterization of the water quality and
geochemistry of ground water recharge to Lake Helena and tributary streams within the Helena Valley
study area. In accordance with the Montana Non-Point Source Plan, the project will continue the current
assessment of the efficacy of septic systems for wastewater treatment at locations in the study area. This
project will establish monitoring points to characterize the interaction of surface and ground water in the
study area. The water quality database developed by the district will be expanded to incorporate
additional monitoring data from this project. The final task provides funding for education and outreach
for the anticipated newly created Decentralized Wastewater Management Program (DWMP) for Lewis &
Clark County. The DWMP will provide an ongoing method to help ensure that septic systems are
correctly maintained. The project was developed with several goals, as listed in Table 1.
B. Statement of Need and Intent
This project is intended to provide continued and expanded support for implementation of the Framework
Restoration Plan for the Helena Valley study area. Extending and continuing the ground water
monitoring program is needed to obtain sufficient and credible data to monitor for and assess any changes
in pollutant loading from non-point sources within the study area which discharge to the ground water
system. The baseline data is needed for future evaluation of the efficacy of any programs implemented to
reduce the impacts of non-point source pollution to ground water resources that recharge surface water in
the study area. The program will provide specific information to evaluate the cumulate impacts of septic
systems in developed areas, providing valuable data for management growth planning to support
attainment of water quality guidelines outlined in the Framework Restoration Plan. Characterization of
the interaction of surface and ground water was specifically identified as a data gap to be evaluated in the
Framework Restoration Plan. A summary of the goals, specific activities, outputs and outcomes from the
project are listed in Table 1.
Helena Area Groundwater Project Phase II
Section 319 Grant Proposal
September 25, 2009
Project Goal
Continue long-term
ground water quality
monitoring program
Table 1 – Summary of Project Goals, Activities, Outputs and Outcomes
Activities
Outputs
Outcomes
Continue implementation
of semi-annual ground
water quality monitoring
program
1. Ground water
monitoring and
assessment program
data
2. Data compiled into
water quality
database
3. Updated Sampling
and Analysis Plan
Characterize surface –
groundwater
connection for
recharge to Lake
Helena
Perform assessment of
surface/ground water
interaction using
traditional (water level)
and thermal methods
Detailed analysis of
hydrostratigraphy of
central part of valley
Characterize nonpoint source impacts
to ground water
quality
Continue implementation
of focused site
characterization studies
Educate public on
ground water quality
and impacts from nonpoint pollution
sources
Support for public
outreach for
Decentralized Wastewater
Management Program.
1. Assessment of
water quality data in
context of Helena
Valley Aquifer flow
system
2. Hydrostratigraphic
model of shallow
stratigraphy and
unconfined aquifer
1. Hydrogeologic
assessments where
impacts to water
quality have occurred
1. Educational
materials for
distribution
2. Presentations of
project results to
community groups
1. Assessing short and long term changes in
ground water quality, including seasonal
fluctuations, to meet standards for defined
beneficial uses of water resources
2. Assess impacts of septic systems as non-point
source of impacts to ground water quality to
support implementation of TMDL program.
3. Assess changes in surface water quality in
accordance with TMDL program accounting for
ground water discharge to surface water bodies
4. Data for future source water protection
planning for public water supplies
1. Provide data controls to estimates of nutrient
loading to Lake Helena and connected surface
water bodies from ground water system.
2. Evaluate potential for soils and aquifer to
mitigate impacts of onsite wastewater treatment
systems to local ground water resource in
undeveloped areas
1. Confirmation of impacts to ground water
quality from anthropogenic activities, including
the use of septic systems for wastewater
treatment and disposal.
2. County zoning guidelines to protect water
quality to meet TMDLs and for source water
protection planning
1. Reduced loading of nutrient to ground water
from non-point pollutant sources with
implementation of DWMP
2. Increased public awareness of DWMP
3. Increased public education opportunities and
information availability through expanded
DWMP website
4. Informational outreach to community groups
and general public concerning groundwater
resource
The WQPD was formed in Lewis and Clark County in 1992 and represents the ideal choice for
implementation of the project. In fiscal year 2009, the WQPD hired a hydrogeologist to expand the
technical capabilities and expertise of the district on ground water quantity and quality, and the interaction
of surface and ground water. Since being formed, the WQPD has been instrumental in organizing the
activities of local watershed groups with a primary goal of protecting water resources. The Prickly Pear
Creek and Upper Tenmile Watershed groups recently combined to form the Lake Helena Watershed
group. These groups have provided stakeholder input into the water quality restoration planning and
projects since their establishment, and continue to be involved in many activities within the Lake Helena
Watershed. The WQPD has also participated in several collaborative ground water monitoring projects in
the study area.
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Helena Area Groundwater Project Phase II
Section 319 Grant Proposal
September 25, 2009
Study Area
The watershed area has an estimated total population of 55,000, with Helena as the primary population
center. The Lake Helena Watershed Planning Area contains approximately 402,000 acres (~620 square
miles) and is located within the Upper Missouri River Water Basin (Figure 1). The Lake Helena
Watershed comprises three primary subwatersheds; Silver Creek to the Northwest, Tenmile (and
Sevenmile) Creek to the Southwest, and Prickly Pear Creek to the South. The watershed is located within
Lewis and Clark County (68%) and the Jefferson County (32%) to the south. All stream headwaters lie
within the highlands of the Helena National Forest. The Continental Divide is the western watershed
boundary. All surface water flows through the Helena Valley to Lake Helena and the Missouri River.
Lake Helena was artificially formed when the Upper Missouri River dams were constructed, resulting in
the flooding of an extensive wetlands area formed by the convergence of Silver, Tenmile and Prickly Pear
Creeks. Lake Helena covers approximately 1600-acres, and is currently classified as eutrophic with
organic blooms frequently visible in the waterbody. The elevation of the planning area ranges from 9,381
feet at Elkhorn Peak in the Prickly Pear drainage to 3,550 feet at Lake Helena. Lake Helena represents a
singular receiving point for both surface and ground water in the area. Land use in the watershed is
predominantly forest in the higher elevations, with irrigated agriculture in lower elevations. The Helena
Valley Irrigation District (HVID) operates the Helena Valley Irrigation Canal, which obtains water from
the Missouri River (out of the watershed planning area basin) for irrigation in the valley. Average annual
precipitation in the area ranges from 30-inches along the Continental Divide in the higher elevations to 10
inches in the lower parts of the valley.
Surface water rights in the basin are closed for new appropriation due to over-allocation. Both municipal
water supplies and irrigation water diversions lead to dewatered conditions across the watershed,
impairing beneficial uses from flow modifications. Seventy percent of the City of Helena’s drinking water
is taken from the Upper Tenmile Creek watershed, with the remaining thirty percent diverted from
Canyon Ferry Reservoir on the Missouri River. The City of East Helena withdraws a portion of its
municipal drinking water from an infiltration gallery on McClellan Creek in the Prickly Pear watershed.
This source is supplemented by ground water wells located within the Helena Valley aquifer. Tenmile,
Silver, and Prickly Pear Creeks all provide recharge to the Helena Valley Aquifer, the only source of
drinking water for approximately 25,000 residents in the valley. There are approximately 79 public water
supplies obtaining water from the Helena Valley Aquifer.
Water Quality Issues
The WQPD was formed in response to concerns over water quality and quantity in the Lake Helena
watershed area. Currently, water quality and quantity in the watershed have become strongly linked
associated with long-term growth and planning efforts by local governments. Concerns with these issues
have resulted in two temporary controlled ground water areas in the watershed, the North Hills and
Scratch Gravel Hills. The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology is currently developing work plans for
comprehensive studies of both areas, as part of the recently funded Ground Water Investigations Program.
There are two Federal Superfund sites in the watershed, where environmental impact studies and remedial
actions have been ongoing for more than a decade. The two sites are the Upper Tenmile Creek Area in
the southwest part of the watershed, and the Asarco site in East Helena where Prickly Pear Creek enters
the valley. Local water quality issues related to this study can be summarized as follows:
1. Nutrient Loading and the Lake Helena Watershed Framework Restoration Plan
The EPA approved the Framework Restoration Plan in October 2006. The document provides a detailed
characterization of the status of surface water resources in the watershed, including an assessment of
water quality impairments, an inventory and ranking of pollution sources, pollutant allocations, and total
maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for more than 100 pollutant/water body combinations. The Framework
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Helena Area Groundwater Project Phase II
Section 319 Grant Proposal
September 25, 2009
Restoration Plan provides an outline for basin stakeholders to follow in protecting and restoring water
quality throughout the Lake Helena watershed. The Framework Restoration Plan also recommends
actions that basin stakeholders can begin to implement to address widespread impairments caused by
elevated heavy metals, nutrients, sediment, and water temperatures, as well as habitat degradation and
stream dewatering. The Framework Restoration Plan provides a much-needed basis for focusing future
water quality management efforts towards the highest priority problems, sources and locales within the
watershed.
The 2004 Montana 303(d) list for the Lake Helena Watershed indicates 24 water bodies within the
watershed as impaired. The Framework Restoration Plan sets TMDLs for 17 stream segments totaling
121 stream miles that have excess quantities of sediment and 6 stream segments totaling 41 stream miles
and water quality targets for 1,600 lake acres impaired from both nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient
enrichment. The Framework Restoration Plan identifies the source of excessive nutrient loading to be
from both point and non-point sources. Excessive nutrient loading causes increased levels of algae and
low dissolved oxygen concentrations impairing recreation, fisheries, and aquatic life designated beneficial
uses in Prickly Pear Creek, Sevenmile Creek, Tenmile Creek, and Lake Helena. At the watershed scale,
septic systems (29 percent), return flows from the HVID (17 percent), municipal wastewater treatment
facilities (11 percent), agriculture (10 percent), and urban areas (6 percent) comprise the most significant
sources of total nitrogen loading. Sources for total phosphorus municipal wastewater treatment facilities
(28 percent) return flows from the HVID (15 percent), agriculture (14 percent), unpaved roads (5
percent), and urban areas (4 percent) comprise the most significant sources.
A majority of the residential lots located outside the cities of Helena and East Helena are served by
individual wells and on-site wastewater treatment systems. The watershed’s population is highly
dependent on ground water use with strong surface linkages via sandy soils, gravels and shallow depths to
ground water. Nutrient problems in Prickly Pear Creek and Lake Helena stem from a variety of
interrelated factors, including agriculture, municipal wastewater discharges and onsite wastewater
treatment systems. Reductions in current nutrient loads required to meet the interim nutrient targets set
within the Framework Restoration Plan range from approximately 60 percent for nitrogen and phosphorus
for Tenmile Creek to approximately 80 percent for both nutrients for Prickly Pear Creek and Lake
Helena.
The Framework Restoration Plan identifies several issues which require additional monitoring in order to
facilitate science-based decision making. The first “data gap” identified represents watershed hydrology
and the interaction of surface and ground water “… to better understand water management, groundwater,
and water quality interactions within the Helena Valley.” Additional “data gaps” reflect nutrient cycling
in surface water bodies, and confirmation and further clarification of the existing impairment levels.
2. Source Water Protection for PWS
The WQPD completed the Source Water Protection Delineation and Assessment Reports (SWDARs) for
Helena area public water supplies (PWS) in 2003. Several efforts that included periodic sampling and
water quality testing have indicated increasing levels of nitrates in areas where ground-water is the
primary potable water source. As stated in the Framework Restoration Plan a major source of the
nutrients to the impaired surface water bodies in the watershed are onsite waste water treatment, or septic
systems, which discharge to ground water. The potential for long term changes in ground water quality
and quantity, as can be determined by long-term monitoring studies, has not been quantitatively
determined for the PWS in the Helena Valley. Currently an update of the inventory of potential
contaminant sources for the SWDARs is needed, as MDEQ recommends that they are updated every five
years.
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Helena Area Groundwater Project Phase II
Section 319 Grant Proposal
September 25, 2009
3. Zoning and Urban Growth Planning
Ground water quality and quantity are currently contested political issues within local government with
respect to growth planning. In 2007 the Lewis & Clark County obtained a DNRC Montana Reclamation
and Development Planning Grant to develop a Helena area map of ground water vulnerability to pollution
using the EPA DRASTIC model. The completed model, based on existing available natural resource data
with no additional sampling or field work, and resulting sensitivity map were incorporated into interim
county zoning policies and requirements for onsite wastewater treatment. Water quality studies reflecting
both long term trends and at site specific scales are needed to obtain sufficient and credible data to
evaluate impacts to local ground water quality from onsite wastewater treatment systems. Water
availability studies are also needed to address reports of ground water depletion in the study area.
Project Benefit to State of Montana
This project is intended to provide continued and expanded support for implementation of the Framework
Restoration Plan for the Helena Valley study area. Specifically, the ultimate project goal is to protect and
restore ground water from non-point source pollution, and to help facilitate coordination for protection
and management of the ground and surface water resources in the study area. This project was developed
in accordance with several goals outlined in the Montana Nonpoint Source Management Plan. The
project is directly related to Goal 3 to protect Montana’s ground water resources from nonpoint source
pollution. With the connection of ground and surface water in the study area, the project also conforms
with Goal 1 to protect Montana’s streams and lakes from nonpoint source pollution. Within this
framework, the project, by design, will support Objective 3.3 of the plan, to help facilitate the coordinated
protection and management of ground water and surface water resources. This project will provide
baseline date to evaluate the efficacy of efforts to protect and restore water quality, which may be used in
the design of similar restoration efforts in other watershed areas of Montana.
Specific Benefits to Watershed Water Quality
Non-point nutrient loading of surface water bodies through ground water recharge has been demonstrated
as a significant source of impairment to Lake Helena and tributary streams. The water quality and
hydrogeologic data collected from this study will support management planning as an effective method of
working towards meeting TMDL target goals for nutrients. Successful management and operation of the
DWMP as part of the county Health Department provides a specific mechanism to help ensure that septic
systems are properly managed by landowners. The requirements and implementation of the program will
increase the overall efficiency of onsite wastewater treatment in the study area, reducing the impact of
septic systems as a non-point pollution source. These issues are closely associated with efforts to protect
water quality for PWS with sources in the Helena Valley aquifer, which will support future Source Water
Protection planning activities for the watershed.
C. Collaborative Effort
The proposed project was developed in coordination with the Lake Helena Watershed Group to address
ground water issues related to implementation of the Framework Restoration Plan. The efforts required
of the proposal’s task list require collaborative effort by landowners and agencies within the county and
the watershed which will be facilitated through the watershed group. Fortunately, the WQPD has a record
of working with all sectors of the community in various water quality efforts since its formation in 1992.
The efforts of the DWMP, as administered through the county Health Department, strengthen the link
between the WQPD and the county to work towards mitigating the effects of nutrient loading from nonpoint source pollution in the area. Source water protection planning activities will be implemented in
coordination with the Montana DEQ Source Water Program.
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Helena Area Groundwater Project Phase II
Section 319 Grant Proposal
September 25, 2009
Letters of support for the project are appended to this proposal document and are listed in the attached
table. The letters were obtained from the Lewis & Clark County Commissioners, the Lake Helena
Watershed Group, and the Lewis & Clark City-County Health Department. All of these groups recognize
the importance of the project for maintaining and protecting local surface and ground water resources. In
particular, the importance for water quality characterization and monitoring of the potable water source
for a large number of local residents is recognized. In addition, the data results will be used for growth
planning with recognition of the need to protect water resources for sustainable growth
D. Project Planning and Management
The Helena Area Ground Water Project, as outlined in the Scope of Work (SOW), continues efforts to
implement the Framework Restoration Plan. The WQPD is the ideal agency for managing the project, as
an established part of the local county government with a mission to preserve, protect and improve water
quality. The WQPD coordinates the Lake Helena Watershed Group activities, and routinely works to
address public concerns on water-related issues. Since formation, the WQPD has received and
successfully managed numerous water-quality related grants, as outlined in the attached Table.
Specifically, the WQPD district coordinator is a Certified Procurement Professional (CPP) and a Certified
Contracts Specialist (CCP).
This project will be managed as part of the regular activities of WQPD staff. Documentation of all
project activities will be maintained by appropriate staff. Copies of field notebooks, forms, laboratory
data results and other project documents will be maintained in project specific files. Staffing costs are
based on actual staff salaries. The tasks of Community Outreach and Education for the DWMP were
estimated based on preliminary bids submitted by potential contractors to provide services. The
Administration task is essentially the necessary tracking of activities, participants, contracts, and financial
record keeping with appropriate reports to DEQ as required, including periodic status, annual, and final
reports. Compliance with the grant reporting requirements will be the responsibility of the WQPD and
the City-County Health Department, both of which have extensive experience in all these components of
grant reporting. The requested administrative fee is 6.62% of the budget.
Section III: Project Components
A - Reporting Requirements:
Summary of sampling reports and database elements will be provide in either Excel or Access database
formats and/or as appropriate to inclusion into STORET and submitted to the Ground Water Information
Center (GWIC) database managed by the MBMG. A sampling and analysis plan (SAP) was previously
developed for the project, and conforms to the Lake Helena Watershed TMDL Quality Assurance Project
Plan. Status, annual, and final reports will be provided in accordance with DEQ requirements. Any
mapping or model elements required will be provided using Arc view GIS or the format requested by
DEQ.
B – E & O Component
This component is designed to provide information to the public regarding the implementation of the
DWMP to work towards achieving target goals for nutrients as outlined in the Framework Restoration
Plan. The newspaper-like publication will include maps and relevant information on the DWMP, and will
also be utilized to present information on source water protection and the initial results of the long-term
ground water monitoring program. Publication of maps showing water quality data, plots depicting any
trends from historical data, and any modified or enhanced sensitivity map(s) will be posted on the County
Website. Public presentations on the sampling and analysis activities, data results and any revisions to
the aquifer sensitivity study will be conducted. Publication of appropriate data, maps, and data analysis
will be made in appropriate public and professional settings. Additional DWMP support includes
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Helena Area Groundwater Project Phase II
Section 319 Grant Proposal
September 25, 2009
development of an educational video for distribution, and development and enhancement of the project
website as an educational resource to the community.
An additional component will be public presentations of the project results to various community groups
potentially including but not limited to the County Commission, the Water Quality District Board, and
the Lake Helena Watershed Group.
C- Aquifer Relationship to Surface Water
The Helena valley is bounded by faults, resulting in a basin up to 6,000 feet deep in the east-central part
of the valley. The upper sediments filling the valley represent alluvium from tributary valleys. The
nature of the deep basin sediments as semi-consolidated Tertiary deposits or alluvial valley fill material is
unknown. The upper part of the valley fill sequence represents the Helena Valley aquifer. The
unconfined Helena Valley aquifer receives primary recharge from stream loss as they enter the valley and
from baseflow discharge from bedrock aquifers in the hills surrounding the Helena Valley. Additional
recharge occurs from leakage from the Helena Valley Irrigation Canal and other irrigation conduits, and
from infiltration of excess irrigation waters. The discharge point for the ground water system is Lake
Helena. Upward vertical gradients exist in the central part of the valley, where flowing artesian
conditions may be encountered in wells drilled to depth in the system. Ground water in the central part of
the valley is generally shallow, and provides recharge to tributary streams flowing into Lake Helena. This
ground water system provides potable water to over 70 public water supplies in the valley, and a large
number of residents with private wells. The interconnection of area aquifers and surface water bodies in
the Helena area are well documented in the USGS and other reports The WQPD and USGS also
conducted a gaining and losing reach analysis of Tenmile Creek that documented the seasonal and
geographic nature of the exchange of ground water and water in the watershed streams. The connection is
also described in the TMDL Framework Plans in both Volumes I and II.
D – Ground-Water Protection/Restoration Components
The completed Framework Restoration Plan for the Lake Helena Watershed includes provisions to reduce
the nutrient loading to the streams from various waste water sources identified. The monitoring
component of this project will provide information to assess the loading of nutrients from nonpoint
sources; specifically septic systems. The education and outreach component will provide information to
the public on the DWMP; which will help reduce non-point source nutrient loading to ground water by
providing for proper maintenance and operation of septic systems. The results of the site-scale
assessments and other technical information will support policy makers as they develop appropriate
policy and regulations to manage urban growth in the area. The continued development of the database
on ground water quality will provide baseline and current condition data for Source Water Protection
planning, and protection of potable water quality for consumers in the study area.
E – Operation and Maintenance Component
All project activities including water quality sampling and analysis, technical assessments and database
entry and maintenance will be the current and long-term responsibility of the WQPD beyond the 319
grant funding. The WQPD has been in the past and will likely be the lead agency in promoting and
developing Source Water Protection plans for public water supplies in the study area in the future.
F – Monitoring Component
The monitoring component will continue the two primary focus areas of the original Helena Area Ground
Water Project. The regional, aquifer-wide semi-annual monitoring program will be conducted using
approximately 25 wells installed at locations in the Helena Valley and surrounding bedrock areas. The
goal is to match the monitoring locations from previous published studies of the area. Several of the
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Helena Area Groundwater Project Phase II
Section 319 Grant Proposal
September 25, 2009
monitoring well locations have two wells installed to different depths in the aquifer which can provide
information on changes in water chemistry with depth. The samples will be analyzed for common ions to
determine general ground water chemistry, nutrients, and selected trace metals with target concentration
goals as outlined in the Framework Restoration Plan. The site-scale focused monitoring projects will
continue at the location of two nitrate “hot spots”, where elevated levels of nitrates in ground water have
been detected during previous sampling events. For these locations, sampling will be conducted monthly
to evaluate seasonal changes in water quality, and to help determine the source of the elevated nitrates.
The Sampling and Analysis Plan has already been developed and approved for this project.
Section IV: SCOPE OF WORK (SOW) OUTLINE
Project Goal
The ultimate goal is to protect and enhance ground and surface water quality through the development
of additional ground water data, data storage and analysis tools, and public awareness of ground water
issues. The activities will support the implementation of the Framework Restoration Plan and
TMDLs for the Lake Helena Watershed Planning Area, Montana with development of a long-term
ground water monitoring program, further characterization of the interaction of surface and ground
water, and with a characterization of nonpoint source impacts to ground water quality.
The objectives and related tasks are:
Objective 1: Provide technical oversight for the collection and management of scientific data regarding
ground water quality and the interaction of surface and ground water in the Helena Area. The data results
coupled with the hydrogeologic assessments will provide tools for policy decision makers to make
informed decisions regarding nonpoint pollution sources within the watershed. The database for
characterization of ground water resources will continue to support the implementation of both the
watershed TMDLs and of Source Water Protection planning activities for public water supplies located
within the Helena Valley.
Task 1 – Hydrogeologic Services: The WQPD will provide hydrogeologic services to implement the
project. This includes management and implementation of the ground water sampling and analysis
program; continued development of the water quality database for the area; and hydrogeologic
assessments at the regional and site scale for different purposes. The interaction of surface and ground
water will be evaluated in conjunction with the results from ongoing studies at the ASARCO facility in
East Helena (Prickly Pear Creek) supervised by EPA, and the North Hills (Silver Creek) and Scratch
Gravel Hills (Sevenmile Creek) by MBMG. This study will focus on lower Tenmile Creek and the
central part of the valley proximal to Lake Helena. The Water Quality District Coordinator will provide
oversight over WQPD employees and any contractors retained to complete activities for the project. The
funding will provide salary and benefits at approximately a 0.25 FTE level for two years with other
expenses for the sampling and analysis, database maintenance, and for specific hydrogeologic
assessments. Match will be provided by WQPD funding, staff, and activities. With the match, the district
hydrogeologist will devote a minimum of 0.5 FTE towards the project, over the project period of
performance.
Task 1 Funding:
Total cost: $69,039
319 funds $31,843
Non-Federal Match $37,196
Federal Match $0
Task 1 Responsible Parties: WQPD
Task 1 Timelines: July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2012
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Helena Area Groundwater Project Phase II
Section 319 Grant Proposal
September 25, 2009
Task 1 Deliverables: Periodic progress reports, as required by the funding authority. A final
project report will be prepared presenting data results with maps, tables and interpretation,
including a report on interaction of surface and ground water in the central part of the valley.
Specific study components will include a hydrograph analysis of monitoring well water level
data, an evaluation of horizontal and vertical gradients in the aquifer system with an assessment
of local stratrigraphic units and how they control the interaction of surface and ground water.
Task 2 – Groundwater Monitoring: The WQPD will implement the ground water monitoring program
for the project, comprising continued monitoring of water levels within the well network in the valley,
and the laboratory analysis of water quality samples collected for this project. This task includes funding
to obtain survey grade measurements of the top of casing elevations for monitoring points, to increase the
accuracy of assessments of vertical and horizontal gradients within the aquifer systems. The long-term
ground water monitoring program will continue to characterize water quality conditions in the study area.
The semi-annual monitoring program has been implemented at approximately 25 well locations across the
Helena Valley. Additional more frequent sampling activities will focus on areas with confirmed elevated
concentrations of nitrates to assess changes in conditions seasonally. All new ground water data will be
incorporated into the water quality database for assessment of changes in water quality over time. All
data will be forwarded to GWIC for public and agency use. Match will be provided through district staff
for monitoring water levels, and assistance with sampling activities. Additional match is provided for
laboratory analysis, equipment use, travel and use of county GIS and database staff and software.
Task 2 Funding:
Total cost: $59,241
319 funds $28,100
Non-Federal Match $31,141
Federal Match $0
Task 2 Responsible Parties: WQPD
Task 2 Timelines: July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2012
Task 2 Deliverables: Data result summaries of water quality data; hydrographs of water level
data for use in the hydrogeologic assessments. All data will be compiled appropriate formats and
transferred to DEQ and GWIC for public access.
Task 3 – Surface and Ground Water Interaction Assessment Instrumentation: The assessment of
surface and ground water requires installation of a limited number of shallow piezometers proximal to
streams in the central part of the valley. The piezometers will be utilized for water level measurements to
compare with the stream surface elevation, and for installation of data logging thermistors to use heat as a
tracer to obtain more quantitative data on the interaction of surface and ground water. The match is
provided by use of WQPD supplies and equipment.
Task 3 Funding:
Total cost: $7,350
319 funds $6,600
Non-Federal Match $750
Federal Match $0
Task 3 Responsible Parties: WQPD
Task 3 Timelines: July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2012
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Helena Area Groundwater Project Phase II
Section 319 Grant Proposal
September 25, 2009
Task 3 Deliverables: Data result summaries of water quality data; hydrographs of water level
data for use in the hydrogeologic assessments. All data will be compiled appropriate formats and
transferred to DEQ and GWIC for public access.
Objective 2: Provide public education for the DWMP to help ensure that septic systems are properly
managed in the area, resulting in a decrease in non-point source nutrient loading to ground water from
increased efficiency of treatment from septic systems with proper use.
Task 4 – Public Education and Outreach: Promote the implementation of the DWMP through public
outreach and education, and support outreach efforts by the Lake Helena Watershed Group. For the
DWMP, a newspaper circular will be developed for distribution with local newspapers, a video will be
produced with the support of local media, and the website will be expanded with additional information
for public use. The support for the Lake Helena Watershed Group includes preparation, printing and
distribution of circulars for important watershed events, including the Lake Helena Watershed Festival.
data collection and map revisions.
Task 4 Funding:
Total Cost: $7,800
319 funds: $ 7,000
Non-Federal Match: $800
Federal Match: $0
Task 4 Responsible Parties: WQPD
Task 4 Timelines: July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2012
Task 4 Deliverables: Copies of outreach materials, including presentations and maps, and
meeting attendance lists.
Task 5 – Administration: Administration of the Helena Ground Water Project grant funding.
Administrative fee for WQPD/Lewis & Clark County to administer the grant is 6.62% of the 319 grant’s
funding levels.
Task 5 Funding:
Total Cost: $5334
319 funds: $4869
Non-Federal Match: $465
Federal Match: $0
Task 5 Responsible Parties: City-County Health Department & WQPD
Task 5 Timelines: July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2011
Task 5 Deliverables: The coordinator will prepare periodic and annual status reports and a final
grant report for DEQ. Financial tracking of contracts with subcontractors, match tracking, and
billing statements will be conducted under this task by the WQPD and the City-County Health
Dept.
Section V: Supporting Documents and Attachments (attached)
A – Project Milestone Table
B – Project Budget Table
C – Project Map
D – Letters of Support
E – Summary Table of Previous WQPD Administered Grants
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