WEBINAR SERIES:
March 12: General overview of WHP Planning Process
March 19: In depth discussion and review of the Data Elements
March 26: Requirements for completing a Potential
Contaminant Source Inventory
April 2:
Developing well written Management Strategies
ALL WEBINARS ARE BEING RECORDED AND WILL BE AVAILABLE AT:
www.mrwa.com/sourcewater.html
Refer to the “Best Practices for Attending the WHP
Webinars using WebEx” sent to you Feb. 20th for screen
sizing & directions for submittal of questions using
WebEx Chat.
 Technical problems / questions can be submitted via
WebEx chat and staff will respond to try and help resolve
any technical problems as we get started.
 Webinar questions can be submitted during the session
via WebEx Chat and will be answered at the end of each
webinar.
 Materials for each webinar are available at:
www.mrwa.com/sourcewater.html

.”
BEGIN WEBINAR TOPIC
Introduction of Staff
5

Wellhead Protection (WHP) Program
History and Authority

Planning Process & Part I WHP Plans

Planning Process & Part II WHP Plans

Recent Changes in Minnesota’s
WHP Program

Technical Assistance Tools to Help
6

Lord Delaware’s proclamation; Jamestown, 1610:
“There shall be no man or woman dare to wash any
unclean linen, wash clothes,….nor rinse or make clean
any kettle, pot or pan, or any suchlike vessel within twenty
feet of the old well or new pump...”

Preventing contaminants
that can adversely affect
human health from
entering a public water
supply (PWS) well and
the aquifer supplying
water to the well(s)

Good WHP planning can
result in effective
protection and
prevention.

Safe Drinking Water Act 1986 Amendments

Minnesota Groundwater Act of 1989

MDH Appointed Primacy Agency

WHP Rule Adoption 1997
(MR Chapter 4720.5100 to 4720.5590)

More effective and costefficient than clean-up,
treatment or drilling a
new well

Large community
investment in public
water supply system
which is needed for
growth and development

Protect public health

Value that citizens put on
safe drinking water
.”

MDH is using public health risk to prioritize planning
All vulnerable municipal PWS
will have completed WHP
Plans by 2020
All remaining nonvulnerable
municipal PWS will have
started WHP Plans by 2020


MDH Planner – Hydrologist Area Teams
Minnesota Rural Water Association
(MRWA) - SWP Staff
.”
Identify main components in the Part II WHP Plan &
planning process, and
Identify the keys to a successful
Part II WHP Plan that will result in
local protection of drinking water
resources.
Part I, WHP Plan:

WHPA / DWSMA Map & Vulnerability

Well Vulnerability Issues

Geology / aquifer setting

Contaminant Issues identified

Future data collection or monitoring needs
Required Part II, WHP Plan Contents:
(MN Rules 4720.5200 – 4720.5290)

Data Elements & Assessments

Impact of Changes on PWS Wells / Aquifer

Issues, Problems & Opportunities

WHP Goals

Objectives / Plan of Action (Management Strategies)

Evaluation Program

Alternate Water Supply; Contingency Strategy
Identify data elements &
potential contaminant threats
relative to vulnerability
What are the local issues and
potential changes over the ten
year life of the plan?
Do the goals and objectives of
the plan reflect the condition,
issues, and concerns
important and relevant to the
water supply?
Including all the “parts” results in a plan that protects the
drinking water source and water supply!
MDH Scoping II Notice, WHP
Planning Issues Summary Form &
PCSI Requirements
Pre -PCSI Meeting with Planner
and PWS
Plan for sufficient WHP Team
Meetings to address Part II WHP
Plan requirements.
Planning needs & meetings are
largely driven by vulnerability…
Contact the Technical Assistance Planner
(TAP) at the start of the Part II planning
process to discuss any questions regarding
the PCSI & WHP Team Meetings planned
to complete the Part II WHP Plan.
Are the “right people” on
the WHP Team?
Water Operator
City Clerk / Planner
Mayor / Council
MDH / MRWA Planner
Local “spark plug”…
Local knowledge is
important!
Hold WHP Team meetings
to discuss the issues!


Helps avoid missing or incomplete information.
Allows for review and confirmation of data,
information, and maps with the PWS and WHP
Team.

Reduces the likely-hood of plan completion
delays and disapprovals.

PWS ends up with a more complete WHP Plan and
the ability to implement effectively!
Tip # 1:
MRWA or MDH planners are available to answer questions,
review plans and assist you during the planning process.
Tip # 2:
Consultants need to review the plan & make sure it includes
all required items identified in the MDH Scoping 2 Decision
Notice.
Things to Consider:
 Is
the WHP Plan clearly written so the PWS can
understand and successfully implement it?
 Do
management strategies reflect the capabilities and
resources of the PWS? Are they realistic?
 Were
the right players involved related to wellhead
protection issues identified during planning and
implementation activities in the plan?
Final Steps

PCSI Endorsed by MDH

Draft plan reviewed by the MRWA or
MDH Planner (TAP)

WHP Plan submitted for 60 Day local
government review.

Public Hearing on Final WHP Plan
held by PWS
Final WHP Plan submitted to MDH
Coordination and communication with the PWS, WHP Team,
resource partners and MRWA / MDH Planning staff can
improve local planning efforts to protect local drinking water
resources and save you time in completing the project!
.”
Change is happening…Emphasis is on
Implementation

Need for clear, concise management strategies that are
protective of public health

Developing well written management strategies

Be SMART
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Timing

389 grants awarded since May 2010 totaling $2,518,644

Two grant types available for community PWS:
 SWP Plan Implementation Grants
 Must have an approved SWP (WHP) Plan
 Maximum amount of $10,000
 No cost share required
 SWP Competitive Grants
 Does not need an approved SWP (WHP) Plan
 Intended for management of high risk potential contaminant sources
 Maximum amount of $10,000
 50/50 cost share required
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/swp/grants/index.html

Purpose: enforcing Minnesota Rules, part 4720.5560,
regarding the implementation of approved wellhead
protection plans

PWS must be able to document implementation for
each measure and goal in their wellhead protection plan

Consider documentation requirements when developing
and writing whp management strategies
.”

Wellhead Protection Rule (MN Rules 4720.5100 to
4720.5590):
https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/rules/?id=4720

MDH Website:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/

MRWA Website: http://www.mrwa.com/
◦ SWP Education Resources http://www.mrwa.com/swedu.html
◦ WHP Planning Webinars http://www.mrwa.com/sourcewater.html

March 19: In depth discussion and review of Data
Elements

March 26: Requirements for completing a Potential
Contaminant Source Inventory

April 2: Developing well written Management
Strategies
Information in this document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities
upon request by calling or emailing George Minerich at (320) 223-7314 or email at
George.Minerich@state.mn.us