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U.S. Department of Energy
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Stormwater runoff policy on the Spokane/Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer

Journal Article · · Journal of Soil and Water Conservation; (United States)
OSTI ID:6827558

The Panhandle Health District, in conjunction with the Idaho Department of Water Resources, is developing a stormwater runoff control program under the US EPA Wellhead Protection Program. The goal of the project is to protect the Spokane Valley/Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer from widespread subsurface disposal of stormwater runoff via shallow injection wells. Studies conducted by the health district in 1976 and 1977 established that areas downgradient from urban land uses had elevated nitrate level sand that the aquifer is vulnerable to contamination from surface activities. The stormwater runoff controls are being developed in conjunction with similar programs, such as chemical storage and use, solid waste and subsurface sewage disposal. The expected result will be a groundwater management system that protects the resource by preventing contamination rather than a program that responds to poor water quality with costly remedial action.

OSTI ID:
6827558
Journal Information:
Journal of Soil and Water Conservation; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Soil and Water Conservation; (United States) Vol. 45:2; ISSN JSWCA3; ISSN 0022-4561
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English