Ithaca Abandoned Well Program Begins in May 2006

The City of Ithaca and the Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) are partnering to proactively help protect community drinking water resources by eliminating abandoned wells in a target area encompassing six square miles in and around downtown Ithaca. This project is being made possible by a grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) totaling approximately $66,000.

“This project offers a great opportunity for a local resident to solve a problem and earn $75 at the same time,” said Brad Heffner, Ithaca’s city manager, referring to a $75 payment that is available through the grant to anyone who has an abandoned well plugged on their property. (Click here for more information about this program.)

“The other good news is that if an abandoned well is found on the property of a home or business in this six-square-mile area, plugging that well will be of no cost to the homeowner, if they qualify and participate through the program,” said Heffner. “Without this grant, homeowners would have to – and will have to in the future – pay for plugging themselves.”

Bob Gouin, who is coordinating the health department’s role in the project, said there are estimated to be more than 1,000,000 abandoned water wells in Michigan. Abandoned water wells of the past represent a hazard to drinking water supplies of the present and need to be plugged for three major reasons:

• They are a safety hazard. Each year, DEQ receives reports of people, mostly children, falling into old wells. Injuries such as broken legs and ankles, or even death, can result.

• They pose a health concern. Drinking water contamination has been caused by abandoned wells, which can allow surface waters – containing bacteria, sediment, fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals – to flow directly into groundwater.

• They threaten the environment. Deteriorated well casings or open, uncased bore holes allow movement of water between previously separated aquifers. This can degrade water quality. Abandoned wells also have been used for illegal waste dumping.

Beginning May 15, 2006, the City of Ithaca and MMDHD will be performing a search of the entire city limits, as well as portions of Arcada, Emerson, Newark and North Star townships to identify abandoned wells. In their April  2006 water bills, residents were mailed a letter explaining the program as well as an approval form to help gather information on possible abandoned wells. These forms are also available for downloading online at www.mmdhd.org.

The Village of Breckenridge successfully completed a similar program in 2004, and was able to plug 20 wells as a result. “Our abandoned well program went very well, and it was great to have the opportunity to work toward solving this public health hazard,” said Breckenridge City Manager Larry Schmitz.

“How to Get My $75”

1.      The property owner must notify MMDHD so that a determination can be made about whether the abandoned well will qualify for the payment.

2.      The abandoned well must be plugged as part of this project.

3.      The property owner must give written permission to plug the abandoned well. (Click here to view and print “Approval Form”)**

4.      The abandoned well must be plugged by a registered water well driller. The registered water well driller has additional forms to file with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

5.      The abandoned well casing must be a minimum of 2 inches in diameter.

 Here is a copy of the letter that was mailed to Ithaca residents.

 You can also click on the link to view DEQ Abandoned Wells FACT SHEET.