12/18/1980 Special Mtg Board of Public Works

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Fa lk- SPECIAL MEETING DECEMBER 18, 1980 that the extent of the total loss could range from $1.5 million to $2.5 million. He credited Converse /TenEch with the identification of the source of the contaminant and its location. He felt South Bend was very fortunate in this regard because many communities which are faced with similar pollution problems are never able to determine the source of the contaminant and a solution of dealing with its removal. Mr. John Leszczynski, City Engineer, advised that, to date, the investigation has cost the city approximately $75,000 to $80,0.00, and he was hopeful that the city would be able to look to the source of the contaminant for recovery. Mr. McMahon stated that, once the issues are resolved, considerable additional sampling will have to be done to determine whether or not the city will be able to put the well field back into service within a couple of years rather than having to construct a new well field. Mr. Carter pointed 'out_ that two of the four wells could be placed back into service without causing a health hazard, but, with the use of these wells, the contaminants would be drawn in farther. Mr. McMahon stated that he felt the well field could continue to be down for an indefinite period of time and no problems would be posed if the city experienced normal weather conditions. Mr. Hill stated that because of the ration- ing in the water usage this summer, there had been a loss of approximately $300,000 experienced by the city, and he, too, was hopeful these costs would be absorbed by the source of the contaminants. He cautioned that this was a highly technical area, and the city's case would be built upon technical, expert opinions and advice which it had available to it. Mr. Carter concluded that the boundaries of the contamination are well defined and there was 'no danger of health hazards to other city wells. There being no further business to come before the Board, upon a motion made by Mr. McMahon, seconded by Mr. Kernan and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 10 :05 a.m. c P i. ck M. McMahon ATTEST: Barbara J. Byer g', Clerb Richard L. Hill J eph E. Kernan 1