In a recent government meeting, officials discussed concerns regarding potential groundwater contamination linked to a proposed geothermal well installation at a library site. The primary issue raised was the proximity of a French drain to the geothermal wells, which could allow contaminants from the parking lot to enter the groundwater system. Experts highlighted that contaminants could travel as little as 25 feet, raising alarms given the history of groundwater contamination plumes in the area.

To mitigate these risks, officials suggested modifying the stormwater collection system. One proposed solution involved replacing the existing stormwater dry well with a solid manhole that would redirect water to the city’s stormwater system, thereby eliminating the contamination source. However, this modification would incur an estimated cost of $50,000, which some officials argued could be offset by the anticipated return on investment from the geothermal system.

The discussion also touched on the challenges of relocating the geothermal wells due to space constraints and existing infrastructure, including a classified injection well nearby. The officials noted that current regulations would not permit the installation of a dry well under a parking lot in a municipal area, indicating that the existing dry well was permitted under older codes.

As the project is currently paused pending resolution of these issues, officials emphasized the importance of ensuring that any stormwater treatment systems implemented would effectively reduce contaminants before they reach the groundwater. The meeting underscored the complexities of balancing environmental safety with infrastructure development, as stakeholders continue to seek viable solutions to the contamination concerns.