Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environmental Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Madison County adopts ordinance restricting potable‑water wells in designated contaminated areas
Summary
The Board adopted Ordinance 2019‑02 prohibiting installation or use of potable water supply wells within mapped 'restricted areas' where groundwater may exceed potable standards; penalties of up to $1,000 were included.
The Madison County Board approved Ordinance No. 2019‑02, which prohibits the installation or use of potable water supply wells within certain "restricted areas" identified by parcel identification numbers and a map (Attachment A) where historic commercial activity may have contaminated groundwater above Class I groundwater quality standards or Tier 1 residential remediation objectives.
The ordinance, presented by the Health Department Committee, lists specific parcel identification numbers and defines terms, including "potable water" and "person." It also sets a penalty of up to $1,000 for violations, provides a severability clause, and states the ordinance takes effect on passage, approval and publication as required by law.
Committee chair Raymond Wesley and sponsoring members said the restriction is intended to limit human exposure to contaminants while facilitating redevelopment of affected parcels by clarifying permitted uses of groundwater. The ordinance passed on a unanimous voice vote of the board (24–0).
Why it matters: the measure creates a local prohibition on new potable wells in mapped parcels where legacy contaminants could present health risks. Property owners and developers within the restricted area should consult the ordinance's Attachment A and coordinate with public‑health and municipal authorities before using groundwater for potable purposes.
What the record shows: the minutes identify two parcel PINs by number and reference Attachment A for the map of restricted areas; the ordinance establishes local enforcement and fines but does not itself identify remediation responsibilities or timelines.
