Update On the Elm Spring Situation

From Jo Shaper, 1/31/98

See 5/19/98 Update with news of Resolution

The last post made on this page was in late November, and I thought you might be interested in finding out what has transpired since with the demise of Elm Spring.

In mid-December (though we did not know of it until Christmas Eve) the spring resumed flowing, though at a much reduced rate than previously. Initial speculation attributed it to snowmelt of a 4 inch snow in the area, plus about 6 inches of various forms of precipitation.

After park personnel contacted Sullivan to see if pumping Well #10 had been altered, they were told, yes, the pump had been shut off, or was being operated at very low levels due to low demand. When asked why the park was not notified, the answer was, "We were waiting to see if you would notice." So, for the time being the spring flows again.

But all is not solved. In early January, Sullivan city officials announced the closing of Well #8 due to elevated levels of TCE (trichloroethylene) in the groundwater, .0056 ppm which is over DNR/EPA drinking water standards of .005 ppm. TCE was also found in Sullivan's wells #5 and #9 but at smaller levels. (Well # 9 is very close to #10, at the top of Elm Spring hill, which is the route Missouri 185 takes into Meramec State Park. ) TCE ia a hazardous hydrocarbon and carcinogen used as a metal degreaser and solvent and which had apparently been improperly disposed of by an auto parts manufacturing facility from the 1950's to the 1980's.

TRW, owner of the facility, will be financially responsible for the groundwater remediation, and is working with the city and state officials to fix the situation. It has been the shutdown of this well, and others which has caused the hard pumping of Well #10.

In light of anticipated water shortages this summer, plans are in the works for another well to be drilled in Sullivan, a few blocks north of the north I-44 service road, and halfway between the Sullivan exits. Although there seems to be little doubt that the pumping of Well #10 is connected to the flow of Elm Spring (turn the well on, the spring stops, turn the well off, the spring flows) dyetracing of the area by DNR hydrologists will continue to determine the extent of the recharge area in order to minimize the problem as Sullivan continues to expand, and its water needs grow. Apparently there is a groundwater divide beneath the city which makes prospects of wells to the west (away from the park) look feasible in terms of water quality; however, reservoirs, and pumping from the Meramec are also being considered in the long term.

State and local officials are now working together on the problem; they will to have an informational meeting for the public on February 18 in Sullivan. I intend to attend.

(Summarized from articles in the January Sullivan Independent News, The Tri-County Review, personal communications from park staff , and personal observation.)