Science
(2009-08-25)
COLUMBIA, MO
(KBIA) -
In the early 90s the City of Columbia installed a series of wetlands to filter the city's wastewater. Now the city's Environment and Energy Commission is calling for officials to address the interaction of the wastewater with local drinking water.In an Aug. 7 letter to the Columbia City Council, Environment and Energy Commission members voiced concern that the wetlands had altered groundwater flow, creating a path from the wetlands to the city's groundwater source. While no immediate health concerns are evident, updating wetland management techniques to reroute wetland water flow away from the city's drinking water source is worth considering, said commission member Tom O'Conner.
"It's not like the pathogenic organisms can survive that trip. It's underground an it takes a long time. So it's not a big health concern. It's just there's a pathway from the wastewater to the drinking water and that's pathway you want to intercept if you can."
O'Connor, who also works as an environmental engineer for H20C Engeering, said he's heard several possible ideas to address the problem, but that an official effort is necessary to enact solutions.
"We installed the wetland in the early 90s. It seemed like good idea, we kind of claimed victory game over, and the game keeps going, actually."
The City Council has not yet responded to the Aug. 7th letter. But Councilwoman Barbara Hoppe, who represents the 6th Ward, said she hopes to see an official response soon. The proximity of the wetlands to the city's drinking water as well as the presence of pharmaceuticals and other unregulated compounds has been a source of continued concern over the years, she said.
"And I think it's good that the Environment and Energy Commission is concerned about it also."
Hoppe said she plans to attend the commission's monthly meeting for an unofficial discussion about the group's request. The Environment and Energy Commission is set to meet tonight at 7 p.m. in the 3rd Floor conference room of the Daniel Boone building.
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