4.1. ERMUSR 01-11-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4.3 Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) 4.3.1 Description Injection of water into an aquifer through one or more wells and recovery by pumping of that water at some later date. As originally envisioned by Elk River Municipal Utilities, treated water Mt. Simon-Hinckley water would be injected in one well during the winter in order to make use of the excess treatment plant capacity. During summer peak use, this treated water could then be recovered, thereby obviating the need for increased treatment plant capacity and storage of treated water. ASR may also be implemented by injecting treated surface water or water from the surficial aquifer into the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer, although these methods aze more unlikely from a permitting standpoint. 4.3.2 Technical Feasibility and Reliability ASR that utilizes treated Mt. Simon-Hinckley Aquifer water is technically feasible. Issues of dissimilar water quality need to be addressed to minimize fouling of the wells. This is a method employed in other parts of the county but not in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Health has indicated that they would considering permitting an ASR system. U.S. EPA Region V regulates injection well systems and requires extensive study before permitting. Injection of water from surface water is much more technically challenging. First, this water would likely need to be treated to drinking-water standard using asurface-water treatment plant. Second, the issues of dissimilaz water are compounded in cases of dissimilar water sources. Injection of water from the surficial aquifer would require variances from the Minnesota Department of Health. 4.3.3 Cost The cost of constructing and implementing ASR is likely prohibitive. 1Vlonitoring costs may be significant and will likely require the installation of a monitoring well network. However, the permitting costs and studies required to obtain permits may be very costly because ASR is not routinely implemented in the upper Midwest. 4.3.4 Challenges and Other Considerations ASR is not a routine technology and implementation will require significant evaluation and monitoring. If ASR is implemented by other communities, the cost of permitting may come down as regulatory agencies gain familiarity with the approach. Risk from unforeseen technical failures are higher than with pumping well systems. P:\Mple\23 MN\71\2371105 Water Supply Alternative Smdy\P[aalDeliverables\AI[ernativesJteport_final.doc 30