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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Trevor Dick, FAICP, LEED AP, Assistant Director of the Mayor's Office of
Economic Development
DATE: May 8, 2023
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance Prohibiting the Use of Groundwater as a Potable Water Supply by the Installation or Use of Potable Water Supply Wells or By Any Other Method.
PURPOSE:
The City is seeking a prohibition on the use of groundwater as a potable water supply, in a specific geographic area, as part of the remediation process overseen by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agencies (IEPA) for the properties between the Fox River and Route 25, south of RiverEdge Park extending to the City of Aurora parking lot north of New York Street.
BACKGROUND:
Due to the previous commercial/industrial use of the property certain chemical constituents in the groundwater in the vicinity may exceed Class 1 groundwater quality standards for potable water as set forth by the IEPA. This type of potable water restriction has been implemented in the past for other remediation projects such as for RiverEdge Park, and the Shodeen Eastbank Development.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed limit on the ability to place wells or otherwise use the groundwater in this specific location for potable use will serve to help protect the health and welfare of the citizens of Aurora. Additionally, these types of restrictions on relatively small geographical areas will not impede the City's ability to produce sufficient safe drinking water for the citizens of Aurora.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The Staff would anticipate that this project will increase the City's overall tax base and viability by facilitating investment and development.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the City pass the attached Ordinance, which will prohibit the drilling of wells by anyone, including the City, in that specific geographical area, to ensure the safety, health and welfare of the citizens of the City of Aurora.
cc: Building Zoning and Economic Developmen...
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