On July 26, U.S. Army representatives affirmed that the military will not build the proposed public water system for Sauk County residents who live near the former Badger Army Ammunition Plant. Pentagon officials took questions from more than 80 people at the Sauk City Public Library meeting.
“The construction of the water system is not within our authority … I acknowledge that’s unfortunate,” said Mike Kelly, representing the Army’s assistant chief of staff for installation management. “That’s part of the reason why I wanted to come here today to tell you that in person.”
Following the meeting, CSWAB received a number of requests for more information which is posted here:
Who were all the governmental representatives at the meeting?
It took a bunch of emails and phone calls, but CSWAB has assembled a complete contact list for government officials at the July 26 meeting.
Where can I find maps showing well testing results and frequency?
CSWAB regularly publishes and posts maps showing recent groundwater and private well test results. Our maps highlight contaminants of concern and where they have been detected by Army testing. Click on “News and Action”at the top of the CSWAB home page – then click on “Fact Sheets and Maps” in the drop-down menu. Then scroll down to the Maps section.
Here are some of our most recent posts:
Groundwater and Private Well Testing Frequency Map 2016
Groundwater Monitoring Summary Map Nov 2016
Abandoned Groundwater Wells Map May 2016
Why hasn’t CSWAB taken a position on the municipal water system?
CSWAB does not have a position and has not weighed in on the proposed municipal water system as we believe this decision should be made by affected residents who will ultimately be responsible for this system. Large landholders, particularly those who will not be utilizing municipal water, should not influence this decision-making process.
The WDNR affirmed in its 2012 decision document that a municipal water system is not a remedy for groundwater contamination. Even if built, the municipal water system does not relieve the Army of its responsibility to restore groundwater quality and meet enforceable groundwater standards in a reasonable time frame. CSWAB’s role is to assure that the Army fulfills this responsibility and that affected communities are empowered and engaged in the decision-making process.
Click here for a complete copy of our formal recommendations and comments to WDNR and the Army at the July 26 meeting.
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