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This Site Reconnaissance Summary was completed prior to source development:
Chapter 3.0 Site Reconnaissance Summaries
As part of our evaluation of potential spring sites, RS Consultants conducted site reconnaissance / sampling events on three separate occasions. A fourth visit to the site was conducted to evaluate potential wetland issues and to meet with a Kentucky-registered surveyor. Details from the fourth trip in Chapter 5.0 of this report.
The initial three trips to the spring site by RS Consultants' personnel were conducted in May, June, and July 1997. The purpose of these trips was to conduct initial reconnoiter activities and collect samples for various field and laboratory analysis. Summary letters were prepared and forwarded to Aqua Perfect personnel. Copies of those portions of the summary letters discussing the Rockcastle Spring site are presented below in chronological order. Copies of site photographs taken by RS Consultants personnel during the fourth visit are presented in Appendix B.
3.1 May 1997 Site Reconnaissance Summary
The spring site is located approximately 9 miles from Interstate 75 at Exit 59 in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky. The property consists of 15 acres of privately owned land abutting the Daniel Boone National Forest. The sate highway leading to the spring from Exit 59 are very tortuous and steep, making tanker access difficult. Alternative routes do exist which would be much more accessible for a tanker truck. Following one of these routes resulted in traveling approximately 27 miles of state and US Routes and accessing I-75 about 104 miles south of Cincinnati.
The spring discharges from the side of a hill near the interface of a sandstone bed overlying a limestone bed. Total discharge from this spring was estimated by RS Consultants, Inc. personnel to be in the range of 200 gpm. The location of the discharge with regard to the state road would enable the spring water to be collected at the discharge point and transported via gravity flow to a tanker loading near the road.
General chemistry information collected on site include the following:
3.2 June 1997 Site Reconnaissance Summary
A second sample of the spring water was collected for verification of the May sample results. In general, the amount of water discharging appeared to be much greater than the volume discharging in May. Results of field analysis are as follows:
In addition, RS Consultants personnel evaluated an alternative route for ingress and egress from the spring site. During out initial visit, the potential use of SR 1912 to US Route 421 was investigated leaving an option of following SR 1787 to be investigated. The alternate roadways were evaluated during this June 1997 site visits. Following the alternative path, very narrow and extremely tortuous state- and county-maintained roads were encountered for the initial 4 to 5 miles. The condition of the roads improved as they approach the city of Berea, Kentucky where SR 21 intersects with Interstate I-75 (12 miles from the spring location). Because of severe turns and narrow nature of the initial 4 to 5 miles, the option of using SR 1787 to SR 1617 to SR 595 to SR 21 to I-75 is not viable for tractor-trailers.
3.3 July 1997 Site Reconnaissance Summary
This site was previously evaluated during both the May and June 1997 spring reconnaissance activities. Since the June 1997 sampling event, the owners of Rockcastle Spring have initiated "development" activities at the spring. The overburden material (loose rock fragments and soil) that was above the discharge has been removed exposing fractured sandstone and a large horizontal void from which the spring discharges. A sample of the water was collected as it issues from the rock and void area before ever reaching any of the materials placed on the site by the current owners. Removal of the overburden material has resulted in the creation of a larger and relatively flat working area.
In addition, a third potential trucking route was evaluated. During our initial visit, the potential of SR 1912 to US Route 421 was investigated. The second site visit the option of following SR 1787 and its many connecting roads to access the site. During the July reconnaissance, the option of following route SR 1912 to US 421 to SR 21 to I-75 was investigated. Although the initial 2 3 miles was somewhat narrow, the trek was not very tortuous and the grades were manageable. Once US Route 421 was encountered, lane widths increased and the road conditions improved. State route 21 was also in very good condition from its intersection with US 421 to I-75 in Berea, KY. This roadway system is likely the most favorable as the trucks will be intersecting a major 4-lane highway 11 miles closer to the spring site than what was found by following US 421 to its intersection with I-75 in Richmond, KY. Additionally, the route from the spring site to I-75 at Mt. Vernon, KY (about 15 miles south of where SR 21 insects the interstate) was investigated. Although the roads were somewhat winding and a steep uphill grade was encountered, this route would probably suffice as an alternative to the primary trucking route in the event of road construction activities.
4.0 Site Setting and Geology/HydrogeologyThe initial three trips to the spring site by RS Consultants' personnel were conducted in May, June, and July 1997. The purpose of these trips was to conduct initial reconnoiter activities and collect samples for various field and laboratory analysis. Summary letters were prepared and forwarded to Aqua Perfect personnel. Copies of those portions of the summary letters discussing the Rockcastle Spring site are presented below in chronological order. Copies of site photographs taken by RS Consultants personnel during the fourth visit are presented in Appendix B.
3.1 May 1997 Site Reconnaissance Summary
The spring site is located approximately 9 miles from Interstate 75 at Exit 59 in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky. The property consists of 15 acres of privately owned land abutting the Daniel Boone National Forest. The sate highway leading to the spring from Exit 59 are very tortuous and steep, making tanker access difficult. Alternative routes do exist which would be much more accessible for a tanker truck. Following one of these routes resulted in traveling approximately 27 miles of state and US Routes and accessing I-75 about 104 miles south of Cincinnati.
The spring discharges from the side of a hill near the interface of a sandstone bed overlying a limestone bed. Total discharge from this spring was estimated by RS Consultants, Inc. personnel to be in the range of 200 gpm. The location of the discharge with regard to the state road would enable the spring water to be collected at the discharge point and transported via gravity flow to a tanker loading near the road.
General chemistry information collected on site include the following:
- PH= 7.45 Standard Units (SU)
- Specific Conductivity = 89 microsiements (uS equivalent to micromhos per centimeter)
- Temperature = 13º Celsius (C)
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) = 60 milligrams per liter (mg/l)
3.2 June 1997 Site Reconnaissance Summary
A second sample of the spring water was collected for verification of the May sample results. In general, the amount of water discharging appeared to be much greater than the volume discharging in May. Results of field analysis are as follows:
- pH = 7.07 SU
- Specific Conductivity = 59.4 uS
- Temperature = 15.3º C
- TDS = 28 mg/l
In addition, RS Consultants personnel evaluated an alternative route for ingress and egress from the spring site. During out initial visit, the potential use of SR 1912 to US Route 421 was investigated leaving an option of following SR 1787 to be investigated. The alternate roadways were evaluated during this June 1997 site visits. Following the alternative path, very narrow and extremely tortuous state- and county-maintained roads were encountered for the initial 4 to 5 miles. The condition of the roads improved as they approach the city of Berea, Kentucky where SR 21 intersects with Interstate I-75 (12 miles from the spring location). Because of severe turns and narrow nature of the initial 4 to 5 miles, the option of using SR 1787 to SR 1617 to SR 595 to SR 21 to I-75 is not viable for tractor-trailers.
3.3 July 1997 Site Reconnaissance Summary
This site was previously evaluated during both the May and June 1997 spring reconnaissance activities. Since the June 1997 sampling event, the owners of Rockcastle Spring have initiated "development" activities at the spring. The overburden material (loose rock fragments and soil) that was above the discharge has been removed exposing fractured sandstone and a large horizontal void from which the spring discharges. A sample of the water was collected as it issues from the rock and void area before ever reaching any of the materials placed on the site by the current owners. Removal of the overburden material has resulted in the creation of a larger and relatively flat working area.
In addition, a third potential trucking route was evaluated. During our initial visit, the potential of SR 1912 to US Route 421 was investigated. The second site visit the option of following SR 1787 and its many connecting roads to access the site. During the July reconnaissance, the option of following route SR 1912 to US 421 to SR 21 to I-75 was investigated. Although the initial 2 3 miles was somewhat narrow, the trek was not very tortuous and the grades were manageable. Once US Route 421 was encountered, lane widths increased and the road conditions improved. State route 21 was also in very good condition from its intersection with US 421 to I-75 in Berea, KY. This roadway system is likely the most favorable as the trucks will be intersecting a major 4-lane highway 11 miles closer to the spring site than what was found by following US 421 to its intersection with I-75 in Richmond, KY. Additionally, the route from the spring site to I-75 at Mt. Vernon, KY (about 15 miles south of where SR 21 insects the interstate) was investigated. Although the roads were somewhat winding and a steep uphill grade was encountered, this route would probably suffice as an alternative to the primary trucking route in the event of road construction activities.
The following chapter presents a description of the physical setting of the Rockcastle Spring site including the site topography, soils, general geology, and general hydrogeology.
4.1 Site Setting
Rockcastle Spring's discharge comprises a portion of the base flow of Brush Creek which is a first order tributary of Roundstone Creek. Brush Creek flows within a v-shaped valley, which is typical of a dendritic drainage pattern in unglaciated temperate climates. Roundstone Creek discharges to the Rockcastle River, which in turn discharges to the Cumberland River, which is a subbasin of the Ohio River watershed.
The spring discharges along the side of a steep hillside from the base of a fractured sandstone unit immediately above shaly limestone. The spring discharge is located at an approximate elevation of 1140 feet above mean sea level (msl). The discharged water flows across the upper surface of the less permeable shaly limestone layer and forms a waterfall as the water cascades downward to a point where the spring flow joins Brush Creek at an approximate elevation of 1060 feet msl. Although very steep-sided, the hillsides and hilltops are predominantly covered with deciduous vegetation. A thin veneer of residual soils, formed by the in-place weathering of rock, is present across most of the spring area. Where residual soils are not present, exposed bedrock is evident. Colluvial soils consisting of a combination of alluvial deposits from the Brush Creek floodplain and talus (soils and rock fragments) are present at the base of the slope.
4.2 Geology and Hydrogeology
Rockcastle Spring is located near the eastern extent of the Interior Low Plateau, which is adjacent to the Appalachian Highlands to the east. Regionally, rocks of the Lower Pennsylvanian-aged Pottsville Group compromise a west-facing steep slop (escarpment) that has been incised by the headwaters of the Cumberland River (including Brush Creek). In the vicinity of Rockcastle Spring the Pottsville Group has been eroded and bedrock consists of the Lower Mississippian-aged Waverly Formation. The Waverly typically consists of shale and sandstone with more sandstone being present near the top of the unit. In addition, the formation can be limy with some chert being mostly to the south.
The spring actually emanates from a series of vertical and horizontal fractures and/or solution at the base of a sandstone bed. Underlying the sandstone is a shaly limestone that appears to have undergone some replacement of the limestone by chert. Chert tends to be highly resistant to erosion, which may account for the presence of the resistent rock ledge forming the waterfall. Further, the presence of chert within this lower unit is consistent with the water quality information obtained from the spring (Chapter 6.0).
Discharge rates were estimated by RS Consultants personnel during their spring evaluations. Additionally, the Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) had historical records on the spring site. RS Consultants estimated discharge rates of approximately 200 gallons per minute (gpm). KGS representatives estimate the discharge to be closer to 110 gpm. The differences in estimated discharge rate could result from numerous factors including time of year, the amount of precipitation, and recharge rates. Regardless, both estimates indicate that the spring discharges a volume of water that exceeds Polar Water's anticipated needs and would allow installation of a catchment system that would provide a sufficient volume of water for bulk filling while maintaining the existing waterfall.
The flow rates estimated by both entities indicate that the watershed area providing water to the spring is relatively large. Bedrock dips (direction and angle of inclination) to the southeast (toward the spring from the adjacent Daniel Boone Forest) indicating that the majority if the watershed area supplying water to the spring is to the north and northeast. Comparison of the regional geologic map further indicates that the watershed likely extends several miles to the northeast.
5.0 Cultural and Environmental Features4.1 Site Setting
Rockcastle Spring's discharge comprises a portion of the base flow of Brush Creek which is a first order tributary of Roundstone Creek. Brush Creek flows within a v-shaped valley, which is typical of a dendritic drainage pattern in unglaciated temperate climates. Roundstone Creek discharges to the Rockcastle River, which in turn discharges to the Cumberland River, which is a subbasin of the Ohio River watershed.
The spring discharges along the side of a steep hillside from the base of a fractured sandstone unit immediately above shaly limestone. The spring discharge is located at an approximate elevation of 1140 feet above mean sea level (msl). The discharged water flows across the upper surface of the less permeable shaly limestone layer and forms a waterfall as the water cascades downward to a point where the spring flow joins Brush Creek at an approximate elevation of 1060 feet msl. Although very steep-sided, the hillsides and hilltops are predominantly covered with deciduous vegetation. A thin veneer of residual soils, formed by the in-place weathering of rock, is present across most of the spring area. Where residual soils are not present, exposed bedrock is evident. Colluvial soils consisting of a combination of alluvial deposits from the Brush Creek floodplain and talus (soils and rock fragments) are present at the base of the slope.
4.2 Geology and Hydrogeology
Rockcastle Spring is located near the eastern extent of the Interior Low Plateau, which is adjacent to the Appalachian Highlands to the east. Regionally, rocks of the Lower Pennsylvanian-aged Pottsville Group compromise a west-facing steep slop (escarpment) that has been incised by the headwaters of the Cumberland River (including Brush Creek). In the vicinity of Rockcastle Spring the Pottsville Group has been eroded and bedrock consists of the Lower Mississippian-aged Waverly Formation. The Waverly typically consists of shale and sandstone with more sandstone being present near the top of the unit. In addition, the formation can be limy with some chert being mostly to the south.
The spring actually emanates from a series of vertical and horizontal fractures and/or solution at the base of a sandstone bed. Underlying the sandstone is a shaly limestone that appears to have undergone some replacement of the limestone by chert. Chert tends to be highly resistant to erosion, which may account for the presence of the resistent rock ledge forming the waterfall. Further, the presence of chert within this lower unit is consistent with the water quality information obtained from the spring (Chapter 6.0).
Discharge rates were estimated by RS Consultants personnel during their spring evaluations. Additionally, the Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) had historical records on the spring site. RS Consultants estimated discharge rates of approximately 200 gallons per minute (gpm). KGS representatives estimate the discharge to be closer to 110 gpm. The differences in estimated discharge rate could result from numerous factors including time of year, the amount of precipitation, and recharge rates. Regardless, both estimates indicate that the spring discharges a volume of water that exceeds Polar Water's anticipated needs and would allow installation of a catchment system that would provide a sufficient volume of water for bulk filling while maintaining the existing waterfall.
The flow rates estimated by both entities indicate that the watershed area providing water to the spring is relatively large. Bedrock dips (direction and angle of inclination) to the southeast (toward the spring from the adjacent Daniel Boone Forest) indicating that the majority if the watershed area supplying water to the spring is to the north and northeast. Comparison of the regional geologic map further indicates that the watershed likely extends several miles to the northeast.
5.1 Cultural Setting
Rockcastle Spring is situated on a 15-acre (+/-) tract of land near the town of Climax, Kentucky. The spring is located on the side of a steeply sloping hillside at the interface between the producing sandstone horizon and the underlying shaly limestone. The spring is surrounded by virgin forest growth and the property abuts the Daniel Boone National Forest. The area is predominantly rural with some sporadic residences and farmlands. Farmlands are typically used for crop growth, specifically mostly for tobacco. The few residences and local markets utilize either well water or obtain their supply from nearby springs (including Rockcastle Spring which is heavily used by local residents).
The closest residence is located approximately 1,750 feet north of the spring along the Brush Creek floodplain. The only businesses close to the spring site include a country market/convenience store/retail gasoline station in Climax, Kentucky approximately 1 to 1.5 miles north-northeast of the spring site. No industrial buildings or facilities were identified within a 2-mile radius of the spring during a windshield survey of the area.
5.2 Potential Environmental Impact Areas
RS Consultants retained ERIIS to identify potential environmental risks and impacts associated with the spring source. ERIIS performed a database search and identified no environmental contamination sources within a 2-mile radius of the spring site. A copy of the ERIIS report is presented in Appendix C.
In addition to evaluating the region for potential environmental impacts, RS Consultants retained Environmental Balance to conduct a wetlands determination in the spring area. The purpose of the wetlands determination was to obtain verification from a wetlands specialist that future spring development activities would not have any impact on a wetland area. Environmental Balance identified a wetland in an intermittent stream valley adjacent to the hillside from which the spring emanates. However, the location and extent of this wetland area is not near the spring or the anticipated bulk water supply loading area. A copy of the Environmental Balance's wetland determination report is provided in Appendix D.
6.0 Water Quality AssessmentRockcastle Spring is situated on a 15-acre (+/-) tract of land near the town of Climax, Kentucky. The spring is located on the side of a steeply sloping hillside at the interface between the producing sandstone horizon and the underlying shaly limestone. The spring is surrounded by virgin forest growth and the property abuts the Daniel Boone National Forest. The area is predominantly rural with some sporadic residences and farmlands. Farmlands are typically used for crop growth, specifically mostly for tobacco. The few residences and local markets utilize either well water or obtain their supply from nearby springs (including Rockcastle Spring which is heavily used by local residents).
The closest residence is located approximately 1,750 feet north of the spring along the Brush Creek floodplain. The only businesses close to the spring site include a country market/convenience store/retail gasoline station in Climax, Kentucky approximately 1 to 1.5 miles north-northeast of the spring site. No industrial buildings or facilities were identified within a 2-mile radius of the spring during a windshield survey of the area.
5.2 Potential Environmental Impact Areas
RS Consultants retained ERIIS to identify potential environmental risks and impacts associated with the spring source. ERIIS performed a database search and identified no environmental contamination sources within a 2-mile radius of the spring site. A copy of the ERIIS report is presented in Appendix C.
In addition to evaluating the region for potential environmental impacts, RS Consultants retained Environmental Balance to conduct a wetlands determination in the spring area. The purpose of the wetlands determination was to obtain verification from a wetlands specialist that future spring development activities would not have any impact on a wetland area. Environmental Balance identified a wetland in an intermittent stream valley adjacent to the hillside from which the spring emanates. However, the location and extent of this wetland area is not near the spring or the anticipated bulk water supply loading area. A copy of the Environmental Balance's wetland determination report is provided in Appendix D.
The following chapter discusses water quality data obtained through sampling activities conducted by Aqua Perfect and/or RS Consultants personnel and data provided by the owners of Rockcastle Spring. Data from 2 of 3 sampling events conducted by Aqua Perfect/RS Consultants confirmed data provided by the Rockcastle Springs property owners. The third sample result reported an anomalous concentration of nitrates. In general, the water contains very low total dissolved solids concentrations, low concentrations or no nitrates, and very low concentrations of common ions such as sulfate. Other common ions such as chloride were not found to be detectable. These data indicate that the spring water does not flow through carbonate units such as limestone or dolomite and that the contact time with the upper extent of the shaly limestone unit is very brief or that the carbonate material within this lower unit has been replaced with chert. In summary, the water quality of the spring appears to meet or exceed Aqua Perfect's internal standards. Copies of all analytical data available to date are provided in Appendix E.
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