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WILLETT, HOFMANN & ASSOCIATES,
INC.
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Mount Morris Radium Reduction Mount Morris, Ilinois
WHA began by creating a Project Plan that outlined the need for the immediate construction of a new replacement well for the Village’s existing Well 3. The Plan detailed the design criteria, evaluated the existing water system, evaluated alternative designs, investigated environmental impacts and developed a financing plan that recommended the IEPA Public Water Supplies Revolving Fund Loan Program be used. The Plan also discussed user charges and proposed an implementation schedule.
WHA also assisted the Village in applying for and acquiring a $350,000 Public Facilities grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to supplement the construction of the new well building.
WHA had also studied blending and treatment as alternative solutions. Both options would require substantial capital expenses, and were not recommended due to the projected cost.
WHA performed the design and permit work to drill and develop a new Well No. 5 at a depth more consistent with the wells in the surrounding communities which are not exceeding the Combined Radium MCL. WHA also designed the necessary connecting water main, sanitary sewer and building with appurtenances (electrical controls, SCADA, chemical feed system with separate rooms, restroom, piping, valves, etc.) for the new well.
WHA estimated construction and related costs for all improvements to be $750,000 and recommended that a $750,000 Public Water Supply Revolving Fund Loan be used. Based on a 20 year, 2.5% interest loan, the additional cost to the average residential user using 1,000 cubic feet (7,480 gallons) per month would be $3.50 per month.
Today the new well has been drilled and testing has confirmed that WHA’s design of a shallower well would produce a lower level of Combined Radium. The initial test for Combined Radium produced a level lower than the MCL imposed by the EPA. The project should be complete and fully operational by the end of November 2008.
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The
Village of Mount Morris hired Willett, Hofmann & Associates to lead them in a
Waterworks Improvement Project after receiving notice that Well No. 3 exceeded
the IEPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level for Combined Radium. 
After
the Village’s acceptance, The Plan was submitted to the IEPA for their review
and approval. WHA assisted the Village in preparing for a public hearing to
publically discuss the Project Plan.