WSP01088

• File Number: 8112.600
• Description: Arkansas White Red Basins Interagency Committee - AWRBIAC -- Reports
• Basin: Arkansas
• Water Division: 2
• Date: 6/1/1977
• Title: Specific Problem Analysis Summary Report - 1975 National Assessment of Water and Related Land Resources - Part 2 of 2
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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Of the two counties in the Springfield problem area, only
Greene County has planning and zoning. Planning and zoning is
provided for in state law but not mandatory. Christian County
voters have disapproved county wide planning and zoning.

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Problem Effects Information:

In recent years, the cavernous nature of the bedrock, the
many sinkholes, and the losing streams--combined with a rapidly
increasing population--has greatly increased the possibility of
groundwater contamination. Auxiliary wells utilized by Springfield
are in the deep aquifer. Increased pumping of wells in the deep
aquifer by the City and various industries is lowering the 'water
level and cau~bng a cone of depression that is centered in Snring-
field proper.

Pumping costs increase with lowering of the water level.
Lowering of the water level also increases the recharge potential
through the shallow aquifer, pollution in losing streams can be
drawn to active wells. Contamination of water in the deep aquifer
can also occur if wells were poorly constructed or improperly
cased, allowing freer movement of polluted waters in the shallow
aquifer to the deep aquifer.

Dry Sac Creek and Wilson Creek are currently receiving treated
wastes. Below the southwest sewage treatment plant, Wilson Creek
contains high amounts of organic material due to the quality of the
effluent discharged from the plant. In the Wilson Creek Battle-
field National Park, the atream,emits mild sewage odors and the
bottom of the stream is covered with sludge and blue-green algae.
Algae growth is stimulated by the high ammonia concentration of
the plant effluent.ll

Increased urbanization increases the amount of stormwater run-
off. The time lag between initial precipitation and runoff decreases
significantly as the amounts of storm sewers and area of impervious
surfaces increase. Increased runoff amounts increase the threat of
more frequent severe floods and greater flood damages on urbanized
floodplains in the area. Urban areas most susceptible to flooding
are along Jordan, Fassnight, and South Creeks, which are tributaries
of Wilson Creek and along Pierson and Galloway Creeks, which are
tributaries of James River.

Low flows on Wilson Creek are greater than those of other
streams with comparable basin sizes in the area. There are several
losing points upstream from the southwest wastewater treatment plant
(the plant augments flows in the Creek below the nlant). Meoium low
flows are 5 to 10 times greater because of additions from industrial
and domestic effluents. Decreased soil-moisture storage and

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