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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increased funoff also augment low flows. Wilson Creek and its
tributaries constitute the main storm water sewer system of the
City of Springfield.12

The initial "flush" of stormwater runoff is the largest threat
to aquatic life. Water temperatures and toxic chemical concentra-
tions are high, while oxygen content, is extremely low. "All pre-
vious major fish kills of record occurred during periods of low
flow in the James River, when thunderstorms oVer the City of
Springfield located in the upper Wilson Creek basin produced a
rise in Wilson Creek not accompanied by a rise in the James
River. ,,13

Bypasses of the sewage treatment plant occur during moderate
and heavy rains due to infiltration and etormwater connections to
sanitary sewers. The Southwest Sewage Treatment Plant is designed
in such a way that flows in excess of 12 million gallons a day are
bypassed directly to the polishing lagoon and are not disinfected
before being released to Wilson Creek. Wet weather flows in excess
of 80 million gallons per day have been measured. (A new treat-
ment plant is scheduled to begin service in September of 1977,
with a capacity of 42 million gallons per day. The new plant,
together with the Southwest Plant, will still not be able to
stop all bypasses.)14

The central sewer system in the Springfield area is limited.
Perpheral areas rely on septic tanks for waste treatment. Because
of the karat environment, effluent from septic tanks is not effec-
tively filtered and readily enters the groundwater system. Ade-
quate treatment facilities need to be provided for smaller urban
centers and rural areas'which are undergoing rapid urban develop-
ment. Urban development also causes problems in locating sites
for lakes, lagoon, and landfills; the karst environment is also
a factor (see Aley, Williams, and Massello).

City utilities of Springfield estimated the 1976 daily water
usage at 15 million gallons per day. It has been determined that
this amount could be sustained during severe drought conditions
from current sources. By 1985, water needs have been estimated
at 24.2 million gallons per day and serious shortages could occur
during peak demand periods of extended drought unless additional
sources are found.

The current water supply source of 'Springfield is from two
impoundments. Fulbright Spring, and wells. Industrial wells Dro-
vide water supply in addition to City Supply. Total sustained supply
considered available from these three sources is as follows: 15

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