The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District is partnering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to use innovative technology to address a decades-long groundwater contamination concern at the Milford Contaminated Aquifer Superfund Site in Milford, Ohio.
The project is currently in the Remedial Design Phase, which includes additional data collection as well as a treatability study that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Remedial Plan selected by the USEPA. This phase, expected to be completed in 2026, marks the final step before implementing a plan that will clean up the groundwater at its source, rather than relying on expensive treatment methods.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) were identified in the Milford municipal water supply wells in 1986. Due to the presence of VOCs, a portion of the drinking water in Milford from wells containing VOCs has undergone “air stripping” treatment since 1990. Since 2011, all drinking water has been processed through the air stripper. While VOCs remain in the raw water, the finished drinking water meets both state and federal standards, according to the USACE team.
“In many environmental projects, the benefits of the project are harder to quantify and visualize. For the Milford Contaminated Aquifer, we can see the direct benefit the project will have on the community,” said Jeremy Renner, Louisville District environmental engineer. “This remediation project will provide long-term environmental, public health and economic benefits to the local community. A clean water supply and improved environmental conditions enhance the attractiveness of Milford for businesses and residents.”
There are many steps between identification of contamination and implementation of the Remedial Plan that require communication, transparency and cooperation between federal, state and local government entities, the community and private landowners. Groundwater does not discriminate between public and private land so obtaining access for data collection can be challenging.
“A significant portion of the project area consists of private property. Property owners must be consulted and must sign Right of Entry agreements to allow work to proceed. Obtaining these agreements is critical for successful cleanup,” Renner said.
Once the Remedial Design Phase is complete, large-scale treatment following the Remedial Plan will begin.
“By addressing contamination at its source, this project ensures a healthier, safer and more sustainable future for the City of Milford while reducing long-term environmental and financial burdens on the community,” Renner said.