KANSAS
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT
BILL GRAVES, GOVERNOR
Clyde D. Graeber, Secretary
For Immediate Release
Contact: Don Brown, (785) 296-1529
Melvern Reservoir Water Quality Meeting Scheduled for May 5 in Reading
A public meeting to discuss water quality protection goals for the Melvern Reservoir watershed has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 5 at 7 p.m. in the Reading School gymnasium on U.S. 170 in Reading.
Dr. Jim Koelliker of Kansas State University will report on the results of a watershed water quality investigation which began on July 1, 1996. The results will be key in determining appropriate steps for protecting and improving Melvern water quality. State environmental officials will also be on hand to answer questions.
The KSU work was initiated following public meetings and discussion among KDHE, representatives of county conservation district boards, public water supplies and others concerned about Melvern Lake water quality.
"This meeting will continue discussions with the Melvern watershed community concerning water quality protection goals and actions needed to achieve these goals," said
Don Snethen, of KDHE's Nonpoint Source Section. "We encourage anyone concerned about Kansas' water quality to attend this meeting. Individuals and groups who use Melvern as a recreation area or a drinking water supply are especially encouraged to attend."
Action on the Melvern Reservoir watershed started in 1996, when more than 100 people attended a public hearing for the approval of a livestock water pollution control permit for a site located less than one mile from the south shore of the reservoir. In response to concerns voiced at that meeting, KDHE initiated a water quality protection planning process.
On July 27, 1996, a second meeting was held in Lebo to discuss ways for residents, businesses, civic groups, and units of state and local government to work together to protect water quality in the region. Following additional meetings with county conservation districts, public water supply utilities and others, Koelliker was asked to study the water quality conditions of Melvern Lake and watershed; and to develop a tool which will assist the watershed community in selecting water quality goals for Melvern Lake and to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative water quality protection actions.
KDHE granted KSU $60,000 in State Water Plan - Nonpoint Source Technical Assistance funds to perform the investigation.
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