Lake Forest Park releases McKinnon Creek Well Field Analysis Report

From the City of Lake Forest Park

Aspect Consulting, LLC hired by the City of Lake Forest Park, has completed a hydrogeological and geotechnical evaluation of the McKinnon Creek well field. The study concluded that a limited land use, such as a pedestrian trail, could be allowed in the City-owned right-of-way while maintaining the required 100-ft sanitary control area around the drinking water wells.

The wells are owned and operated by the Lake Forest Park Water District (Water District). The Water District is not affiliated or operated by the City of Lake Forest Park but is a special purpose district that serves approximately 950 customers within the City and is franchised by the City. While a pedestrian trail is not an incompatible land use in the well-field sanitary control area, the wells must be properly secured. Aspect Consulting recommends a variety of fairly low cost security measures be implemented to protect the wells from intentional contamination and/or vandalism, with or without the presence of a public pedestrian trail.

The report comes on the heels of a state appeals court ruling in favor of the City confirming its ownership of the NE 184th St. right-of-way that has a history of use as a pedestrian trail adjacent to the well field. Several of the wells are within the City right of way. The two agencies must work together to meet the interests of both.

The written report was given to the City Council at its Committee of the Whole meeting on May 23rd, as well as a short briefing. During the briefing, it was affirmed that, above all else, the City of Lake Forest Park values clean and safe drinking water.

The City has invited the Water District leadership to attend the May 26th City Council meeting at 7 pm to listen to Aspect Consulting present the report. The City also looks forward to collaborating with the Water District to secure their well field to ensure safe and clean drinking water for their customers and City residents.

The Aspect Consulting report can be downloaded from the City website.