Artesian issues statement on Northern Sussex Regional Water Recharge Facility

Artesian would like to clarify the record regarding many inaccurate claims with respect to our planned water recharge facility in northern Sussex County. We want to assure those who live in the Milton area that we not only share their concerns with respect to protection of the environment, but also are fully committed to meeting those responsibilities, as we have always done over our 110-year history of superior service to Delawareans. Artesian is dedicated to delivering high-quality drinking water, with over 100 wells in service, and to providing high-quality wastewater services, including through operation of spray irrigation wastewater facilities.

Since its inception, Artesian's planned facility was intended to provide the best treatment and disposal of wastewater from homes and businesses in the region in a safe, environmentally beneficial manner. The treatment site and spray irrigation fields have been reviewed and approved for these purposes through Sussex County conditional-use permits and DNREC construction permits remaining in effect since October 2013. The recent application for an amendment to the construction permit adjusts the phasing of construction of the facility and the sizing of components in the phase.

The partnership between Artesian and Allen Harim turns a problem (the release of elevated levels of nutrients into a stream, which can lead to unwanted plant growth or algal blooms) into a benefit (those same nutrients applied through spray irrigation promote plant growth and reduce the application of fertilizer on farm fields). The proposed solution is an environmental benefit, helping to protect our streams, support our farmers and recharge aquifers.

Measures will be in place to ensure that the treated process wastewater leaving Allen Harim meets appropriate quality standards before it is piped to our storage lagoons and then used in spray irrigation of farmland. Artesian would not proceed without such appropriate monitoring and process controls in place to ensure protection of the environment and public health.

Artesian depends on the quality of groundwater supplies as a critical part of its business. Therefore, we care deeply about the quality of groundwater and wells in and around the communities we serve. Artesian's facility will be closely checked for quality using a system of monitoring wells, water-quality testing tools and an extensive sampling program to ensure no harm to local groundwater sources.

Our operational procedures ensure that the treated process wastewater that reaches the groundwater meets a strict safety standard imposed by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The quality of treated process wastewater applied to spray fields will meet a standard of "unlimited public access" quite commonly used for irrigating golf courses and parks, as in the case of the Frog Hollow Golf Course in Middletown.

Artesian currently owns and operates five wastewater treatment facilities throughout the State of Delaware and operates two wastewater treatment plants serving residential, commercial and industrial customers in Middletown. Artesian in partnership with AquaStructure designed and built the wastewater treatment facility in Middletown, which uses spray irrigation disposal systems. Artesian in partnership with Middletown has successfully operated this award-winning wastewater treatment facility for over 10 years. Artesian and Middletown were recognized for this innovative water recycling partnership, as the recipient of the 2011 Good Government Award by the Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin, and received recognition by proclamation from then-Gov. Jack Markell.

We look forward to having the opportunity to further educate the community on the many benefits of reclaiming and repurposing treated wastewater. We believe that the use of reclaimed water for spray irrigation benefits not only farmers and the economy, but improves water quality in our rivers and streams. Protecting the environment has been at the core of our business for over 110 years and will continue to be in the future.

Dian C. Taylor
chair, president and CEO, Artesian Resources Corporation