Big Spring Recharge Area: Sole Source Aquifer Petition (Classic Reprint)

This deeply researched book presents a petition to designate the Big Spring Recharge Area in Missouri as a Sole Source Aquifer, and details the environmental protections that such designation would entail. The aquifer in question is a unique geological feature containing an upper and lower aquifer, with the upper aquifer feeding directly into springs and rivers within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The book emphasizes the sensitivity of this aquifer system to contamination due to its karst geology, with sinkholes and losing streams facilitating the rapid transport of pollutants into the groundwater supply. The book draws on extensive scientific studies, including dye tracing experiments, to illustrate the interconnectedness of the aquifer and the potential risks to drinking water sources and the local ecosystem. By providing scientific evidence and arguing for protective measures, this book contributes to the growing body of knowledge on groundwater protection and its critical importance for human health and the environment.