THE ORCBS > Environmental Compliance > Programs & Guidelines > Wellhead Protection >

MSU WHHP: Element 5 - Contingency Plans

The Contingency Plan portion of the WHPP is an important part of the overall program to protect the quality of the MSU water supply. This Contingency Plan was developed to document what procedures should be followed in a water supply emergency. In reality, there are numerous variables that will determine how a given emergency situation will develop and be handled. The ultimate response to an emergency situation must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, given the severity of the emergency and the potential risks. As such, deviations from the procedures may be appropriate.

MSU has 17 production wells that pump water into three well mains which deliver it untreated to the farm facilities south of Mt. Hope Road and to the reservoir/pumping station. Water is treated at the reservoir/pumping station and pumped to all MSU buildings north of Mt. Hope Road.

Here is a list of the types of contingency plans that are used:

• Power Outage
• Water Main Break - Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 5:00 pm, call Maintenance Dispatch at 353-1760. All other times, call Campus Operator (O)
• Chemical Spill - In the event of a chemical leak or spill call 911, or ORCBS for smaller spills.
• Catastrophic Water System Failure
• Alternative Water Supplies - In the event of a water supply emergency, MSU has the potential to obtain water from two sources: a connection with the East Lansing/Meridian Water Sewer Authority, and bottled water from a private supplier (Quality Dairy Food Stores).

MSU WHPP: New Wells

Wellhead Protection Program