R317-6-5. Ground Water Classification for Aquifers

5.1 GENERAL

A. When sufficient information is available, entire aquifers or parts thereof may be classified by the Board according to the quality of ground water contained therein and commensurate protection levels will be applied.

B. Ground water sources furnishing water to community drinking water systems with ground water meeting Class IA criteria are classified as Class IA.

5.2 CLASSIFICATION AND RECLASSIFICATION PROCEDURE

A. The Board may initiate classification or reclassification.

B. A petition for classification or reclassification must be performed under the direction, and bear the seal, of a professional engineer or professional geologist.

C. Boundaries for class areas will be delineated so as to enclose distinct ground water classes as nearly as known facts permit. Boundaries will be based on hydrogeologic properties, existing ground water quality and for Class IB and IC, current use. Parts of an aquifer may be classified differently.

D. The petitioner requesting reclassification will provide sufficient information to determine if reclassification is in the best interest of the beneficial users.

E. A petition for classification or reclassification shall include:

1. factual data supporting the proposed classification;

2. a description of the proposed ground waters to be classified or reclassified;

3. potential contamination sources;

4. ground water flow direction;

5. current beneficial uses of the ground water; and

6. location of all water wells in the area to be classified or reclassified.

F. One or more public hearings will be held to receive comment on classification and reclassification proposals.

G. The Board will determine the disposition of all petitions for classification and reclassification, except as provided in R317-6-5.2.H.

H. Ground water proximate to a facility for which an application for a ground water discharge permit has been made may be classified by the Director for purposes of making permitting decisions.