Untied States Environmental Prenacvton Agancy [ica of Wati omoaoi Grour»d-Wat&» Projection Washington, O.C. 20460 February 1907 EPA 440v6-fl?-i)03 sera Sole Source Aquifer Designation Petitioner Guidance ------- SOLE SOURCE AQUIFER DESIGNATION PETITIONER GUIDANCE U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water Washington, D. C. 20460 February, 1987 (Revised November, 1989) (Revised September, 1995) ------- SOLE SOURCE AQUIFER DESIGNATION PETITIONER GUIDANCE TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Overview Of Petition Processing 3.0 Phase I - Petition Preparation 4.0 Phase II - Initial Petition Review/ Determination Of Completeness 5.0 Phase III - Detailed Review/Technical Verification 6.0 Phase IV - Designation Determination EXHIBITS 2-1 Sole Source Aquifer Designation Decision Process 3-1 Areas Related to Sole Source Aquifers 3-2 Current Drinking Water Sources Matrix 3-3 Alternative Drinking Water Sources Matrix 3-4 Alternative Drinking Water Sources Matrix - Petitioned Aquifer Not A Principal Source 3-5 Alternative Drinking Water Sources Matrix - Petitioned Aquifer a Principal Source 3-6 Suggested Petitioner Identifying Information Format 3-7 Schematic of Streamflow Source Area Page Number l 3 6 27 28 30 4 7 9 12 16 17 19 25 ------- APPENDICES A. Sole Source Aquifer Definitions B. SSA Fact Sheet C. Sources of Technical Information D. EPA Regional Contacts E. Completeness Determination Checklist F. Statements of Meaning—Minimum Set of Data Elements For Wells G. Section 1424(e) Safe Drinking Water Act ------- 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose and Use of this Guidance The purpose of this guidance is to aid potential Sole Source Aquifer (SSA) petitioners to prepare and submit SSA designation petitions to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Offices in a complete and timely fashion. Petitioner questions not addressed in this guidance should be directed to the appropriate EPA Regional Office. This guidance is divided into six chapters. Following this introductory chapter, Chapter 2 presents an overview of the designation decision process, from initial petitioner inquiries to the Regional Administrator's (RA) designation determination. Chapter 3 details the petition contents and gives instructions on where to submit the information. Chapters 4 through 6 provide information on EPA's procedures from initial petition review to the designation determination. The appendices, referenced in the guidance, provide additional background background information for the petitioner. The terms and definitions used in this guidance are found in Appendix A. The SSA Fact Sheet, containing general information about the program, is found in Appendix B. Sources of technical information to be used in completing the petition are listed in Appendix C. Appendix D lists the EPA Regional Office contacts for the SSA program and the States included in each EPA Region. The Completeness Determination Checklist, which EPA intends to use to determine if a petition is complete, is included as Appendix E. To assist the Agency in making a determination whether a petitioned aquifer if contaminated, would create a significant public health hazard, a petitioner is encouraged to provide the "Minimum Set of Data Elements" for wells and springs as described in Appendix F. 1.2 The Sole Source Aquifer Program The Sole Source Aquifer program was established under Section 1424(e) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1974. This section authorizes the EPA Administrator to determine that an aquifer is the "sole or principal" source of drinking water for an area. The program also provides for EPA review of Federal financially-assisted projects planned for the area to determine their potential for contaminating the aquifer. Based on this review, no commitment of Federal financial assistance may be made for projects "which the Administrator determines may contaminate such aquifer," although Federal funds may be used to modify projects to ensure that they will not contaminate the aquifer. As of October 1986, there were twenty-one designated SSAs nationwide. -1- ------- The SDWA Amendments, enacted June , 186, established an SSA Demonstration Program, which is separate from, but dependent upon, the SSA program. The SSA Demonstration Program establishes procedures for developing, implementing and assessing demonstrations designed to protect critical aquifer protection areas (CAPAs). A CAPA is an area that: must be located within an area designated as a Sole source Aquifer by June 19, 1986 and has a Clean Water Act, Section 208, ground-water quality protection plan approved prior to that same date; or must be located within an area that is designated as a Sole Source Aquifer no later than June 19, 1988, and which satisfies the CAPA criteria EPA must establish by June 19, 1987. The text of Section 1424(e) of the Safe Drinking Water Act creating the Sole Source Aquifer Program is reproduced in Appendix G. 1.3 Qualified Petitioners Any individual, corporation, company, association, partnership, State, municipality or Federal agency is qualified to petition for SSA designation. -2- ------- 2.0 OVERVIEW OF PETITION PROCESSING 2.1 Overview of the Process The SSA petition review process consists of four phases, as shown in Exhibit 2-1. The petitioner's responsibility in each of these four phases is described in general in the following sections. A more detailed description of the activities suggested for each phase is included in chapters 3-6 of this guidance package. 2.1.1 Phase I - Petition Preparation The petitioner should use this guidance to prepare a petition for submission and should contact the appropriate EPA Regional Office to obtain additional information about the SSA program and the designation decision process. If the petitioner has not already received a Fact Sheet, a copy is included in this guidance as Appendix B. The petitioner is responsible for providing a complete petition and the information EPA needs for making its determination. This phase ends when the petitioner submits the petition to EPA. 2.1.2 Phase II - Initial Petition Review/Completeness Determination During Phase II, EPA conducts a completeness review to determine if the petition contains plausible, up-to-date information. If EPA determines that the petition is complete, the petitioner will be notified, and the petition proceeds to the more rigorous technical verification phase. If it is incomplete, EPA will return the petition to the petitioner with a Notice of Deficiencies. The petitioner should supply additional information, as indicated in the Notice, before processing can continue. 2.1.3 Phase III - Detailed Review/Technical Verification The two major objectives of this phase are: To verify that the aquifer is the sole or principal source of drinking water for the people who live in the area served by the aquifer (aquifer service area), and To verify or modify, as appropriate, the boundaries of the designated area and the project review area. -3- ------- EXHIBIT 2-1 SOLE SOURCE AQUIFER DESIGNATION DECISION PROCESS L MTULREVEW/ M. OETMLED REVEW/TECHMCAL VEHFtCADON IV. DESIGNATION DETERMINATION L PETITION •AIMTION :0f :0f IB IHT una jnna, ------- During the course of reviewing the petition, EPA may determine that the water use data and/or hydrogeological or other data are insufficient to determine whether the aquifer is the sole or principal source and/or whether the boundaries of the various areas are correct. If this is the case, EPA will ask the petitioner to supply additional data. This phase ends when EPA staff send a recommendation for petition approval or denial to the Regional Administrator. 2.1.4 Phase IV - Designation Determination The Regional Administrator should either approve or deny the SSA petition. The criterion for designating an aquifer as a Sole Source Aquifer is whether it is needed to supply 50% or more of the drinking water for the aquifer service area. EPA may also modify the boundaries of the designated area and/or project review area, as appropriate. EPA should inform the petitioner directly of the designation determination, and the designation determination should be published in the Federal Register. -5- ------- 3.0 PHASE I - PETITION PREPARATION 3.1 Purpose The purpose of this chapter is to aid the petitioner in preparing a complete petition. Section 3.2 includes the steps which should be taken to determine whether the aquifer is the sole or principal source of drinking water and to delineate boundaries of the various areas included in the petition. Section 3.3 outlines the information that the petitioner should provide to EPA after completing the steps in Section 3.2. Section 3.4 gives instructions for submitting petitions. 3.2 Steps to Determine Sole or Principal Source and to Delineate Boundaries of Petitioned Areas The petitioner should complete the following steps to determine whether the aquifer is the sole or principal source of drinking water. The petitioner also should delineate the boundaries of the various areas included in the petition. Exhibit 3-1 is a schematic representation of how the various areas may relate to one another. 3.2.1 Delineate the Aquifer Boundaries A petitioner may request designation for part of an aquifer, an entire aquifer or an aquifer system. This follows from the definition of an aquifer as a geological formation, group of formations or part of a formation capable of yielding a significant amount of water to a well or spring. A petitioner can petition for part of an aquifer if that portion is hydrogeologically separated from the rest of the aquifer. A petitioner can petition for an aquifer system to the extent that all aquifers in the system are hydrogeologically connected. The aquifer should be capable of supplying a well with approximately 150 gallons of water per day. 3.2.2 Delineate the Boundaries of the Aquifer Service Area This area is the area for which the petitioned aquifer must be the sole or principal source of drinking water. The aquifer service area is the area above the aquifer, previously determined; it also includes the area where the entire population served by the aquifer lives. Areas that are above the aquifer but are not served by the aquifer should be included in the aquifer service area. -6- ------- EXMWT3-1 AREAS RELATED TO SOLE SOURCE AQUIFERS Aquifer - Geological formation, group of formations or part of a formation which is capable of yielding a significant amount of water to a well or spring. Aquifer service area - The area above the aquifer and including any area that may not be above the aquifer but which is supplied with drinking water from the petitioned Sole Source Aquifer, Designated area - Surface area above the aquifer and its recharge area(s). (Boundaries are contiguous with those of recharge area) Streamflow source area - Upstream headwaters area of losing streams that flow into the recharge area Project review area - Area within which Federal financially-assisted projects will be reviewed, which includes the designated area and all or a portion of the streamflow source area(s). -7, ------- 3.2.3 Determine Whether the Aquifer is the Sole or Principal Source of Drinking Water "Sole or principal" means that the aquifer is needed to supply 50% or more of the drinking water for the aquifer service area, and that the volume of water which could be supplied by alternative sources is insufficient to replace the petitioned aquifer should it become contaminated. An alternative source of drinking water is any surface water or ground water near the aquifer service area which is currently used, or has the potential to be used, as a drinking water supply. "Near" is defined as within a distance which is normal to the local area for tapping into a water source. In addition, any source for which steps have been taken to use the water from the source should be considered "near." These steps include such things as having an application pending for right of use or a commitment of funding for constructing a pipeline or treatment plant. The petitioner should complete the following steps to determine if the petitioned aquifer is the sole or principal source of drinking water for the aquifer service area. Step 1 - Identify all current sources of drinking water which supply water to the aquifer service area. Step 2 - Complete the "Current Drinking Water Sources" matrix. Determine the average daily volume of drinking water supplied to the aquifer service area by each source identified above and by the petitioned aquifer. The average daily volume should be adjusted for seasonal variations. Then determine the percent of the total volume of drinking water supplied by each source. Complete the "Current Drinking Water Sources" matrix (Exhibit 3-2) with these percentages. The total for all sources must equal 100 percent. If the petitioned aquifer supplies 50% or more of the drinking water, proceed to step 3. If it does not, the aquifer is not a sole or principal source of drinking water, and the petition process should be discontinued. Step 3 - Identify all potential alternative sources of drinking water which could supply drinking water to the aquifer service area. A potential source is any -8- ------- EXHIBIT 3-2 CURRENT DRINKING WATER SOURCES FOR THE AQUIFER SERVICE AREA SOURCE PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY (COMMUNTTYAND NON-COMMUNTTY) PRIVATE AND OTHER TOTAL Petitioned Aquifer 50% — 50% HrtiAf AihiMm wlllW #V||RIVi9 - 25% 25% Surface Water 25% _ 25% Transported from the Outside — _ — Total 75% 25% 100% (This total must equal 100%) Note: Percentages are included as examples ------- surface water or ground water near the aquifer service area which could potentially be used as a source of drinking water. "Near" is defined as being within a distance normal to the local area for tapping into a water source. For example, if several surrounding communities of the same size have 2-3 mile pipelines leading to rivers or reservoirs, "near" would be defined as 2-3 miles. Any source for which steps have been taken for use, such as an application for right of use or a commitment of funds, should be considered "near." Step 4 - For each potential source identified above, determine the legal availability of the water and any institutional constraints to using the source for drinking water in the aquifer service area. Institutional constraints are legal or administrative restrictions that preclude replacement water delivery and may not be alleviated through administrative procedures or market transactions. Such constraints limit access to alternative water sources and may involve legal, administrative, or other controls over water use. EPA has placed potential institutional constraints into three categories: (a) Probably Binding constraints — which include treaties, agreements among states, and decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court that are not capable of being revised through market transactions or simple administrative processes. (b) Constraints which may possibly be binding — such as when market transactions or simple administrative processes may not be able to provide an alternative source of water (e.g., limits on the source or amount of water that are created by State law). (c) Constraints unlikely to be binding — when market transactions or simple administrative processes usually can ensure access to an alternative source of water. Step 5 - Eliminate from consideration all potential sources from which water is not legally available or on which there are other institutional constraints, that is, those which fall into categories (a) and (b) above. -10- ------- Step 6 - Determine if the remaining potential sources, and current sources which can provide additional water, are capable of providing sufficient drinking water to replace the aquifer. Complete the "Alternative Drinking Water Sources" matrix, Exhibit 3-3, as follows: Determine the current average daily volume of drinking water supplied by the petitioned aquifer; this should be the same figure used in Step 2. Complete line A, "Petitioned Aquifer Supply." - Estimate the potential daily supply of each potential source and any increment from each current source. The petitioner may: Contact the U.S. Geological Survey or State water resources agency for water quantity data on streams, lakes and aquifers. These data should be in gallons per day. For some streams, the U.S. Geological Survey can provide information on flows and other characteristics from which gross estimates can be calculated. Contact an expert who is familiar with the geographic area and has a background in hydrology and hydraulics, to develop a report on the estimated daily supply of the alternative source. For each source, complete "Estimated Daily Supply." - Add the Estimated Daily Supply of all potential sources and increments from current sources, except for the petitioned aquifer. Complete line E, "Total." - Compare the Total Estimated Daily Supply (E), determined above, to the Petitioned Aquifer Supply (A). If (E) is equal to or greater than (A), proceed to the next step. If (E) is less than (A), there is no need to further evaluate the potential sources, since the criterion for sole or principal source has been met, i.e., the volume of water supplied by alternative sources is insufficient to replace the petitioned aquifer. -11- ------- EXHIBIT 3-3 ALTERNATIVE DRINKING WATER SOURCES (A) PETITIONED AQUIFER SUPPLY SOURCE ESTIMATED DAILY SUPPLY (B) (C) ID) (Et Total ------- Step 7 - For all remaining potential sources, determine whether it is economically feasible for the sources to deliver water of the same or better quality than that of the petitioned aquifer. It is assumed that there would be no significant cost associated with using additional water from current sources. The economic feasibility of using the potential sources should be evaluated in terms of whether use of the sources would present an unusual economic burden to the community. There are two ways the economic burden can be assessed. The first is to compare the cost of using the sources to the water use costs paid in nearby communities with approximately the same income level as the population in the aquifer service area. The second, more quantitative method, is to determine the annual system cost to a typical user after incorporating the potential sources. If this cost exceeds 0.4 to 0.6% of the mean household income in the area, use of the sources can be considered to be economically infeasible. Determining whether use of the potential water sources is economically infeasible will require that a rough estimate of the costs of the potential water systems be generated. These costs should then be compared to household income to determine the relative "burden" of a new water system should the aquifer have to be replaced. Following is a list of the major replacement cost items, categorized according to the type of cost incurred: capital costs, operation and maintenance (O&M) costs, and others. Approximations of these costs will suffice for the purposes of determining economic feasibility: - Capital Costs: Well field development Raw water intake structure (wells) Water treatment facility Pumping stations Storage Transmission system Rights-of-way Land Relocation of utilities -13- ------- G&M Costs: Labor, equipment Utilities Parts/inventory Administration Monitoring/analysis Other Costs; Architectural and engineering fees Legal and administrative fees. There are ample sources of information that may be used for estimating costs. These include Federal and State agencies, architectural and engineering consulting firms (A/E firms), trade associations, and local water utilities (ACT Systems, Inc., 1977, 1979; Temple, Barker and Sloane, Inc., 1982; AWWA, 1981). Costs can vary somewhat from one region of the country to another. For purposes of determining economic feasibility, only a general estimate is needed and, initially, there is no need to undertake a detailed cost estimation study. Various EPA reports on water supply and waste-water treatment are also a good source of information on costs (e.g., Culp, et al, 1978). The results of such studies are presented in the form of tables and cost curves, subdivided into construction costs and O&M costs. This data can be updated simply to allow for inflation and geographical variations by energy and labor costs. Another useful data source is the NWWA Nationwide Water Well Drilling Cost Survey (NWWA, 1979). The results of this survey are summarized in the form of tables giving drilling, as well as casing costs, as a function of the well diameter, hydrogeologic conditions and other factors. Although this survey dates back to 1979, it is the most recent available from NWWA. The data in the survey should be escalated to account for inflation. Cost indices published quarterly by Engineering News Record give a very recent indication of construction, operation, labor and other costs. Step 8 - The potential sources which the petitioner has determined are capable of providing drinking water of the same or better quality as the petitioned aquifer at a reasonable cost should now be considered alternative sources. -14- ------- Step 9 - Complete the matrix, "Alternative Drinking Water Sources" again, using any additional supplies from current sources of drinking water and each source which has been determined to be an alternative source, using steps 1-8 above. Step 10 - If the Total Estimated Daily Supply (E) is greater than or equal to the Petitioned Aquifer Supply (A), the petitioned aquifer cannot be a sole or principal source. This is because the volume of water which could be supplied by alternative sources is sufficient to replace the petitioned aquifer. Exhibit 3-4 gives an example of this case. Exhibit 3-5 gives an example of alternative sources which supply less than (A), the petitioned aquifer, indicating that the petitioned aquifer would be a principal source. 3.2.4 Delineate Designated and Project Review Area Boundaries In steps 11 and 12, the petitioner should propose the boundaries of the area for which designation is desired and the boundaries of the area within which the petitioner wants Federal financially-assisted projects to be reviewed. The designated area boundary determination is critical since this area may subsequently be used to determine the boundaries within which a CAPA may be located. Step 11 - Delineate the boundaries of the proposed designated area. The designated area includes the surface area above the aquifer and its recharge area(s). The recharge area is the surface expression of the area where the bulk of precipitation or surface water replenishes the aquifer. The petitioner should determine the boundaries of the recharge area in order to delineate the boundaries of the designated area. Step 12 - Delineate the boundaries of the proposed project review area. The project review area is the area in which Federal financially-assisted projects will be reviewed by EPA, which includes all of the designated area and could include all or a portion of the streamflow source area(s). If a stream or river contributes to aquifer recharge, the streamflow source area should be included in the petition. The boundaries of the project review area should be sufficiently large to ensure adequate protection of the ground water. -15- ------- EXHIBIT 3-4 ALTERNATIVE DRINKING WATER SOURCES PETITIONED AQUIFER NOT A PRINCIPAL SOURCE (A) PETITIONED AQUIFER SUPPLY 1,250,000 gpd SOURCE ESTIMATED DAILY SUPPLY INCREMENT FROM (B) CURRENT 250.000 (C) ALTERNATIVE 350,000 (D) ALTERNATIVE 650,000 IF) Tntal 1,250,000 Result: Petitioned aquifer is not a principal source, because alternative sources can supply a volume of drinking water which is greater than or equal to that of the oetitioned aauifer. ------- EXHIBIT 3-5 ALTERNATIVE DRINKING WATER SOURCES PETITIONED AQUIFER A PRINCIPAL SOURCE (A) PETITIONED AQUIFER SUPPLY 1,250,000 gpd SOURCE ESTIMATED DAILY SUPPLY INCREMENT FROM (B) CURRENT 200.000 (C) ALTERNATIVE 50,000 fD* ALTERNATIVE 100,000 (E) Total 350,000 Result: Petitioned aquifer would be a principal source, because alternative sources can supply less than the volume of drinking water supplied by the petitioned aquifer. ------- 3.3 Petition Contents After completing the necessary steps to determine whether the aquifer is a sole or principal source and to delineate boundaries, the petitioner should provide EPA with the information which was used to make these determinations. This section describes the information the petitioner should include in the petition to EPA. Definitions of the terms used in this section are found in Appendix A. Sources of technical information are listed in Appendix C. In some cases, professional help may be required to collect or assess the technical data. 3.3.1 Petitioner Identifying Information This portion of the petition provides basic identifying information about the petitioner. The suggested format for presenting this information is shown in Exhibit 3-6. The information requested is as follows: Aquifer - name(s) of the aquifer as it is locally known and its general location, such as county and state Petitioner - person or organization submitting the petition Responsible person If the petitioner is an individual, the responsible person is the individual. If the petitioner is an organization or any other entity, the responsible person is the head of the organization or entity which is ultimately responsible for the petition. Contact - an individual who can clarify the petition contents and supply additional information during petition processing. 3.3.2 Narrative The purpose of this narrative is to provide general information about the aquifer and the surrounding area and to assist the EPA reviewer in understanding the more detailed hydrogeological and other technical data in subsequent sections. The brief narrative (two to three typewritten pages) should include: -18- ------- EXHIBIT 3-6 Suggested Petitioner Identifying Information Format Aquifer Name Location Petitioner Name Address Phone Number j ) Responsible Person Name Contact Name Phone Number < ) -19- ------- General location of the aquifer (State, county, township) Ground-water dependency in the location described above and on the particular aquifer for which designation is requested Availability of drinking water supplies other than the aquifer in question Reasons for interest in SSA designation, for example: Raising public consciousness about protecting ground water through SSA designation Interest in the SSA Demonstration Program Initiation of an EPA review of a planned Federal financially-assisted project that might contaminate the aquifer Why the aquifer is vulnerable to contamination - should include any known cases of contamination that are evidence of the aquifer's vulnerability to contamination Quality of the ground water from the aquifer Relationship of the petitioner to the purveyor of the water supply in the aquifer service area. 3,3.3 Sole or Principal Source Data The information in this section should be provided in order to demonstrate that the aquifer is the sole or principal source of drinking water for the aquifer service area. In order to make this decision, EPA should have information that indicates that the petitioned aquifer is needed to supply 50% or more of the drinking water used in the aquifer service area and that there are no reasonably available alternative sources to the aquifer. The following information is requested. Aquifer Service Area - a description and map clearly delineating the boundaries of the area above the aquifer and including any area that may not be above the aquifer but which is supplied with drinking water from the petitioned Sole Source Aquifer. Population - two figures should be provided: (1) the entire population of the aquifer service area, regardless of its source of drinking water, and (2) the population within the aquifer service area that is actually served by the proposed Sole Source Aquifer. -20- ------- Sources of drinking water/public water supply systems that currently supply water to the aquifer service area - these sources have been identified in Section 3.2.3, Step 1. The petitioner should submit the "Current Drinking Water Sources" matrix, completed in Section 3.2.3, Step 2. In addition, for each source in the matrix, the petitioner should provide the following: Narrative description for all sources except the proposed Sole Source Aquifer - Sources or method of calculating water use percentages for each source shown in the matrix, (for example, 150 gallons per day/household) where municipal/commercial supply figures are not available Explanation of seasonal variations, if any Explanation of actual use versus potential capacity - Explanation of why the source is not used currently to its full capacity, such as mandates within a watershed restricting use of the water to a given area, lack of additional supply available to a proposed area or use of the source as an emergency supply only. Potential sources - For each potential alternative source of drinking water considered by the petitioner, the following information should be supplied: Narrative description, including location in relation to the aquifer service area Explanation of why the source is not used currently - Explanation of any legal or institutional constraints restricting use of the source "Alternative Drinking Water Sources" matrix, completed in Section 3.2.3, Step 6 Explanation of how the estimated daily supply was calculated, including all supporting data and documentation (to be provided for all sources which are still under consideration following the legal constraints evaluation) -21- ------- Explanation of what would be necessary to transfer petitioned aquifer users to this source, e.g., building of treatment and distribution facilities (to be provided for all sources which can supply adequate quantity, as determined above) Estimated cost to provide water of comparable quality from the sources and methods used to determine cost (to be provided for all sources included in the previous paragraph) Explanation of why use of the sources were determined to be economically infeasible or incapable of supplying water of comparable quality to that of the petitioned aquifer (if applicable) "Alternative Drinking Water Sources" matrix, completed in Section 3.2.3, Step 9 (if applicable). 3.3.4 Boundary Information Sufficient hydrogeological data are necessary for EPA to verify the boundaries of the aquifer, the designated area and the project review area and will give EPA a general understanding of the hydrogeological system. Requested hydrogeological information includes: Aquifer and its location Narrative description of the locale including: Topography Climate Geology Ground-water use and occurrence Delineation of the aquifer's boundaries on detailed topographic maps. USGS 7.5- and 15-minute quadrangles are readily available and adequately detailed for this purpose. If the number of sheets involved becomes too cumbersome, consideration should be given to photographic reduction of the maps to a more workable scale or to the use of 1:100,000 or 1:250,000 scale maps Description and diagrams of hydrology and hydrogeology including: Delineation (plane view) of the aquifer and non-aquifer units -22- ------- Longitudinal and transverse geologic cross sections depicting the aquifer, including such things as lateral extent, types of materials (lithology) and thickness Data or estimates concerning aquifer characteristics such as porosity, hydraulic conductivity, direction of ground-water flow, well yields - Description of discharge or ground-water withdrawal from the aquifer, for example: Wells (drinking, irrigation, industrial) Springs Stream baseflow Maps showing water table contours or potentiometric surfaces, springs and surface water pathways. Recharge area(s) - Delineation of recharge area(s) on the topographic maps Description of methods used to determine recharge area(s), for example: Assessment of topographic, geologic or hydrogeologic maps Review and assessment of regional and sub-regional ground-water flow system(s) data Data obtained from field studies based on isotopic dating techniques, observation well networks, tracer tests, etc. Numerical simulation of regional flow - Description and location of natural and man-induced aquifer recharge such as precipitation, snow melt, unlined surface impoundments, septic fields and land disposal of sewage effluent, irrigation, injection of fluids and injection wells. -23- ------- Streamflow source area(s) If there is a stream or river above the aquifer and its recharge area(s), the petitioner should either include information on the streamflow source area or explain why it has not been included. The identification of a losing stream and evaluation of its contribution to ground-water recharge may be more involved than for the aquifer and its recharge area(s). In arid regions, streams that emerge from mountainous areas may contribute nearly all of their flow to ground water in downgradient desert basins. In humid regions, streams typically receive ground water throughout the year; however, local pumping of an aquifer may lower the water table, resulting in ground-water recharge by surface water. The relationship between surface water and ground water varies on both a spatial basis (along the length of a stream) as well as on a temporal one (dependent on the season). Therefore, the delineation of the streamflow source area(s) may require the assessment of considerable technical data as well as a good deal of professional expertise. If specific data are lacking, the petitioner should state this and indicate the basis for delineation of the streamflow source area. If the streamflow source area is not included in the project review area, the petitioner should explain why. If it is included, the following information is requested: Delineation of the streamflow source area(s) on detailed topographic maps, including location of losing streams if such streamflow demonstrably contributes to the aquifer through these areas Explanation of methods used in determining streamflow contributions Streamflow characteristics, including delineation of gaining and losing portions of streams. A schematic of a streamflow source area is presented in Exhibit 3-7. Designated Area The hydrogeological data for this area should already have been provided in the descriptions of the surface area above the aquifer and the recharge area(s). The proposed boundaries of the designated area should be delineated on a topographic map. -24- ------- STREAMFLOW SOURCE AREA UJ X w cc UJ F < 5 X \ /' \ RECHARGE AREA I I -25- ------- In addition, the petition must include a single 8.5 x 11 inch or 8.5 x 14 inch reproduicable reference map of the sole source aquifer boundry/project review area. This single map must include, in addition to the boundries mentioned above, county/parish boundries; major streams and lakes; cities and towns; latitude and longitude of a reference point (selected by the petitioner) within the petitioned aquifer service area; other information that contributes to a clear understanding of the location of the area and its relation to other major political and physical features; and an inset map showing the aquifer location within the state or territory. Project Review Area The hydrogeological data for this area should already have been provided in the description of the designated area and of the streamflow source area(s), if appropriate. The proposed boundries should be delinated on a topographic map. 3.3.5 Information Related to Significnt Public Health Hazzard The law requires EPA to determine whether a petitioned aquifer, if contaminated, would create a significant hazrard to public health. To assist the Agency in making such a determination, the petitioner may include information on public and /or private wells and springs producing water from the petitioned aquifer for drinking water that is supplied within the aquifer service area. EPA encourages the petitioner who decides to provide such information for drinking water wells and springs to report as many of the Data Sources, General Descriptors, Geographic Descriptors, and Well and Sample Descriptors listed below as available and in tabular or matrix format. This information is refered to as the "Minimum Set of Data Elements for Ground Water Quality" (MSDE), General Descriptor 1. Data Sources Geographic Descriptors 2. Latitude 3. Longitude 4. Method Used to Determine Latitude and Longitude 5. Description of Entity 6. Accuracy of Latitude and Longitude Measurement -26- ------- Geographic Descriptors cont'd 7. Altitude 8. Methode Used to Determine Altitude 9. State FIPS Code 10. County FIPS Code Well Descriptors 11. Well Identifer 12. Well Use 13. Type of Log 14. Depth of Well at Completion 15. Screened/Open Interval Sample Descriptors 16. Sample Identifier 17. Depth to Water 18. Constituent or Parameter Measured 19. Concentration/Value- 20. Analytical Results Qualifier 21. Quality Assurance Indicator These terms are explained further in Appendix F, The Minimum Set of Data Elements for Ground Water Quality. 3.4 Petition Submission The petition should be typed and double-spaced. The petitioner should submit four copies of the petition to the EPA Regional Office appropriate for the state within which the petitioned area is located. Two of these copies should contain original maps or diagrams if copies of these would not reproduce all necessary colors. The addresses of EPA Regional offices and the States within each Region can be found in Appendix D. -26a- ------- 4.0 PHASE II - INITIAL PETITION REVIEW/ DETERMINATION OF COMPLETENESS 4.1 Purpose Phase II, conducted by EPA Regional Office staff, is designed to ensure that petition information is adequate to perform the technical verification in Phase III. 4.2 EPA Acknowledgement Upon receipt of a petition, EPA should notify the petitioner in writing. 4.3 Initial Review/Determination of Completeness The EPA reviewer should determine if the petition includes a plausible and up-to-date response to each of the petition requirements as outlined in Section 3.3. The reviewer should use a Completeness Determination Checklist, Appendix E, to conduct this review. 4.3.1 Complete Petition If the EPA reviewer determines that the petitioner's responses are plausible and up-to-date, EPA intends to notify the petitioner of the initiation of technical verification. Acceptance at this point does not necessarily mean that EPA will not request additional data from the petitioner at a later point; it also does not guarantee that designation is forthcoming. 4.3.2 Incomplete Petition If EPA determines that the petition is incomplete, the petition should be returned to the petitioner with a Notice of Deficiencies outlining the information that should be provided before EPA can perform the technical verification. The petitioner should correct the deficiencies and resubmit the petition for another completeness determination review. This process should be repeated until the petitioner submits a petition deemed complete by EPA. 4.4 Public Participation Announcement After EPA has determined that the petition is complete, it should announce an opportunity for public hearing concerning the potential designation. Information about the hearing and the opportunity for comment will appear in the local media, and EPA should notify the petitioner directly. -27- ------- 5.0 PHASE III - DETAILED REVIEW/TECHNICAL VERIFICATION 5.1 Purpose The purpose of this phase, conducted by EPA Regional Office staff, is to: Verify the boundaries of the aquifer and the aquifer service area Verify that the aquifer is the sole or principal source of drinking water for the defined aquifer service area Verify or modify, as appropriate, the boundaries of the following areas, based on information contained in the petition: Designated area, including the recharge area(s) Project review area, including the streamflow source area(s), as appropriate. Call for, and incorporate into the process, public comments regarding the designation Make a recommendation to the Regional Administrator regarding designation of the aquifer. 5.2 Technical Review During the technical review process, the EPA reviewer may determine that technical data are insufficient to complete technical verification. If this is the case, EPA should inform the petitioner that additional technical data are needed. The petitioner should collect the additional information and supply it to EPA, ideally prior to the public hearing. In most cases the public hearing should be held even if the additional information is not available prior to the hearing. 5.3 Public Participation EPA should hold a public hearing if there is substantive interest and should accept written comments regarding the potential designation. The public comment period may yield new information about the aquifer. The public hearing may be cancelled if there is a lack of sufficient public interest. However, in all cases, EPA should consider all written comments it receives during the comment period. -28- ------- 5.4 Recommendat ion EPA staff should make a recommendation for petition approval or denial to the Regional Administrator, based on the review of the petition and public comments. -29- ------- 6.0 PHASE IV - DESIGNATION DETERMINATION 6.1 Purpose In this phase, the Regional Administrator will make a determination regarding the SSA petition. This determination marks the end of the designation process. 6.2 Determination The Regional Administrator should approve or deny the petition based on the petition itself, public comments and the EPA staff's recommendations. The RA usually should act within 30 days following the RA's receipt of the appropriate materials. 6-3 Federal Register Notice of Determination The RA's determination should be published in the Federal Register. The petitioner should be informed in writing of the determination. -30- ------- APPENDICES ------- APPENDIX A SOLE SOURCE AQUIFER DEFINITIONS TERM DEFINITION AQUIFER Geological formation, group of formations, or part of a formation that is capable of yielding a significant amount of water to a well or spring AQUIFER SERVICE AREA Area above the aquifer and including the area where the entire population served by the aquifer lives DESIGNATED AREA Surface area above the aquifer and its recharge area(s) PERSON Individual, corporation, company, association, partnership, State, municipality or Federal agency (and includes officers, employees, and agents of any corporation, company, associa- tion, State, municipality, or Federal agency) PROJECT REVIEW AREA Area within which Federal financially- assisted projects will be reviewed, which could include all or part of the designated area and streamflow source area(s) ------- APPENDIX A (2) SOLE SOURCE AQUIFER DEFINITIONS TERM DEFINITION PUBLIC WATER A system for the provision to the public of SYSTEM piped water for human consumption, if such system has at least fifteen service connec- tions or regularly serves twenty-five individuals; includes collection, treatment, storage and distribution facilities under control of the operator of such system and used primarily in connection with such system, and any collection or pretreatment storage facilities not under such control which are used primarily in connection with such system RECHARGE AREA Surface expression of the area where the bulk of precipitation or surface water replenishes the aquifer SOLE OR PRINCIPAL An aquifer which is needed to supply 50 SOURCE percent or more of the drinking water for a given aquifer service area and for which there are no reasonably available alternative sources should the aquifer become contaminated STREAMFLOW SOURCE Upstream headwaters area of losing streams AREA that flow into the the recharge area; a losing stream is a stream or portion of a stream which loses water to the ground ------- APPENDIX B U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY DESIGNATION OF SOLE SOURCE AQUIFERS [PACT ©MUTT What is a Sole Source Aquifer? A Sole Source Aquifer (SSA) is an aquifer designated by EPA as the "sole or principal source" of drinking water for a given aquifer service area; that is, an aquifer which is needed to supply 50% or more of the drinking water for that area and for which there are no reasonably available alternative sources should the aquifer become contaminated. What are the benefits of having EPA designate an aquifer as a Sole Source Aquifer? Proposed Federal financially-assisted projects which have the potential to contaminate the SSA area will be subject to EPA review. This review could either prevent a commitment of Federal funding or cause a redesign of the project. Designation has no effect on proposed projects which do not receeive Federal financial assistance such as projects funded by State, local or private concerns. SSA designation is a prerequisite for a State or municipality to qualify for consideration for funding under a separate EPA program, the SSA Demonstration Program. Who may apply for Sole Source Aquifer designation? Any person may apply for SSA designation. A "person" is any individual, corporation, company, association, partnership, State, municipality or Federal agency. Where should petitions be sent? A petition should be submitted to the Regional Administrator of the appropriate regional office. What should be included in the Sole Source Aquifer petition? The petition should include sufficient technical information to allow EPA to determine whether the aquifer is the sole or principal source of drinking water and to substantiate the boundaries of the aquifer and its recharge area. ------- APPENDIX B (2) Who is responsible for providing the necessary hydrogeological and other technical information needed for designation? The petitioner is responsible for providing the necessary hydrogeological and other information needed for designation. What are the steps involved in processing a Sole Source Aquifer designation petition? There are four phases in making a designation decision: Petition Preparation (Petitioner) Initial Review/Completeness Determination (EPA) Detailed Review/Technical Verification (EPA) Designation Determination (EPA) How long does the designation decision process take? As a general rule, the designation decision process takes a minimum of six months from the time the petitioner submits a complete petition to the time EPA makes a determination. The process may take longer, depending on the complexity of the petition. What is the deadline for submission of the Sole Source Aquifer petition? In general, there is no deadline. For those petitioners interested in the separate SSA Demonstration Program, however, the SSA petition should be submitted by December 1,1987. EPA is suggesting this date because there is a statutory SSA designation deadline of June 1988 in order to qualify for SSA Demonstration Program consideration, and EPA estimates the minimum SSA petition review time to be six months. H is unlikely that EPA could make SSA determinations before the June deadline for petitions submitted after December 1,1987. Where may additional Information be obtained ? More detailed information about the SSA petition requirements and the designation process is included in the "Sole Source Aquifer Designation Petitioner Guidance" available from the appropriate Regional Office. ------- APPENDIX C SOURCES OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION SOURCE TYPE OF INFORMATION United States Geological Survey (USGS) State Geological Survey or Water Resources Agency Soil Conservation Service or University Extension Service State environmental agency State and local health departments Local or regional planning agency Local water authority Hydrogeological information regarding aquifers, recharge and streamflow source areas Same as above Soil information Incidence of aquifer contamination, aquifer maps Estimate of the number of private wells within the area, as issued by permit Clean Water Act, Section 208 reports on water quality, census data, topographic information, geologic information Estimate of the number of people using public water supplies ------- APPENDIX D EPA REGIONAL CONTACTS Region I Jane Downing Office of Ground Water, Water Management Division EPA, Region I JFK Federal Building Boston, MA 02203 Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont Region II Frank Brock Ground Water Mgmt.Section Water Management Division EPA, Region II 290 Broadway New York, NY 10278 New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands Region III Patricia Iraci Office of Ground Water Water Management Division EPA, Region III 841 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 Deleware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia Region IV Mary Kay Lynch Office of Ground Water Water Management Division EPA, Region IV 345 Courtland Street, NE Atlanta, GA 30365 Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina Region V Jerri-Anne Garl Ground Water Protection Branch Water Management Division EPA, Region V 230 South Dearborn Street Chicago, IL 60604 Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin Region VI Erlece Allen Office of Ground Water Water Management Division EPA, Region VI 1445 Ross Avenue Dallas, TX 75202-2733 Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas ------- APPENDIX D (2) Region VII Robert Fenemore Office of Ground Water Water Management Division EPA, Region VII 72 6 Minnesota Avenue Kansas City, KS 66101 Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska Region X Roger Mochnick Office of Ground Water Water Management Division EPA, Region X 1200 Sixth Avenue Seattle, WA 98101 Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington Region VIII Patricia Denham Office of Ground Water Water Management Division EPA, Region VIII 999 18th Street Denver, CO 80202-2405 Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming Region IX Doris Betuel Office of Ground Water Water Management Division EPA, Region IX 75 Hawthorne Street San Francisco, CA 94105 American Soma, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada ------- APPENDIX E COMPLETENESS DETERMINATION CHECKLIST NOT INCLUDED INCLUDED I• Petitioner Identifying Information All items on the suggested petitioner identifying information format should be completed (see Exhibit 3-6). Attach a completed copy of the format to this checklist. II. Narrative A reasonable response for each of the following topics should be included. Each topic should be described in approximately one paragraph: General location of the aquifer Ground-water dependency in the area and on the particular aquifer for which designation is requested Availability of other public water supplies Reasons for interest in SSA designation Why the aquifer is vulnerable to contamination Quality of the water from the aquifer Relationship of the petitioner to the purveyor(s) of the water supply. ------- APPENDIX E (2) COMPLETENESS DETERMINATION CHECKLIST NOT INCLUDED INCLUDED III. Sole or Principal Determination Information should be sufficient to determine whether the aquifer is the sole or principal drinking water source for the aquifer service area. A. Aquifer service area 1. Description of the aquifer service area 2. Map delineating the boundaries of the aquifer service area B, Population 1. Total population within the aquifer service area 2. Population served by the aquifer ------- APPENDIX E (3) COMPLETENESS DETERMINATION CHECKLIST III. (continued) NOT INCLUDED INCLUDED C. Current Sources of Drinking Water 1. Information similar to that requested on the "Current Drinking Water Sources" matrix 2. A brief narrative description of each current source, with the method(s) used for calculating the percentages used in the matrix 3. Explanation of seasonal variations 4. Explanation of actual use versus potential capacity 5. Explanation of why the source is not used currently to its full capacity ------- APPENDIX E (4) COMPLETENESS DETERMINATION CHECKLIST III. (continued) NOT INCLUDED INCLUDED D. Alternative Sources of Drinking Water 1. Information similar to that requested on the first version of the "Alternative Drinking Water Sources" matrix 2. Information similar to that requested on the second version of the "Alternative to Drinking Water Sources" matrix ------- APPENDIX E (5) III.D. (continued) Alternative Sources of Drinking Water Requested Item Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 4 Source 5 Inc. Not Inc. Inc. Not Inc. Inc. Not Inc. Inc. Not Inc. Inc. Not Inc. 3. Narrative Description 4. Why source not currently in use 5. Legal or institutional constraints 6. How estimated daily supply was calculated 7. What is necessary to transfer to this source 8. Estimated cost to provide water of comparable quality 9. Determination of economic feasibility ------- APPENDIX E (6) COMPLETENESS DETERMINATION CHECKLIST NOT INCLUDED INCLUDED IV. Hydroqeological Data Information should be sufficient for EPA to verify the boundaries of the areas in question and to give EPA a general understanding of the system. A. Aquifer and its location 1. Narrative description of the locale, including topography, climate, geology, ground-water use and occurrence 2. Delineation (plane view) of aquifer's boundaries on USGS 7.5- or 15-minute quad topo- graphic maps; delineation of very large aquifer areas (greater than 1,000 mi2) on 1:100,000 scale maps 3. Detailed (as necessary) descriptions and diagrams of the aquifer's hydrology and hydrogeology including: ------- APPENDIX E (7) COMPLETENESS DETERMINATION CHECKLIST IV.A (continued) NOT INCLUDED INCLUDED Delineation of the aquifer and non-aquifer units Longitudinal and trans- verse geologic cross sections depicting the aquifer Data or estimates concerning aquifer characteristics such as porosity, hydraulic conductivity, direction of ground-water flow, well yields 4. Description of discharge or ground-water withdrawal from the aquifer, for example: Wells (drinking, irriga- tion, industrial) Springs Stream baseflow Maps showing water table contours or potentiometric surfaces, springs and surface water pathways ------- I APPENDIX E (8) COMPLETENESS DETERMINATION CHECKLIST IV, (continued) NOT INCLUDED INCLUDED B. Recharge Area(s) 1. Delineation of recharge area(s) on topographic maps 2, A description of methods used to determine recharge area(s), for example: Assessment of topographic, geologic or hydrogeologic maps Review and assessment of of regional and sub- regional ground-water flow system(s) data Data obtained from field studies based on isotopic dating techniques, observa- tion well networks, tracer tests, etc. Numerical simulation, i.e., regional flow modeling ------- APPENDIX E (9) COMPLETENESS DETERMINATION CHECKLIST IV.B (continued) Description and location of natural and man-induced aquifer recharge such as precipitation, snow melt, unlined surface impoundments, irrigation, injection of fluids and injection wells NOT INCLUDED INCLUDED C. Streamflow Source Area Note: If the streamflow source area is not included in the project review area, there should be a statement as to why it has not been included. If the streamflow source area has been included in the project review area, the following information is requested; 1. Delineation of the streamflow source area on detailed topographic maps including location of losing streams, if such streamflow demonstrably contributes to the aquifer through these areas 2. Explanation of methods used in determining streamflow contributions 3. Streamflow characteristics including delineation of gaining and losing portions of streams ------- APPENDIX E (10) COMPLETENESS DETERMINATION CHECKLIST IV. (continued) NOT INCLUDED INCLUDED D. Designated Area Delineation of the proposed designated area on a topo- graphic map E. Project Review Area Delineation of the proposed project review area on a topographic map F. Reference Map An 8.5 x 11 inch or 8.5 x 14 inch reproducible reference map indicating 1. the sole source aquifer area; 2. county/parish boundaries; 3. major streams and lakes? 4. cities and towns; 5. latitude and longitude of a reference point within of the petitioned aquifer service area; 6. other information that contributes to a clear understanding of the location of the area and its relation to other major political and physical features; and 7. an inset map showing the aquifer location within the state G. (At the option of the Petitioner) Minimum Set of Data Elements for Public and/or Private Water Wells and Springs producing water from the petitioned aquifer for drinking water that is supplied within the aquifer service area ------- APPENDIX E (11) COMPLETENESS DETERMINATION CHECKLIST (continued) NOT INCLUDED INCLUDED General Descriptor 1. Data Sources Geographic Descriptors 2. Latitude 3. Longitude 4. Method used to Determine Latitude and Longitude 5. Description of Entity 6. Accuracy of Latitude and Longitude Measurement 7. Altitude 8. Method Used to Determine Altitude 9. State FIPS Code 10. County FIPS Code Well Descriptors 11. Well Identifer 12. Well Used 13. Type of Log 14. Depth of Well at Completion 15. Screened/Open Interval Sample Descriptors 16. Sample Identifier 17. Depth to Water 18. Constituent or Parameter Measured 19. Concentration/Value 20. Analytical Results Qualifier 21. Quality Assurance Indicator ------- APPENDIX F The Minimum Set of Data Elements for Ground Water Quality The MSDE is comprised of 21 data elements that are divided into the following four categories or descriptors: the general descriptor — describes where the well information is maintained; the geographic descriptors — describe a well or spring in relation to the earth's surface; the well descriptors — describe various features of a well or spring; and the sample descriptors — describe different aspects of collecting, analyzing and recording the results of a ground water sample. General Descriptor 1. Data Sources - The names of the organizations to direct questions regarding the following data: (1) latitude and longitude coordinates, (2) altitude, (3) well log informal ion, (4) sample collection and (5) laboratory sample analyses. Geographic Descriptors 2. Latitude - A coordinate representation that indicates a location on the surface of the earth using the earth's equator as the latitude origin, reported in degrees (D), minutes (M), seconds (S) and fractions of a second in decimal format (if fractions of a second arc available), A "+" (plus) symbol represents latitudes north of the equator. A (minus) symbol represents latitudes south of the equator. 3. Longitude - A coordinate representation that indicates a location on the surface of the earth using the prime meridian (Greenwich, England) as the longitude origin, reported in degrees (D), minutes (M), seconds (S) and fractions of a second in decimal format (if fractions of a second are available). A "+" (plus) symbol represents longitudes east of the prime meridian. A (minus) symbol represents longitudes west of the prime meridian. 4. Method Used to Determine Latitude and Longitude - The procedure used to determine the latitude and longitude coordinates (Technology of Method Used), the standard used for three dimensional and horizontal positioning (Reference Datum), the method used for map interpolation (Scale of Map) and the date on which the coordinates were determined (Date). Latitude always precedes longitude. 5. Description of Entity - A textual description of the entity to which the latitude and longitude coordinate refers. 6. Accuracy of Latitude and Longitude Measurement - The quantitative measurement of the amount of deviation from true value present in a measurement (estimate of error). It describes the correctness of a measurement. 7. Altitude - The vertical distance from the National Reference Datum for Altitude to the land surface or other measuring point in feet or meters. If the measuring point is above the National Reference Datum for Altitude, a "+" (plus) sign shall precede the reported altitude value. If the measuring point is below the National Reference Datum for Altitude, a (minus) sign shall precede the reported altitude value. 8. Method Used to Determine Altitude - The method used to determine the altitude value (Altitude Method), the National Reference Datum on which the altitude measurement is based (National Reference Datum for Altitude) and the date the measurement was taken (Altitude Date). ------- APPENDIX F (2) The Minimum Set of Data Elements for Ground Water Quality (continued) Geographic Descriptors (continued) 9. State FIPS Code - A Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) alphabetic or numeric code to indicate the location of the State (or its equivalent such as territory or province) in which the well is located. 10. County FIPS Code - A Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) numeric code to indicate the location of the county (or county equivalent) in which the well is located. Well Descriptors 11. Well Identifier - A unique well identifier assigned by the responsible organization. 12. Well Use - The principal current use of the well, or if the well is not currently in use, then the original or principal purpose for its construction. 13. Type of Log - The type of record-keeping log(s) available for a well. 14. Depth of Well at Completion - The depth of the completed well below the land surface or other measuring point, in feet or meters. 15. Screened/Open Interval - The depth below the measuring point to the top and bottom of the open section in a well reported as an interval in feet of meters. The open section may be a well screen, perforated casing or open hole. Sample Descriptors 16. Sample Identifier - A unique number for each water quality sample collected at a well (Sample Control Number) which references the date (Sample Date), the depth at which each sample is taken reported in feet or meters (Sample Depth) and the time the sample is taken (Sample Time). 17. Depth to Water - The vertical distance between the measuring point and the water surface level at a well, corrected to land surface, where the measuring point is not the land surface. This distance should be reported in feet or meters (Measurement Depth), along with the date and time the measurement was taken (Measurement Date and Measurement Time). 18. Constituent or Parameter Measured - Measurement of a physical, chemical or biological component. The physical, chemical or biological components are referred to as constituents or parameters. 19. Concentration/Value - The analytical results value, the units of measure used (Analytical Concentration/Value) and the analytical method applied (Analytical Method) to the samples collected. 20. Analytical Results Qualifier - Qualifying information that will assist in the interpretation of the concentration/value, such as whether the value is below the detectable limit or if the constituents (parameters) of interest are present but cannot be quantified. 21. Quality Assurance Indicator - The quality assurance of the field protocol plan and laboratory quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures. ------- APPENDIX G The text of Section 1424(e) of the Safe Drinking Water Act, creating the Sole Source Aquifer Program, is reproduced below. (e) If the Administrator determines, on his own initiative or upon petition, that an area has an aquifer which is the sole or principal drinking water source for the area and which, if contaminated, would create a significant hazard to public health, he shall publish notice of that determination in the Federal Register. After the publication of any such notice, no commitment for Federal financial assistance (through a grant, contract, loan guarantee, or otherwise) may be entered into for any project which the Administrator determines may contaminate such aquifer through a recharge zone so as to create a significant hazard to public health, but a commitment for Federal financial assistance may, if authorized under another provision of law, be entered into to plan or design the project to assure that it will not so contaminate the aquifer. ft U.S. GOVERNMENT (HINTING OFFICE: IWI - Sn-M3/1MS2 ------- |