Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 391 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Chapter 391-3 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Subject 391-3-2 - GROUNDWATER USE
Rule 391-3-2-.10 - Salt Water Encroachment or Deterioration of Water Quality

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024

To protect against or abate salt water encroachment or deterioration of the water quality of the ground water, the Division shall take into consideration the best information on the geologic and hydrologic characteristics of the rocks and the ground water withdrawals of the area involved and shall require the user to take such action as it deems necessary for control of brackish or salt water intrusion into fresh water aquifers. The control measures may include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) pumping arrangements to reduce ground water withdrawal in areas of concentrated pumping;

(b) rearrangement of the location of wells to eliminate or reduce concentrated areas of ground water withdrawals;

(c) requirement of selective withdrawal from other available fresh water aquifers than presently used;

(d) curtailment of ground water withdrawal of proposed water users in the area;

(e) selective curtailment or reduction of ground water withdrawal where it is found to be in the public interest or general welfare to protect the water resources;

(f) conjunctive use of fresh water or brackish water or salt water aquifers, or waters of less desirable quality where water quality of a specific character is not essential;

(g) use of observation or monitoring wells, drilled into fresh water aquifers between areas of ground water withdrawal and the seacoast, to detect the inward movement of salt water or to detect the deterioration of water quality;

(h) use of interceptor wells, drilled into the area of encroachment, to the intercept the brackish or salt water moving toward the center of excessive ground water withdrawal;

(i) use of relief wells, drilled into the brackish or salt water aquifer, to relieve hydraulic pressure in the aquifer causing encroachment;

(j) plugging with cement of deep wells that have penetrated brackish or salt water zones or zones of undesirable quality water, where hydraulic pressure cause leakage and contaminate fresh water aquifers of lower pressures;

(k) abandonment of wells, which are then to be filled, plugged and sealed; and

(l) Such other control or abatement techniques as are technically feasible and proven to be successful in other areas and nationally.

Ga. Laws 1972, pp. 976, 980 et seq., as amended by Ga. Laws 1973, pp. 1273, 1275 et seq. Effective June 3, 1974; O.C.G.A. Sec. 12-5-91.

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