Washington Administrative Code
Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508)
Chapter 173-100 - Groundwater management areas and programs
Section 173-100-100 - Groundwater management program content
Current through Register Vol. 24-06, March 15, 2024
The program for each groundwater management area will be tailored to the specific conditions of the area. The following guidelines on program content are intended to serve as a general framework for the program, to be adapted to the particular needs of each area. Each program shall include, as appropriate, the following:
(1) An area characterization section comprised of:
(2) A problem definition section that discusses land and water use activities potentially affecting the groundwater quality or quantity of the area. These activities may include but are not limited to:
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Commercial, municipal, and industrial discharges |
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Underground or surface storage of harmful materials in containers susceptible to leakage |
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Accidental spills |
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Waste disposal, including liquid, solid, and hazardous waste |
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Storm water disposal |
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Mining activities |
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Application and storage of roadway deicing chemicals |
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Agricultural activities |
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Artificial recharge of the aquifer by injection wells, seepage ponds, land spreading, or irrigation |
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Aquifer over-utilization causing seawater intrusion, other contamination, water table declines or depletion of surface waters |
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Improperly constructed or abandoned wells |
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Confined animal feeding activities |
The discussion should define the extent of the groundwater problems caused or potentially caused by each activity, including effects which may extend across groundwater management area boundaries, supported by as much documentation as possible. The section should analyze historical trends in water quality in terms of their likely causes, document declining water table levels and other water use conflicts, establish the relationship between water withdrawal distribution and rates and water level changes within each aquifer or zone, and predict the likelihood of future problems and conflicts if no action is taken. The discussion should also identify land and water use management policies that affect groundwater quality and quantity in the area. Areas where insufficient data exists to define the nature and extent of existing or potential groundwater problems shall be documented.
(3) A section identifying water quantity and quality goals and objectives for the area which (a) recognize existing and future uses of the aquifer, (b) are in accordance with water quality standards of the department, the department of social and health services, and the federal environmental protection agency, and (c) recognize annual variations in aquifer recharge and other significant hydrogeologic factors;
(4) An alternatives section outlining various land and water use management strategies for reaching the program's goals and objectives that address each of the groundwater problems discussed in the problem definition section. If necessary, alternative data collection and analysis programs shall be defined to enable better characterization of the groundwater and potential quality and quantity problems. Each of the alternative strategies shall be evaluated in terms of feasibility, effectiveness, cost, time and difficulty to implement, and degree of consistency with local comprehensive plans and water management programs such as the coordinated water system plan, the water supply reservation program, and others. The alternative management strategies shall address water conservation, conflicts with existing water rights and minimum instream flow requirements, programs to resolve such conflicts, and long-term policies and construction practices necessary to protect existing water rights and subsequent facilities installed in accordance with the groundwater management area program and/or other water right procedures.
(5) A recommendations section containing those management strategies chosen from the alternatives section that are recommended for implementation. The rationale for choosing these strategies as opposed to the other alternatives identified shall be given;
(6) An implementation section comprised of:
Statutory Authority: RCW 90.44.400. 86-02-004 (Order DE 85-24), § 173-100-100, filed 12/20/85.