Chapter 15.660
AQUIFER RECHARGE AREAS
Sections:
15.660.010 Critical aquifer recharge areas designation.
15.660.020 Aquifer recharge areas susceptibility ratings.
15.660.030 Mapping of critical aquifer recharge areas.
15.660.040 Activities allowed in critical aquifer recharge areas.
15.660.050 Critical area report – Additional requirements for critical aquifer recharge areas.
15.660.060 Performance standards – General requirements.
15.660.070 Performance standards – Specific uses.
15.660.010 Critical aquifer recharge areas designation.
Critical aquifer recharge areas (CARAs) are those areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water as defined by WAC 365-190-030(2). CARAs have prevailing geographic conditions associated with infiltration rates that create a high potential for contamination of ground water resources or contribute significantly to the replenishment of ground water.
A. Wellhead Protection Areas. Wellhead protection areas may be defined by the boundaries of the 10-year time of ground water travel or boundaries established using alternate criteria approved by the Washington State Department of Health in those settings where ground water time of travel is not a reasonable delineation criterion, in accordance with WAC 246-290-135.
B. Sole Source Aquifers. Sole source aquifers are areas that have been designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to the Federal Safe Water Drinking Act.
C. Susceptible Ground Water Management Areas. Susceptible ground water management areas are areas that have been designated as moderately or highly vulnerable or susceptible in an adopted ground water management program developed pursuant to Chapter 173-100 WAC.
D. Moderately or Highly Vulnerable Aquifer Recharge Areas. Aquifer recharge areas that are moderately or highly vulnerable to degradation or depletion because of hydrogeologic characteristics are those areas delineated by a hydrogeologic study prepared in accordance with the State Department of Ecology guidelines.
E. Moderately or Highly Susceptible Aquifer Recharge Areas. Aquifer recharge areas moderately or highly susceptible to degradation or depletion because of hydrogeologic characteristics are those areas meeting the criteria established by the State Department of Ecology. [Ord. 4656 § 1 (Exh. O2), 2013.]
15.660.020 Aquifer recharge areas susceptibility ratings.
Aquifer recharge areas shall be rated as having high, moderate, or low susceptibility based on soil permeability, geologic matrix, infiltration and depth to water as determined by the criteria established by the State Department of Ecology. [Ord. 4656 § 1 (Exh. O2), 2013.]
15.660.030 Mapping of critical aquifer recharge areas.
As of the time of adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter, the city does not believe there are any critical aquifer recharge areas within city limits relating to public drinking supplies. If this situation changes, the city will show the approximate location and extent of critical aquifer recharge areas on the adopted critical areas map. [Ord. 4656 § 1 (Exh. O2), 2013.]
15.660.040 Activities allowed in critical aquifer recharge areas.
The following activities are allowed in critical aquifer recharge areas pursuant to ECC 15.610.030, Allowed activities, and do not require submission of a critical areas report.
A. Construction of structures and improvements, including additions, resulting in less than five percent or 2,500 square feet (whichever is greater) total site impervious surface area that does not result in a change of use or increase the use of a hazardous substance.
B. Development and improvement of parks, recreation facilities, open space or conservation areas resulting in less than five percent total site impervious surface area that do not increase the use of a hazardous substance.
C. On-site domestic septic systems releasing less than 14,500 gallons of effluent per day and that are limited to a maximum density of one system per one acre. [Ord. 4656 § 1 (Exh. O2), 2013.]
15.660.050 Critical area report – Additional requirements for critical aquifer recharge areas.
In addition to the general critical area report requirements of ECC 15.610.090, critical area reports for critical aquifer recharge areas must meet the requirements of this section. Critical area reports for two or more types of critical areas must meet the report requirements for each relevant type of critical area.
A. Hydrogeologic Assessment. For all proposed activities to be located in a critical aquifer recharge area, a critical area report shall contain a level one hydrogeological assessment. A level 2 hydrogeologic assessment shall be required for any of the following proposed activities:
1. Activities that result in five percent or more impervious site area;
2. Activities that divert, alter, or reduce the flow of surface or ground waters, or otherwise reduce the recharging of the aquifer;
3. The use of hazardous substances, other than household chemicals used according to the directions specified on the packaging for domestic applications;
4. The use of injection wells, including on-site septic systems, except those domestic septic systems releasing less than 14,500 gallons of effluent per day and that are limited to a maximum density of one system per one acre; or
5. Any other activity determined by the director likely to have an adverse impact on ground water quality or quantity or in the recharge of an aquifer.
B. Level 1 Hydrogeologic Assessment. A level 1 hydrogeologic assessment shall include the following site- and proposal-related information at a minimum:
1. Available information regarding geologic or hydrogeologic characteristics of the site including the surface location of all critical aquifer recharge areas located on-site or immediately adjacent to the site, and permeability of the unsaturated zone;
2. Ground water depth, flow direction and gradient based on available information;
3. Currently available data on wells and springs within 1,300 feet of the project area;
4. Location of other critical areas, including surface waters, within 1,300 feet of the project area;
5. Available historic water quality data for the area to be affected by the proposed activity; and
6. Best management practices proposed to be utilized.
C. Level 2 Hydrogeologic Assessment. A level 2 hydrogeologic assessment shall include the following site- and proposal-related information at a minimum, in addition to the requirements for a level one hydrogeological assessment:
1. Historic water quality data for the area to be affected by the proposed activity compiled for at least the previous five-year period;
2. Ground water monitoring plan provisions;
3. Discussion of the effects of the proposed project on the ground water quality and quantity, including:
a. Predictive evaluation of ground water withdrawal effects on nearby surface wells and surface water features; and
b. Predictive evaluation of contaminant transport based on potential releases to ground water; and
4. A spill plan that identifies equipment and/or structures that could fail, resulting in an impact. Spill plans shall include provisions for regular inspection, repair and replacement of structures and equipment that could fail. [Ord. 4803 § 10, 2018; Ord. 4656 § 1 (Exh. O2), 2013.]
15.660.060 Performance standards – General requirements.
A. Activities may only be permitted in a critical aquifer recharge area if the applicant can show that the proposed activity will not cause contaminants to enter the aquifer and that the proposed activity will not adversely affect the recharging of the aquifer.
B. The proposed activity must comply with the water source protection requirements and recommendations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington State Department of Health and the city of Ellensburg wellhead protection plan.
C. The proposed activity must be designed and constructed in accordance with the locally adopted surface water management or water quality regulations. [Ord. 4656 § 1 (Exh. O2), 2013.]
15.660.070 Performance standards – Specific uses.
A. Storage Tanks. All storage tanks proposed to be located in a critical aquifer recharge area must comply with local building code requirements and must conform to the following requirements:
1. Underground Tanks. All new underground storage facilities proposed for use in the storage of hazardous substances or hazardous wastes shall be designed and constructed so as to:
a. Prevent releases due to corrosion or structural failure for the operational life of the tank;
b. Be protected against corrosion, constructed of noncorrosive material, steel clad with a noncorrosive material, or designed to include a secondary containment system to prevent the release or threatened release of any stored substances; and
c. Use material in the construction or lining of the tank that is compatible with the substance to be stored.
2. Aboveground Tanks. All new aboveground storage facilities proposed for use in the storage of hazardous substances or hazardous wastes shall be designed and constructed so as to:
a. Not allow the release of a hazardous substance to the ground, ground waters, or surface waters;
b. Have a primary containment area enclosing or underlying the tank or part thereof; and
c. A secondary containment system either built into the tank structure or a dike system built outside the tank for all tanks.
B. Vehicle Repair and Servicing.
1. Vehicle repair and servicing must be conducted over impermeable pads and within a covered structure capable of withstanding normally expected weather conditions. Chemicals used in the process of vehicle repair and servicing must be stored in a manner that protects them from weather and provides containment should leaks occur.
2. No dry wells shall be allowed in critical aquifer recharge areas on sites used for vehicle repair and servicing. Dry wells existing on the site prior to facility establishment must be abandoned using techniques approved by the State Department of Ecology prior to commencement of the proposed activity.
C. Residential Use of Pesticides and Nutrients. Application of household pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers shall not exceed times and rates specified in the packaging.
D. Use of Reclaimed Water for Surface Percolation or Direct Recharge. Water reuse projects for reclaimed water must be in accordance with the adopted water or sewer comprehensive plans that have been approved by the State Departments of Ecology or Health.
1. Use of reclaimed water for surface percolation must meet the ground water recharge criteria given in RCW 90.46.080(1) and 90.46.010(10). The State Department of Ecology may establish additional discharge limits in accordance with RCW 90.48.080(2).
2. Direct injection must be in accordance with the standards developed by authority of RCW 90.46.042.
E. State and Federal Regulations. The uses listed below shall be conditioned as necessary to protect critical aquifer recharge areas in accordance with the applicable state and federal regulations.
|
Activity |
Statute – Regulation – Guidance |
|---|---|
|
Aboveground Storage Tanks |
WAC 173-303-640 |
|
Animal Feedlots |
|
|
Automobile Washers |
Chapter 173-216 WAC, Best Management Practices for Vehicle and Equipment Discharges (Washington Department of Ecology WQ-R-95-96) |
|
Below Ground Storage Tanks |
Chapter 173-360 WAC |
|
Chemical Treatment, Storage, or Disposal of Dangerous Waste |
WAC 173-303-141 |
|
Hazardous Waste Generator (Boat Repair Shops, Biological Research Facility, Dry Cleaners, Furniture Stripping, Motor Vehicle Service Garages, Photographic Processing, Printing and Publishing Shops, etc.) |
Chapter 173-303 WAC |
|
Injection Wells |
|
|
Junk Yards and Salvage Yards |
Chapter 173-304 WAC, Best Management Practices to Prevent Stormwater Pollution at Vehicles Recycler Facilities (Washington State Department of Ecology 94-146) |
|
Oil and Gas Drilling |
WAC 332-12-450, Chapter 173-218 WAC |
|
On-Site Sewage Systems (Large Scale) |
Chapter 173-240 WAC |
|
On-Site Sewage Systems (< 14,500 gal/day) |
Chapter 246-272 WAC, Local Health Ordinances |
|
Pesticide Storage and Use |
|
|
Sawmills |
Chapters 173-303 and 173-304 WAC, Best Management Practices to Prevent Stormwater Pollution at Log Yards (Washington State Department of Ecology, 95-53) |
|
Solid Waste Handling and Recycling Facilities |
Chapter 173-304 WAC |
|
Surface Mining |
WAC 332-18-015 |
|
Wastewater Application to Land Surface |
Chapter 173-216 and 173-200 WAC, Washington State Department of Ecology Land Application Guidelines, Best Management Practices for Irrigated Agriculture |
[Ord. 4803 § 10, 2018; Ord. 4656 § 1 (Exh. O2), 2013.]