Section 289.122. Geology and groundwater description

(a) An application shall contain a description of the geology and groundwater in the proposed permit area and adjacent areas down to and including the lowest aquifer that may be affected by the facility, including the following:

(1) The results of a sufficient number of test borings and core borings to accurately characterize geology, soils, groundwater flow, groundwater chemistry and flow systems of the proposed permit area and adjacent area, which shall be at least three test borings. At least one test boring shall be a core boring. The applicant shall include the actual surface elevations of the drill holes.

(2) The stratigraphy, lithologic, physical characteristics and thickness of each stratum, including the location and depth of aquifers.

(3) The hydrologic characteristics of each aquifer described in paragraph (2), including field test data for hydraulic conductivity, storage coefficient and transmissivity, groundwater hydraulic gradient and velocity. The description of these characteristics shall be based on multiple well aquifer tests. Alternative techniques approved by the Department may be employed when multiple well aquifer tests are not feasible. The application shall include the procedures and calculations used to determine these characteristics.

(4) The geologic structure within the proposed permit area and adjacent area, and its relation to the regional geological structure.

(5) The uses of each aquifer.

(6) The aquifer characteristics necessary to accurately describe three dimensional groundwater flow through the proposed permit area and adjacent area, including storage and discharge characteristics.

(7) The extent of coal and noncoal mineral deposits and mines within the proposed permit area, as required by § 289.127 (relating to mineral deposits information).

(8) Wellhead protection areas in accordance with § 109.1 (relating to definitions) that may be impacted by the facility.

(9) A groundwater contour map based upon the highest groundwater level recorded monthly in each boring for the previous year. The Department may require more frequent measurements after significant precipitation events.

(b) A boring or coring not cased and capped and not to be used for groundwater monitoring shall be grouted shut or otherwise sealed in a manner approved by the Department.

The provisions of this § 289.122 amended January 12, 2001, effective January 13, 2001, 31 Pa.B. 235. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (226706) to (226707).

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 289.111 (relating to basic requirements); 25 Pa. Code § 289.113 (relating to maps and related information); and 25 Pa. Code § 289.121 (relating to description of geology, soils and hydrology; general requirements).