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N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources

NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Water Quality - Aquifer Protection

Water Quality

Aquifer Protection Section 

About

Our focus is the protection and enhancement of the state's groundwater, the primary source of drinking water for half of North Carolina residents. To protect this important resource, we:

  • Implement permitting and compliance for land applied wastewater, residuals and reclaimed water.
  • Permit construction of wells for groundwater monitoring and extracting/treating contaminated groundwater, as well as injection wells used for heating, cooling or remediation.
  • Perform planning on the interaction of groundwater, suface water and geological formations in order to characterize and anticipate groundwater contamination and potential threats to human health.
  • Support a drill team to aid in investigation of groundwater contamination.
  • Respond to and manage clean up actions for incidents caused by wastewater discharge or non-discharge facilities subject to permitting under Control of sources of water pollution (G.S. 143-215.1); well construction activities subject to the NC Well Construction Act (G.S. 87-88); agricultural operations including application of agricultural chemicals (does not include  spills or disposal of such chemicals); and naturally occurring contamination.

Organization

Contact Us

 

Useful Information

In an effort to provide up-to-date information to the general public, private consultants and Permittees, the Aquifer Protection Section will provide the following information on a monthly basis:

Table 1 - Policies

PolicyDate
Metals Determinations as Required by 15A NCAC 02LMay 13, 2013
Compliance Evaluation of Long-Term Permitted Facilities with No Prior Groundwater Monitoring RequirementsJune 17, 2011
Single-Family Residence Wastewater Irrigation System Loading Rate Calculation PolicySeptember 12, 2008
Single-Family Residence Loading Rate WorkbookSeptember 12, 2008
Soil Scientist Evaluation Policy Cover LetterSeptember 12, 2008
Soil Scientist Evaluation PolicySeptember 12, 2008
Water Balance Calculation PolicySeptember 12, 2008
Single-Family Residence Irrigation Facilities: Policy for Facility Closure and Abandonment ProceduresFebruary 21, 2008
Recommended Well Purge VolumesAugust 15, 2007
Submission of Groundwater Compliance Data (GW-59)August 15, 2007
Hydrogeologic Investigation and Reporting PolicyMay 31, 2007
Groundwater Modeling PolicyMay 31, 2007
Performance and Analysis of Aquifer Slug Tests and Pumping Tests PolicyMay 31, 2007
High Rate Infiltration System Designs: Policy for Alternative Setbacks to Property Lines and Habitable ResidencesOctober 27, 2006
Animal Wastewater Spill Reporting PolicyOctober 19, 1999

Table 2 - Memorandums 

MemorandumDate
Approval Procedure for Specialty Grout, Well Disinfection Methods and Materials, and Well Rehabilitation Methods and MaterialsAugust 10, 2012
Guidelines for the Closure of Permitted Wastewater Ponds and LagoonsJune 22, 2012
GEO SuperGrout Approval As Specialty GroutJune 8, 2012
Map Guidance for Residuals Land Application PermitsJanuary 5, 2011
Guidelines for Collaboration with APS on Groundwater StudiesJune 23, 2008
Hydrogeologic Investigation and Support PoliciesMay 31, 2007
Incident Management Responsibilities for DWQ & DWM April 12, 2007
Well Construction Variance Regarding the Use of Bentonite Chips and PelletsMarch 1, 2007
Announcement of Express Review Program ChangesFebruary 22, 2006
CETCO's Geothermal Grout Approved as a Specialty GroutDecember 13, 2004
Guidelines for Infiltration Gallery Closure and Injection Well Abandonment at Groundwater Remediation SitesJuly 8, 2003

Table 1 - Administrative Codes Applicable to the Aquifer Protection Section

TitleAdministrative Code
Conformity with North Carolina Environmental Policy Act15A NCAC 01C
Surface Waters and Wetlands Standards15A NCAC 02B
Well Construction Standards15A NCAC 02C
Coastal Waste Treatment Disposal15A NCAC 02H .0400
Groundater Classifications and Standards15A NCAC 02L
Waste Not Discharged to Surface Waters15A NCAC 02T

Table 2 - North Carolina Codes and General Statutes

Website
North Carolina General Statutes
North Carolina Administrative Codes
North Carolina Administrative Codes Applicable to the Division of Water Quality

Table 3 - Federal Rules and Regulations

Website
Clean Water Act (CWA)
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Section News

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