WS 08: Zone II Approval

The approval is to determine technical acceptability of supporting data and recommended Zone II delineation for existing wells. Zone II is that area of an aquifer which contributes water to a well under the most severe pumping conditions that can be realistically anticipated (180 days of pumping at safe yield with no recharge from precipitation). Procedures used to delineate Zone II boundaries must follow Guidelines and Policies for Public Water Systems, available from the State House Bookstore. The Zone II is delineated to accurately identify land areas which may be appropriate for certain land use restrictions or prohibitions to protect groundwater quality. Zone II approvals are required when implementing various MassDEP programs.

A public water supply system must apply if it has been approved to pump 100,000 gallons per day or greater, but has not yet delineated the existing well's Zone II, and is required to pursue a Water Management Act Permit. Municipalities must apply if they are conducting town-wide or localized groundwater studies for the purpose of enacting zoning and non-zoning controls to protect groundwater recharge areas.

Prior to applying, applicants must be sure that the information provided and the delineation procedure used are consistent with specific requirements outlined in Guidelines and Policies for Public Water Systems . Pay careful attention to model documentation because this information weighs heavily in MassDEP's decision to approve the delineation.

Note: Approvals of this type may require MEPA review. Please carefully examine 301 CMR 11.00, the MEPA Regulations, to determine if your project exceeds the MEPA review thresholds, or for more information contact the MEPA Unit of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 900, Boston MA 02114, 617-626-1020. MassDEP cannot begin technical review of the application until the MEPA process has been completed, unless otherwise agreed to in writing. Copies of MEPA filings should be sent to the appropriate program offices in Boston and the MEPA Coordinator in the appropriate Regional Office.

Note: These additional requirements are intended to serve as a guide to the applicant. It does not necessarily include all additional requirements.