WS 17: Approval to Site a Source and Conduct a Pumping Test for a Source Greater Than 70 Gallons per Minute

The approval is to continue evaluating the water resource potential of a particular site. The necessary components of a site approval request, the site exam, and the subsequent pumping test, are described in the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), Drinking Water Program’s Guidelines and Policies for Public Water Systems (available at the State House Bookstore). The Drinking Water Regulations, in particular 310 CMR 22.21, govern all aspects of the source development process.

Sites are evaluated and approved or disapproved at this point because there are certain circumstances which would negate the possibility of using the site, thereby avoiding the potentially unnecessary expense associated with the pumping test. For example, the inability to own the Zone I; extremely poor water quality; and historical spills or leaks of hazardous materials are all issues that could influence the approval of the site for development.  Approval of a pumping test proposal is granted after MassDEP has determined that the hydrologic and water quality information necessary to approve the source will be generated before, during and after the pumping test.

Any individual, company, municipality or district intending to develop a public source of water supply serving 15 service connections or 25 individuals at least 60 days per year must apply for this approval.

The following requirements should be considered when applying for this approval.

• Request for Determination of Applicability (Form No. 1-33310 CMR 10.99) should be filed with the local conservation commission if work is proposed within 100 feet of a wetland.
• Before applying for this approval consideration should be given to the ability to own the Zone I; and
• How the surrounding development and history may influence water quality and how the site lends itself to development.

Approvals of this type will require Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office 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 Office of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 900, Boston MA 02114 (617) 626-1020. Copies of MEPA filings should be sent to 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.