Okla. Admin. Code § 252:730-7-2

Current through Vol. 41, No. 19, June 17, 2024

Section 252:730-7-2 - Groundwater quality antidegradation policy

(a) The groundwaters of the State of Oklahoma are an important and valuable resource that shall be maintained and protected.

(b) Beneficial uses shall be maintained and protected and human degradation of groundwater quality that would cause or contribute to the nonattainment of beneficial uses shall not be allowed.

(c) Whenever existing groundwater quality exceeds the level necessary for beneficial uses to be maintained and protected, the existing groundwater quality shall be maintained and protected, unless it is demonstrated to the State that any lowering of groundwater quality:

(1) After an analysis of alternatives, is necessary to accommodate important economic and social development and is in the public interest; and

(2) Protective measures sufficient to protect beneficial uses shall be maintained at all times.

(d) In certain groundwaters, whenever existing groundwater quality exceeds the level necessary for beneficial uses to be maintained and protected, the existing groundwater quality shall be maintained and protected. For special source groundwaters:

(1) Special source groundwaters are defined as groundwaters where exceptional water quality exists, where there is an irreplaceable source of water, where it is necessary to maintain an outstanding resource, or where the quality of the groundwater may be important for maintaining a uniquely designated characteristic of certain surface waters, as defined in A-D below:

(A) All groundwater likely to influence the quality of waters designated as a "Scenic River" in Appendix A of this Chapter and their watersheds; and

(B) All groundwater likely to influence the quality of waters located within the boundaries of the areas described in Appendix B of this Chapter; and

(C) All groundwater likely to influence the quality of waters designated as "HQW" in Appendix A of this Chapter; and

(D) All groundwater likely to influence the quality of waters located within the boundaries of a State approved source water protection area for public water supply.

(2) Groundwaters designated as special source groundwaters are prohibited from receiving any discrete discharge(s), surface water from constructed infiltration basins, or surface application of waste, unless the activity maintains or improves existing water quality.

(3) Discharges proximate and/or adjacent to special source groundwaters shall take into consideration the requirement to maintain or improve existing water quality in special source groundwaters and shall ensure that any activity provides for the maintenance or improvement of water quality in special source groundwaters.

Okla. Admin. Code § 252:730-7-2

Adopted by Oklahoma Register, Volume 40, Issue 6, December 1, 2022, eff. 10/25/2022 (emergency)

Adopted by Oklahoma Register, Volume 40, Issue 24, September 1, 2023, eff. 9/15/2023