R 299.2443 Hydrogeological investigation.

Rule 2443. (1) Unless tertiary containment is installed at a surface facility constructed after the effective date of these rules, as provided in R 299.2445(1)(b), a permittee shall file results of a hydrogeological investigation of the surface facility area with the supervisor of mineral wells. The hydrogeological investigation shall include all of the following: (a) Water quality sampling and analysis for the following parameters: (i) Specific conductance as an indication of the dissolved solids. (ii) The concentrations of the following parameters for chemical balance and indicators for comparison of water quality: (A) Cations. (B) Anions. (C) Total chloride. (D) Hardness. (E) Ph. (F) Total dissolved solids. (G) Temperature. (iii) Additional groundwater quality parameters required on a case-by-case basis if the parameters can be justified on the basis of any 1 of the following criteria: (A) The parameters may cause degradation in usable aquifers and are present or likely to be present in the liquids handled at the surface facility. (B) The parameters can demonstrate that a discharge to a usable aquifer is occurring. (C) The parameters can be used to define the existing or local background groundwater quality. (b) A determination of the horizontal and vertical flow system to properly determine the location and depth to be monitored. (c) A determination of the groundwater flow direction plus the depth to the groundwater. The tops of the well casings used for this purpose shall be referenced to a common or United States geological survey datum. (d) A geologic description of earth materials, both horizontally and vertically, in the immediate vicinity of the proposed surface facility. (2) A hydrogeological investigation shall be prepared by or under the direction of a geologist qualified in hydrogeology or groundwater geology or a registered professional engineer who may use existing information to generate the investigation. (3) The supervisor of mineral wells may approve methods other than those specified in subrule (1) of this rule to gather the information required to comply with this rule.