Site-specific geotechnical investigation

Site-specific geotechnical investigation. (1) The applicant shall perform laboratory and field investigations to define the physical characteristics of the proposed landfill’s location. The applicant shall obtain sufficient site-specific geotechnical information to define the subsurface geological conditions and the hydrogeologic and groundwater quality conditions both inside and outside the proposed limits of filling. (2) Geotechnical information shall be sufficient to identify all of the following site-specific conditions: (a) Bedrock depth, either confirmed through borings or inferred based on regional information, geology, competency, and hydrogeology. (b) The geological, geotechnical, and hydrogeological characteristics of each major soil unit underlying the site to a depth of at least 25 feet below the proposed sub-base grade. (c) The presence and frequency of joints, fractures, voids, solution openings, faults, or other structural features in the bedrock or soil units. (d) Identification and description of any significant groundwater flow paths, such as fractured flow or major sand seams, that may be a constraint to effective monitoring capability or may warrant additional monitoring wells in certain locations. (e) The groundwater table elevations throughout the site and any seasonal fluctuations. (f) The presence and extent of any perched water tables. (g) Horizontal and vertical groundwater hydraulic gradients and groundwater flow paths in soil and bedrock below the site. (h) The presence of any hydrogeologic confining units. (i) The presence of any aquifers and their current use as a source of drinking water. (j) Groundwater quality in soil units and bedrock. (k) Any additional site-specific information the department identifies as necessary to evaluate the feasibility of the landfill. (3) The minimum requirements for a site-specific geotechnical investigation are provided in ss. NR 512.09 , 512.10 , and 512.11 . Unless otherwise approved by the department in writing, the site-specific geotechnical investigation shall meet or exceed those minimum requirements. Achieving the minimum requirements provided in ss. NR 512.09 , 512.10 , and 512.11 does not guarantee that the applicant will obtain sufficient information to comply with sub. (1) . The department may require additional geotechnical investigation in order to determine that the feasibility report is complete. (4) The applicant may submit a proposal to the department for an alternative geotechnical investigation and data presentation from the requirements in s. NR 512.09 , 512.10 , or 512.11 . A proposal for an alternative geotechnical investigation shall include a detailed description of the proposed alternative investigation, an explanation of how the alternative investigation will provide information sufficient to comply with subs. (1) and (2) , detailed explanations of the rationale for the proposed differences between the minimum requirements in s. NR 512.09 , 512.10 , or 512.11 and the proposed alternative investigation, and the anticipated benefits of the proposed alternative investigation. The department shall provide a written opinion on the proposal and identify any deficiencies in the proposed alternative investigation that must be addressed. A favorable opinion of a proposed alternative geotechnical investigation does not guarantee that the applicant will obtain sufficient information to meet the requirements of subs. (1) and (2) . The department may require additional geotechnical investigations before making a determination that the feasibility report is complete.