1. (1) Buffer Distance Considerations. Buffer distances shall be established for the following purposes:

   1. (a) To protect public health by limiting exposure to reclaimed water and conditions associated with reuse facilities;
   2. (b) To protect waters of the state, including surface water, ground water and public and private drinking water supplies; and
   3. (c) To help ensure that the reuse of reclaimed water is restricted to within the physical boundaries of the reuse facilities.

2. (2) Buffer Distances.

   1. (a) The minimum distance from any reclaimed water pipeline to a potable water supply well shall be fifty feet.
   2. (b) The minimum distance from a nonresidential spray irrigation system to a potable water supply well, water of the State, or drainage to a water of the State or wetland shall be fifty feet.
   3. (c) The minimum distance for spray application using high trajectory nozzles to a property boundary or inhabited dwelling shall be fifty feet.
   4. (d) The minimum distance for spray application of Class A reclaimed water to a property boundary or inhabited dwelling shall be zero (0) feet; however, aerosol formation shall be minimized within fifty feet of a property boundary or inhabited dwelling through the use of low trajectory nozzles for spray irrigation or above-ground drip irrigation.
   5. (e) The minimum distance from a lined impoundment to a potable water supply well shall be 100 feet.
   6. (f) The minimum distance from an unlined impoundment to a potable water supply well is 500 feet.
   7. (g) The Department may require a different buffer distance on a case-by-case basis.

Author: Nicholas Caraway

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§22-22-1 to 22-22-14; §§22-22A-1 to 22-22A-16 et seq., as amended.

History: New Rule: Filed August 25, 2015; effective September 29, 2015.