1. A. Protection levels are ground water pollutant concentration limits, set by ground water class, for the operation of facilities that discharge or would probably discharge to ground water.

2. B. For the physical characteristics (color, corrosivity, odor, and pH) and radionuclides listed in Table 1, the values listed are the protection levels for all ground water classes.

   4.2 CLASS IA PROTECTION LEVELS

3. A. Class IA ground water will be protected to the maximum extent feasible from degradation due to facilities that discharge or would probably discharge to ground water.

4. B. The following protection levels will apply:

   1. 1. Total dissolved solids may not exceed the greater of 1.25 times the background or background plus two standard deviations.
   2. 2. When a contaminant is not present in a detectable amount as a background concentration, the concentration of the pollutant may not exceed the greater of 0.1 times the ground water quality standard value, or the limit of detection.

   3. 3. When a contaminant is present in a detectable amount as a background concentration, the concentration of the pollutant may not exceed the greater of 1.25 times the background concentration, 0.25 times the ground water quality standard, or background plus two standard deviations; however, in no case will the concentration of a pollutant be allowed to exceed the ground water quality standard.

      4.3 CLASS IB PROTECTION LEVELS

5. A. Class IB ground water will be protected as an irreplaceable source of drinking water.

6. B. The following protection levels will apply:

   1. 1. Total dissolved solids may not exceed the lesser of 1.1 times the background value or 2000mg/l.
   2. 2. When a contaminant is not present in a detectable amount as a background concentration, the concentration of the pollutant may not exceed the greater of 0.1 times the ground water quality standard, or the limit of detection.

   3. 3. When a contaminant is present in a detectable amount as a background concentration, the concentration of the pollutant may not exceed the greater of 1.1 times the background concentration or 0.1 times the ground water quality standard; however, in no case will the concentration of a pollutant be allowed to exceed the ground water quality standard.

      4.4 CLASS IC PROTECTION LEVELS

      Class IC ground water will be protected as a source of water for potentially affected wildlife habitat. Limits on increases of total dissolved solids and organic and inorganic chemical compounds will be determined in order to meet applicable surface water standards.

      4.5 CLASS II PROTECTION LEVELS

7. A. Class II ground water will be protected for use as drinking water or other similar beneficial use with conventional treatment prior to use.

8. B. The following protection levels will apply:

   1. 1. Total dissolved solids may not exceed the greater of 1.25 times the background value or background plus two standard deviations.
   2. 2. When a contaminant is not present in a detectable amount as a background concentration, the concentration of the pollutant may not exceed the greater of 0.25 times the ground water quality standard, or the limit of detection.

   3. 3. When a contaminant is present in a detectable amount as a background concentration, the concentration of the pollutant may not exceed the greater of 1.25 times the background concentration, 0.25 times the ground water quality standard, or background plus two standard deviations; however, in no case will the concentration of a pollutant be allowed to exceed the ground water quality standard.

      4.6 CLASS III PROTECTION LEVELS

9. A. Class III ground water will be protected as a potential source of drinking water, after substantial treatment, and as a source of water for industry and agriculture.

10. B. The following protection levels will apply:

    1. 1. Total dissolved solids may not exceed the greater of 1.25 times the background concentration level or background plus two standard deviations.
    2. 2. When a contaminant is not present in a detectable amount as a background concentration, the concentration of the pollutant may not exceed the greater of 0.5 times the ground water quality standard, or the limit of detection.

    3. 3. When a contaminant is present in a detectable amount as a background concentration, the concentration of the pollutant may not exceed the greater of 1.5 times the background concentration or 0.5 times the ground water quality standard or background plus two standard deviations; however, in no case will the concentration of a pollutant be allowed to exceed the ground water quality standard. If the background concentration exceeds the ground water quality standard no increase will be allowed.

       4.7 CLASS IV PROTECTION LEVELS

       Protection levels for Class IV ground water will be established to protect human health and the environment.

4.1 GENERAL

KEY: water quality, ground water, cleanup standards, petroleum hydrocarbons

Date of Last Change: October 24, 2013

Notice of Continuation: June 21, 2022

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 19-5