Definitions
The following words have the following meaning when used in this Chapter.
Aquifer. A geologic formation, group of formations, or part of a formation that contains sufficient saturated, permeable material to yield significant quantities of water to wells and springs.
Containment area. A separate area with an impervious floor, covered by a roof, and surrounded on all sides by an impervious barrier intended to prevent substances from flowing in or out.
Groundwater. Underground water that completely fills the open spaces between particles of sand, gravel, clay, silt, and consolidated rock fractures.
Groundwater recharge area. The land surface from which water is added to the zone of saturation. The recharge area for a particular well or aquifer is that land surface from which water moves to the well or aquifer or may move to the well or aquifer under certain hydraulic
conditions.
Hazardous material. A solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gaseous material that, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical characteristics, may cause or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible illness, or pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment. Hazardous materials include materials defined as hazardous substances by the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), materials defined as hazardous waste by the department of environmental management rules and regulations for hazardous waste management (250-RICR-140-10-1), and petroleum products as defined by the department of environmental management rules and regulations for underground storage facilities used for regulated substances and hazardous materials (250-RICR-140-25-1). Hazardous materials include, but are not limited to, petroleum products, fertilizers, pesticides, and other substances in one or more of the following categories:
1. Ignitable. A gas, liquid or solid that may cause fire through friction or absorption of moisture, or a gas, liquid or solid that has a low flash point.
2. Carcinogenic. A gas, liquid, or solid that is considered by the U.S. environmental protection agency or the R.I. department of environmental management to cause cancer or genetic mutation.
3. Explosive. A reactive gas, liquid or solid that will react uncontrollably if exposed to heat, shock, pressure or any combinations thereof.
4. Toxic. A gas, liquid, or solid that endangers the life or health of any living thing coming into contact with it through a single exposure or repeated exposure.
5. Corrosive. An acid or alkaline material that will cause severe damage to human tissue or is capable of destroying containers of hazardous material and causing the release of their contents.
Wellhead protection area. The critical portion of a three-dimensional zone surrounding a public well or wellfield through which water will move toward and reach the well or wellfield.
Zone of saturation. The subsurface zone in which all open spaces are filled with water.
(Ord. dated 7-18-23)