Major subdivision and major land development project approval – hydrogeologic evaluation

Major subdivision and major land development project approval -- hydrogeologic evaluation.

A. At Master Plan submission, the applicant shall submit a preliminary hydrogeologic evaluation of the property to determine whether any conditions are present that would affect the quality of the groundwater, based on observation and examination of available public data, and to determine how the proposed development will affect the quality and quantity of the groundwater.

B. The preliminary hydrogeologic evaluation shall be prepared by a registered professional engineer with advanced training in hydrogeology.

C. The preliminary hydrogeologic evaluation should include:

1. A site visit to observe the general condition of the property and surrounding properties, including use of the property, topography, utilities, bedrock outcrops, and wetlands and water bodies.

2. Examination of public records including historical aerial photographs and records of existing septic systems and wells.

3. Determination of the current and past uses of the property and whether there are any known concerns about water quality or quantity or past contamination.

4. A geological assessment including groundwater classification, groundwater flow direction, contributing watersheds, bedrock, soil types, and soil strata, thickness, and composition.

5. A description of the surface water and watershed characteristics.

6. Test pit and percolation test results, with a site plan showing the test locations.

7. A nitrate loading analysis to evaluate the potential impacts on the parcel and surrounding parcels. The analysis should compare the existing and proposed nitrate load concentrations to the maximum contaminant level of 10 milligrams per liter (10 mg/L) established by the U.S. environmental protection agency.

8. The Site Context Plan, Existing Conditions and Resources Plan, and Development Overlay Plan submitted with the Master Plan application, supplemented as necessary to show hydrogeologic features.

D. A peer-reviewed preliminary hydrogeologic evaluation shall remain valid for the purpose of land development project approval unless there is a substantial change in conditions at or near the site that could affect groundwater quality, including but not limited to new construction, installation of onsite wastewater treatment systems or wells, or hazardous material spills or other environmental events that could affect soil or groundwater.

(Ord. dated 7-18-23; Ord. dated 5-21-24)