Or. Admin. Code § 340-040-0080 - Numerical Groundwater Quality Reference Levels and Guidance Levels
(1) The numerical
groundwater quality reference levels and guidance levels contained in Tables 1
through 3 of this Division are to be considered by the Department and the
public in weighing the significance of a particular chemical concentration, and
in determining the level of remedial action necessary to restore contaminated
groundwater for human consumption. They are not to be construed as acceptable
groundwater quality management goals. They are to be used by the Director and
the EQC in establishing permit-specific and remedial action concentration
limits according to the requirements of OAR
340-040-0030 through
340-040-0060.
(2) The Department shall periodically review
information as it becomes available for establishing new numerical groundwater
quality reference levels and guidance levels, and to ensure consistency with
other statutorily mandated standards.
(3) Human consumption is recognized as the
highest and best use of groundwater, and the use which usually requires the
highest level of water quality. The numerical groundwater quality reference
levels listed in Tables 1 and 2 of this Division reflect the suitability of
groundwater for human consumption.
(4) The numerical groundwater quality
guidance levels listed in Table 3 of this Division are for contaminants which
do not adversely impact human health at the given concentrations. At
considerably higher concentrations, human health implications may exist. These
guidance levels are for contaminants that primarily affect the aesthetic
qualities relating to the public acceptance of drinking water. The aesthetic
degradation of groundwater may impair its beneficial use.
(5) For pollutant parameters for which
numerical groundwater quality reference levels or guidance levels have not been
established and listed in Tables 1 through 3, or for evaluating adverse impacts
on beneficial uses other than human consumption, the Department shall make use
of the most current and scientifically valid information available in
determining at what levels pollutants may affect present or potential
beneficial uses. Such information shall include, but not be limited to, values
set forth in OAR 340-041-0033.
Notes
Tables referenced are available from the agency.
Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 468 & 468B
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 468.020, 468.035, 468B.155 & 468B.165
State regulations are updated quarterly; we currently have two versions available. Below is a comparison between our most recent version and the prior quarterly release. More comparison features will be added as we have more versions to compare.
No prior version found.