Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 50, December 14, 2024
Section 290.302 - Number, location and depth of monitoring points(a) The water quality monitoring system shall accurately characterize groundwater and surface water flow, groundwater and surface water chemistry and flow systems on the site and adjacent area. The system must consist of the following:(1) At least one monitoring point at a position hydraulically upgradient from the coal ash placement area in the direction of increasing static head that is capable of providing representative data of groundwater not affected by placement of coal ash, except when the coal ash placement area occupies the most upgradient position in the flow system. In that case, sufficient downgradient monitoring points shall be placed to determine the extent of adverse effects on groundwater from the coal ash placement.(2) At least three groundwater monitoring points hydraulically downgradient in the direction of decreasing static head from the area in which coal ash has been or will be placed. The Department at its discretion may accept two downgradient monitoring points on small sites that can be well represented by two points. The Department may allow one or more springs, seeps and mine discharges to substitute for wells if these points are hydraulically downgradient from the area in which coal ash has been or will be placed and if these points will be as effective or more effective at monitoring the coal ash placement area than wells. Downgradient monitoring points must be hydrologically connected to the area of coal ash placement, and must be located and constructed so as to detect any chemical influence of the coal ash placement area. The downgradient points must be proximate enough to detect contaminants within the life of the placement operation. All monitoring points must be developed and protected in a manner approved by the Department.(3) Surface water monitoring points where surface water monitoring is likely to show any chemical influence that the coal ash placement area may have on the hydrologic regime.(b) The upgradient and downgradient monitoring points shall be: (1) Sufficient in number, location and depth to be representative of water quality.(2) Located so as not to interfere with routine operations at the site.(3) Located within 200 feet of the coal ash placement area or mining activity area, except as necessary to comply with subsections (c) and (d). The Department may approve location at a greater distance based on the hydrology of the coal ash placement and adjacent areas.(c) In addition to the requirements of subsection (b), upgradient monitoring points shall be located so that they will not be affected by effects on groundwater or surface water from the coal ash placement area.(d) In addition to the requirements of subsection (b), downgradient monitoring points shall be located so that they will provide early detection of effects on groundwater or surface water from the coal ash placement area.(e) Wells drilled under this section shall be drilled by drillers licensed under the Water Well Drillers License Act (32 P. S. §§ 645.1-645.13).(f) The well materials shall be decontaminated prior to installation. This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 290.304 (relating to assessment plan); and 25 Pa. Code § 290.307 (relating to interim water quality monitoring requirements).