§ 26.5. Groundwater recharge areas (GRA).
26.5-1
Finding of fact. Groundwater is contained in underground geologic formations called aquifers. Water in aquifers is released to the surface through wells and springs or by seepage into lakes, streams, and wetlands. Some lakes, streams, and wetlands depend upon ground water springs or seepage for supplemental water during drought periods. Aquifers store ground water used for public and private drinking water supply and irrigation.
Aquifer recharge is the process by which precipitation infiltrates soil and rock to add to the volume of water stored in pores and other openings within them. While recharge takes place throughout practically all of Georgia's land area, the rate or amount of recharge reaching underground aquifers varies from place to place depending on geological conditions. In Cherokee County, the primary bedrock is composed of crystalline granite, gneiss, schist and quartzite. These rocks contain very little pore space and have a very low permeability. This low storage capacity is the reason much of Georgia north of the fall line receives its water from surface streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Nearly all bedrock of this type, however, is broken by water-bearing cracks, fractures, and faults which become enlarged over time. When intercepted by a well, these cracks often yield usable quantities of water.
Groundwater quality is particularly important in Cherokee County because a portion of the county is still dependent on well water for domestic use. Centralized sewer systems currently cover only a small fraction of the county's land area, leaving many aquifer recharge areas vulnerable to infiltration from septic tank drainage fields.
Therefore is essential that the quality of drinking water be assured in order to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Cherokee County.
26.5-2.
Groundwater recharge area district. As defined and mapped by the Department of Natural Resources and Georgia Geologic Survey, there are three areas in Cherokee County that are significant recharge areas. These are relatively flat areas with thick soils and may be favored sites for commercial or industrial development. Mapping of these areas by the Geologic survey was done at a 1:500,000 scale, meaning that only the larger recharge areas could be included. The state's intent is that these areas are where ground water protection efforts should be directed. Listed herein are the three areas:
• S.R. 20/Johnson Brady Road — Consists of 240 parcels
• Exit 7: Holly Springs — Consists of 1067 parcels
• S.R. 92/Kellogg Creek — Consists of 352 parcels
26.5-3
Pollution susceptibility thresholds. Each recharge area shall be designated with a pollution susceptibility threshold of high, medium or low based on the Georgia Pollution Susceptibility Map prepared by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
26.5-4
Groundwater protection standards. Provided herein are the Groundwater Protection Standards that shall apply to the unincorporated boundaries of Cherokee County:
(1)
All pollution susceptibility areas, new waste disposal facilities must have synthetic liners and leachate collection systems.
(2)
All new agricultural impoundments shall meet the following requirements:
a.
Areas with high susceptibility, a liner shall be provided that is approved by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service (SCS);
b.
Areas with medium susceptibility and that are greater than 15 acres in size shall require an SCS approved liner.
c.
Areas with low susceptibility and that are greater than 50 acres in size shall require an SCS approved liner.
(3)
No land disposal of hazardous waste shall be permitted within any significant groundwater recharge area. (GRA).
(4)
Within all significant groundwater recharge areas (GRA), the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials shall be confined to an area with an impermeable surface having spill and leak protection approved by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division (EPD).
(5)
Within all significant groundwater recharge areas (GRA), new above ground chemical or petroleum storage tanks larger than 650 gallons shall have a secondary containment for 110 percent of tank volume or 110 percent of the largest tanks in a cluster of tanks.
(6)
New wastewater treatment basins shall have an impermeable liner approved by EPD within areas with high pollution susceptibility.
(7)
No new storm water infiltration basins shall be constructed within areas with high pollution susceptibility.
(8)
Wastewater spray irrigation systems or the land spreading of wastewater sludge shall be practiced in accordance with department of natural resources criteria for slow rate land treatment within areas with high pollution susceptibility. Applicants who submit development plans for activities involving wastewater spray irrigation or land spreading of wastewater sludge shall submit with plans proof that he/she has received a land application system permit from EPD.
(9)
No new mobile home parks shall be allowed on septic systems.
(10)
All septic system shall be subject to review and approval by the Cherokee County Environmental Health Department prior to the issuance of building permit for a building or mobile home.
26.5-5.
Minimum lot sizes with septic systems. New residential dwellings to be served by septic tank/drain systems that encompass the periphery of the groundwater recharge area shall not have a lot area less than 43,560 square feet even if the zoning classification dictates otherwise.
Table 1 — Minimum Lot Size Requirements
Pollution Susceptibility Residential Dwelling served by septic tank/drain systems (min to size) High 65,340 square feet Medium 54,450 square feet Low 47,916 square feet Source: DHR Manual for On-Site Sewerage Management Systems.
(Ord. No. 99-O-12, 4-20-90)