Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 391 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES › Chapter 391-3 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Subject 391-3-2 - GROUNDWATER USE › Rule 391-3-2-.16 - Permitting Based on Regional Water Development and Conservation Plans

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27,
				2024
(1)
Purpose.
The purpose of Section
				391-3-2-.16 is to provide minimum
				uniform statewide regulations for the issuance of any permit for the use of
				groundwater based on Regional Water Development And Conservation Plans. As
				authorized by O.C.G.A. §§
									12-5-31 and
				12-5-96, in a manner consistent
				with O.C.G.A. §§
									12-5-520,
et
				seq.
, and as provided in the Comprehensive State-wide Water Management
				Plan, Regional Water Development And Conservation Plans shall promote the
				sustainable use of Georgia's waters through the selection of an array of
				management practices, to support the State's economy, to protect public health
				and natural systems, and to enhance the quality of life for all
				citizens.
(2)
Policy.
As provided in the Comprehensive State-wide Water Management Plan, the
				characteristics of water resources and water users vary significantly in
				differing regions across Georgia. Protecting the ability of the State's water
				resources to meet needs for water supply and assimilation of waterborne
				contaminants requires regional, resource-based plans that identify the
				management practices appropriate to the resources and users in each
				region.
(3)
Definitions.
All terms used in this Section shall be interpreted in accordance with
				the definitions as set forth in this Paragraph, or in any other Paragraph of
				this Section:
(a) "Comprehensive State-wide
				Water Management Plan" is the plan provided for by O.C.G.A. §
										§
										12-5-520
et seq.
whose purpose is to help guide the stewardship of Georgia's water resources to
				ensure that those resources continue to support the State's economy while
				maintaining healthy natural systems. The Comprehensive State-wide Water
				Management Plan mandates preparation of regional Water Development and
				Conservation Plans;
(b) "Instream
				uses" means all those human and ecological uses of water which occur within the
				banks of rivers and streams, including, without limitation, waste assimilation,
				hydropower production, recreation, maintenance of aquatic habitats, and support
				of biological integrity;
(c)
				"Offstream uses" means the purposes for which water is withdrawn from streams,
				rivers, lakes, or aquifers;
(d)
				"Water Development and Conservation Plan," as provided in O.C.G.A. §§
										12-5-31(h) and
				12-5-96(e), means
				a regional resource-based plan, developed in accordance with O.C.G.A. §
										§
										12-5-520
et seq.
,
				that promotes the efficient use of water resources, promotes the conservation
				and reuse of water, guards against a shortage of water, and is consistent with
				the public welfare of the state, or an addendum to any statutorily required
				water management plan(s) prepared to satisfy the purposes of this rule and the
				Comprehensive State-wide Water Management Plan. Such plans include water
				development, conservation, and sustainable use and are based upon detailed
				scientific analysis of water sources, the projected future condition of the
				resources, current demand, and estimated future demands on the resources.
				Furthermore, as provided in the Comprehensive State-wide Water Management Plan,
				such plans identify the water management practices to be employed in each Water
				Planning Region to ensure that current and future needs for water supply and
				assimilative capacity are met within the capacity of the water
				resources;
(e) "Water Planning
				Region" is a defined area that includes one or more water quantity and/or
				quality resources;
(f) "Water
				resource" is a body of surface water or groundwater that is available or
				potentially available for offstream and/or instream use, including, without
				limitation, agricultural, industrial, residential, recreational, or
				environmental activities, among others. Water resources may include freshwater
				bodies, brackish waters, and ocean water;