Aquifer Protection Agency
Connecticut’s Aquifer Protection Area Program protects major public water supply wells in sand and gravel aquifers to ensure a plentiful supply of public drinking water for present and future generations.Aquifer Protection Areas (sometimes referred to as “wellhead protection areas”) have been designated around the state in sand and gravel aquifers that serve more than 1000 people.
Aquifer Protection Area's are authorized through statute and regulation. Land use regulations have been established in these areas to minimize the potential for contamination of the well field. The regulations restrict development of certain new land use activities that use, store, handle or dispose of hazardous materials and requires existing regulated land uses to register and follow best management practices.
The Aquifer Protection Area Program responsibilities are shared by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the municipalities and the water companies.
Municipalities such as Colchester in the program play the most critical role.They are responsible for appointing an aquifer protection agency, inventorying land uses within the aquifer protection area, designating the aquifer protection area boundary, and adopting and implementing local land use regulations. The agency regulates land use activities within the aquifer protection area by:
- registering existing regulated activities at businesses
- issuing permits for new regulated activities
- overseeing regulated facilities
- educating their citizens on ground water protection
Colchester has two aquifers – A30 Cabin Road (08/02/2007) and A31 Judd Brook (08/02/2007).
The Planning and Zoning Commission members are designated as the Aquifer Protection Agency members of the Town of Colchester. The staff of the Planning and Zoning Commission serve as staff of the Agency.