§ 4.68.225. Application to wells in the Westside Basin Aquifer.

Before issuing any permit under Section 4.68.080 for the construction of a large well, as defined below, that proposes to draw water from the Westside Basin Aquifer, the County Health Officer may consider whether the granting of the permit would result in special circumstances which may present a threat of harm to the health, safety or welfare of persons or the environment. If the County Health Officer determines that special circumstances exist which present a threat of harm to the health, safety or welfare of persons or the environment, the County Health Officer may deny such permit or grant such permit with conditions designed to eliminate such threats. "Special circumstances," for purposes of this section, shall include, but not be limited to:

(a)

A well in an area that is subject to a specific and localized groundwater problem; or

(b)

A well which presents a potential of overdraft of an aquifer.

Notwithstanding Section 4.68.320 ("Variances"), the County Health Officer may authorize alternative specifications in granting a permit with conditions under this chapter where he finds that such alternative specifications or means provide protection to the well equivalent to that provided otherwise under the requirements of the chapter.

The County Health Officer may take necessary action, including the denial, revocation or suspension of a well permit for a large well that proposes to draw water from the Westside Basin Aquifer in order to avoid pollution or contamination of water resources and to protect the public health and safety.

For purposes of this section, a "large well" means any individual well that pumps an amount equal to or greater than 50 gallons per minute or 1,000 gallons per day, or multiple small wells on the same land use parcel which cumulatively pump an amount equal to or greater than 50 gallons per minute or 1,000 gallons per day. This includes wells used for public parks, cemeteries and golf courses. It excludes wells for residential use, temporary construction, cathodic protection, geophysical exploration/monitoring wells, and wells required in an emergency situation for drinking water purposes. An "emergency" means a sudden, unexpected occurrence demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss or damage to life, health, property or essential public services. The "Westside Basin Aquifer" means the aquifer occurring in the area south of the San Mateo/San Francisco border, east of the San Andreas Fault and north of Burlingame/San Mateo City borders as defined by maps on file with County Environmental Health Division.

(Ord. 4145, 11/12/02)