62.1-263 - Criteria for issuance of permits. - Virginia Statutes

§ 62.1-263. Criteria for issuance of permits.

When reviewing an application for a permit to withdraw ground water, or anamendment to a permit, the Board may consider the nature of the proposedbeneficial use, the proposed use of alternate or innovative approaches suchas aquifer storage and recovery systems and surface and ground waterconjunctive uses, climatic cycles, unique requirements for nuclear powerstations, economic cycles, population projections, the status of land use andother necessary approvals, and the adoption and implementation of theapplicant's water conservation and management plan. In no case shall a permitbe issued for more ground water than can be applied to the proposedbeneficial use.

When proposed uses of ground water are in conflict or when available suppliesof ground water are insufficient for all who desire to use them, preferenceshall be given to uses for human consumption, over all others.

In evaluating permit applications, the Board shall ensure that the maximumpossible safe supply of ground water will be preserved and protected for allother beneficial uses.

In evaluating the available ground water with respect to permit applicationsfor new or expanded withdrawals in the Eastern Virginia or Eastern ShoreGroundwater Management Areas, the Board shall use the average of the actualhistorical ground water usage from the inception of the ground waterwithdrawals of a political subdivision or authority operating a ground waterand surface water conjunctive use system and shall not use the total permitcapacity of such system in determining such availability.

(1992, c. 812; 1994, cc. 513, 592.)