(→‎Site topography and slopes: correction - 200 feet from the crest of a down-gradient, steep slope, not form the toe of a down-gradient slope.)
 
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[[File:3 foot separation b.png|300px|thumb|alt=schematic illustrating separation distance from bottom of infiltration BMP to water table or top of bedrock|<font size=3>Schematic illustrating separation distance from bottom of infiltration BMP to water table or top of bedrock. This diagram includes a modified subsoil zone in which the subsoil has been ripped to alleviate compaction.</font size>]]
 
[[File:3 foot separation b.png|300px|thumb|alt=schematic illustrating separation distance from bottom of infiltration BMP to water table or top of bedrock|<font size=3>Schematic illustrating separation distance from bottom of infiltration BMP to water table or top of bedrock. This diagram includes a modified subsoil zone in which the subsoil has been ripped to alleviate compaction.</font size>]]
  
Under the CGP, a three (3) foot vertical separation is REQUIRED between the bottom of any infiltration BMP and the top of seasonally saturated soils. Seasonally saturated soil is defined as the highest seasonal elevation in the soil that is evidenced by the presence of <span title="redoximorphic refers to the reduction and oxidation chemical reactions and the resulting appearance or morphology of the soil horizon"> [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Identifying_and_characterizing_redoximorphic_features_in_soils_and_soil_borings '''redoximorphic''']</span> features or other parameters as assessed by a soils specialist. The temporary groundwater <span title="The localized temporary rise in the groundwater surface below an area of infiltration"> '''[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Stormwater_infiltration_and_groundwater_mounding mound]'''</span> that develops below an operational infiltration BMP is not required to be a minimum of 3 feet below the bottom of the infiltration BMP. However, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that this mound not penetrate into the infiltration BMP which could inhibit the pollutant removal within the media contained in the BMP. The base of the BMP may be raised to achieve the 3 foot separation. For more information on infiltration in areas with seasonally saturated soils, link [http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/Shallow_groundwater here].
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Under the [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Construction_stormwater_program CGP], a three (3) foot vertical separation is REQUIRED between the bottom of any infiltration BMP and the top of seasonally saturated soils. Seasonally saturated soil is defined as the highest seasonal elevation in the soil that is evidenced by the presence of <span title="redoximorphic refers to the reduction and oxidation chemical reactions and the resulting appearance or morphology of the soil horizon"> [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Identifying_and_characterizing_redoximorphic_features_in_soils_and_soil_borings '''redoximorphic''']</span> features or other parameters as assessed by a soils specialist. The temporary groundwater <span title="The localized temporary rise in the groundwater surface below an area of infiltration"> '''[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Stormwater_infiltration_and_groundwater_mounding mound]'''</span> that develops below an operational infiltration BMP is not required to be a minimum of 3 feet below the bottom of the infiltration BMP. However, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that this mound not penetrate into the infiltration BMP which could inhibit the pollutant removal within the media contained in the BMP. The base of the BMP may be raised to achieve the 3 foot separation. For more information on infiltration in areas with seasonally saturated soils, link [http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/Shallow_groundwater here].
  
 
===Bedrock===
 
===Bedrock===
Under the [http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/Construction_stormwater_permit CGP] a minimum 3 foot vertical separation is REQUIRED between the base of any constructed infiltration BMP and the top of the bedrock. The base of the BMP may be raised to achieve the 3 foot separation distance. For guidance on infiltration in areas with shallow bedrock, link [http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/Shallow_soils_and_shallow_depth_to_bedrock here].
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Under the [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Construction_stormwater_program CGP] a minimum 3 foot vertical separation is REQUIRED between the base of any constructed infiltration BMP and the top of the bedrock. The base of the BMP may be raised to achieve the 3 foot separation distance. For guidance on infiltration in areas with shallow bedrock, link [http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/Shallow_soils_and_shallow_depth_to_bedrock here].
  
 
===Karst bedrock===
 
===Karst bedrock===
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The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), in a memo dated November 15, 2013, determined that a stormwater infiltration system was "a source of pollution or contamination that may drain into the soil".  Consequently, a minimum 100 foot horizontal separation is REQUIRED (by MDH) between any infiltration BMP and a sensitive public water supply well, and a 50 foot minimum horizontal separation is REQUIRED between any infiltration BMP treating an average of 10,000 gallons per day (11.25 acre-feet per year) or less and all other public water supply wells. For systems treating more than an average of 10,000 gallons per day the separation distance from a public water supply well is 300 feet. See MDH isolation distances for pollutants or contaminants that may drain into the soil, as required by [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/?id=4725 Minnesota Rules Chapter 4725]. This is to ensure there is adequate removal of pollutants before the infiltrating water reaches the drinking water well.
 
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), in a memo dated November 15, 2013, determined that a stormwater infiltration system was "a source of pollution or contamination that may drain into the soil".  Consequently, a minimum 100 foot horizontal separation is REQUIRED (by MDH) between any infiltration BMP and a sensitive public water supply well, and a 50 foot minimum horizontal separation is REQUIRED between any infiltration BMP treating an average of 10,000 gallons per day (11.25 acre-feet per year) or less and all other public water supply wells. For systems treating more than an average of 10,000 gallons per day the separation distance from a public water supply well is 300 feet. See MDH isolation distances for pollutants or contaminants that may drain into the soil, as required by [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/?id=4725 Minnesota Rules Chapter 4725]. This is to ensure there is adequate removal of pollutants before the infiltrating water reaches the drinking water well.
  
'''NOTE''': You can use a simple tool such as the [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=MIDS_calculator Minimal Impact Standards] (MIDS) calculator to determine the annual volume treated by an infiltration practice. For example, an infiltration basin located in St. Paul, MN, that treats the MIDS goal of 1.1 inches must treat runoff from 5.25 acres or more of impervious surface to exceed the 10,000 gallons per day criteria.
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'''NOTE''': You can use a simple tool such as the [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=MIDS_calculator Minimal Impact Standards] (MIDS) calculator to determine the annual volume treated by an infiltration practice. For example, an <span title="Infiltration basins, infiltration trenches, dry wells, and underground infiltration systems capture and temporarily store stormwater before allowing it to infiltrate into the soil. As the stormwater penetrates the underlying soil, chemical, biological and physical processes remove pollutants and delay peak stormwater flows."> [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Infiltration '''infiltration basin''']</span> located in St. Paul, MN, that treats the MIDS goal of 1.1 inches must treat runoff from 5.25 acres or more of impervious surface to exceed the 10,000 gallons per day criteria.
  
 
The CGP prohibits infiltration in areas within a Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA) as defined in [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/?id=4720.5100 Minn. R. 4720.5100], subp. 13., if the system will be located:
 
The CGP prohibits infiltration in areas within a Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA) as defined in [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/?id=4720.5100 Minn. R. 4720.5100], subp. 13., if the system will be located:
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*in an ERA within a DWSMA classified as moderate vulnerability unless a regulated MS4 Permittee performed or approved a [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Guidance_and_recommendations_for_conducting_a_higher_level_of_engineering_review_for_stormwater_infiltration_in_DWSMAs_and_Wellhead_Protection_Areas higher level of engineering review] sufficient to provide a functioning treatment system and to prevent adverse impacts to groundwater; or
 
*in an ERA within a DWSMA classified as moderate vulnerability unless a regulated MS4 Permittee performed or approved a [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Guidance_and_recommendations_for_conducting_a_higher_level_of_engineering_review_for_stormwater_infiltration_in_DWSMAs_and_Wellhead_Protection_Areas higher level of engineering review] sufficient to provide a functioning treatment system and to prevent adverse impacts to groundwater; or
 
*outside of an ERA within a DWSMA classified as having high or very high vulnerability, unless a regulated MS4 Permittee performed or approved a higher level of engineering review sufficient to provide a functioning treatment system and to prevent adverse impacts to groundwater.
 
*outside of an ERA within a DWSMA classified as having high or very high vulnerability, unless a regulated MS4 Permittee performed or approved a higher level of engineering review sufficient to provide a functioning treatment system and to prevent adverse impacts to groundwater.
Maps of DWSMA areas are available through the [http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/swp/index.htm MN Department of Health].
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Maps of DWSMA areas are available through the [https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/swp/mapviewer.html MN Department of Health].
  
 
===Other water supply wells (e.g. private, transient)===
 
===Other water supply wells (e.g. private, transient)===
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*Follow Minnesota Department of Health guidelines, which specify a minimum 100 foot horizontal separation between any infiltration BMP and a sensitive water supply well, and a 50 foot minimum horizontal separation between any infiltration BMP and all other water supply wells. Sensitive water supply wells may be identified using existing reliable groundwater maps (e.g. MDH vulnerability maps, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) [https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/groundwater_section/mapping/index.html County Atlases]), or by applying [https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/groundwater_section/mapping/groundwater-atlas-user-guide.pdf MDNR groundwater sensitivity criteria (see page 8)]. The adjacent image shows a screen shot of the sensitivity map from the [https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/groundwater_section/mapping/cga/c22_chisago/pdf_files/plate10.pdf Chisago County Geologic Atlas].
 
*Follow Minnesota Department of Health guidelines, which specify a minimum 100 foot horizontal separation between any infiltration BMP and a sensitive water supply well, and a 50 foot minimum horizontal separation between any infiltration BMP and all other water supply wells. Sensitive water supply wells may be identified using existing reliable groundwater maps (e.g. MDH vulnerability maps, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) [https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/groundwater_section/mapping/index.html County Atlases]), or by applying [https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/groundwater_section/mapping/groundwater-atlas-user-guide.pdf MDNR groundwater sensitivity criteria (see page 8)]. The adjacent image shows a screen shot of the sensitivity map from the [https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/groundwater_section/mapping/cga/c22_chisago/pdf_files/plate10.pdf Chisago County Geologic Atlas].
 
*Applying the guidance found at [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Screening_assessment_for_contamination_at_potential_stormwater_infiltration_sites#Determining_if_adequate_separation_can_be_achieved_between_a_potential_contamination_source_and_the_BMP this page], determine an appropriate separation distance based on a <span title="The localized temporary rise in the groundwater surface below an area of infiltration"> '''[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Stormwater_infiltration_and_groundwater_mounding mounding]'''</span> analysis. We recommend adding an additional safety factor if runoff delivered to the infiltration practice is located in a <span title="Stormwater Hotspots (PSHs) are activities or practices that have the potential to produce relatively high levels of stormwater pollutants"> '''[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Potential_stormwater_hotspots stormwater hotspot]'''</span> or has the potential to contain mobile organic chemicals or pathogens. An example mounding calculation using a [https://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2010/5102/ United States Geological Survey calculator] [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Stormwater_infiltration_and_groundwater_mounding#Guide_to_using_the_mounding_calculator is show here]. Guidance on mounding beneath infiltration systems [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Stormwater_infiltration_and_groundwater_mounding is located here].
 
*Applying the guidance found at [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Screening_assessment_for_contamination_at_potential_stormwater_infiltration_sites#Determining_if_adequate_separation_can_be_achieved_between_a_potential_contamination_source_and_the_BMP this page], determine an appropriate separation distance based on a <span title="The localized temporary rise in the groundwater surface below an area of infiltration"> '''[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Stormwater_infiltration_and_groundwater_mounding mounding]'''</span> analysis. We recommend adding an additional safety factor if runoff delivered to the infiltration practice is located in a <span title="Stormwater Hotspots (PSHs) are activities or practices that have the potential to produce relatively high levels of stormwater pollutants"> '''[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Potential_stormwater_hotspots stormwater hotspot]'''</span> or has the potential to contain mobile organic chemicals or pathogens. An example mounding calculation using a [https://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2010/5102/ United States Geological Survey calculator] [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Stormwater_infiltration_and_groundwater_mounding#Guide_to_using_the_mounding_calculator is show here]. Guidance on mounding beneath infiltration systems [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Stormwater_infiltration_and_groundwater_mounding is located here].
*Calculate a <span title="Groundwater travel time is the time it takes for water to move horizontally from one location to another. Travel times are typically calculated using Darcy's equation."> '''travel time'''</span>. This can be done if there are sufficient data to apply Darcy's equation V= KI/n, where V is the groundwater velocity, K is the horizontal <span title="Hydraulic conductivity is a property of soils and rocks that describes the ease with which a fluid (usually water) can move through pore spaces or fractures."> '''hydraulic conductivity'''</span> , I is the horizontal <span title="The hydraulic gradient is the change in total head divided the distance over which the change occurs."> '''hydraulic gradient'''</span>, and n is the effective <span title="Porosity or void fraction is a measure of the void (i.e. empty) spaces in a material, and is a fraction of the volume of voids over the total volume, between 0 and 1, or as a percentage between 0% and 100%."> '''porosity'''</span>. Values for hydraulic conductivity [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Aquifer_hydraulic_properties can be found here]. Porosities for soil [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Soil_water_storage_properties can be found here]. Porosities for consolidated geologic materials can be found at the following references - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquifer_properties#Specific_yield], [https://www.open.edu/openlearn/ocw/pluginfile.php/625504/mod_resource/content/2/s278_3_table1.pdf], [https://opentextbc.ca/geology/chapter/14-1-groundwater-and-aquifers/]. As an example, assume a coarse sand aquifer with a saturated hydraulic conductivity of 5 * 10<sup>-5</sup> meters per second, a hydraulic gradient of 0.01 m/m, and a porosity of 0.40. The one year travel time is (0.00005 * 0.01) / 0.4 = 39.4 meters per year or 130 feet per year. The setback distance for an infiltration system should therefore be a minimum of 130 feet, though it may be beneficial to build in a safety factor to account for potential mounding effects and uncertainty in the conductivity, hydraulic gradient, or porosity. Hydraulic gradients can be determined if regional groundwater elevations are known, such as reported in County Geologic Atlases. [http://geology.wwu.edu/rjmitch/L21_groundwater2.pdf This reference] provides basic information regarding calculating travel times in aquifers.
+
*Calculate a <span title="Groundwater travel time is the time it takes for water to move horizontally from one location to another. Travel times are typically calculated using Darcy's equation."> '''travel time'''</span>. This can be done if there are sufficient data to apply Darcy's equation V= KI/n, where V is the groundwater velocity, K is the horizontal <span title="Hydraulic conductivity is a property of soils and rocks that describes the ease with which a fluid (usually water) can move through pore spaces or fractures."> '''hydraulic conductivity'''</span> , I is the horizontal <span title="The hydraulic gradient is the change in total head divided the distance over which the change occurs."> '''hydraulic gradient'''</span>, and n is the effective <span title="Porosity or void fraction is a measure of the void (i.e. empty) spaces in a material, and is a fraction of the volume of voids over the total volume, between 0 and 1, or as a percentage between 0% and 100%."> '''porosity'''</span>. Values for hydraulic conductivity [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Aquifer_hydraulic_properties can be found here]. Porosities for soil [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Soil_water_storage_properties can be found here]. Porosities for consolidated geologic materials can be found at the following references - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquifer_properties#Specific_yield], [https://www.open.edu/openlearn/ocw/pluginfile.php/625504/mod_resource/content/2/s278_3_table1.pdf], [https://opentextbc.ca/geology/chapter/14-1-groundwater-and-aquifers/]. As an example, assume a coarse sand aquifer with a saturated hydraulic conductivity of 5 * 10<sup>-5</sup> meters per second, a hydraulic gradient of 0.01 m/m, and a porosity of 0.40. The one year travel time is (0.00005 * 0.01) / 0.4 = 39.4 meters per year or 130 feet per year. The setback distance for an infiltration system should therefore be a minimum of 130 feet, though it may be beneficial to build in a safety factor to account for potential mounding effects and uncertainty in the conductivity, hydraulic gradient, or porosity. Hydraulic gradients can be determined if regional groundwater elevations are known, such as reported in County Geologic Atlases. [https://pubs.usgs.gov/wri/1992/4085/report.pdf This reference] provides basic information regarding calculating travel times in aquifers.
  
 
===Building or other structural foundations===
 
===Building or other structural foundations===
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===Septic system tank/leach field===
 
===Septic system tank/leach field===
A 35 foot horizontal separation is recommended between any infiltration BMP and a [http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/subsurface-sewage-treatment-system-ssts/index.html septic tank] or leach field.
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A 35 foot horizontal separation is recommended between any infiltration BMP and a septic tank or leach field.
  
 
===Potential contamination sources===
 
===Potential contamination sources===
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===Site topography and slopes===
 
===Site topography and slopes===
Unless slope stability analyses demonstrate otherwise, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that infiltration practices be located a minimum horizontal distance of 200 feet up-gradient from the toe of a slope that is greater than 20 percent, and that the slopes in contributing drainage areas be limited to 15 percent. Guidance for managing infiltration and runoff to minimize the likelihood of slope erosion and slumping has been developed by [http://www.trca.on.ca/dotAsset/83077.pdf Toronto and Region Conservation] and [http://wi-ozaukeecounty.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/1113 The University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute].
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Unless slope stability analyses demonstrate otherwise, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that infiltration practices be located a minimum horizontal distance of 200 feet from down-gradient slopes greater than 20 percent, and that the slopes in contributing drainage areas be limited to 15 percent. Guidance for managing infiltration and runoff to minimize the likelihood of slope erosion and slumping has been developed by [http://www.trca.on.ca/dotAsset/83077.pdf Toronto and Region Conservation] and [http://wi-ozaukeecounty.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/1113 The University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute].
  
 
==Methods for determining separation distances==
 
==Methods for determining separation distances==
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<noinclude>
 
<noinclude>
[[Category:Infiltration]]
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[[Category:Level 2 - Technical and specific topic information/infiltration]]
 
</noinclude>
 
</noinclude>

Latest revision as of 20:15, 18 January 2024

schematic showing horizontal and vertical setback distances
Schematic showing some horizontal and vertical separation distances from an infiltration BMP. A separation distance may be required, such as with a drinking water well, or recommended, as with an underground tank. (Source: CDM Smith) Not to scale.

Separation distance is defined as the distance from the closest point of a best management practice (BMP) to the particular feature being considered. Example recommended and REQUIRED separation distances for infiltration BMPs are shown in the figure to the right and are discussed below. Note that all REQUIRED statements in this section refer to requirements contained in the NPDES/SDS (CSW) General Permit (CGP).

Warning: The following are required minimum setback distances:
  • 50 feet from a water supply well or 100 feet from a sensitive water supply well
  • 3 feet from the seasonally saturated soils (water table) or bedrock
  • 1,000 feet up‐gradient, or 100 feet down‐gradient of active karst features

Vertical separation distances

Vertical separation distance is the vertical distance from the bottom of a BMP to the top of the feature of concern. The shortest vertical distance is used in measuring the separation distance.

Seasonally saturated soils

schematic illustrating separation distance from bottom of infiltration BMP to water table or top of bedrock
Schematic illustrating separation distance from bottom of infiltration BMP to water table or top of bedrock. This diagram includes a modified subsoil zone in which the subsoil has been ripped to alleviate compaction.

Under the CGP, a three (3) foot vertical separation is REQUIRED between the bottom of any infiltration BMP and the top of seasonally saturated soils. Seasonally saturated soil is defined as the highest seasonal elevation in the soil that is evidenced by the presence of redoximorphic features or other parameters as assessed by a soils specialist. The temporary groundwater mound that develops below an operational infiltration BMP is not required to be a minimum of 3 feet below the bottom of the infiltration BMP. However, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that this mound not penetrate into the infiltration BMP which could inhibit the pollutant removal within the media contained in the BMP. The base of the BMP may be raised to achieve the 3 foot separation. For more information on infiltration in areas with seasonally saturated soils, link here.

Bedrock

Under the CGP a minimum 3 foot vertical separation is REQUIRED between the base of any constructed infiltration BMP and the top of the bedrock. The base of the BMP may be raised to achieve the 3 foot separation distance. For guidance on infiltration in areas with shallow bedrock, link here.

Karst bedrock

Karst topography is a geological formation shaped by the dissolution of a layer, or layers, of soluble bedrock. Groundwater in karst regions is particularly vulnerable to contamination. There is also concern about the formation of sinkholes resulting from focused infiltration. The CGP prohibits infiltration within areas that are 1,000 feet up gradient or 100 feet down gradient of active karst terrain. In addition, the 3 foot minimum separation to bedrock is applicable under the CGP. Additional detail on identifying and testing for karst is detailed here.

Horizontal separation (setback) distances

Horizontal separation distance is the horizontal distance from the closest point of a BMP to the feature of concern. The shortest horizontal distance is used in determining the separation. This distance does not include a mound that extends beyond the boundaries of the BMP.

Municipal water supply wells

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), in a memo dated November 15, 2013, determined that a stormwater infiltration system was "a source of pollution or contamination that may drain into the soil". Consequently, a minimum 100 foot horizontal separation is REQUIRED (by MDH) between any infiltration BMP and a sensitive public water supply well, and a 50 foot minimum horizontal separation is REQUIRED between any infiltration BMP treating an average of 10,000 gallons per day (11.25 acre-feet per year) or less and all other public water supply wells. For systems treating more than an average of 10,000 gallons per day the separation distance from a public water supply well is 300 feet. See MDH isolation distances for pollutants or contaminants that may drain into the soil, as required by Minnesota Rules Chapter 4725. This is to ensure there is adequate removal of pollutants before the infiltrating water reaches the drinking water well.

NOTE: You can use a simple tool such as the Minimal Impact Standards (MIDS) calculator to determine the annual volume treated by an infiltration practice. For example, an infiltration basin located in St. Paul, MN, that treats the MIDS goal of 1.1 inches must treat runoff from 5.25 acres or more of impervious surface to exceed the 10,000 gallons per day criteria.

The CGP prohibits infiltration in areas within a Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA) as defined in Minn. R. 4720.5100, subp. 13., if the system will be located:

  • in an Emergency Response Area (ERA) within a DWSMA classified as having high or very high vulnerability as defined by the Minnesota Department of Health; or
  • in an ERA within a DWSMA classified as moderate vulnerability unless a regulated MS4 Permittee performed or approved a higher level of engineering review sufficient to provide a functioning treatment system and to prevent adverse impacts to groundwater; or
  • outside of an ERA within a DWSMA classified as having high or very high vulnerability, unless a regulated MS4 Permittee performed or approved a higher level of engineering review sufficient to provide a functioning treatment system and to prevent adverse impacts to groundwater.

Maps of DWSMA areas are available through the MN Department of Health.

Other water supply wells (e.g. private, transient)

Adequate separation must be maintained between all water supply wells and infiltration systems. Unlike municipal public supply wells, modeling and other technical analysis is rarely done to determine appropriate separation distances for these wells. We recommend one of the following three approaches to determining a separation distance between an infiltration system and a water supply well.

screen shot pollution sensitivity map
Screen shot of a segment of the surficial pollution sensitivity map from the Chisago County Geologic Atlas.
  • Follow Minnesota Department of Health guidelines, which specify a minimum 100 foot horizontal separation between any infiltration BMP and a sensitive water supply well, and a 50 foot minimum horizontal separation between any infiltration BMP and all other water supply wells. Sensitive water supply wells may be identified using existing reliable groundwater maps (e.g. MDH vulnerability maps, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) County Atlases), or by applying MDNR groundwater sensitivity criteria (see page 8). The adjacent image shows a screen shot of the sensitivity map from the Chisago County Geologic Atlas.
  • Applying the guidance found at this page, determine an appropriate separation distance based on a mounding analysis. We recommend adding an additional safety factor if runoff delivered to the infiltration practice is located in a stormwater hotspot or has the potential to contain mobile organic chemicals or pathogens. An example mounding calculation using a United States Geological Survey calculator is show here. Guidance on mounding beneath infiltration systems is located here.
  • Calculate a travel time. This can be done if there are sufficient data to apply Darcy's equation V= KI/n, where V is the groundwater velocity, K is the horizontal hydraulic conductivity , I is the horizontal hydraulic gradient, and n is the effective porosity. Values for hydraulic conductivity can be found here. Porosities for soil can be found here. Porosities for consolidated geologic materials can be found at the following references - [1], [2], [3]. As an example, assume a coarse sand aquifer with a saturated hydraulic conductivity of 5 * 10-5 meters per second, a hydraulic gradient of 0.01 m/m, and a porosity of 0.40. The one year travel time is (0.00005 * 0.01) / 0.4 = 39.4 meters per year or 130 feet per year. The setback distance for an infiltration system should therefore be a minimum of 130 feet, though it may be beneficial to build in a safety factor to account for potential mounding effects and uncertainty in the conductivity, hydraulic gradient, or porosity. Hydraulic gradients can be determined if regional groundwater elevations are known, such as reported in County Geologic Atlases. This reference provides basic information regarding calculating travel times in aquifers.

Building or other structural foundations

A horizontal separation of 10 feet is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED between any infiltration BMP and a structural foundation. Designers are encouraged to model the groundwater flow in the area to ensure the infiltration BMP will not impact any surrounding structural foundations.

Surface waters

Infiltration BMPs are not recommended if the infiltrating water contains a soluble pollutant that is likely to be transported via groundwater to a surface water impaired for that pollutant (e.g. chloride). Modeling may be useful for predicting the likelihood that infiltrated water will be discharged to a nearby surface water. There may also be local zoning or shoreline restrictions. Prior to the designing of any infiltration BMP that may impact surface waters, the user should consult the local city or county zoning office and watershed management organization, or the Soil and Water Conservation District.

Septic system tank/leach field

A 35 foot horizontal separation is recommended between any infiltration BMP and a septic tank or leach field.

Potential contamination sources

The CGP PROHIBITS infiltration when the infiltration system will be constructed in areas where high levels of contaminants in the soil or groundwater will be mobilized by the infiltrating water. At all other sites not regulated by the CGP, infiltration is not generally recommended in areas of contaminated soils for the same reason that the infiltrating water may mobilize the contamination. Stormwater infiltration may be feasible, however, on sites where the infiltration BMP can be isolated from the contaminants.

It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that stormwater infiltration BMPs not be installed in areas with contaminated groundwater down-gradient of the BMP, unless barriers or other devices that maintain a separation between the water infiltrating from the BMP and the contaminants are present. More information regarding stormwater management in contaminated areas can be found here.

Site topography and slopes

Unless slope stability analyses demonstrate otherwise, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that infiltration practices be located a minimum horizontal distance of 200 feet from down-gradient slopes greater than 20 percent, and that the slopes in contributing drainage areas be limited to 15 percent. Guidance for managing infiltration and runoff to minimize the likelihood of slope erosion and slumping has been developed by Toronto and Region Conservation and The University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute.

Methods for determining separation distances

Horizontal separation distances can be determined using simple measurement devices such as a GPS, survey, or even something as basic as a tape measure or measuring wheel. Distances should be measured from the edge of the BMP to the edge of the area of interest.

Vertical separation distances require subsurface investigations. Information on determining the vertical distance to bedrock or groundwater can be found here.

Summary of separation distances

Required and recommended minimum vertical and horizontal separation distances. This represents the minimum distance from the infiltration practice to the structure of concern. If the structure is above-ground, the distance is measured from the edge of the BMP to the structure. If the structure is underground, the vertical separation distance represents the distance from the point of infiltration through the bottom of the system to the structure, while the horizontal separation (often called setback) distance is the shortest distance from the edge of the system to the structure.
Link to this table

Structure Distance (feet) Requirement or recommendation Note(s)
Vertical Saturated soil 3 Requirement1
Bedrock 3 Requirement1
Horizontal Public supply well 100 for sensitive wells; 50 for others3 Requirement
Building/structure/property line2 10 Recommended
Surface water none unless local requirements exist If nearby stream is impaired for chloride, see [4]
Septic system 35 Recommended
Contaminated soil/groundwater No specific distance. Infiltration must not mobilize contaminants.
Slope 200 Recommended from toe of slope >= 20%
Karst 1000 up-gradient 100 down-gradient Requirement1 active karst

1 Required under the Construction Stormwater General Permit
2 Minimum with slopes directed away from the building
3If treating an average of 10,000 gallons per day; otherwise separation distance is 300 feet


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This page was last edited on 18 January 2024, at 20:15.