Baldwin County Wetland Conservation Plan - Alabama Department ...

Baldwin County Wetland Conservation Plan Final Summary Document
1. Is the observed wetland within the zone of influence (designated wellhead protection
area for the 10 year time of travel capture zone) of a major groundwater pumping center (i.e.
withdrawal rates of three to four million gallons a day)?
Rationale: Historically, wetlands in the Project area served as aquifer discharge areas.
Recent development, however, has increased the need for large groundwater pumping
stations in the Project area. These pumping stations draw down water in the aquifer thus
forcing the wetland to engage in an aquifer recharge function. So the wetlands within the
zone of influence become important in replenishing aquifer supplies and filtering
contaminants before they reach the water supply. Since this variable deals with a
human- induced condition, a “no” response will not count against a particular wetland.
Rather, it will serve as a “bonus” question allowing a wetland extra consideration if this
variable applies. This variable was identified remotely through digital maps provided by
the EPA.
Data Column: wellhead; 2 point bonus
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