Critical aquifer recharge areas (CARAs) are those areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water. CARAs have prevailing geologic conditions associated with infiltration rates that create a high potential for contamination of groundwater resources or contribute significantly to the replenishment of groundwater.
(Ord. 1059 § 2 (Exh. A (12.90.320)), 2010; Ord. 1060 §§ 5, 6, 2010)
The following activities or land uses, where otherwise permitted, are subject to the requirements of this article:
A. 
Above or below ground storage tanks for hazardous substances or hazardous wastes.
B. 
Commercial, industrial, institutional or other facilities that include: automobile washers, chemical treatment storage and disposal facilities, dry cleaners, hazardous waste generators, junk yards and salvage yards, oil and gas drilling, on-site sewage systems, pesticide storage and use, petroleum transmission facilities and/or storage tanks, solid waste handling and recycling facilities, vehicle repair and services, wastewater application to land surfaces, and other activities that create a significant risk of contaminating CARAs.
C. 
Residential sewage disposal systems that serve two or more residences or that have a density greater than one system per acre.
D. 
Storm water management facilities that infiltrate the majority of water they manage.
(Ord. 1059 § 2 (Exh. A (12.90.330)), 2010; Ord. 1060 §§ 5, 6, 2010)
A. 
For all regulated activities, the applicant shall submit a critical area report describing the best management practices to be used to minimize the risk of aquifer contamination. The report and its review by the city, which may include referral to independent qualified professionals, shall be at the applicant's expense. At a minimum, these practices shall include those recommended by the Washington Department of Ecology in its 2004 Storm Water Management Manual for Eastern Washington (Publication No. 04-10-076) or future updated publications, as applicable, and shall comply with requirements in the Washington Administrative Code for the proposed activity.
B. 
The following general development standards shall apply to all regulated activities:
1. 
Floor drains shall be connected to an approved sanitary sewer system, where available;
2. 
Vehicle washing facilities must be self-contained and connected to an approved sanitary sewer system;
3. 
Underground tanks shall be installed in accordance with Chapter 173-360 WAC, Underground Storage Tanks;
4. 
Vehicle repair and service areas shall be conducted over impermeable pads and be located within an enclosed structure;
5. 
Chemicals shall be stored in a manner that is protected from the weather and be located within containment areas; and
6. 
Additional protective measures may be required if deemed necessary by the city.
C. 
The applicant shall also submit a spill prevention plan that identifies equipment being used or any structures that could fail and contaminate CARAs. The plan shall include provisions for regular inspection, repair, replacement, clean-up methods to be used, and methods to dispose of all spilled materials.
D. 
If the planning official determines that additional precautions may be necessary to protect against groundwater contamination, a hydrogeologic site evaluation prepared by a qualified professional may be required. The evaluation shall address some or all of the following, as specified by the planning official:
1. 
Hydrogeologic Setting.
a. 
Description of the geologic setting of the site, illustrated with geologic and soil maps;
b. 
Discussion of geologic features which may influence groundwater movement, such as faults, landforms, etc.;
c. 
Description of the occurrence and movement of groundwater in the area, including a general discussion of aquifer recharge and discharge, depth of groundwater and groundwater flow patterns; and
d. 
General discussion of groundwater quality in the area.
2. 
Site-Specific Hydrogeologic Data.
a. 
Scaled map showing the location of wells (in use or inactive) and springs within 1,000 feet of the site or as required by the planning official;
b. 
Depth to groundwater layer in the immediate vicinity;
c. 
Hydrogeological cross-sections through the site and immediate vicinity with references to information used to prepare the cross-sections;
d. 
Description of groundwater movement beneath the site with considerations for the following:
i. 
Areal distribution, stratification and hydraulic conductivity of the water-bearing formations;
ii. 
Probable migration pathways for contaminants;
iii. 
An estimate of the probable times of travel through the soil horizontally and vertically from a potential contaminant source;
e. 
Description of how the contaminants of concern will be attenuated within the saturated zone; and
f. 
Estimate of the quantity and/or quality of water recharged to the saturated zone under anticipated operation.
E. 
A mitigation plan shall be required to address groundwater impacts identified in the hydrogeologic site evaluation, consistent with RMC § 18.90.090 and 18.90.100. The planning official may require that the plan include monitoring, process controls, remediation and discussion of alternatives.
(Ord. 1059 § 2 (Exh. A (12.90.340)), 2010; Ord. 1060 §§ 5, 6, 2010)