Criteria and Guidelines for Assessing Geologic Sensitivity of Ground Water Resources in Minnesota

Prevention of ground water contamination is a major component of wise resource management. One approach to help prevent ground water pollution is to recognize where ground water is especially vulnerable, or sensitive, to pollution. Water resource managers can use this information to develop and implement appropriate ground water protection strategies. This report presents the general approach and criteria for determining relative ground water sensitivity throughout Minnesota. The Minnesota Ground Water Protection Act of 1989 defines a sensitive ground water area as a geographic area defined by natural features where there is a significant risk of ground water degradation from activities conducted at or near the land surface." The Act