Section 620.301  General Prohibition Against Use Impairment of Resource Groundwater

a)         A person must not cause, threaten, or allow the release of any contaminant to a resource groundwater such that:

1)         Treatment or additional treatment is necessary to continue an existing use or to assure a potential use of the groundwater; or

2)         An existing or potential use of the groundwater is precluded.

b)         Nothing in this Section prevents the establishment of a groundwater management zone under Section 620.250 or a cumulative impact area within a permitted site.

c)         Nothing in this Section limits underground injection in compliance with an underground injection control program administered by the Agency under the Act, by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Mines and Minerals under the Illinois Oil and Gas Act (225 ILCS 725), or by USEPA under the federal UIC regulations [40 CFR 144].

d)         Nothing in this Section limits the Board from promulgating nondegradation provisions applicable to types of facilities or activities that impact groundwater, including landfills regulated under 35 Ill. Adm. Code: Subtitle G.

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 4488, effective March 28, 2025)