ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of some applicable laws hydrogeologists may encounter and how they must function within the legal and regulatory boundaries. It introduces readers to the regulatory world in the most general sense, assuming that they will have to address specific regulatory issues and be knowledgeable of related legal issues during investigations. The field of ground-water quality and protection has become highly regulated as environmental awareness grew in the scientific and general community. Hydrogeologists dealing with contaminant groundwater studies should have a good working knowledge of the local and state regulations pertaining to groundwater, potable water quality, and aquifer protection. Legal and regulatory issues are covered and updated by books and seminars on a regular basis. Numerous laws and regulations have been passed in the 1970s and 1980s to deal with environmental issues and groundwater. Hydrogeologists must review the regulations and agencies with which they will be involved.
