GLossary

A relatively shallow aquifer comprising unconsolidated material deposited by water (clay, silt, sand, gravel), typically occurring adjacent to rivers and in buried paleochannels.

An underground layer of permeable rock, gravel, or sand that holds water, allowing it to flow through and be extracted for use.

The specific portion of land within a watershed where precipitation collects and drains into a river or aquifer.

A local law or regulation enacted by a county government governing matters specific to the county’s jurisdiction, such as land use, development standards, and environmental protection.

A legal agreement granting someone the right to use another person’s land for a specific purpose.

The power of the government to take private property for public use, with compensation to the property owner.

Evaluation of the potential environmental consequences of a project, including its effects on ecosystems, wildlife, and communities.

Laws and regulations enacted to protect the environment, wildlife, and public health.

Techniques used to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation in bodies of water, including erosion blankets, vegetative buffers, and silt fences.

The process of withdrawing water from an aquifer, typically through wells or pumping stations, for various uses.

The volume of water that passes through a specific point in a given period, usually measured in gallons per minute (GPM) or cubic meters per hour (m³/h).

A computer-based system used to collect, store, analyze, and display spatial data related to routes, terrain, and surrounding environments.

Water stored beneath the Earth’s surface in aquifers, soil, or rock formations, accessed through wells.

The movement of water within an aquifer, influenced by factors such as hydraulic gradients, permeability of the subsurface materials, and recharge and discharge rates.

The systematic collection and analysis of data related to groundwater levels, quality, and flow patterns. This is often conducted to assess aquifer health and manage water resources sustainably

The natural process of replenishing groundwater supplies through precipitation, infiltration, and percolation into the soil and rock layers.

The IEDC is a quasi-state entity created by state statute but separate from the state in its corporate and sovereign capacity. It promotes economic growth, corporate expansion, and corporate attraction activity in Indiana and manages many initiatives, including tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation support, infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction efforts.

The Indiana Finance Authority is a quasi-state entity created by state statute but separate from the state in its corporate and sovereign capacity. The IFA oversees state-related debt issuance and provides efficient and effective financing solutions to facilitate state, local government, and business investment in Indiana. The IFA has historically coordinated and managed the state’s regional water studies.

The public utilities commission of the state of Indiana that regulates electric, natural gas, telecommunications, steam, water, and sewer utilities.

The process by which water seeps into the soil or rock surface and enters an aquifer to replenish groundwater supplies.

Laws and regulations governing the use of land, including zoning, subdivision, and land development ordinances.

The responsibility of elected officials to review, monitor, and regulate projects through legislative hearings, inquiries, and policy development to ensure accountability, transparency, and public interest.

Strategies implemented to minimize or offset the ecological impacts of construction projects, including habitat restoration, wildlife corridors, and conservation easements.

A local law or regulation enacted by a city government governing various aspects of municipal affairs, including zoning, land use, environmental protection, and public safety.

The process of obtaining regulatory approval from government agencies.

A system of pipes used to transport water from one location to another, typically over long distances.

Formal meetings held by government agencies to solicit input, comments, and concerns from the public, often required as part of the environmental review and permitting process.

Infrastructure used to pump water from one location to another, typically to overcome elevation differences along a pipeline route.

The adherence to laws, regulations, permits, and standards governing project planning, construction, operation, and maintenance. This is often enforced through inspections, monitoring, and enforcement actions by regulatory agencies.

The principle that federal regulations preempt or supersede conflicting state or local regulations.

A natural or artificial body of water where water is stored for various purposes, including as a source for a pipeline.

The legal right to pass through or use a specific strip of land for the construction and maintenance of infrastructure.

The area of land adjacent to rivers, streams, or other bodies of water that is influenced by water flow. This area provides important habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species.

Activities aimed at repairing and enhancing the ecological health of streams and rivers impacted by construction, such as bank stabilization, habitat creation, and vegetation restoration.

Water found on the Earth’s surface in rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams, originating from precipitation, runoff, or melting snow and ice.

Regular assessment of physical, chemical, and biological parameters in bodies of water to ensure compliance with water quality standards and to protect aquatic ecosystems.

The level below the Earth’s surface at which the soil and rock are saturated with water, representing the boundary between the unsaturated and the saturated zones of an aquifer

A geographic area of land where all surface water drains to a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean. It includes the surrounding land and the network of rivers, streams, and water bodies within it.

Integrated management of land and water resources within a watershed to protect and restore water quality, maintain ecological integrity, and manage water supplies.

A transitional ecosystem between terrestrial and aquatic environments, characterized by the presence of water and specialized vegetation, which can be impacted by changes in water levels and water quality.

Local laws that regulate land use and development within a municipality or county.