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<br />t <br /> <br />- 3 - <br /> <br />Since these Federal statutes were passed at various times for <br />separate purposes, inconsistency developed in EPA's regulations <br />and in decisions under those regulations. While these differences <br />are often necessary and reasonable, there are a number that appear <br />to hinder a cohesive approach to ground-water protection. Improving <br />harmony among EPA's program rules affecting ground-water protection <br />is an tmportant need, since inconsistency in such matters leads to <br />confusion and less effective protection than if roles, requirements <br />and responsibilities are clear and consistent. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />In addition to its own authorities, EPA found a variety of <br />po'~rful State and local statutes available for use. A number <br />of States have begun their own programs for ground-water protec- <br />tion, some built on permits supported by a system of aquifer <br />classification. Continuing the development of State programs in <br />thi~rea _ is vital, as they have the basic responsibility for the <br />~~~tac~i?n_ ~~_~~~ ground-water resource. <br /> <br />Strategic Concerns <br /> <br />Given public concern for health and the constant realization <br />that resources are finite, EPA, as well as State and local govern- <br />mental agencies, must decide how best to protect public health <br />and critical environmental systems with the available fiscal and <br />human resources. It seems clear to many that we must direct our <br />energies to prevent future contamination, even as we detect and <br />manage contamination associated with past activities. <br /> <br />The effort required to protect ground water will be enorm- <br />ous. Starting as we do with limited knowledge of the resource <br />and limited means to affect it, we must expend our efforts where <br />the risk of contamination presents the greatest cause for alarm. <br />That suggests that we should assign highest priority to those <br />ground waters that are currently used as sources of drinkinq <br />water or that feed and repleniSh unique ecosystems~ <br /> <br />Ground-water protection is a very complex, difficult issue. <br />There are no clear or easy answers. EPA believes that it will <br />require sustained effort at all levels of government over a long. <br />period of time before this resource is adequately protected. <br />Within this context, EPA developed its draft Ground-Water <br />Protection Strategy. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />IJIO <br />