The Quincy unconsolidated zone and the Quincy basalt zone, defined at WAC 173-124-050, are separate and distinct depth zones, as that term is used in chapter 90.44 RCW. The Quincy unconsolidated zone and the Quincy basalt zone are different than the Quincy shallow management unit and the Quincy deep management unit, which are defined at WAC 173-134-020.

The horizontal boundaries of the Quincy depth zones and the Quincy management units are identical to the exterior boundaries of the Quincy groundwater subarea, and no Quincy depth zone or management unit extends beyond those boundaries, for comprehensive water management purposes. Neither does any depth zone of the Odessa groundwater subarea, as defined at chapter 173-130 WAC, extend beyond the exterior boundaries of the Odessa groundwater subarea, as those are defined and indicated at chapter 173-128 WAC. The bodies of groundwater contained within the exterior boundaries of the Quincy groundwater subarea are considered to be separate and distinct from the bodies of groundwater contained within the exterior boundaries of the Odessa groundwater subarea, which is significantly different than the Quincy groundwater subarea in various respects.

This regulation is adopted to clarify the differences between the Quincy groundwater subarea and the Odessa groundwater subarea, and the differences among depth zones and management units. This regulation merely restates what the department of ecology consistently has understood to be the meaning and effect of this chapter and related chapters, notwithstanding any other understanding by the public or any other agency or board, federal or state.