Description: This data set is a GIS point shapefile derived from the Natural Heritage "Biotics" Database. Data in the Biotics Database are maintained according to established Natural Heritage Methodology developed by NatureServe and The Nature Conservancy. The core of the Biotics Database is made up of Element Occurrence (EO) records of rare plant and animal species, animal aggregations, native plant communities, and geologic features. An Element is a unit of biological diversity, such as a species, subspecies, or a native plant community. An EO is an area of land and/or water in which an Element is, or was, present, and which has practical conservation value for the Element (e.g. species or community) as evidenced by potential continued (or historical) presence and/or regular recurrence at a given location. Source Features are the mapped representation of observations of rare features. Source Features are then evaluated using biological standards, and grouped into EOs as appropriate.Full metadata: https://resources.gisdata.mn.gov/pub/gdrs/data/pub/us_mn_state_dnr/biota_nhis_calcareous_fens/metadata/metadata.html
Description: Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA) is the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) approved surface and subsurface area surrounding a public water supply well or well field that supplies a public water system, through which contaminants are likely to move toward and reach the well or well field.Full metadata: https://resources.gisdata.mn.gov/pub/gdrs/data/pub/us_mn_state_health/water_wellhead_protection_areas/metadata/metadata.html
Description: Drinking water supply management area (DWSMA) vulnerability is an assessment of the likelihood for a potential contaminant source within the drinking water supply management area to contaminate a public water supply well based on the aquifer's inherent geologic sensitivity; and the chemical and isotopic composition of the groundwater.Full metadata: https://resources.gisdata.mn.gov/pub/gdrs/data/pub/us_mn_state_health/water_drinking_water_supply/metadata/drinking_water_supply_management_area_vulnerability.html
Description: Drinking water supply management area (DWSMA) is the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) approved surface and subsurface area surrounding a public water supply well that completely contains the scientifically calculated wellhead protection area and is managed by the entity identified in a wellhead protection plan. The boundaries of the drinking water supply management area are delineated by identifiable physical features, landmarks or political and administrative boundaries.Full metadata: https://resources.gisdata.mn.gov/pub/gdrs/data/pub/us_mn_state_health/water_drinking_water_supply/metadata/drinking_water_supply_management_areas.html
Description: The improper location, construction or sealing of a well or boring in an area of groundwater contamination may allow contaminants to spread to otherwise protected aquifers. The designation as a special well and boring construction area alerts the public, including property owners, drilling contractors, and local officials, to the occurrence of groundwater contamination, and the need to place special controls on the drilling of new wells and the modifications of existing wells. It provides information on the contamination source, contaminants encountered, aquifers affected, and necessary restrictions. It also allows affected parties, including local units of government, to be aware of and to respond to the contamination problem.The rules pertaining to the construction of wells and borings place minimum restrictions on the location, construction, repair, and sealing of wells and borings. Special construction requirements are authorized in rule and statute in areas of known or suspected contamination. In order to provide safe water it may be necessary to require the construction of deeper wells, employ special construction techniques, conduct specialized testing, or require special water treatment procedures. Contractors proposing to drill any well or boring in an advisory area must contact the Minnesota Department of Health, Well Management Section prior to construction. Contractors and property owners must submit a written request and well construction plan to the MDH and must receive written approval before construction, repair, or sealing of a well in the special well and boring construction area. A Special Well and Boring Construction Area is sometimes also called a well advisory. It is a mechanism which provides for controls on the drilling or alteration of public and private water-supply wells, and monitoring wells in an area where groundwater contamination has, or may, result in risks to the public health. The purposes of a Special Well and Boring Construction Area are to inform the public of potential health risks in areas of groundwater contamination, provide for the construction of safe water supplies, and prevent the spread of contamination due to the improper drilling of wells or borings.Full metadata: https://resources.gisdata.mn.gov/pub/gdrs/data/pub/us_mn_state_health/geos_special_well_const_areas/metadata/metadata.html