지속가능한 지하수자원 확보를 위한 지하수보전구역 지정 연구: 외국의 지하수보전구역 사례 분석 = Designation of Groundwater Conservation Districts (GCDs) for Sustainable Groundwater Resources: A Review of Case Studies

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This work is to consider some policy implications of improved regulations of the Groundwater Conservation Districts (GCDs) for sustainability of groundwater resources in Korea by analyzing cases of the United States. This study first reviewed currently designated domestic GCDs and relevant laws and regulations. It seems that GCDs are hardly effective in Korea as there have been only two cases of GCDs over the 20 years of nation`s groundwater regulatory law history. They are Moo-Ahn Subsidence GCD appointed in 2002, and Hap-Duck GCD in 2005. Besides, there have been few scientific studies done on assessment/delineation methods of areas/criteria associated with designation of GCDs. It is noted that Groundwater Law, which is at the highest level in the regulatory hierarchy, has a fatal drawback to be compatible with other laws to control the GCD areas. As GCDs designations become ineffective when other regulated areas such as Spring Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) or Hot Spring Wellhead Protection Areas (SWPAs) are in place. This paper also reviewed GCDs in the U.S. The case studies included GCDs in Texas, Soil Source Aquifers (SSAs) in U.S. EPA Region 6, and Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas (CARAs) in Washington. Reviews communicate demands for improving GCDs of Korea in the following aspects: (1) Delineation of boundaries; (2) Infrastructure for designation and management; and (3) Methodologies. First, authority needs to categorize GCDs and/or indicate each category with area boundary and an independent name based on its characteristics, namely, CARAs, SSA, etc. For sound infrastructure, human resources are needed to administer (un)designation and management processes. Also, public petitioning for new GCDs is needed. For methodologies regarding GCDs delineation, research should be done to develop assessment tools for prioritizing GCDs for more effective and efficient management. Comprehensive case studies are also required to formulate valid policy directions. Further study is needed to develop policies to support designation and management of GCDs for promoting sustainable groundwater uses in consideration of its susceptibility and vulnerability to contamination, which can be further complicated due to climate changes and/or disasters-hazards.