In the surface water protection program, what qualifies as a hydrologically isolated site?

A hydrologically isolated site is defined as a location that does not generate pesticide runoff that enters surface water. This means that even if pesticides are used at such a site, the management practices in place prevent any runoff from reaching nearby streams, rivers, or lakes. Understanding the concept of hydrological isolation is vital for water quality protection, as it indicates the ability to prevent contaminants from affecting surface water bodies.

In contrast, a site that produces pesticide runoff would not qualify as hydrologically isolated because it directly contributes to potential water contamination. Similarly, a site being near water bodies does not necessarily impact its qualification as hydrologically isolated since proximity to water doesn’t imply runoff occurs. Finally, a non-agricultural area could be hydrologically isolated, but simply being non-agricultural does not guarantee isolation from potential pesticide runoff. Therefore, the defining characteristic of hydrological isolation is the prevention of pesticide runoff from reaching surface water sources.