§ 34-117. Proper abandonment of wells.

(a)

Procedure for proper abandonment of wells. Only certified well contractors, acting as agents of property owners, are allowed to abandon wells in accordance with the procedures in this section.

(1)

Temporarily abandoned well. A water well shall be considered as temporarily abandoned when its use has been interrupted for a period of more than one year, but not more than three years. Such wells shall be sealed and maintained to prevent them from being or becoming a source or channel of pollution when not in service.

(2)

Permanently abandoned well. A water well shall be considered as permanently abandoned when its service has been interrupted for three years or it is determined by the department to be abandoned. Such wells shall be properly abandoned permanently by the owners.

(3)

Procedures for the temporary abandonment of wells.

a.

Casing. A temporarily abandoned well shall be protected with a casing.

b.

Watertight seal. Upon temporary removal from service, the well shall be sealed with a watertight cap or seal compatible with the casing, and installed so that it cannot be easily removed.

c.

Maintenance. The well and immediate area shall be kept clear of debris and brush, inspected, and maintained by the owner so it is not a source or channel of contamination. The board of health may require the well to be suitably marked or placarded with a temporary abandonment warning.

(4)

Procedures for the permanent abandonment of wells.

a.

Casing removal. The entire well casing and materials should be removed before well closure if such removal will not contaminate the aquifer. Any casing not grouted in accordance with this article shall be removed or properly grouted. Prior to removing the casing, a neat cement plug shall also be added below the lower extremity of the casing. If the contractor is unsuccessful in removing the casing, then a portion of the casing shall be removed to a depth of at least three feet below the ground surface, and a neat cement plug shall also be added at this portion of the casing.

b.

Sounding. The entire well shall be sounded before sealing to ensure that obstructions will not interfere with sealing operations.

c.

Disinfection. The well shall be thoroughly disinfected prior to sealing. (See subsection 34-116(6)(b)).

d.

Bored wells. Bored wells (including hand dug) shall be completely filled with cement grout, dry clay, or material excavated during drilling of the well, then compacted in place.

e.

Wells in unconsolidated formations. Wells other than bored wells constructed in unconsolidated formations, consisting of sand, sand and clay, or other similar formations, shall be completely filled with cement grout by introducing it through a pipe extending to the bottom of the which can be raised as the well is filled.

f.

Wells in consolidated formations. Wells, constructed in consolidated formations (consisting of crystalline or metamorphic rock) which penetrate zones of consolidated rock, may be filled with cement, sand, gravel, or drill cuttings opposite the zones of consolidated rock. The top of the sand, gravel, or cutting fill shall be at least five feet below the top of the consolidated rock. The remainder of the well shall be filled with cement grout only.

g.

Test wells not penetrating water table. Test wells which do not penetrate the water table, shall be abandoned in such manner as to prevent the well from being a channel or source of contamination to the aquifer as approved by the board of health.

h.

Test wells penetrating water table. Test wells or borings that penetrate the water table shall be sealed by completely filling with cement grout.

(Res. No. 05-0616, 5-18-05; Ord. No. 18-0340, Att. A, 5-16-18)