Article II — Procedure and Construction Requirements.

(a)

Enforcing Agency. The enforcing agency responsible for reviewing and making decisions on each type of permit application required by this chapter is identified by Table 25B-1.

Table 25B-1. Enforcing Agency

Type of Permit Application Enforcing Agency

Borings Permit and Resource Management Department

Environmental Drilling Department of Health Services

Environmental Wells Department of Health Services

Monitoring Wells Permit and Resource Management Department

Wells or Water Wells Permit and Resource Management Department

(b)

General Permit Requirements.

(1)

Permit Required. A permit shall be required prior to commencing any of the following work:

(i)

Construction or reconstruction of a well.

(ii)

Construction of a boring that is fifteen feet (15') or more below the original ground surface or when groundwater is encountered shallower than fifteen feet (15') below the original ground surface.

(iii)

Construction of an elevator jack shaft, cathodic protection well, inclinometer or piezometer that is fifteen feet (15') or more below the original ground surface or when ground water is encountered shallower than fifteen feet (15') below the original ground surface.

(iv)

Destruction of an existing or abandoned well.

(2)

The well contractor shall apply for and obtain a permit from the enforcing agency prior to commencing construction, reconstruction, or destruction of wells or borings. Permit issuance shall be contingent upon compliance with the requirements specified in this chapter.

(3)

The well contractor shall have on file with the enforcing agency a copy of a valid C-57 water well contractor license issued in accordance with the provision of the contractor license law of the state of California. In addition, the well contractor shall have on file with the enforcing agency a copy of a certificate of insurance which states there is in existence a valid policy of workers' compensation in the form approved by the state insurance commissioner. The requirement for workers' compensation insurance coverage can be waived for those drillers who are exempt. Said certificate shall show the following:

(i)

The expiration date; and

(ii)

Coverage provided for construction permits in accordance with Labor Code 3800.

(c)

Application for Permit.

(1)

Applications for permits shall contain required fees and all information necessary to verify conformance with this chapter. Where an at-cost fee or indemnification agreement is required as part of the application, the Enforcing Agency may require the property owner's signature. The application shall be made in writing and signed by the well contractor on such forms as may be prescribed by the enforcing agency.

(2)

Disclosure of Existing Water Wells. All permit applications for new wells shall include a disclosure by the property owner and/or well drilling contractor of the following information pertaining to any existing wells on the property, to the extent that such information is known or knowable to the property owner:

(i)

The current and future uses of the existing well(s);

(ii)

The current and proposed groundwater extraction volumes;

(ii)

Existence of contamination in the existing well(s);

(iii)

The construction detail of the existing wells(s), including dimensions, depth, casing material, seal depth and screen interval;

(iv)

A copy of the well log(s);

(v)

Any existing well(s) to be destroyed (see Section 25B-7).

(vi)

The location of existing well(s).

(3)

Scope of Well Permit.

(i)

The initial permit application may include one (1) primary and up to four (4) alternate well sites or test holes. The permittee shall advise the enforcing agency of final well location by submitting a revised site plan. All dry holes must be destroyed pursuant to this chapter and must be shown on the revised plan. The revised plan shall be submitted prior to final clearance on the permit.

(ii)

The initial permit application may include one (1) or more wells that are to be destroyed.

(iii)

The construction and/or destruction of the well(s) shall be on the same parcel.

(iv)

Each well permit authorizes one (1) completed well and, if applicable, one (1) or more wells to be destroyed.

(4)

Scope of Well Destruction Permit. Each well destruction permit authorizes one (1) or more wells to be destroyed, provided the wells to be destroyed are on the same parcel.

(5)

Cost of Permit. Each application shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee as adopted by ordinance or resolution of the board of supervisors. Refunds shall be in accordance with the current refund policy of the enforcing agency.

(6)

Term of Application. Unless it is a discretionary application under Section 25B-5(e)(2), each application submitted pursuant to this chapter shall expire and become null and void within one (1) year of the date of submittal unless a permit is issued, except as set forth in [Section] 25B-5(c)(7).

(7)

Application Extension. Prior to the expiration of the application as provided above, the applicant holding an unexpired well application may apply for an extension of time. The enforcing agency may extend the expiration date of the application for a period not exceeding one hundred eighty (180) days per extension request when such extension is warranted, including but not limited to (i) to correct an error by the enforcing agency, (ii) when a legal action prevents the application from being issued within the time limits detailed in Section 25B-5(c)(6), or (iii) in the interest of public health and safety. No application shall be renewed more than once.

(d)

Emergency Wells.

(1)

An applicant for a water well may request expedited processing where the proposed well drilling is immediately necessary to protect human life, health, and safety or property due to a sudden, unforeseen impairment in the quantity or quality of water available. Requests must be accompanied by verifiable evidence demonstrating necessity of the proposed well.

(e)

Issuance and Types of Permits.

(1)

Ministerial Permit Application. An application that is not discretionary under Section 25B-5, subsection (e)(2), is a ministerial permit application that shall be approved, and a well construction, well reconstruction or well destruction permit issued, when the enforcing agency verifies that:

(i)

The proposed well construction, well reconstruction or well destruction complies with the provision of this chapter, other applicable provisions of this Code, and the conditions of any applicable land use permit or other entitlements; and

(ii)

Where the proposed well construction, well reconstruction or well destruction is part of a project for which an application for a discretionary land use permit has been submitted, the discretionary land use permit has been issued and any relevant discretionary permit conditions have been complied with. This requirement shall not apply where a well is required to demonstrate water availability for the proposed discretionary project.

(2)

Discretionary Permit Application. Notwithstanding any provision of Chapter 23A to the contrary, an application for a new water well under this Chapter 25B that is subject to the public trust limitation under Section 25B-4(d) may be approved, approved with conditions, or denied, by the Enforcing Agency in its discretion. Discretionary permit applications found by the enforcing agency to not have or exacerbate a substantial adverse impact to a public trust resource must also satisfy all requirements under this chapter applicable to ministerial permits, including construction standards, for the permit to issue. Applications not subject to the public trust limitation are subject to ministerial review. Where the proposed well is part of a project that is subject to a discretionary use permit or other discretionary action under Chapter 26, or any other legal requirement, the well permit may not issue until all requirements for the discretionary project approval are met.

(3)

Well Construction and Well Reconstruction.

(i)

Class I permits are designated for the installation, replacement or reconstruction of a well, test well, test hole or piezometer, where such well location conforms with the minimum distances set forth in Table 25B-2.

(ii)

Class II permits are designated for the installation, replacement or reconstruction of a well, test well, test hole or piezometer, where such well location is closer than the minimum distances set forth in Table 25B-2.

(iii)

Well permits shall be required for elevator jack shafts greater than fifteen feet (15') in depth, geotechnical borings, geothermal heat exchange wells, cathodic protection wells, dewatering wells, inclinometers, piezometers, and any other wells or borings.

(4)

Well Destruction. Well destruction permits are designated for the destruction of one (1) or more wells on a given parcel.

(5)

Term of Permit. Each permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall expire and become null and void if the work authorized has not been completed within one (1) year following the date of permit issuance, except as set forth in Section 25B-5(e)(6). Upon expiration of any permit, no further work may be done until a new permit for such purpose is approved in accordance with provisions of this chapter.

(6)

Permit Extension. Within the permit time limits detailed in Section 25B-5(e)(5), any permittee holding an unexpired well permit may apply for an extension of the time. The enforcing agency may extend the expiration date of the permit for a period not exceeding one hundred eighty (180) days per extension request, where the permittee has requested the extension in writing and when such extension is warranted, including but not limited to:

(i)

To correct an error by the enforcing agency; or

(ii)

When a legal action prevents the project from being completed within the time limits detailed in Section 25B-5(e)(5); or

(iii)

In the interest of public health and safety. No permit shall be renewed more than once.

(7)

The enforcing agency may deny a permit when:

(i)

The application is incomplete; or

(ii)

The application contains false information; or

(ii)

The proposed work would not comply with this chapter or other applicable laws.

(f)

Inspections.

(1)

Initial Inspection. Upon receipt of an application pursuant to this chapter, the enforcing agency may make an inspection of the drilling site prior to the issuance of a permit. The purpose of the inspection is to verify conformance to this Code.

(2)

Permit Issuance. Upon issuance of the permit, all wells or test holes constructed, reconstructed, or destroyed, shall be subject to inspection by the enforcing agency, to verify conformance to this Code.

(3)

Notification of Commencement. The well drilling contractor shall notify the enforcing agency when work commences, and shall provide an estimated completion date.

(4)

Notification of Seal. The well seal shall be placed on a normal county business day. The permit applicant shall notify the enforcing agency of the date and time of the seal placement. The notification shall be prior to 12:00 a.m. on the day of seal placement and at least one (1) hour prior to the seal placement. If the enforcing agency does not arrive within fifteen (15) minutes of the designated date and time and provided proper notification was made, the well may be sealed without inspection and work may continue. The driller must seal the well in full compliance with the standards of this ordinance and any permit conditions.

(5)

Inspection of Well or Boring Seal. The enforcing agency may inspect the annular space or grout depth prior to the placement of the sealing material and may make inspections at other times as it may deem appropriate, to verify conformance to this Code. The enforcing agency shall final a permit within sixty (60) days of receipt of department of water resources well completion report, provided that the well was completed in accordance with the requirements of the approved permit.

(g)

Provisions Cumulative. The provisions of this article are in addition to any other requirement for a permit for construction, destruction, alteration or repair of a well or a water treatment system, i.e. a building permit for plumbing or electrical.

(Ord. No. 6422, § I(Exh. A), 4-18-2023)

(a)

Requirements for Well Construction. All materials and workmanship shall be no less than the quality specified herein. These requirements are minimum standards only. The standards contained in the department of water resources bulletins 74-81, 74-90 and any subsequent revisions shall apply to all work authorized by this chapter, except that in the event of a conflict between the bulletins and the standards of this chapter, the standards of this chapter shall take precedence.

(b)

Location. Wells shall be set back the minimum distance from other uses and facilities as shown in Table 25B-2. All setback distances are to be measured in plan view.

Table 25B-2. Minimum Setback Distances

Uses and/or Facilities Setback (feet)

Property line 5

Septic tank/sewage disposal system 100

Public or private sewer pipe line of approved watertight piping and joining 25 materials

Other public or private sewer pipe line 50

Seepage pit or cesspool 150

Feed yard/lot 100

Non-leaking underground storage of hazardous materials 100

Aboveground storage of hazardous materials 50

Municipal biosolids land application sites 100

Pond, lake, stream or wetland as measured from top of bank 30

Embankment reservoirs — the setback shall be a distance that does not affect the integrity of the embankment structure

Existing well on same parcel — does not apply to replacement wells, well 20 reconstruction or backup well(s) for commercial wells or community wells.

Existing well on different parcel — does not apply to replacement wells, well 30 reconstruction or backup well(s) for commercial wells or community wells.

Known Contaminated Sites

Open Sites 2500

Closed Sites 1000

(c)

Class I wells shall conform to the minimum distances set forth in Table 25B-2 and shall be located where no soil contamination exists that would result in a contamination of the potable groundwater.

Class I wells may be located closer than the minimum distances set forth in Table 25B-2 for the uses and/or facilities listed in Table 25B-3 if application of the minimum distances set forth in Table 25B-2 would prevent the installation of a well on the parcel and no other source of water exists from a well, spring, or municipal supply.

Table 25B-3. Class I Well Categories

Uses and/or Facilities

Pond, lake, stream, or wetland as measured from the top of bank.

Existing well on same parcel.

Existing well on different parcel.

(d)

Class II wells may be located closer than the minimum distances set forth in Table 25B-2 for the uses and/or facilities listed in Table 25B-4 provided the annular seal conforms to Section 25B-6(l)(1). In no instance shall Class II wells be less than fifty feet (50') from any of the uses and/or facilities listed in Table 25B-4.

Table 25B-4. Class II Well Categories

Uses and/or Facilities

Septic tank/sewage disposal system

Seepage pit or cesspool

Feed yard/lot

Non-leaking underground storage of hazardous materials

Municipal biosolids land application sites

(e)

High Volume Well Location. High volume wells shall be set back the minimum distance from other uses and facilities as shown in Tables 25B-2 and 25B-5. The setbacks in Table 25B-5 do not apply to replacement wells, well reconstruction, backup well(s) for commercial wells or community wells, or existing wells on the subject parcel which serve the subject parcel.

Table 25B-5. Minimum Setback Distances for High Volume Wells

Uses and/or Facilities Setback (feet)

Existing well in Groundwater Availability Area 1 or 2 100

Existing well in Groundwater Availability Area 3 or 4 200

(f)

High Volume Well Report. High volume wells shall be set back from existing wells in accordance with Table 25B-3, unless a hydrogeologic report recommends a different setback. The report must be prepared and submitted by a California Registered Geologist or Hydrogeologist. In no cases shall the setback be less than fifty feet (50').

(g)

Known Contaminated Sites. Wells shall be set back from known contaminated sites in accordance with Table 25B-2. The enforcing agency may approve a Class I or Class II well located closer than the minimum distances set forth in Table 25B-2 for known contaminated sites, if the applicant provides to the enforcing agency a hydrogeologic well evaluation report, prepared by a California registered geologist or hydrogeologist, which evaluates and concludes that a different setback and/or an annular seal depth equal to or greater than the annular seal depth contained in section 25B-6(l)(1) will be adequately protective.

The enforcing agency may require a "notification of recommended ground water monitoring" to be recorded in the Sonoma County Assessor's records and must reference the well evaluation report.

(h)

Replacement Wells. The existing well shall be destroyed within one hundred eighty (180) days of completion of the replacement well.

(i)

Protection. At all times during well construction and well development the well and well site shall be protected in such a manner as to prevent tampering with the well, foreign matter from entering the well, erosion, or the discharge of drilling fluid or foam into streams or waterways. Water and drilling fluid used in drilling shall be free from contamination, or rendered free from contamination, by chlorination or other approved methods. Pits constructed for recirculation of drilling fluid during construction shall be so protected that no undue safety hazard is created for humans or animals. Pits shall be backfilled immediately upon completion of well development.

(j)

Sealing off strata. When well construction penetrates aquifers known to contain contaminated water, the well shall be sealed to prevent cross contamination of other useable aquifers. Methods shall be reviewed and approved and inspected, if necessary, by the enforcing agency.

(k)

Casings.

(1)

Steel well casing shall be manufactured in accordance with the specification of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the American Petroleum Institute (API) or America Water Works Association (AWWA). All steel casing used in well construction shall be new and have a minimum wall thickness of 0.1406 inches US Standard for wells up to and including eight inches (8") in diameter and a minimum wall thickness of 0.1875 inches US Standard for wells greater than ten inches (10") in diameter or greater.

(2)

Stainless steel casing shall meet the provisions of ASTM A409, "Standard Specifications for Welded Large Diameter Austenitic Steel Pipe for Corrosive or High Temperature Service."

(3)

PVC casing shall be new, shall be manufactured in accordance with ASTM Standard F-480 and shall meet SDR-26 qualifications or greater. Other equivalent material may be used with prior approval of the enforcing agency (see Section 25B-12).

(4)

Damaged or defective material shall not be used.

(5)

All casing shall be watertight except for the perforated sections.

(6)

All glues and primers used for PVC well casing shall meet applicable ASTM standards.

(7)

The casing shall extend a minimum of twelve inches (12") above the ground surface or a minimum of six inches (6") above a concrete surface pad, or the casing may be cut lower if the well head is fitted with a water resistant seal or placed in a well vault.

(8)

Casing shall be equipped with centering guides through the required seal depth creating an even radial thickness of the annular seal.

(l)

Well Grouting and Construction. All water wells shall have a well seal and an annular seal.

(1)

The primary purpose of a well seal is to prevent contamination or degradation of water wells and the ground water by intrusion of poor quality water and/or cross contamination of aquifers. The annular space between the well casing and the wall of the drilled hole or between the conductor pipe and the wall of the drilled hole or the well casing shall be filled from the ground surface into an impervious formation, if possible, or at least to the minimum annular seal depth with approved neat cement, cement grout, bentonite clay or other equivalent sealant material approved by the enforcing agency. The minimum depth of the annular seal shall be as shown in Table 25B-6:

Table 25B-6. Seal Depths

(i) Public water wells 50 feet

(ii) Individual wells—Class I 20 feet

(iii) Individual wells—Class II 50 feet

(iv) West Petaluma Nitrate Area 100 feet

(2)

In wells where no water bearing strata are encountered within twenty feet (20') of the surface, the well seal shall extend at least ten feet (10') downward from the surface. The well drilling contractor shall provide a written request for a seal less than twenty feet (20'). The written request shall include the basis for the request (lithology encountered, etc.), the C-57 license number and a signature on the contractor's letterhead.

(3)

Annular Seals. The annular space shall be sealed after completion of drilling or after a stage of drilling. In areas of multiple water-bearing zones and areas of known contamination, the annular space must be sealed immediately or within twenty-four (24) hours after completion.

(i)

Annular sealing materials shall not be installed without the aid of a tremie or grout pipe unless the interval to be sealed is dry and no deeper than thirty feet (30') below ground surface.

(ii)

In placing the annular seal with a tremie pipe, the pipe shall be installed within five feet (5') of the desired seal depth and removed after the grout is installed.

(iii)

Annular sealing materials shall be placed by mechanical pumping to maintain a positive displacement when water is present in the interval to be sealed.

(iv)

As a minimum, the uppermost fifty feet (50') of sealing material shall be placed in one (1) continuous operation, or alternate method approved by enforcing agency (See Section 25B-11).

(v)

Sealing material shall be placed by methods (such as the use of a tremie device or equivalent) that prevent freefall, bridging, or dilution of the sealing material, or separation of sand or aggregate from the sealing material.

(vi)

In cases where a tremie device is used, the tremie device shall be lowered to the bottom of the zone being sealed, and raised slowly as the material is introduced. The discharge end of the tremie device shall be continuously submerged in the sealing material until the zone to be sealed or filled is completed.

(vii)

Tremie pipes are not needed for bentonite chips or pellets.

(viii)

Dry bentonite pellets or chips may be placed directly into the annular space below water, where a short section of annular space, up to ten feet (10') in length, is to be sealed.

(4)

Water used to prepare sealing mixtures shall be free of contaminants and shall be compatible with the type of sealing material used, be free of petroleum and petroleum products, and be free of suspended matter.

(5)

Cement. Cement used in sealing mixtures shall meet the requirements of ASTM C150, Standard Specification for Portland Cement, including the latest revisions thereof. Cement-based sealing material shall be constituted as follows:

(i)

Neat cement. Neat cement shall be mixed at a ratio of one (1) ninety-four-pound sack of Portland cement to five (5) to six (6) gallons of clean water.

(ii)

Sand cement. Sand cement shall be mixed at a ratio of not more than one hundred eighty-eight (188) pounds of sand to one (1) ninety-four-pound sack of Portland cement (two (2) parts sand to one (1) part cement, by weight) and about seven (7) gallons of clean water. This is equivalent to a '10.3 sack mix'.

(iii)

Quick setting cement, setting retardants, bentonite and other additives may be used if they do not exceed five percent (5%) of the volume. Hydrated lime may be used up to ten percent (10%) of the volume of the sealing material.

(6)

Bentonite sealing materials and their uses shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications or as approved by the enforcing agency (see Section 25B- 11). Bentonite sealing materials shall have a minimum solids content of twenty percent (20%).

(7)

All loose cuttings or other obstructions to sealing shall be removed from the annular space before placement of the annular seal.

(8)

Well casing shall be equipped with centralizers to ensure the two-inch minimum radial thickness of the annular space is maintained. Centralizers need not be used in cases where the well casing is centered in the borehole during well construction by use of removable tools, such as hollow-stem augers.

(i)

Centralizers shall be metal, plastic, or other non-degradable material. Centralizers must be positioned to allow the proper placement of sealing material around the casing within the interval to be sealed.

(ii)

Metallic centralizer components shall meet the same metallurgical specifications and standards as the metallic casing to reduce the potential for galvanic corrosion of the casing.

(9)

Foundation and Transition Seals.

(i)

A packer or similar retaining device, or a small quantity of sealant that is allowed to set, may be placed at the bottom of the interval to be sealed before the final sealing operations begin to form a foundation for the seal.

(ii)

A transition seal may be allowed up to five feet (5') in length, consisting of bentonite or fine sand, must be placed in the annular space to separate filter pack and cement-based sealing materials.

(iii)

Transition seals shall be installed by use of a tremie device, or equivalent. Water shall be added to the bentonite transition seal prior to placement of cement-based sealing materials where bentonite is dry in the borehole. Water shall be added to the bentonite at a ratio to allow for proper hydration as specified by the manufacturer. Tremie pipes are not required for bentonite chip seals.

(m)

Conductor Casing. If a temporary conductor pipe is used to prevent caving during placement of the seal or during drilling, it shall be removed as the seal is placed.

(1)

Temporary conductor casing may be left in place in the borehole after the placement of the annular seal only if it is impossible to remove because of unforeseen conditions, or if its removal will seriously jeopardize the integrity of the well or the integrity of the subsurface barriers to contaminant movement. Inadequate drilling equipment shall not be used as the basis for leaving temporary conductor casing in place. If the conductor casing cannot be removed, the grout shall be placed between the inner liner and conductor casing and to a minimum depth ten feet (10') below the conductor casing or the required seal depth, whichever is greater.

(n)

Well Screens. Well screens shall be factory manufactured, slotted or perforated exceptions may be made for downhole perforations of steel casing or other perforation methods with the approval of the enforcing agency (See Section 25B-11).

(o)

Well Filter Pack. Well filter packs shall be chlorinated during the installation and shall be added at a rate that will prevent bridging. A filter pack may be installed to allow for the addition of gravel or sand to the pack. The gravel or sand shall be clean and free of contamination.

(p)

Well Vaults. Well vaults are subject to the following standards:

(1)

The top of such vault shall be covered with a concrete lid or equal material.

(2)

The casing shall extend at least three inches (3") above the vault floor.

(3)

The well vault shall be constructed and protected so that flood, rain, or surface waters cannot accumulate in the vault.

(4)

The well vault and lid shall be traffic-rated where there is vehicular access to the vault.

(5)

The vault shall be provided with a gravity discharge protected against entrance of rodents and insects or a drainage sump and an automatic sump pump.

(6)

The discharge from the sump pump shall not be connected to any sewer or pipe drains.

(7)

Vaults shall have easy access for proper operation, maintenance, and inspection of the equipment, and be adequately secured.

(8)

Vaults shall be adequately sized so as to permit maintenance of the equipment.

(9)

Where well vaults are used, the wellheads shall be water resistant.

(10)

The thickness of the well vault floor shall be two inches (2") thick concrete at a minimum.

(q)

Well Seal. Where the pump is installed directly over the casing, a water resistant seal (gasket) shall be placed between the pump head and the pump base (slab), or a water resistant seal (gasket) shall be placed between the pump base and the rim of the casing, or a well seal shall be installed to close the annular opening between the casing and the pump column pipe.

(1)

Where the pump is offset from the well or where a submersible pump is used, the opening between the well casing and any pipes or cables entering the well shall be closed by a water resistant seal or well seal.

(2)

If the pump is not installed immediately or if there is a prolonged interruption in construction of the well, a lockable, welded or cemented cover shall be installed at the top of the casing.

(3)

During construction or repair of the well, the well or the hole opening shall be protected by a cover at all times, except during active construction under the supervision of the well drilling contractor. The cover shall be water resistant and secured in place in such a manner that it cannot be removed except by equipment or tools.

(4)

A concrete base or pad, sometimes called a pump block or pump pedestal, shall be constructed for all public wells at ground surface around the top of the well casing and contact the annular seal, unless the top of the casing is below ground surface. The base shall be free of cracks, voids, or other significant defects likely to allow water intrusion. Contacts between the base and the annular seal, and the base and the well casing, must be water resistant and must not cause the failure of the annular seal or well casing. Where cement-based annular sealing material is used, the concrete base shall be poured before the annular seal has set.

(5)

The upper surface of the base shall slope away from the well casing. The base shall extend at least two feet (2') laterally in all directions from the outside of the well boring. The base shall be a minimum of four inches (4") thick.

(r)

Well Cap Opening. An access opening in the well cap, well casing or pump base for the purpose of disinfecting the well, measuring the water level, adding required filter pack material, or for any other purpose necessary for maintenance and operation of the well shall meet the following:

(1)

Access opening shall be protected with a threaded water-tight seal, plug or cap at all times.

(2)

Access opening shall be protected against the entry of small animals, insects, drainage pump drippage, and other contaminating matter.

(3)

Air vents shall be installed for all wells except for those wells located within an area of special flood hazard, i.e. the one-hundred-year flood plain. For those wells located within an area of special flood hazard area:

(i)

No air vent shall be installed until such time as mechanical equipment is installed; and

(ii)

Well caps shall be glued or welded to the casing.

(s)

Disinfection. Upon completion of newly constructed or reconstructed wells, all well parts shall be adequately disinfected with chlorine or an equivalent disinfectant.

(t)

Well Development.

(1)

Well construction or reconstruction shall remove the minimum amount of soil necessary to perform the work, and shall avoid settlement of overlying surface material. All drilling mud shall be fully removed from the well.

(2)

During well development the annular seal shall be protected from erosion.

(u)

Horizontal Wells. Horizontal water wells must meet all construction and setback requirements for vertical wells. The setback distances shall be measured horizontally from the setback feature to the closest point along the horizontal well when the proposed well and setback features are shown in plan view.

(v)

Elevator Jack Shaft Construction. Inspections are required for all elevator jack shafts that require permits. All elevator jack shafts that extend deeper than ten feet (10') below grade must be constructed with a two-inch radial thickness annular seal to prevent the vertical migration of fluids. This annular seal must extend from the bottom to the top of the borehole.

(w)

Maintenance of Well Sites. Every well site shall be maintained by the property owner so as to be free of weeds, debris, animal confinement, and storage of chemicals or materials which may cause contamination of the water supply or damage to the well installation.

(x)

Backflow Prevention. All pump discharge pipes not discharging or open to the atmosphere shall be equipped with an automatic device to prevent backflow and/or back siphonage into a well. Irrigation well systems, including those used for landscape irrigation, and other well systems that employ, or which have been modified to employ, chemical feeders or injector shall be equipped with a backflow prevention device(s) approved by the enforcing agency.

(y)

Well Water Elevation. All water wells shall be constructed, pursuant to PRMD Technical Bulletin W-1, to allow for the routine and unobstructed collection of groundwater level measurements.

(z)

Well Meters. All permitted water wells for which an application is submitted after October 4, 2022, shall be installed with a totalizing water meter that measures all groundwater extracted from the well, except for water wells that serve a single residential user and use two (2) acre feet or less of water per year. If the well serves multiple parcels, separate water meters shall be installed for each parcel served by the shared well. The owner or operator of the well shall report water use recorded by the totalizing meter consistent with Article VIII.

(Ord. No. 6422, § I(Exh. A), 4-18-2023)