Woodside Municipal Code § 54.26 Supplemental regulations

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

Annular space. The space between two objects, one of which is surrounded by the other, including the space between an excavation and the wall of a pit or the curbing of a well, or between two casings.

Approved check valve. A check valve that seals readily and completely. It shall be carefully machined to have free moving parts and assured water tightness. The face of the closure element and valve seal shall be bronze, composition, or other noncorrodible material which will seal tightly under all prevailing conditions of field use. Pins and bushings shall be of bronze or other noncorrodible, nonsticking material, machined for easy dependable operation. The closure element (e.g., clapper) shall be internally weighted or otherwise internally equipped to promote rapid and positive closure.

Property line. The surveyed line separating one piece of property from another or separating public rights-of-way from private properties.

Sewage disposal system. A system of septic tank and drainage field and possibly a seepage pit, handling the waste from any structure not served by a community sewerage system.

Sewer. A pipe carrying waste matter from any structure or being a part of any community sewerage system.

Water superintendent. The designated official in charge of a water distribution system serving water to two or more families.

(1975 Code, § 6-7.101) (Ord. 1957-31, effective - -57)

(A) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation, whether as principal, servant, agent, or employee, to dig, drill, bore, or drive a well, whether the water from the well is to be used for domestic purposes or irrigation purposes, without first having obtained a permit to do so from the Department of Environmental Services Agency of the county.

(1975 Code, § 6-7.102)

(B) Permit fees shall be charged for each well permit to cover the cost of inspections and for the enforcement of the provisions of this subchapter. The amount of such permit fees shall be determined and set from time to time by resolution of the Council.

(1975 Code, § 6-7.103) (Ord. 1957-31, effective - -57)

Cross reference— Penalty, see § 10.99.

(A) In any area subject to flooding or runoff from higher ground, or in any area where the method of sewage disposal is by the septic tank and seepage method, the following construction standards shall be used:

(1) The annular space between two casings or between the drilled hole and casing shall be filled with cement having a minimum thickness of two inches. Example: Annular space between an eight-inch and 12-inch casing or a 12-inch drill hole and an eight-inch casing.

(2) The cement shall extend to a sufficient depth to penetrate an impervious stratum below the first pervious or possible water bearing stratum, and in no event less than ten feet.

(3) The cement shall be introduced into the hole by pouring through a pipe, using either gravity or grout pump, and commencing at the bottom of the hole and working to the top.

(4) No well shall be located any closer than the following distances, unless circumstances are such that, in the opinion of the Town Engineer or his/her designee, no danger to the public health or safety will develop or the standards set forth in this section are adhered to:

From a septic tank .....50 feet

From a drainage field .....75 feet

From a seepage pit .....100 feet

From a cesspool .....100 feet

From a sewer line .....50 feet

From a property line (sewered area) .....5 feet

From a property line (unsewered area) .....40 feet

From a stream or creek bank .....10 feet

(B) The standards set forth in this section may be required at any time or place when, in the opinion of the Town Engineer or his/her designee, the protection of the underground water against pollution or contamination or the protection of the public health may demand.

(1975 Code, § 6-7.104) (Ord. 1957-31, effective - -57)

Cross reference— Penalty, see § 10.99.

There shall be installed between the house or structure being served water and the meter box or distribution system a double check valve arrangement, approved jointly by the Town Engineer or his/her designee and the Water Superintendent.

(1975 Code, § 6-7.105) (Ord. 1957-31, effective - -57)

(A) All wells shall be properly protected at the surface with an impervious slab extending at least 24 inches to all sides of the well opening.

(B) In areas where dug wells are the main source of available water, it shall be necessary to have an impervious lining extending down at least ten feet below the surface of the ground.

(C) Gravel-packed wells shall be so constructed that surface contamination will not gain access to the well.

(D) Upon the completion of a well, the drilling contractor shall be responsible for the placing of a secure well-cap or plug which would ordinarily make the introduction of surface contamination remote.

(1975 Code, § 6-7.106) (Ord. 1957-31, effective - -57)

Cross reference— Penalty, see § 10.99.

(A) Upon the application for a permit to dig, drill, bore, or drive a well, an inspection within a reasonable time shall be made of the proposed location by a representative of the Department of Environmental Services Agency of the County.

(B) Further inspections may be made during the process of well construction.

(C) After the well construction has been completed, a final inspection shall be made to determine that the well is properly protected and that proper approved double check valves have been installed in the water line between the house or structure and the meter box or distribution system of the community water system.

(1975 Code, § 6-7.107) (Ord. 1957-31, effective - -57)

Cross reference— Penalty, see § 10.99.

The Town Engineer or his/her designee may prepare and issue written regulations deemed necessary to obtain compliance with the provisions of this subchapter and to clarify its relation with the laws of the state.

(1975 Code, § 6-7.108) (Ord. 1957-31, effective - -57)

(A) When a well is abandoned, it shall be properly capped or plugged, if the abandonment is of a temporary nature, and shall be completely sealed by filling with a mixture of one part cement to four parts sand or with neat cement if abandoned permanently.

(B) Upon the determination that a well is polluted or contaminated, and reasonable efforts to clear the pollution or contamination have been unsuccessful, the Town Engineer or his/her designee shall have the authority to enforce the permanent abandonment of the well as set forth in this section.

(1975 Code, § 6-7.109) (Ord. 1957-31, effective - -57)

Cross reference— Penalty, see § 10.99.

Any installation made in violation of the provisions of this subchapter and the standards established by this subchapter is hereby determined to constitute a public nuisance, and its maintenance and operation may be abated in a civil action instituted by the Town Attorney.

(1975 Code, § 6-7.110) (Ord. 1957-31, effective - -57)