Source: https://www.ecode360.com/27273769
Timestamp: 2018-07-16 06:54:31
Document Index: 186142602

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 217', '§ 217', '§ 217', '§ 217', '§ 217', '§ 217', '§ 217', '§ 217', '§ 217', '§ 217', '§ 217', '§ 217', '§ 217', '§ 217', '§ 721', '§ 217', '§ 217', '§ 217', '§ 217', '§ 217', '§ 217']

Township of Potter, PA Wells and Boreholes
§ 217-2 Scope.
§ 217-3 Right and privileges granted.
§ 217-4 Rules and regulations.
§ 217-5 Legislative authority.
§ 217-6 Rates and charges.
§ 217-8 Permits.
§ 217-9 Submittal documents.
§ 217-10 Water supply well; borehole location.
§ 217-11 Water supply well construction requirements.
§ 217-12 Borehole construction requirements.
§ 217-13 Major alterations.
§ 217-14 Cross connections.
§ 217-15 Violations and penalties.
§ 217-16 Disclaimer.
Chapter 217: Wells and Boreholes
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Potter 7-9-2012 by Ord. No. 2-2012. Amendments noted where applicable.]
Chapter 217 : Wells and Boreholes
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the quality of the groundwater resources. Pennsylvania has no regulations requiring the proper construction of most wells or boreholes, and their improper construction can provide short-circuit flow pathways for surface and subsurface contaminants to impact groundwater quality. This chapter sets forth standards for the construction of wells and boreholes that are not otherwise regulated.
The scope of this chapter applies to the construction, modification, alteration, termination, and abandonment of all wells and boreholes that penetrate more than 20 feet below grade (hereinafter "wells and/or boreholes"), including but not limited to domestic water supply wells, geothermal heat system wells and/or boreholes, geotechnical borings, test borings, agricultural wells, irrigation wells, commercial wells, industrial wells, etc. The proper sealing of wells and boreholes using approved grout is a critical element of this chapter. The following are exempt from this chapter:
Wells and/or boreholes associated with water supply wells for public water systems (defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection as consisting of at least 15 service connections or regularly serve no fewer than 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year).
Horizontal geothermal heat exchangers constructed in pits, trenches, ditches, or in horizontal directional borings that remain entirely less than 20 feet below the surface.
Wells that are completed and fully operational as of the effective date of this chapter.
The governing body is hereby authorized and empowered to undertake within Potter Township the regulation of the construction of regulated wells and/or boreholes.
The governing body is hereby authorized and empowered to adopt such rules and regulations concerning the construction of wells and/or boreholes which it may deem necessary from time to time to effect the purposes herein.
Sections 301(b), 503(10), 503.1, 603(d), 604.1, and 707.4 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act of 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247,[1] as reenacted and amended) set forth municipal jurisdiction for water resource management and in conformity with the Potter Township Code of Ordinances. Likewise, Section 1506 (General Powers) of the Pennsylvania Second Class Township Code[2] states that the Township Board of Supervisors may make and adopt any ordinances, bylaws, rules, and regulations, consistent with the Constitution and laws of the commonwealth, that are necessary for the maintenance of the health and welfare of the Township's residents and businesses.
The governing body shall have the right and power to fix, charge, and collect rates, assessments and other charges in Potter Township at reasonable and uniform rates as authorized by applicable law.
ABANDONED WATER SUPPLY WELL
A water supply well, the regular use of which has been discontinued for a period of one year or more, or which is in such a state of disrepair that continued use for the purpose of obtaining groundwater is impracticable, or which has been replaced by a new well or public water supply. Wells held in a backup or reserve status shall not be considered abandoned for the purposes of this chapter if they are well maintained, do not pose a threat to the environment and there is a reasonable plan in place to return a well to active service should the primary well fail to remain viable, or if the facilities serviced by this well may be returned to service.
Any action which necessitates entering a well with drilling tools; treating a well to increase yield, altering the physical structure of depth of the well; blasting; removal or replacement of well casing.
The space between two cylindrical objects, one of which surrounds the other, such as the space between a drill hole and a casing pipe.
APPROVED GROUT
Neat cement, cement plus bentonite, bentonite, bentonite plus silica sand, or low-permeability sealing material as approved for use by Potter Township. Approved grout is to be mixed and applied according to the manufacturer's specifications (e.g., water content and viscosity) for use in grouting wells and/or geothermal boreholes.
A highly plastic, colloidal clay composed largely of the mineral montmorillonite.
BORING/BOREHOLE
A penetration of soil and/or rock that is augered, drilled, cored, bored, washed, driven, dug, jetted, or otherwise constructed which is generally cylindrical in shape and whose diameter is generally smaller than its depth of penetration.
Solids added to a drilling fluid to bridge across the pore throat or fractures of an exposed rock thereby building a filter cake to prevent loss of whole mud or excessive filtrate.
CHIP BENTONITE GROUT
Chip bentonite grout is composed of dry three-eighths-inch or one-half-inch-sized chips of bentonite.
A type of geothermal heating and/or cooling system that utilizes a pressurized heat exchanger consisting of pipe, a circulating pump, and a water-source heat pump in which the heat-transfer fluid is not exposed to the atmosphere. The heat-transfer fluid is potable or beneficial reuse water and may have approved antifreeze added.
A water system which serves at least 15 service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least twenty-five-year-round residents.
All acts necessary to obtain groundwater, or artificially recharge groundwater; provided, however, such term does not include an excavation made for the purpose of obtaining or prospecting for oil, natural gas, minerals, or products of mining or quarrying, or for inserting media to repressure oil or natural gas formations or for storing petroleum, natural gas, or other products and services. Construction of wells includes the location and excavation or drilling of the well, but excludes the installation of pumps and pumping equipment.
Minimum time required for particular types of cementing or grouting materials to harden or set up before drilling or other construction operations can be resumed.
DECOMMISSIONED VERTICAL CLOSED LOOP BOREHOLE
A vertical closed loop borehole whose original purpose and use have been permanently discontinued or which is in such a state of disrepair that its original purpose cannot be reasonably achieved.
The act of rendering a well or borehole to a condition where there is no pathway present for surface or subsurface contaminants to travel down to the water table.
DIRECT EXCHANGE (DX) GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM
A type of geothermal heating and/or cooling system where the heat pump refrigerant is circulated through metal piping installed in vertical, inclined, or horizontal boreholes. This type of geothermal system must use a cement-based, special grout in the boreholes and must have electronic corrosion protection for the metal piping.
A fluid composed of water and bentonite used in the drilling operation to remove cuttings from the hole, to clean and cool the bit, to reduce friction between the drill stem and the sides of the hole, and to plaster the sides of the hole. Such fluids range from relatively clear water to carefully prepared mixtures of special purpose compounds.
Flowable fill is a mixture of portland cement (ASTM C150), potable water, sand, and a fluidizing agent. This mixture is predominately sand. An example mixture of flowable fill contains approximately 85% sand, 9% water, 4% portland cement, 2% finely ground slag, and a fluidizing agent. Flowable fill and other bridging agents do not meet the permeability requirements to protect groundwater quality and prevent flow between aquifer zones.
To make a plastic pipe joint by heat and pressure in accordance with the pipe manufacturer's specifications.
GEOTHERMAL HEATING AND/OR COOLING SYSTEM
A system that uses a heat pump to extract heat from the earth in heating mode and/or reject heat into the earth in cooling mode. It is also called a geothermal heat pump system, a ground-coupled heat pump system, an earth-source heat pump system, and a geoexchange system.
A geothermal heat pump that uses the earth itself as a heat source and heat sink. It is coupled to the ground by means of a closed-loop heat exchanger installed horizontally or vertically underground.
Water within the earth below the water table within the zone of saturation. Groundwater includes both water under water table conditions and confined within deep aquifers.
A high-solids fluid mixture of cement or bentonite and potable water of a consistency that can be pumped through a tremie pipe and placed as required. Various additives, such as sand or bentonite, may be included in the mixture to meet certain requirements.
GROUTING, POSITIVE EMPLACEMENT
A technique of the installation of grouting materials whereby emplacement is achieved by positive pumping pressure through a tremie pipe from the bottom of the zone upward.
A mechanical device used for heating and/or cooling which operates by pumping heat from a cooler to a warmer location.
This term refers to the condition where, in the long term, the rate of local groundwater pumping from an aquifer does not exceed the rate of local groundwater recharge to the aquifer.
The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association.
MAJOR ALTERATION OF A WELL AND/OR BOREHOLE
Any alteration of a regulated well or borehole which can increase the potential for rapid vertical flow of water into groundwater or which can otherwise increase the potential to pollute groundwater. Examples of major alterations include, but are not limited to, deepening of an existing well, conversion of a well to another use (such as geothermal heating), etc.
Any alteration that is not otherwise defined as a major alteration.
A fluid mixture of hydraulic cement and water, with or without admixtures in the following proportions; one bag of cement [94 pounds (42.6 kg)] to not less than five gallons (18.9 I) nor more than seven gallons (26.5 I) of water.
A type of geothermal heating and/or cooling system that utilizes a water-supply well and a water pump to deliver groundwater to a water-source heat pump. The discharge water from the water-source heat pump may be returned to the subsurface through a recharge well or infiltration bed, or may be discharged into a pond, lake, or stream. A spring may also be the source of the groundwater supply.
OTHER FILL AND BRIDGING MATERIALS
Under some limited circumstances, borehole completion without grout (below the minimum twenty-foot depth of the approved grout surface formation seal), may be necessary. Acceptable fill materials are site specific and may include, but may not be limited to: bentonite chips, cuttings removed from the borehole; clean sand, gravel, or a mixture of sand and gravel; and/or cement and water or concrete mixes.
OTHER GROUT AND FILL PLACEMENT METHODS
Other methods of grout or fill placement shall be accepted if such methods allow verification of completion. Such methods must ensure that the grout or fill placement provides environmental protection and the intended system performance.
Any person vested with sole or partial, legal or equitable ownership of the subject property.
A mechanical device that is placed in a borehole to prevent the vertical movement of water or grout.
A measure of the relative ease with which a porous medium can transmit a liquid under a potential gradient. It is a property of the medium alone and is independent of the nature of the liquid and of the force field causing movement. It is a property of the medium that is dependent upon the shape and size of the pores.
Shall mean any individual, partnership, company, association, corporation or other group or legal entity.
PORTLAND CEMENT (NEAT CEMENT) GROUT
A mixture of portland cement (ASTM C150 standard specification for portland cement) and not more than six gallons (22.7 I) of potable water per bag [one cubic foot (28.3 I) or 94 pounds (42.6 kg)] of cement shall be used according to the manufacturer's specifications.
PUMPABLE BENTONITE GROUT
Pumpable bentonite grout is a high-solids mixture of sodium bentonite powder or granules and potable water mixed according to the manufacturer's specifications.
An area on a lot which has been previously tested by the municipality's SEO and designated as a reserved sewage area on a plot plan for use as a second sewage disposal system should the primary disposal area fail.
A well designed and constructed for the return of water to the ground.
A mixture of portland cement, Type I (ASTM C150), sand and water in the proportion of not more than two parts by weight of sand to one part of cement with not more than six gallons (22.7 I) of potable water per bag of cement [one cubic foot (28.3 1)] or 94 pounds (42.6 kg) shall be used according to the manufacturer's specifications.
SEMIPUBLIC WATER SUPPLY
A water supply which services one or several facilities such as industrial or commercial establishments, parks, camps, hotels, motels, schools, institutions, eating and drinking establishments or a water supply which services two or more dwelling units and is not a public water system as defined by the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act (35 P.S. § 721.1 et seq.).
STANDING-COLUMN GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM
A type of open-loop geothermal heating and/or cooling system that circulates groundwater from a water well through a water-source heat pump and returns the discharge water from the water-source heat pump to the same water well it was pumped from. The water withdrawal and return locations within the water well bore are separated as far as is possible. Some standing-column geothermal systems discharge some of the circulating groundwater to enhance their heat transfer.
THERMALLY ENHANCED BENTONITE-BASED GROUT
Thermally enhanced bentonite-based grout is a high-solids mixture of sodium bentonite, inert additives such as sand or rock dust that enhance thermal conductivity, and potable water mixed according to the manufacturer's specifications. The sand must be clean so as to not introduce contaminants into the grout mixture. The use of special additives to alter permeability, increase thermal conductivity, increase fluidity, control grout loss, and/or control time of set, and the composition of the resultant slurry, must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
A rigid or flexible pipe or a hose that carries the grouting materials to the bottom of the zone being grouted. The tremie pipe is withdrawn as the grout material fills the annular space outside the casing or fills the space between the loop pipes and the borehole wall. The end of the tremie pipe is kept submerged just below the surface of the grout material.
TREMIE PLACEMENT METHOD FOR FILL AND BRIDGING MATERIALS
The tremie pipe shall be lowered to the bottom of the zone being filled, and raised slowly as the fill material is introduced. When using the tremie pipe method to install fills, the bottom of the tremie should be maintained as close as possible to, but not inside of, the emplaced fill.
TREMIE PLACEMENT METHOD FOR GROUT
After water or other drilling fluid has been circulated in the annular space sufficient to clear obstructions, grout shall be placed by pressure pumping through a tremie pipe. The tremie pipe shall be lowered to the bottom of the zone being grouted, and raised slowly as the material is introduced.
VERTICAL CLOSED-LOOP BOREHOLE
A borehole which is constructed to receive heat-exchanger loop pipes and grout material. Fill material may be used below a minimum depth of 20 feet below grade as the subsurface conditions warrant.
A heat pump that uses a water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger to extract heat from the heat source.
Any well that is constructed to remove or return water to the ground.
That surface in an unconfined groundwater body at which the pressure is atmospheric. It is defined by the levels at which water stands in wells that penetrate the water body just far enough to hold standing water.
Any excavation that is drilled, cored, bored, washed, driven, dug, jetted, or otherwise constructed when the intended use of such excavation is for the location, acquisition, monitoring, or artificial recharge of groundwater. This includes but is not limited to test wells, test borings, and monitoring wells, in addition to wells to be utilized as individual or semipublic water supplies.
An individual or company that is permitted or licensed by the State of Pennsylvania to drill wells in Pennsylvania.
A filtering device that allows groundwater from unconsolidated and semiconsolidated aquifers to enter the well while at the same time keeping the majority of sand and gravel out of the well and out of the pump. A screen also supports the aquifer material and prevents the borehole from collapsing.
An approved device or method used to protect a well casing or water system from the entrance of any external pollutant at the point of entrance into the casing of a pipe, electric conduit or water-level measuring device.
Permit required. No person, firm, or corporation shall make a penetration of soil and/or rock that is augered, drilled, cored, bored, washed, driven, dug, jetted, or otherwise constructed that is regulated by this code until a drilling permit has been issued by Potter Township and all other permits have been obtained as may be required, i.e., Unified Building Codes, etc.
Permit application. Applications for permits shall be made to Potter Township Zoning Officer on forms furnished by said office.
The drilling permit fee shall be established by resolution of the Potter Township Supervisors.
Action on application. The Zoning Officer shall examine or cause to be examined applications for permits and amendments thereto after filing. If the application or the construction documents do not conform to the requirements of this chapter, the Zoning Officer shall reject such application in writing, stating the reasons therefor. If the Zoning Officer is satisfied that the proposed work conforms to the requirements of this chapter and laws and ordinances applicable thereto, the Zoning Officer shall issue a permit therefor as soon as practicable. The Zoning Officer shall consult with the Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) as necessary when considering proposed well locations. The Zoning Officer shall grant or deny a permit application, in whole or in part, within 30 business days of the filing date. Reasons for denial shall be in writing and given to the applicant. The Zoning Officer and the permit applicant may agree to extend the deadline by a specific number of days.
Time limitation of application. An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued; except that the Zoning Officer is authorized to grant one extension of time for an additional period not exceeding 90 days. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
Validity of permit. The issuance or granting of a drilling permit shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or of any other ordinance of the jurisdiction. Drilling permits presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this chapter or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid. The issuance of a drilling permit based on construction documents and other data shall not prevent the Zoning Officer from requiring the correction of errors in the construction documents and other data. The Zoning Officer is also authorized to prevent occupancy or use of a structure where in violation of this chapter or of any other ordinances of this jurisdiction.
Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced.
Suspension or revocation. The Zoning Officer is authorized to suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this chapter wherever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this chapter.
Stamp. The Zoning Officer shall stamp or place a notation on each page of the set of reviewed construction documents that the documents were reviewed and approved for compliance with this chapter before the permit is issued. The Zoning Officer shall clearly mark any required non-design changes on the construction documents. The Zoning Officer shall return a set of the construction documents with this notation and any required changed to the applicant. The permit holder shall keep a copy of the construction documents at the work site open to inspection by the Zoning Officer.
General. Submittal documents consisting of construction documents, statement of special inspections, and other data shall be submitted in two or more sets with each drilling permit application. The construction documents shall be of reasonable quality and provide a complete description of the well or borehole design and installation. The use of a registered design professional is encouraged although not normally mandatory. Where special conditions exist, the Zoning Officer is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional.
Construction documents. Construction documents shall be in accordance with the requirements specified below.
Information on construction documents. Construction documents shall be dimensioned and drawn upon suitable material. Electronic media documents are permitted to be submitted when approved by the Zoning Officer. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this chapter and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, as determined by the Zoning Officer.
Site plan. The construction documents submitted with the application for permit shall be accompanied by a site plan showing to scale the size and location of new well construction, any existing wells, abandoned or otherwise, proposed buildings, existing and proposed on-lot sewage treatment systems, sewage replacement areas, and existing structures on the site, distances from lot lines, as applicable, flood hazard areas, floodways, and design flood elevations; and it shall be drawn in accordance with an accurate boundary line survey. The site plan must include all items listed in Table 1[1] that are within 100 feet of the proposed well/borehole location regardless of property boundaries or ownership. In the case of demolition or abandonment, the site plan shall show construction to be demolished or abandoned and the location and size of existing structures and construction that are to remain on the site or plot. The Zoning Officer, in conjunction with the SEO, is authorized to waive or modify the requirement for a site plan when the application for permit is for alteration or repair or when otherwise warranted.
Editor's Note: Table 1 is located immediately following § 217-11A(4).
Well drilling areas. Where lot conditions permit, a well drilling area may be designated on the site plan such that all points within the designated well drilling area meet all of the criteria for well location. This provision provides for the ability to construct an alternate well should the first designated site fail to produce a suitable well. When an alternate well is utilized within the well drilling area, all previously constructed wells must be abandoned in accordance with this chapter and the locations of all wells, final and abandoned, must be reported to Potter Township.
Well locations. All well locations reported in accordance with this chapter shall be reported to the nearest 0.025 seconds of latitude and 0.05 seconds of longitude (approximately three feet).
Examination of documents. The Zoning Officer shall examine, or cause to be examined, the accompanying submittal documents and shall ascertain by such examinations whether the construction indicated and described is in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and other pertinent laws or ordinances. The Zoning Officer shall consult with the Township Engineer as necessary when considering proposed well specifications.
Minimum water supply well depth. The source of supply for a water supply well shall be from a water-bearing formation drawn not less than 20 feet from the ground surface. Wells shall be located at a point free from flooding and may not be located within a FEMA FIRM floodplain unless conforming to the requirements below; and shall be at a higher elevation and at the minimum setback distances to existing or potential sources of pollution set forth in § 217-10B.
Water supply well construction in a floodplain. If a well is proposed to be located within a floodplain, then the well application must include a letter from a registered professional engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania documenting why the necessity of placement of the well within the floodplain, the documented height of the one-hundred-year flood level, and what mitigation measures, including, but not limited to, the extension of the casing above the elevation of the one-hundred-year flood elevation, are to be used to mitigate the contamination hazard.
Minimum setback distance. Wells and boreholes regulated by this chapter shall be located using the minimum setback distances to existing or potential sources of pollution listed in Table 1.[1] For closed loop geothermal wells and boreholes which due to infeasibility cannot conform to the requirements of Table 1, an appeal to the Zoning Officer can be made detailing the infeasibility, and the proposed location. Upon review, and any necessary consultation with the SEO, the Zoning Officer may reduce the required setback distances.
All wells supplying individual or semipublic potable water supplies and all wells supplying open-loop geothermal heating and/or cooling systems and all wells for the return and recharge of geothermal heating and cooling system discharge water shall be equipped with watertight and durable casing constructed of listed material and minimum wall thickness:
Wrought iron: 0.1875 inches.
Steel: 0.1875 inches.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic: 0.175 inches.
Minimum depth. The casing shall be carried to a minimum depth of 20 feet and grouted in place.
Grouting. Casing and grouting must be compatible.
Minimum Well and Borehole Setback Distances
Potable Water Supply Well
Borehole and Geothermal Supply
and Geothermal Return Well
100(30.48)
50(15.24)
10(3.05) or according to easement
Primary and replacement subsurface sewage disposal systems, elevated sand mounds, other sewage disposal fields
20(6.10)
Minimum extension above grade.
The casing shall extend at least 12 inches above the ground surface. The casing may be terminated at grade or just below grade if the casing is fitted with a waterproof and airtight cap and is located within a box-type enclosure with an access lid such as a small meter vault.
Exception: Airtight and watertight sealed open-loop return wells can be direct buried. All direct buried return wells must have at least one foot of ferrous casing or equivalent ferrous material within 12 inches of the surface to facilitate locating them in the future.
An annular space shall be provided between the well casing and the earth formation. The annular space shall be completely filled with approved grout materials in one continuous operation under pressure from a minimum depth of 20 feet below grade to the natural ground surface within 24 hours of completion of drilling. No activity in and around the well shall occur within 24 hours after grouting of the casing with neat cement or cement with bentonite and using a curing accelerant, or within 1/2 hour if using bentonite. Positive grout emplacement utilizing a tremie pipe is recommended for all wells. Other methods, such as the controlled placement of bentonite chips may be used if the annular space is free of standing water to a depth of 20 feet below natural grade. When placing bentonite grout by hand, extreme care must be taken to avoid bridging of the grout material. The volume of the annular space must be calculated and the lack of bridging verified against the volume of bentonite chips placed in the annular space. Continuous monitoring of the depth of grout in the annular space should be done to identify, and clear, possible bridging of grout material as it occurs.
In the event that grouting is done following completion of all drilling operations, all obstructions must be completely cleared prior to placement of grout material.
Pitless adaptor. During the installation of a pitless adaptor, grout material may be removed from the exterior of the casing to provide a watertight seal between the casing and this adaptor. For the installation of a pitless adaptor, a ditch at least three feet deep is required along with conduits, stone, dust or sand. A sanitary well cap shall be incorporated for protection from leakage and identification of the well respectively.
Geothermal. Geothermal heating and/or cooling system vertical heat exchange boreholes containing loop pipes may be filled with approved grout or bridging or fill materials from their total depth up to a minimum depth of 20 feet below grade. These vertical heat exchange boreholes must be filled with only approved grout from a minimum depth of 20 feet below grade up to the ground surface. If the annular space around the loop pipes from a minimum depth of 20 feet below grade up to the ground surface is free from standing water, the approved grout may be emplaced without pressure pumping through a tremie pipe.
Packer. Packers when used shall be of material that will not impart adverse taste, odor, toxic substances or bacterial contamination to the well water.
Pitless installations. Pitless installations are those where the casing terminates above the ground surface or below grade as specified above. Where used, they shall be effectively sealed. All buried suction lines shall be encased. The access casing shall be protected against corrosion and shall extend at least 12 inches above the natural ground surface and to a depth of at least 20 feet below the ground surface. Pitless adaptors may not be installed through a ferrous casing by cutting the hole with a torch or flame, but must be installed by using a hole saw or drill to make the hole through the ferrous casing.
Well cap. All installations shall install a secure, screened, varmint-free well cap on all wells to prevent any surface pollutants from entering the well or any vandalism to the well or aquifer. In the event of a flowing well, the well cap must stop overflow from the well. Casing terminated at grade, or just below grade, shall have a waterproof and airtight well cap installed.
Heat pumps. Heat pump (geothermal) installations shall be designed and constructed to provide an effective watertight seal with the well casing or water storage reservoir and to prevent contamination from reaching the water chamber or interior pump surfaces. In closed loop systems, boreholes must be installed as described in Subsection B above. Open-loop systems must conform to the same requirements as water wells.
Drilled wells. Drilled wells shall be filled and sealed by approved grout placed in accordance with Subsection B above.
Dry wells. Dry wells being abandoned must be filled with stone and the top 20 feet filled with approved grout; however, the top two feet may be covered with soil.
Following completion of construction, water supply wells shall be pumped continuously until the water discharge is clear. It shall be filled with water containing concentration of not less than 100 parts per million of free chlorine. A portion of this solution shall be recirculated directly to the well in order to insure proper agitation. The water shall not be used for a period of 24 hours. Other combinations of water and chlorine concentration and time interval may be used if demonstrated equally effective to the Zoning Officer. Disposal of the purged water shall be at a point so as to minimize adverse effects to aquatic life and in no way directed into any sewage disposal system.
One ounce of dry calcium hypochlorite dissolved in 52.5 gallons of water makes the proper strength disinfectant solution. Household bleach may be used for disinfection as given in Table 2.[1]
Editor's Note: Table 2 is located immediately following § 217-11O.
All check valves and backflow protection shall be properly installed. Backflow protectors must be incorporated into the system and be used as needed for each outside water hose connectors. At a minimum, two check valves shall be incorporated into each water system that derives water from a well.
Exception. Where not practical, a cross-connection prevention assembly shall be provided. For semipublic water supplies, the cross-connection prevention assembly device shall be installed at any fixed potable water outlet to which a hose may be connected.
Testing of loop systems. The assembled loop system shall be pressure tested with water at 100 psi for 30 minutes with no observed leaks before connection (header) trenches are backfilled. Flow rates and pressure drops shall be compared to calculated values. If actual flow rate or pressure drop figures differ from calculated values by more than 10%, the problem shall be identified and corrected.
Completion report. Upon completion of the well or borehole, submit two copies of DCNR's Water Well Completion Report Form 8700-FM-TG-5001S, as may be amended, to the Potter Township Secretary or the Zoning Officer and one copy of this form to the owner. If a geothermal well is constructed, a report shall be filed with Potter Township by the driller indicating the well was constructed in accordance with this chapter.
Volume of 5% Chlorine Bleach for Shock Chlorination of Wells and Springs
(236.6 ml)
(473.2 ml)
(2,839 ml)
(3,785 ml)
(5,678 ml)
(946.4 ml)
(4,732 ml)
(7,571 ml)
(9,464 ml)
(1,420 ml)
(1,893 ml)
80 feet (24.38 m)
(3,312 ml)
(2,366 ml)
NOTE: Cup(c) is defined as 8 liquid ounces.
Cased boreholes. If casing is to be left in place permanently, then the boring shall conform to the requirements for water supply wells stated in § 217-11.
Non-cased boreholes. If no casing is utilized, then the boring shall be grouted using approved grout for not less than 20 feet below grade.
Construction standard. All materials and construction practices shall conform to the requirements stated in Closed-Loop/Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Design and Installation Standards, such as, but not limited to, standards for pressure testing, heat-transfer fluids, etc., unless specifically modified by this chapter. All materials and construction practices shall effectively prevent contamination of groundwater.
General: When major alterations are made to wells and boreholes regulated by this code, these alterations shall conform to §§ 217-11 and 217-12 with the following modifications.
Existing non-grouted wells and boreholes. If major alterations are made to an existing well or boring which is not grouted with an approved grout, then the following measures may be taken in lieu of the grouting requirements of §§ 217-11 and 217-12.
Remove soil from the uppermost two feet of the casing to a diameter of no less than one foot outside the existing casing.
Place a compacted earth mound around the well casing. The compacted earth mound shall be no less than six inches high and shall extend no less than one foot away from the casing in all directions. The purpose of the compacted earth mound is to divert surface water away from the well, so the compacted earth mound shall be non-erodible.
This exception applies only to wells and/or borings that were in existence prior to the effective date of this chapter.
General: Cross-connections between an individual or semipublic water supply and a public water system shall be prohibited.
General: No well or borehole regulated by this chapter shall be used until compliance with this chapter has been obtained. The fine for violations of this chapter shall be as determined by the Board of Supervisors of Potter Township.
General: Approval of this application and issuance of a permit for a well and/or boring on the above-described property does not constitute any guarantee or warranty by Potter Township regarding quantity or quality of water that may be obtained as a result of any well drilled under this permit. The approved permit solely provides the approval to drill a well and/or boring at the site shown on the application, and does not provide any other guarantees, approvals, or warranties.