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Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-191 - What are the design and construction requirements for completing wells?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) You may
				complete wells with screens, perforated liners or pipe, or open bottom
				completion. The well driller or designer shall advise the owner or the owner's
				representative of the most appropriate method of completion.
(2) All well components must be of sufficient
				strength to withstand the typical forces to which they are subjected during and
				after construction.
(3) Water wells
				must be completed in a manner which prevents the production of untreatable
				amounts of sand, silt, or turbid water which would render the well
				unusable.
(4) Open bottom
				completion is appropriate where the withdrawn waters are essentially free of
				sand, silt and turbidity.
(5)
				Perforated pipe completion is suitable for a coarse-grained, permeable aquifer
				where the withdrawn waters are free of sand, silt or turbidity.
(6) Perforations above the static water level
				are not permitted.
(7) In place
				perforations with Star, Mills knife, or similar type perforators are
				acceptable.
(8) Perforated pipe
				liners, either saw cut, torch cut, mill slotted, or punched are
				acceptable.
(9) The use of
				perforated casing for working casing as the hole is being drilled is
				prohibited, except in those cases where the contractor can, through personal
				experience in the particular area of drilling, attest to the sufficiency of the
				pre-perforated casing in all respects for the specific well being
				constructed.
(10) Pipe liners may
				be of steel, plastic or other suitable corrosion resistant material.
(11) All liners must be of sufficient
				strength to withstand typical forces exerted upon the liner material during
				installation and operation.
(12)
				Liners may be used only in consolidated formations.
(13) The installation of a liner without a
				gravel pack is prohibited when conditions exist that will result in excessively
				turbid water.
(14) Well screens and
				well points must be constructed of compatible corrosion resistant material.
(a) A neoprene, or grout seal shall be fitted
				to the top of the well screen assembly, if necessary.
(b) The bottom of the well screen shall be
				plugged or capped.
(c) The use of
				lead packers is prohibited.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-211 - What are the recommended well diameters?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
TABLE 3
Recommended Well Diameters
Anticipated
Well Yield
in gpm
Nominal Size
of Pump Bowls
in inches
Optimum Size
of Well Casing
in inches
Less than 100
4
6 ID
75 to 175
5
8 ID
150 to 350
6
10 ID
300 to 700
8
12 ID
500 to 1000
10
14 OD
800 to 1800
12
16 OD
1200 to 3000
14
20 OD
2000 to 3800
16
24 OD
3000 to 6000
20
30 OD
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW and
					 RCW
					 43.21A.080. 98-08-032 (Order 97-08), §
					 173-160-211, filed 3/23/98, effective
					 4/23/98.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-214 - What are the limitations for use of drilling materials?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) At no time shall a product contain
				materials that:
(a) Are toxic or
				polluting;
(b) Develop odor or
				color changes in the water; or
(c)
				Serve as a microbial nutrient.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-216 - What are the standards for use of polymers and additives?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) All polymers
				and additives used in any well shall be certified by NSF/ANSI approval
				standards for use in potable water supply wells, or equivalent standards as
				approved by the department. The product shall be clearly labeled as meeting
				these standards.
(2) Polymers and
				additives must be designed and manufactured to meet industry standards to be
				nondegrading and must not act as a medium which will promote growth of
				microorganisms.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW. 09-01-125 (Order
					 08-10), § 173-160-216, filed 12/19/08, effective
					 1/19/09.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-221 - What are the standards for sealing materials?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1)
Bentonite sealant:
(a) Bentonite used to prepare slurries for
				sealing or decommissioning shall be specifically designed for this purpose. All
				bentonite slurries shall be prepared and installed according to the
				manufacturer's instructions. Active solids content (bentonite) shall be twenty
				percent by weight or greater in all bentonite slurries. The active solids shall
				be checked by using the following formula:
Click to view
								image
(b)
				Unhydrated bentonite including pelletized, granulated, powder, or chip
				bentonite may be used in the construction of seals or in decommissioning of
				wells. The bentonite material shall be specifically designed for sealing or
				decommissioning and be within the industry tolerances for dry western sodium
				bentonite. Placement of bentonite shall conform to the manufacturer's
				specifications and result in a seal free of voids or bridges.
(c) All bentonite used in any well shall be
				certified by NSF/ANSI approval standards for use in potable water supply wells,
				or equivalent standards as approved by the department. The product shall be
				clearly labeled as meeting these standards.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-231 - What are the standards for surface seals?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) All water wells constructed shall have a
				surface seal which seals the annular space between the bore hole and the
				permanent surface casing.
(a) The seal shall
				be constructed to prevent surface contaminants from reaching the
				groundwater.
(b) The surface seal
				must have a minimum diameter of four inches larger than the nominal size of the
				surface casing, to include the outside diameter of the bell, in bell and hub
				couplings.
(c) The surface seal
				must extend from land surface to a minimum depth of eighteen feet. Except, when
				the minimum surface seal requirements for driven, jetted, dewatering and some
				dug wells are less than eighteen feet. See the appropriate section for these
				wells for a detailed description of their sealing requirements.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-241 - What are the requirements for formation sealing?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) Unconsolidated formation sealing -
				Without significant clay beds or other confining formations - Drilled wells
				that penetrate an aquifer overlain by unconsolidated formations such as sand
				and gravel without significant clay beds (at least six feet thick) or other
				confining formations shall be sealed in accordance with the surface sealing
				requirements of WAC
				173-160-231. See Figure
				1.
(2) Unconsolidated formation
				sealing - With significant clay beds or other significant confining formations
				- Drilled wells that penetrate an aquifer overlain by clay or other confining
				formations that are at least six feet thick, shall be sealed to prevent
				movement of water or contamination in the annular space between the permanent
				casing and the clay or other confining formation(s). One of the following
				methods shall be used to seal the annular space:
(a) A drill hole at least four inches greater
				in diameter than the nominal size of the permanent well casing shall extend
				from the land surface into the clay bed or other confining formation located
				directly above the aquifer to be developed. The annular space shall be filled
				with bentonite (slurry or unhydrated), neat cement grout, or neat cement to
				form a watertight seal between the permanent casing and all significant
				confining formations encountered during drilling. If bentonite slurry, neat
				cement grout, or neat cement is used to seal the annular space it must be
				placed by either pumping or tremying the seal material from the lowest clay bed
				or other confining formation of significance encountered, to land surface. The
				drill hole shall be kept open through the use of a temporary casing or any
				other drilling method that stabilizes the bore hole wall. See Figure
				1.
(b) An upper drill hole at least
				four inches greater in diameter than the nominal size of the permanent well
				casing shall extend to a minimum of eighteen feet from land surface. A
				temporary casing or other means of maintaining an open bore hole shall be
				utilized. All temporary casing will have an outside diameter of a minimum of
				four inches larger than the permanent casing (for example, a ten-inch temporary
				casing for a six-inch permanent casing). The upper drill hole shall always
				contain a minimum of nine feet of sealant throughout the advancement of the
				permanent casing. Except, if the temporary casing is removed or not utilized,
				the upper drill hole shall be kept full of sealant. See Figure 1.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-251 - What are the special sealing standards for artesian wells?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) When flowing
				artesian conditions are known or suspected, the operator shall have a written
				sealing plan prepared prior to initiation of construction. The plan shall
				identify the type of sealing material that will be used and the method for
				sealing. The plan shall also contain at least one alternative construction
				method for sealing and an emergency contingency section which will identify
				steps to be taken if the groundwater flow cannot be controlled.
(2) When artesian water is encountered in the
				well, an unperforated well casing shall extend into the confining stratum
				overlying the artesian zone. The casing shall be sealed into the confining
				stratum to prevent surface and subsurface leakage from the artesian zone. If
				the well flows at land surface, it must be equipped with a control valve so
				that flow can be completely stopped.
(3) The well shall be completed with seals,
				packers or grout that eliminates leakage around the well casing. The driller
				shall not move the drilling rig from the well site until leakage is completely
				stopped, unless authority for temporary removal is granted by the department,
				or when loss of life or property is imminent.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW and
					 RCW
					 43.21A.080. 98-08-032 (Order 97-08), §
					 173-160-251, filed 3/23/98, effective
					 4/23/98.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-261 - How do I seal dug wells?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
The surface seal of all dug wells shall be constructed to
				  effectively seal the annular space between the undisturbed native material of
				  the upper well hole and the well curbing, which may consist of concrete tile,
				  steel pipe or liner. The seal depth shall be at least eighteen feet from land
				  surface or to within three feet of the bottom in dug wells that are less than
				  twenty-one feet in depth. Dug wells may be sealed with cement, neat cement,
				  bentonite, or neat cement grout. A cap shall be placed on all dug wells. Except
				  during maintenance, the cap shall remain in place. The cap shall prevent entry
				  of pollutants, insects, and mammals into the well. See Figure
				  3.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW. 09-01-125 (Order
					 08-10), § 173-160-261, filed 12/19/08, effective 1/19/09; 06-23-121 (Order
					 06-08), § 173-160-261, filed 11/21/06, effective 12/22/06. Statutory
					 Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW and
					 RCW
					 43.21A.080. 98-08-032 (Order 97-08), §
					 173-160-261, filed 3/23/98, effective
					 4/23/98.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-271 - What are the special sealing standards for driven wells, jetted wells, and dewatering wells?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) Driven wells
				- An upper hole at least four inches greater in diameter than the permanent
				casing shall extend a minimum of six feet below land surface. The annular space
				between the upper oversized drill hole and the permanent casing must be kept at
				least one-half full with bentonite or bentonite slurry throughout all driving
				of the pipe. The remaining annular space to land surface shall be filled with
				neat cement grout, neat cement, or bentonite. See Figure 4.
(2) Jetted wells - The surface seal in jetted
				wells shall be constructed to seal the annular space between the permanent
				casing and undisturbed native soil. An upper hole at least four inches greater
				in diameter than the permanent casing shall extend a minimum of six feet below
				land surface.
(3) Dewatering wells:
(a) Permanent dewatering wells shall be
				sealed in one of the following manners:
(i)
				For wells in which the top of the screen interval is greater than twenty-one
				feet below land surface, the minimum sealing depth shall be eighteen
				feet.
(ii) If the top of the screen
				interval is twenty-one feet or less below the land surface, the seal shall be
				within three feet of the top of the screen. In no instance shall the seal be
				less than ten feet in depth.
(iii)
				All permanent dewatering wells shall be constructed to prevent interconnection
				of separate aquifers penetrated by the well, and provide casing
				stability.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-281 - What are the construction standards for artificial gravel-packed wells?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Wells must be constructed in accordance with sealing
				  standards under this chapter. In gravel-packed wells, the gravel mixture shall
				  be placed around the screen so that bridging or size separation does not occur.
				  The gravel pack must be clean, and chemically stable. All gravel and water used
				  must be disinfected with at least fifty parts per million chlorine for a
				  contact time of at least thirty minutes. Rinse water containing chlorine is a
				  pollutant. Chlorine in the rinse water must be allowed to dissipate and the
				  water must be discharged in a safe manner consistent with the intent of the
				  Water Pollution Control Act,
				  chapter
				  90.48
				  RCW.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW. 09-01-125 (Order
					 08-10), § 173-160-281, filed 12/19/08, effective 1/19/09. Statutory
					 Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW and
					 RCW
					 43.21A.080. 98-08-032 (Order 97-08), §
					 173-160-281, filed 3/23/98, effective
					 4/23/98.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-291 - What are the standards for the upper terminal of water wells?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) The watertight
				casing or curbing of any well shall extend at least six inches above the ground
				surface. Pit completion is prohibited.
(2) Where the site is subject to flooding,
				the top of the casing must be at least two feet above the estimated water level
				of a one hundred-year frequency flood.
(3) All drilled wells shall be capped to
				prevent contamination of the aquifer. The cap shall be designed for that
				purpose and consist of metal or plastic material that is mechanically secured
				or welded to the casing. All wells shall be equipped with an access port that
				allows for the measurement of the depth to water surface, or with a pressure
				gage that indicates the shut-in pressure of a flowing artesian well. See Figure
				6. The access ports and pressure gages or other openings in the cover are
				sealed or capped to prevent entrance of surface water or foreign material into
				the well.
(4) Any vent opening,
				observation ports or air-line equipment shall extend from the upper end of the
				well by watertight piping to a point at least six inches above land surface.
				The terminals of these facilities shall be shielded or sealed to prevent
				entrance of foreign matter or pollutants.
(5) A pitless adapter, or similar device is
				permitted on water wells if it is made with fittings approved by the department
				of health. The use and installation of pitless adapters must meet
				manufacturer's standards. The connection must be above static water level
				except for adapters specifically designed for installation below static water
				level.
(6) Any person who removes
				any part of a surface seal to install a pitless adapter shall be responsible to
				have the seal repaired by a licensed or otherwise qualified person so that the
				seal is brought up to land surface.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW. 09-01-125 (Order
					 08-10), § 173-160-291, filed 12/19/08, effective 1/19/09; 06-23-121 (Order
					 06-08), § 173-160-291, filed 11/21/06, effective 12/22/06; 98-18-104
					 (Order 98-17), § 173-160-291, filed 9/2/98, effective 10/3/98. Statutory
					 Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW and
					 RCW
					 43.21A.080. 98-08-032 (Order 97-08), §
					 173-160-291, filed 3/23/98, effective
					 4/23/98.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-301 - What are the requirements for temporary capping?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) All wells which are not in use, or are
				temporarily out of service, must be securely capped so that no contamination
				can enter the well.
(2) Capping
				must be affixed by solid welds or equal seal to prevent unauthorized access to
				the well.
(3) Temporary capping
				alone will not satisfy the decommissioning requirements of this
				chapter.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW and
					 RCW
					 43.21A.080. 98-08-032 (Order 97-08), §
					 173-160-301, filed 3/23/98, effective
					 4/23/98.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-311 - What are the well tagging requirements?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) It shall be the operator's responsibility
				to place a well identification tag with a unique identification number on every
				well that they construct, alter, or reconstruct within thirty days of
				completion of the well. The original unique identification number shall be used
				on all subsequent work and documentation.
(a)
				The alpha-numeric number shall be recorded on the drilling report in the space
				provided.
(b) The operator shall
				remove the well identification tag on all wells they decommission and shall
				attach the tag to the decommissioning well report.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-321 - How do I test a well?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1)
				Well authorized by appropriation permit - Before being put to use, each well
				shall be test pumped for yield and draw down. Reports of the test pumping shall
				be submitted as required in
				chapter
				90.44 RCW. The driller
				shall be familiar with and meet all testing procedures outlined in the water
				right permit. The well shall be test pumped at rates equal to, or greater than,
				are expected from the well during its normal usage. The test pump for public
				water supply wells shall be operated continuously for a minimum of four hours,
				or longer if required by the department of health. The yield and draw down
				shall be determined following at least four hours of constant rate pumping.
				Periodic water level observation should be made during draw down and subsequent
				recovery periods. Periods of observation shall be more frequent during the
				onset of the draw down and may decrease in frequency as the draw down or
				recovery proceeds. A bailer test is not an acceptable substitute for testing
				wells under permit or for public water supply wells.
(2) Wells not requiring appropriation permit
				- Testing of a well that does not require an appropriation permit shall be
				conducted at a constant rate for a period of at least one hour or longer if
				required by the department of health. Test pumping under this section can be
				either by bailer, air lift, or with a pump.
(3) Test data shall be reported to the
				department on the water well report by the operator at the time the report is
				submitted.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW. 06-23-121 (Order
					 06-08), § 173-160-321, filed 11/21/06, effective 12/22/06. Statutory
					 Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW and
					 RCW
					 43.21A.080. 98-08-032 (Order 97-08), §
					 173-160-321, filed 3/23/98, effective
					 4/23/98.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-341 - How do I ensure the quality of drilling water?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
All water introduced into a well for drilling purposes and
				  for mixing sealing materials shall be obtained from a potable water source and
				  have a chlorine residual of not more than 1 ppm free
				  chlorine.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW and
					 RCW
					 43.21A.080. 98-08-032 (Order 97-08), §
					 173-160-341, filed 3/23/98, effective
					 4/23/98.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-351 - What are the standards for pump installation?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
All pumps and pumping equipment and materials must be free of
				  contamination and shall be installed in a manner consistent with the intent and
				  purposes of these regulations.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW and
					 RCW
					 43.21A.080. 98-08-032 (Order 97-08), §
					 173-160-351, filed 3/23/98, effective
					 4/23/98.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-361 - Who may supervise the use of explosives?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Explosives used for developing or reconditioning any water
				  well must be used under the direct supervision of an individual licensed under
				  chapter 70.74 RCW.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW and
					 RCW
					 43.21A.080. 98-08-032 (Order 97-08), §
					 173-160-361, filed 3/23/98, effective
					 4/23/98.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-371 - What are the standards for chemical conditioning?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
The use of detergents, chlorine, acids or other chemicals in
				  wells for the purpose of increasing or restoring yield, shall be used according
				  to manufacturer's recommendations. Within a consolidated formation, the
				  placement or use of packers and subsequent pressurization within the bore hole
				  or casing while cleaning or hydrofracturing shall not damage the seal at the
				  drive shoe. Except for disinfection and cleaning of wells, a well drilling
				  license is required for all other chemical conditioning that alters the
				  condition of the water well.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW. 06-23-121 (Order
					 06-08), § 173-160-371, filed 11/21/06, effective 12/22/06. Statutory
					 Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW and
					 RCW
					 43.21A.080. 98-08-032 (Order 97-08), §
					 173-160-371, filed 3/23/98, effective
					 4/23/98.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-381 - What are the standards for decommissioning a well?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Any well which is unusable, abandoned, or whose use has been
				  permanently discontinued, or which is in such disrepair that its continued use
				  is impractical or is an environmental, safety or public health hazard shall be
				  decommissioned. The decommissioning procedure (as prescribed by these
				  regulations) must be recorded and reported as required by the
				  department.
(1) Cased wells. Remove
				all liners, debris, accumulated sediments, and obstructions from the well
				casing, except well screens and packers. All cased water wells, including
				driven and jetted wells shall be decommissioned in one of the following ways:
(a) Perforate the casing from the bottom to
				within five feet of the land surface and pressure seal the casing.
(i) Perforations shall be at least four
				equidistant cuts per row, and one row per foot. The perforations must be
				sufficient enough to allow neat cement grout or neat cement, or bentonite
				slurry to migrate outside the casing and effectively prevent the movement of
				water.
(ii) Apply enough pressure
				to force the sealing material through the perforations, filling any voids on
				the outside of the casing.
(iii)
				The casing shall be filled completely with neat cement grout, neat cement, or
				bentonite slurry. The screen and up to five feet of riser pipe may be filled
				with unhydrated bentonite. The remainder of the riser pipe must be
				removed.
(iv) The casing may be cut
				off at a maximum of five feet below land surface; or
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part ONE - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL CONSTRUCTIO › Section 173-160-390 - Artificial recharge of groundwater bodies

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Approval must be obtained from the department before starting
				  any project related to the artificial recharge of groundwater
				  bodies.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW and
					 RCW
					 43.21A.080. 98-08-032 (Order 97-08), §
					 173-160-390, filed 3/23/98, effective
					 4/23/98.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part TWO - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESOURCE PROTECTION WELLCONSTRUCTION AND GEOTECHNICAL SOIL BORING › Section 173-160-400 - What are the minimum standards for resource protection wells and geotechnical soil borings?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
The following minimum standards shall apply to all resource
				  protectionwells and geotechnical soil borings constructed in the state of
				  Washington. It is the responsibility of the resource protection well operator,
				  resource protection well contractor, and the property owner to take whatever
				  measures are necessary to guard against waste and contamination of the
				  groundwater resource.
(1) It will be
				necessary in some cases to construct resource protectionwells and geotechnical
				soil borings with additional requirements beyond the minimum
				standards.
(2) Nothing in this
				section limits the department's authority to approve comparable alternative
				specifications for construction as technology in the industry is developed, or
				new methods of construction become known to the department.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW. 06-23-121 (Order
					 06-08), § 173-160-400, filed 11/21/06, effective 12/22/06. Statutory
					 Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW and
					 RCW
					 43.21A.080. 98-08-032 (Order 97-08), §
					 173-160-400, filed 3/23/98, effective
					 4/23/98.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part TWO - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESOURCE PROTECTION WELLCONSTRUCTION AND GEOTECHNICAL SOIL BORING › Section 173-160-406 - How do I apply for a variance on a resource protection well?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) When strict
				compliance with the requirements and standards of this chapter are impractical,
				any person may submit a variance request to the department from a regulation or
				regulations. The application for variance must propose a comparable alternative
				specification that will provide equal or greater human health and resource
				protection than the minimum standards. Application for a variance shall be made
				in writing and approved prior to the construction or decommissioning of the
				well.
(2) The variance application
				shall contain at least the following information:
(a) Name, address, and phone number of the
				person requesting the variance;
(b)
				Address of well site;
(c) 1/4, 1/4,
				section, township, range;
(d) The
				specific regulation(s) that cannot be followed;
(e) The comparable alternative
				specification;
(f) Justification
				for the request.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part TWO - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESOURCE PROTECTION WELLCONSTRUCTION AND GEOTECHNICAL SOIL BORING › Section 173-160-420 - What are the general construction requirements for resource protection wells?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) No resource
				protection well or soil boring excavation may be used to withdraw or inject
				water for domestic, industrial, municipal, commercial, or agricultural
				purposes.
(2) No resource
				protection well or soil boring excavation may interconnect aquifers.
(3) Nested resource protection wells are
				prohibited.
(4) Cuttings,
				development water, and other investigation derived waste from resource
				protection well construction or geotechnical soil borings shall be managed in a
				manner consistent with the intent and purposes of the Water Pollution Control
				Act, chapter 90.48
				RCW, the Hazardous Waste Management Act,
				chapter
				70.105 RCW, and
				implementing regulations.
(5) Well
				tagging:
(a) It shall be the driller's
				responsibility to place a well identification tag with a unique identification
				number on every resource protection well that they construct or alter within
				thirty days of completion of the well. Uncased geotechnical soil borings and
				environmental investigation wells are exempt from the tagging requirements of
				this chapter.
(i) The alpha-numeric number
				shall be recorded on the drilling report in the space provided.
(ii) The driller shall remove the well
				identification tag on all resource protection wells they decommission and shall
				attach the tag to the decommissioning well report.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part TWO - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESOURCE PROTECTION WELLCONSTRUCTION AND GEOTECHNICAL SOIL BORING › Section 173-160-430 - What are the minimum casing standards?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) The casing may not affect or interfere
				with the chemical, physical, radiological, or biological constituents of
				interest. The casing shall be resistant to the corrosive effects of the
				surrounding formations, earth, and water and shall be impervious to any
				contaminants encountered.
(2) The
				casing shall withstand typical forces which act upon it during and after
				installation. All resource protection well casing shall conform to ASTM
				Standards, or at least 304 or 316 stainless steel, PTFE, or Schedule 40 PVC
				casing.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW. 09-01-125 (Order
					 08-10), § 173-160-430, filed 12/19/08, effective 1/19/09; 06-23-121 (Order
					 06-08), § 173-160-430, filed 11/21/06, effective 12/22/06. Statutory
					 Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW and
					 RCW
					 43.21A.080. 98-08-032 (Order 97-08), §
					 173-160-430, filed 3/23/98, effective
					 4/23/98.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part TWO - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESOURCE PROTECTION WELLCONSTRUCTION AND GEOTECHNICAL SOIL BORING › Section 173-160-440 - What are the equipment cleaning standards?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) When drilling in known or potential areas
				of contamination, steam clean the drill rig derrick and all drilling equipment
				on site before and after well construction. If the equipment is used to drill
				in radioactive areas, you must develop a decontamination plan and the
				department must approve that plan prior to the equipment being removed from the
				drill site.
(2) All well
				construction materials to include casing, screen(s), and filter pack
				materialmust be free of contaminants prior to installation.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW and
					 RCW
					 43.21A.080. 98-08-032 (Order 97-08), §
					 173-160-440, filed 3/23/98, effective
					 4/23/98.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part TWO - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESOURCE PROTECTION WELLCONSTRUCTION AND GEOTECHNICAL SOIL BORING › Section 173-160-442 - What are the limitations for use of drilling materials?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) At no time shall a product contain
				materials that:
(a) Are toxic or
				polluting;
(b) Develop odor or
				color changes in the water; or
(c)
				Serve as a microbial nutrient.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part TWO - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESOURCE PROTECTION WELLCONSTRUCTION AND GEOTECHNICAL SOIL BORING › Section 173-160-444 - What are the standards for use of polymers and additives?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) All polymers
				and additives used in any well shall be certified by NSF/ANSI approval
				standards for use in potable water supply wells, or equivalent standards as
				approved by the department. The product shall be clearly labeled as meeting
				these standards.
(2) Polymers and
				additives must be designed and manufactured to meet industry standards to be
				nondegrading and must not act as a medium which will promote growth of
				microorganisms.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW. 09-01-125 (Order
					 08-10), § 173-160-444, filed 12/19/08, effective
					 1/19/09.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part TWO - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESOURCE PROTECTION WELLCONSTRUCTION AND GEOTECHNICAL SOIL BORING › Section 173-160-451 - What are the minimum standards for direct push resource protection wells?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) Resource
				protection wells that are installed using direct push technology shall comply
				with the applicable standards in these rules for reporting, casing, screening,
				development, surface protection, cleaning, tagging, and completion.
(2) Resource protection wells that are
				installed using direct push technology shall also comply with the following
				standards:
(a) Prepacked or sand packed
				screens shall be used. The sand pack or filter pack shall not extend more than
				three feet above the top or one foot below the bottom of the well screen;
				and
(b) The outside diameter of the
				bore hole shall be a minimum of one inch greater than the outside diameter of
				the well casing; and
(c) Granular
				bentonite shall not be used in the sealed interval below the static water
				level. Prepacked or slurry sealant is required below static level. Any sealing
				method used must result in a continuous and effective seal meeting the minimum
				sealing standards of this chapter; and
(d) Direct push wells shall not be
				constructed through more than one water bearing formation and the seal shall be
				from the top of the sand pack to land surface. Direct push wells shall not be
				greater than thirty feet in depth unless a variance is obtained. A request for
				a variance must be accompanied by a site-specific plan; and
(e) If the total probe depth exceeds the
				depth of the bottom of the screen it must be properly decommissioned to the
				bottom of the screen.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part TWO - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESOURCE PROTECTION WELLCONSTRUCTION AND GEOTECHNICAL SOIL BORING › Section 173-160-453 - What are the minimum standards for construction of ground source heat pump borings?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1)
				General requirements.
(a) Applicability of
				minimum standards. The minimum standards set forth herein apply to all ground
				source heat pump borings as defined in WAC
				173-160-111.
(b) Prohibition against other uses. Ground
				source heat pump borings cannot be used for any purpose other than heat
				exchange. After completion, ground source heat pump borings shall not be
				converted to any other type of well except by written approval by the
				department. The operator shall ensure that the ground source heat pump boring
				is constructed according to this chapter.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part TWO - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESOURCE PROTECTION WELLCONSTRUCTION AND GEOTECHNICAL SOIL BORING › Section 173-160-456 - What are the minimum standards for construction of grounding wells?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) Grounding wells
				(cathodic protection wells or anode wells) must be constructed in accordance
				with the provisions of Part One -- General Requirements for Water Well
				Construction, chapter 173-160 WAC.
(2) Grounding wells shall be designed by an
				engineer, licensed in Washington state, trained in the design of corrosion
				protection wells.
(3) The internal
				materials used and size of element installed shall meet all industry standards
				for cathodic protection and anode wells.
(4) Grounding wells shall not pollute the
				waters of the state.
(5) If
				constructed within one hundred feet of a potential source of contamination,
				sealing is required to a minimum depth of fifty feet or the first significant
				confining layer, whichever is deeper, in accordance with WAC
				173-160-241.
(6) Where the well construction regulations
				cannot be met, a variance may be requested.
(7) Grounding wells twenty-five feet in depth
				or less are exempt from all notice, licensing, fees, and reporting requirements
				of these regulations, however, commingling of aquifers is still
				prohibited.
(8) Driven grounding
				rods installed to a depth of twenty-five feet or less are exempt from all
				notice, licensing, fees, and reporting requirements of these
				regulations.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW. 09-01-125 (Order
					 08-10), § 173-160-456, filed 12/19/08, effective 1/19/09; 06-23-121 (Order
					 06-08), § 173-160-456, filed 11/21/06, effective
					 12/22/06.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part TWO - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESOURCE PROTECTION WELLCONSTRUCTION AND GEOTECHNICAL SOIL BORING › Section 173-160-457 - How are vibrating wire piezometers constructed?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) The bore hole containing the vibrating
				wire piezometers shall have a minimum diameter at least four inches larger than
				the diameter of the instrument.
(2)
				When sealing with a grout or slurry, the bore hole shall be grouted from the
				bottom up via a tremie tube. The tremie tube may be left within the bore hole
				provided: It meets casing standards, is filled completely with grout and the
				annular requirements of this section are met.
(3) Ungrouted tubing, piping, liner, or
				casings shall not be left in the bore hole upon completion.
(4) Individual transducers may be sand packed
				provided that the sand pack is not more than five feet in thickness.
(5) Sealing between sand packed transducers
				shall be designed and constructed to prohibit flow between monitored zones. At
				no time shall a vibrating wire piezometer bore hole connect aquifers.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW. 09-01-125 (Order
					 08-10), § 173-160-457, filed 12/19/08, effective
					 1/19/09.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part TWO - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESOURCE PROTECTION WELLCONSTRUCTION AND GEOTECHNICAL SOIL BORING › Section 173-160-458 - What sealing materials are allowed for sealing vibrating wire piezometers?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1)
				Vibrating wire piezometers shall be sealed using materials as allowed in WAC
				173-160-450; or sealing materials
				as designed and recommended by the manufacturer provided that the material,
				when placed, provides a permeability of 1 x 10-7
				cm/sec or less. The licensed driller or engineer shall provide documentation
				from the manufacturer demonstrating that the sealing material meets the
				permeability requirements of this section.
(2) The use of bentonite products intended
				for use as drilling fluids, low solids content bentonite mixtures, fly ash, and
				hydrated lime are prohibited as additives or sealants.
Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.104 RCW. 09-01-125 (Order
					 08-10), § 173-160-458, filed 12/19/08, effective
					 1/19/09.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508) › Chapter 173-160 - Minimum standards for construction and maintenance of wells › Part TWO - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESOURCE PROTECTION WELLCONSTRUCTION AND GEOTECHNICAL SOIL BORING › Section 173-160-460 - What is the decommissioning process for resource protection wells?

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) For resource
				protection wells and geotechnical soil borings that were not constructed in
				accordance with these regulations, or for which a drilling report required
				under this section is missing, remove all debris, accumulated sediment,
				equipment and obstructions from the well casing, except well screens and
				packers, and decommission in one of the following ways:
(a) Perforate the casing from the bottom to
				land surface and pressure grout the casing.
(i) Perforations shall be at least four
				equidistant cuts per row, and one row per foot. Each cut shall be at least one
				and one-half inches long.
(ii)
				Apply enough pressure to force the sealing material through the perforations,
				filling any voids on the outside of the casing.
(iii) The remainder of the casing shall be
				filled with neat cement grout, neat cement, or bentonite slurry; or