State Well Codes

A new water supply well may be constructed at the site of an abandoned septic tank or drain field one year after taken out of use, but must not be constructed through the abandoned septic tank or septic drain line.

Casing to be perforated or removed from bottom to 20 ft below land surface, and upper 20 ft of casing removed. Then plug with cement grout from bottom to w/in 4 ft of land surface. If total well depth exceeds 20 ft below surface, cement grout shall be placed by pumping from bottom of hole to w/in 4 ft of land surface.

Work must be performed by WV certified water well driller. All wells to be completely filled w/bentonite or cement grout. Wells in unconsolidated formations to be sealed w/bentonite or bentonite-cement mix from top to bottom. If well penetrates limestone or other creviced formation, stone, pea gravel, or other bridging agents may be used. Hand dug or bucket wells exceeding 24 inches in diameter to be abandoned using same method as wells in unconsolidated material. Screens, casings, liner pipes, pumps, wiring, valves, to be pulled when possible.

Remove all liners, debris, accumulated sediments and obstructions, except well screens and packers. Casing to be perforated from bottom to w/in 5 ft. of land surface & pressure grout casing. Each cut to be at least 1.5 in. long. Perforations to be at least 4 equidistant cuts per row, & one row per foot. Casing to be filled completely w/neat cement grout, neat cement, or bentonite slurry. Screen and <5 ft of riser pipe may be filled w/unhydrated bentonite. Remainder of riser pipe must be removed. Casing may be cut off at max. of 5 ft below land surface. Withdraw casing and fill the borehole w/concrete, neat cement grout, neat cement, unhydrated bentonite, or bentonite slurry as casing is withdrawn.

Casing material may be salvaged. Obstructions to be removed from well. Remainder of well to be filled w/ grout or clay slurry. Temporarily abandoned well to be sealed w/ watertight cap or well head seal. Top of sand or gravel fill to be at least 5 ft. below top of consolidated rock & at least 20 ft. below surface. Well to be chlorinated prior to plugging. Wells constructed in collapsing material to be filled w/ grout or clay slurry through pipe. A 1 ft thick cement or bentonite grout plug to completely fill the bore hole shall be placed a minimum of 5 ft from ground surface, remaining space filled w/clean fill mounded a minimum of 1 ft above the ground surface. Bored wells w/no water source found and casing not placed may be abandoned by backfilling with bore spoils to at least 5 ft below ground surface. 2 ft thick bentonite grout plug to be placed at minimum 5 ft from ground surface, and remainder of hole filled with bore spoils.

All removable casing and existing surface completion to be removed from well & then entire well to be pressure filled by tremie pipe w/ cement from bottom up to land surface. In lieu of previously described plugging procedure with cement, bentonite grout of a minimum of 9.1 lb./gal followed by cement plug extending from surface to depth of at least 2 ft, or if well to be plugged has ≤100 ft. of standing water, it may be filled w/ solid column of 3/8 in. or greater granular sodium bentonite hydrated at frequent intervals while strictly adhering to the manufacturers' recommended rate and method of application. If bentonite grout is used, entire well from ≥2 ft below land surface may be filled w/bentonite grout. Top 2 ft. of well, above bentonite or granular sodium bentonite, to be filled w/ cement. Bentonite grout may not be used if water zone contains chlorides above 1,500 ppm or if hydrocarbons are present. Undesirable water or constituents to be isolated from fresh water zones w/cement plugs and remainder of wellbore filled w/neat cement or clean bentonite grout, followed by cement plug extending from land surface to depth of ≥2 ft. For the purpose of plugging a well, any licensee or landowner can remove the pump.

If well is temporarily abandoned then it is to be sealed w/ watertight cap. Plugging wells in unconfined aquifers w/one aquifer: Above aquifer, clay, bentonite grout, or cement grout to be used as filler to w/in at least 3 ft. of ground surface. If using clay, min of 2 ft. of dry bentonite, bentonite grout, or cement to be placed at top of aquifer. May be backfilled w/ clean sand or gravel to top of aquifer. Plugging materials to be added by tremie pipe to wells 50 ft. in depth. Plugging Wells in Confined Aquifers or Encountering > One Aquifer: To be plugged w/ bentonite or w/ cement grout from bottom of well to w/in 8 ft. of surface, cement grout from 8 - 3 ft below surface, and top 3 ft. may be filled w/ native material. Top 3 ft. of casing or hole may be backfilled w/ native material. If pipe cannot reach bottom, well may be plugged by pumping grout under pressure, but bentonite grout may not be used if pumping grout under pressure. Confirm annulus is grouted in accordance w/current rule or effort must be made to ground from bottom of annulus to ground surface with the same materials used to plug inside casing.

The complexity of the abandonment procedure depends primarily on the hydrogeology, geology, well construction, and the groundwater quality. The recommended procedures for abandoning wells can be found here http://www.docs.dcnr.pa.gov/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_006802.pdf, but will be more rigorous with the presence of one or more complicating factors. The procedures may vary from a simple casing seal above aggregate to entirely grouting a well using a tremie pipe after existing casing has been ripped or perforated.

"If well is uncontaminated and not in alluvium or terrace deposits authorized by the Board, fill well with uncontaminated, compacted drill cuttings and/or uncontaminated surface clay, cement, bentonite pellets or granules, or high solids (min. 20% solids by dry wt) bentonite grout to w/in 14 ft of land surface, and min. of 10 ft of annular space and interior of casing shall be filled w/cement grout to at least 4 ft below land surface. Top of casing to be properly sealed w/ pitless adapter cap, sanitary well seal, or cap if
temporarily abandoned"

Contact municipal authorities first to determine local regulations. Remove equipment, materials, debris, and any obstructions. Disinfect well using soln of calcium hypochlorite containing approx. 65-75% available chlorine. Common household bleach may be too weak. Calcium hypochlorite products containing fungicides, algicides, or other disinfectants should be avoided. Casing w/open annual space should be grouted or removed. Where grouted, cut casing off at least 24 inched below grade. If located in building, upon completion of grouting, casing should be filled to floor level with no <12 inches cement. Casing should be cut off not >3 inches from floor. If terminate in well pit, casing should be cut of not <12 inches below the grade established when the pit is filled. Top of casing should be sealed. Steel casings sealed with welded steel plate: PVC casings sealed w/permanently affixed PVC cap. Screened portion should be filled with clean sand or gravel, and should be no less permeable than formation around well screen, and should extend no >3ft above top of screen. Fill entire well and annular space w/grout. See NYSDEC Water Well Decommissioning for additional recommendations on materials and flowing wells http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/86955.html or contact NYDEC Bureau of Water Resources-Division of Water at 518-402-8086.

Must be decommissioned under supervision of on-site licensed well driller. Pre-approval by Department required for wells with no record, contaminated with hazardous waste, affected by saltwater intrusion, installed in unconsolidated formations screened in more than one aquifer, cannot be cleared of all obstructions, multiple cased wells, elevator shafts. All other wells decommissioned by clearing pump, pipe, debris, and all other obstructions. Maintain borehole at original depth of well until sealed, casing shall be perforated, ripped, or removed if unsealed annular space exists to ensure space is sealed. All water used during sealing process must be potable.

Remove all obstructions, if unable to remove, fill cavity with approved fill materials from bottom of well to point above obstruction. If this is not possible, 5-ft non-slurry bentonite grout plug must be placed. Avoid bridging. Only use approved fill material or grout material including disinfected sand, gravel or crushed stone, native earth material may be used in large diameter bored or dug wells, All must be free of potentially toxic chemical residue and foreign materials. Disinfectant equivalent to 200 ppm chlorine in liquid, granular, or pellet for before filler material. Must have upper plug of either non-slurry bentonite or sand cement grouts. See 178 NAC 12-012.07 for approved methods.

Shall use a method that conforms to ANSI/AWWA Standard A100-97, Water Wells, and Appendix H to ANSI/AWWA Standard A100-97 (Decommissioning of Test Holes, Partially Completed Wells, and Abandoned Completed Wells), adopted by reference in 18 AAC 80.010(b); or an alternate method that has been presented to and approved by the department.

Abandoned wells & boreholes to be filled to prevent contamination. Fill with neat cement or in accordance with AWWA Standards. Top 20 ft. must be sealed with neat cement and no material that could impart taste, odor, or toxic components to water may be used in the sealing process.

Must file notice of intent. To be performed only by licensed well drilling contractor or a property owner who has obtained a single well license from ADWR. The well, which includes the annular space outside the casing, shall be filled from the bottom to a depth of 20 feet with cement grout, concrete, bentonite, clean sand with bentonite or cuttings from the well. A cement grout plug shall be set from the top of the well to minimum of 20 feet below the land surface and the annular space outside the casing (if applicable) shall be filled with cement from the land surface to a minimum of 20 feet below the surface. Materials containing organic or toxic matter shall not be used in the abandonment of a well. ADWR must be notified in writing no later than 30 days after abandonment has been completed. The notification shall include the well owner’s name, the location of the well, and the method of abandonment.

Abandon according to aquifer type, Rule 16 Well Construction Rules, 2 CCR 402-2. Can be plugged or sealed by licensed contractor, authorized individual, or well owner, but well owners must consult with contractor or Board staff. Materials must be clean, inert, and free from contaminants. Casing cut off below land surface, uppermost 5 ft of casing filled with grout or watertight cover permanently attached. Filling materials must not be more permeable than surrounding soils and adequately compacted.

Must be sealed by Delaware licensed well driller or driver. Report must be submitted within 30 days. If being replaced by another well, well must be sealed within 15 days of completion of replacement well. Only concrete, Portland cement, sodium-based bentonite clay, or combinations of these materials or other materials approved by the Department. Only drill cuttings, clay, silt, sand, gravel, and crusher run are considered acceptable fill material. Sealing Procedures section 10.3.

Must be filled, sealed, & plugged within 30 days of excavation or disuse. To be filled, sealed, & plugged by present owner of well or borehole. Wells considered to be permanently abandoned when it has not been used for > 3 years. Wells considered to be temporarily abandoned when it has not been used for >1 year and < 3 years.

Abandoned wells to be properly plugged as required.

Disinfect with 100 ppm chlorine to water. Individual may make request to seal their own well when it is on their land. Seal with neat cement or bentonite grout. Well to be sealed by licensed water well driller. Well to be sealed within 30 days after abandonment or when it poses a threat. Neat cement grout or bentonite to be applied through tremie pipe, or bailer. Materials to be disinfected. To prevent exchange of water from one aquifer to another. Specifical sealing requirements by formation type IL Water Well Construction Code 920.120 (b).

At least the upper 5 ft. of casing, liner pipe, brick, stone, & metal to be removed. Driller shall fill the well with sealing materials or inert earth materials from bottom of the well to a minimum of 20 ft below ground surface, and fill remainder with sealing materials to minimum of 5 ft below ground surface. Uppermost 5 ft of well shall be filled with sealing materials or other suitable, inert earth material. Driven Wells: remove casing and screens, introduce sealing materials simultaneously from bottom of well to maximum 5 ft below finished ground surface Use sealing materials, clay, or other inert materials suitable to proposed land use to fill upper 5 ft. Flowing Artesian Wells: Plug with neat cement grout that is pumped under pressure and mixed with minimum quantity of water that will permit handling. Place well packer, cast-iron plug, or temporary bridge at bottom of confining formation immediately overlying artesian water-bearing horizon to seal off flow. Reporting required within 60 days following abandonment.

Casing to be cut off before seal is placed. Materials not to be poured. Materials to be introduced into bottom of well & proceed up to about 4 ft. below ground surface. Slab to be at least 6 in. thick & at least 2 ft. > diameter of well casing or borehole wall. Surface seal to be emplaced no sooner than 24 hours after well has been plugged. To be performed only by registered well drillers. Top 4 ft. of well to be filled w/ concrete. Top of seal to comprise a concrete slab above top of plugged well. Wells to be plugged w/ neat cement grout, sand cement grout, concrete, or bentonite grout. To temporarily abandon, top of casing should be sealed with watertight threaded cap or steel plate welded watertight to top of casing. If pump or well seal is watertight, the pump may be left in place. A well that has, after extended use, been temporarily abandoned for 3 years should be permanently abandoned.

Performed by licensed Master or Journeyman Well or Geothermal Heat Exchange Driller or Licensed Master of Journeyman Pump Installer in the responsible charge of a licensed well drilling company. Shall be sealed in manner appropriate to prevent entry of contaminants and from mixing waters from different zones. Neat cement, high solids >=20% bentonite grout or bentonite chips using manuf. instructions or methods for placement described in "Manual of Water Well Construction Practices, Second Edition" 1998. Contact Commission for other materials or methods. Well casing not to be removed without sealing borehole. Fill borehole in manner that prevents personal injury, contamination of groundwater and future collapse of area around borehole.

Wells and borings must be sealed from bottom to surface.

Casings & liners to be removed where possible. If cannot removed, casing to be cut off or driven downward so that top of casing is at least 3 ft. below surface. Wells to be filled w/ sealing material to within 3 ft. of surface, and remaining filled with natural materials. If casing removed, well shall be plugged and sealed in accordance with ARM. Flowing wells shall be plugged with cement grout under pressure, suitable well packer, or wooden or cast plug. Filter pack or gravel enveloped wells, or other wells w/coarse materials around inner casing should obtain approval from the board prior to abandonment.

A non-artesian well that is permanently discontinued, not properly constructed, a replaced well with a permit condition shall be immediately plugged. Plan to be filed with state engineer prior to plugging unless well is a replaced well with a permit condition to plug. To be filled from bottom upwards to surface with a tremie pipe using approved sealant. Wells not encountering water bearing formation shall be immediately plugged by filling with drill cuttings or clean native fill to within 10 ft of land surface, and plugging remaining 10 ft with a plug of approved sealant. Contaminated wells require coordination with state engineer prior to plugging. [19.27.4.30 NMAC - Rp, 19.27.4.30 NMAC, 6/30/2017] (Additional requirements for artesian domestic wells)

Cement-bentonite slurry is the preferred material for plugging. If permitted, heavy drilling mud or bentonite slurry weighing no less than 9 lb./gal. may be used to fill or plug. It is preferable for plugging to be applied using the pump-down method, in one continuous operation from bottom to top. Neat cement may also be used. Obstructions in well to be removed prior to plugging. Plugging & filler material to be free of foreign & organic additives. Pouring or dropping the material through water is not permitted. Top of casing to be cut off a min of 3 ft. below surface in areas subject to subsidence and/or farming. After filling well with slurry, excavation above top of plug shall be filled with compacted soil. Seal annular space if not already sealed. If part or all of casing has already been removed from well, determine amount of cave-in if any, ream or drill out cave-in portion and then filled entire hole with slurry from bottom to top using pump-down method.

If contains gravel pack, casing removed to dept of 4 ft. below ground level, remove all gravel pack, other materials, and fluid within the first 6ft below casing. Grout to be placed from 6 ft. below to 1 ft below top of well casing. If no grout of gravel pack in annular space and free of debris, grout from 3 ft. below to 20 ft. below ground level, or pitless well adapter connection point to minimum of 20 ft. below pitless adapter.

Cover over w/ compacted surface silts or clays from 3 ft. below surface to surface. If hole penetrates aquifer w/ > 1,000 mg/L of total dissolved solids, entire hole to be plugged. Plug within 3 ft. of ground surface .

If well in alluvium and terrace deposits authorized by the Board, fill well w/clean uncontaminated silica sand to w/in 16 ft of land surface, then 2 ft of bentonite pellets or granules placed on silica sand, and finally min. of 10 ft of cement grout installed in annular space and interior of casing to at least 4 ft below land surface.

Portion of casing above surface to be capped w/ watertight, vented pitless adapter cap that cannot be easily removed.

Various ASTM D1527. HWCPIS 2.4(e)(3)

100 ft.

All wells to be equipped w/ access port or w/ pressure gauge. Vent opening, observation port, or air-line equipment to extend at lest 6 in. above surface.

All wells to be equipped w/usable access port w/ min diameter of 0.5 inches and must be installed before drilling machine is gone from well site. Shall be capped and be minimum of 12 inches above finished ground surface or pumphouse floor. To be maintained by the landowner to prevent contamination of groundwater.

Each well that is drilled, deepened, or reconditioned to have access port not < 1 in. in diameter.

Needed for wells with casing 4 in. or > in diameter. Port min. diameter to be 1/2 in. If a gravel tube is installed, it shall be sealed with a cap.

No Standard Specified.

No Standard Specified.

For Water level monitoring. HWCPIS Part 2.3e

No Standard Specified.

No Standard Specified.

To be sealed & capped. To have min of 0.5 in.

Properly capped and/or screened.

800 ft.

Sample tap to be provided.

Drive point or jetted wells to have nonperforated, watertight casing extending to min of 18 ft. below surface. Upper drill hole at least 4 in. > than nominal diameter of permanent production pipe to extend at least 18 ft. below surface. Annular space to be filled with grout. No water supply well shall be constructed, altered, converted, or abandoned contrary to the provisions of these rules and regulations without prior approval from the Water Resources Department.

At least 10 ft. in all directions from well, surface must be sloped to drain away from well. Driller's log, maps, and photos must be submitted to Dept. No cross-connection with sewer system. Well must be protected against flooding. Well pits are prohibited unless they are exempted by Dept. Water well contractors are required to submit the well drilling log to DNR.

none specified

Natural organic or nutrient producing material not to be used during construction. Toxic material shall not be used in the construction, reconstruction, treatment, or plugging of a water well, unless the material is flushed from the water well before use. Wells not to be constructed in pits, basements, garages, or crawl spaces. Known contaminated water-producing zones in aquifer shall be cased and grouted to prevent movement of groundwater from that zone into fresh groundwater zones.