7 Del. Admin. Code § 7102-68.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 3, September 1, 2024

Section 7102-68.0 - Exploratory Wells

68.1 A permit to construct an exploratory well into a USDW shall be denied by the Department if the construction of the well itself will be a source of pollution as defined in 7 Del. C. § 6002 or any amending or superseding legislation. If the construction of the well itself is not a source of pollution, the permit shall be issued with conditions to meet the requirements of subsections 68.3 through 68.7 below.

68.2 An exploratory well under the Underground Injection Control Program is drilled for the specific purpose of obtaining information to determine the feasibility of underground injection at the proposed site. An exploratory well may be required, based on available geological and physical data.

68.3 At a minimum, the exploratory well tests shall be designed to determine the groundwater quality profile and make a preliminary assessment of the adequacy of the confining interval and injection zone potential.

68.4 The information provided with the application to construct and test an exploratory well shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

68.4.1 Plan of the injection project;

68.4.2 Well inventory as described in Area of Review (Section 59.0);

68.4.3 Proposed future use of the exploratory well;

68.4.4 Drilling and testing plan for the exploratory well;

68.4.5 Source and composition of any fluids to be used for injection testing; and

68.4.6 An abandonment plan.

68.5 Injection testing.

68.5.1 The permittee may conduct injection tests under the exploratory well program, for such time requested by the permittee, not to endanger the underground sources of drinking water, and approved by the Department subject to the provisions of subsection 68.4.2.

68.5.2 The exploratory well shall be constructed and tested so that it is in compliance with the Permitting Process (Section 5.0). The use of treated or untreated municipal (domestic) or industrial effluent, or reverse osmosis concentrate is prohibited for injection testing conducted under the exploratory testing program.

68.6 An exploratory well may be reclassified to a monitor well if the appropriate permits have been obtained; otherwise, the exploratory well must be properly plugged and abandoned. An exploratory well may be reclassified as a Class I test injection well or a Class V well if the appropriate permits have been obtained. If the applicant intends to apply for a permit to reclassify an exploratory well to a Class I test injection well, the exploratory well shall be constructed to meet the minimum Class I well construction standards contained in these regulations and the State of Delaware Regulations Governing the Construction and Use of Wells.

68.7 The Department shall perform at its discretion, periodic inspections at certain stages of the approved construction activities.

7 Del. Admin. Code § 7102-68.0

21 DE Reg. 978 (6/1/2018) (Final)