Md. Code Regs. 26.04.04.34

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 12, June 14, 2024

Section 26.04.04.34 - Well Abandonment and Sealing Standards-General

A. Any well shall be considered abandoned when:

(1) The well is in such a state of disrepair that continued use for its intended purpose is impracticable;

(2) The well has been permanently disconnected from any water supply system or irrigation system; or

(3) The well is unsuccessful, that is, it does not meet the requirements of this chapter.

B. All wells constructed prior to April 1, 1969 that are not in use shall be abandoned.

C. An abandoned well shall be filled and sealed in accordance with this regulation.

D. The Approving Authority may require a well owner to abandon and seal a well if it:

(1) Is causing or is a potential source of pollution of waters of the State;

(2) Is producing water that is polluted;

(3) Does not have an Interim Certificate of Potability, if required; or

(4) Is no longer needed for its intended purpose.

E. Well sealing shall:

(1) Restore as nearly as possible those subsurface conditions that existed before the well was constructed, taking into account changes, if any, that have occurred since the time of construction; or

(2) Provide better protection against aquifer communication through the borehole.

F. An abandoned well shall be sealed in such a way that:

(1) If it is a cased well:

(a) The annular space is sealed so that it will not act as a channel for the interchange of waters; and

(b) The interior of the well casing is sealed so that it will not act as a channel for the interchange of waters;

(2) If it is an uncased well bore, it will not act as a channel for the interchange of waters; and

(3) It will not present a hazard to the safety and well-being of humans or animals.

G. Any abandoned well shall be sealed only:

(1) By a well driller licensed by the Maryland State Board of Well Drillers; or

(2) Under the supervision of a representative of the Approving Authority.

H. Abandonment and Sealing Notification. For wells designed to be used at a rate of more than 10,000 gallons per day, a licensed well driller shall:

(1) Provide written notification to the Approving Authority that identifies the well to be sealed and an outline of the work to be done;

(2) Identify whether the well casing is to be perforated or ripped; and

(3) Provide 24-hour notification to the Approving Authority before the commencement of sealing operations.

I. Abandonment and Sealing Approval.

(1) When the Approving Authority has reason to believe that the sealing of a well necessitates close supervision, it may require:

(a) The submission of sealing plans and specifications for approval before sealing operations are initiated; and

(b) 24 hours' notice before the commencement of sealing operations.

(2) The Approving Authority may approve of a well sealing procedure not identified in Regulation .36 of this chapter, provided the sealing procedure complies with Regulation .36D of this chapter.

J. Reports on the Abandonment and Sealing of Wells.

(1) When a well is abandoned and sealed, the person sealing it shall submit a completed Water Well Abandonment Sealing Report on the form provided by the Approving Authority.

(2) This report shall be submitted not later than 45 days after abandonment and sealing of the well or test hole.

Md. Code Regs. 26.04.04.34

Regulations .34 adopted effective 42:1 Md. R. 19, eff.1/15/2015