N.H. Code Admin. R. Env-Dw 305.14

Current through Register No. 25, June 20, 2024

Section Env-Dw 305.14 - Proposal for Pumping Test

(a) Subject to (c), below, the proposal required by Env-Dw 305.08(k) shall be for:

(1) A standard pumping test as specified in (d), below, in which case the preliminary report shall contain the information specified in (e), below; or

(2) An alternate pumping test as specified in (f), below, in which case the preliminary report and the final report shall include an explanation of the justification for using the alternative method.

(b) The pumping test shall be conducted to gather the information necessary to:

(1) Demonstrate that the proposed permitted production volume is sustainable;

(2) Assess the effects of the proposed well on surrounding water resources and water uses; and

(3) Demonstrate the small CWS source capacity required by Env-Dw 405.

(c) An applicant for a new source of water for a new small CWS with a design flow requirement less than 57,600 gallons per day, but with a source capacity requirement that exceeds 57,600 gallons per day, shall comply with the wellhead protection area refinement, pumping test, and water quality testing requirements of Env-Dw 302.11, Env-Dw 302.14, and Env-Dw 302.15, respectively.

(d) A standard pumping test shall be completed as follows:

(1) The pumping of and discharge from the water system's wells shall be as follows:

a. The new well and any other well being pumped as part of the pumping test shall be operated continuously at a discharge rate that does not vary more than approximately 5% after the first 24 hours of pumping;

b. For an existing CWS with one or more existing wells that will continue to be used even if the proposed well is approved, each other well shall be operated as usual to demonstrate system capacity requirements under Env-Dw 405;

c. The pumping test production rate shall not be less than the proposed permitted production volume for each new well;

d. The discharge rate shall be:

1. Measured using a device capable of providing measurements accurate to within 5% of the discharge rate; and

2. Measured every 15 minutes for the first 2 hours and at least once every hour thereafter;

e. Discharge measurements shall:

1. Not be averaged over a period greater than one minute; and

2. Include at least 2 readings collected and recorded for each measurement; and

f. Pumped water shall be discharged outside the estimated contributing area of operating wells so there is no effect on the pumping test results;

(2) Subject to (3), below, the pumping test shall be conducted for not less than 72 hours;

(3) The pumping test may be terminated sooner than 72 hours if the applicant submits field observations and water level data to the department to demonstrate that the average change in water level in the pumping well is 0.5 feet or less over a period of at least 12 hours, provided that the pumping test duration shall be not less than 48 hours;

(4) Water levels shall be measured as follows:

a. For each proposed new well, water level measurements and time shall be recorded:

1. Just before pumping begins;

2. After pumping starts, every 5 minutes for the first hour, and at least once every hour thereafter; and

3. After pumping stops, during the recovery period, so that at least 10 data points are recorded over a period equivalent to the pumping period of the pumping test or until the water level in the new well has recovered to 90% of the pre-pumping water level; and

b. Water level measurements shall be made using equipment capable of measuring to the nearest 0.01 foot;

(5) For existing water systems, water levels in the system's other wells shall be recorded before the pumping test starts, during the pumping test at intervals no greater than once every 2 hours, and just after the pumping test ends;

(6) Water levels in any surface water within 150 feet of the operating wells shall be measured using a water level staff gauge marked in 0.01-foot intervals, with gauge readings being taken just before pumping starts and at least every 6 hours thereafter;

(7) Water levels in private and public wells within 1,000 feet of the proposed new source well or wells shall be monitored, if permission has been obtained from the owner as specified in Env-Dw 302.14(h)(1), to estimate the effect on these wells as required by Env-Dw 305.28(i);

(8) On-site weather condition observations shall be recorded daily during pumping and recovery.

(e) When a standard pumping test is proposed, the proposal shall include the following:

(1) The proposed pumping test production rate;

(2) The methods, locations, and schedule for water level measurements;

(3) A site sketch showing the discharge location;

(4) A site sketch showing the location of any surface water staff gauges and a description of their construction;

(5) A description of the method and equipment that will be used to ensure a constant pumping rate is maintained;

(6) A description of the discharge measurement method and schedule;

(7) A description of how the system's other wells, if any, will be operated while the new well is being tested; and

(8) Copies of notification letter which extend an offer to monitor water levels in nearby wells identified in (d)(7), above.

(f) When an alternate pumping test is proposed, the proposal shall include:

(1) Information that explains how the pumping test will be conducted and monitored, how the effect of the pumping test on surface waters and wells will be measured, how ambient conditions will be monitored, and any other information needed to comprise a complete proposal consistent with (d) and (e), above; and

(2) Information demonstrating that the program will meet or exceed the requirements for the standard pumping test.

N.H. Code Admin. R. Env-Dw 305.14

Adopted by, Volume XXXVI Number 14, Filed April 7, 2016, Proposed by #11062, Effective 4/1/2016, Expires 4/1/2026.