Section 6.102 - DefinitionsThe following terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(1) Annular space--The space between the borehole wall and the heat exchange loop installed within the borehole.(2) Aquifer--A geologic formation that contains enough saturated permeable material to provide significant quantities of water to wells and springs.(3) Casing--A metal or plastic pipe installed into the borehole to prevent the sides from collapsing and to protect groundwater from contamination.(4) Commission--The Railroad Commission of Texas.(5) Director--The director of the Oil and Gas Division or the director's delegate.(6) Fresh water--Groundwater containing 1000 parts per million (ppm) or less total dissolved solids.(7) Groundwater conservation district--Any district or authority created under Section 52, Article III, or Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution that has the authority to regulate the spacing of water wells, the production from water wells, or both as defined in Texas Water Code § 36.001.(8) Grouting--The material used to achieve an impervious seal in the borehole after the heat exchange loop has been installed.(9) Heat exchange loop--A conduit used in shallow closed-loop geothermal heat systems factory manufactured by fusing a U-bend fitting to dual coil polyethylene pipe, with fusion equipment for heat transfer.(10) Individual permit--A permit, other than an authorization by rule or general permit, for a specific activity at a specific location.(11) Injection well--A well into which fluids are injected.(12) License number--The number assigned to a water well driller or pump installer by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).(13) Licensed pump installer--A person licensed by TDLR to install submersible pumps.(14) Open-loop air conditioning return flow wells--Class V Underground Injection Control (UIC) wells used to return groundwater, which has been circulated through open-loop, heat pump/air condition (HAC) systems, to the subsurface. These wells are regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality under 30 Texas Administrative Code § 331.11 and §331.12.(15) Owner--The owner of a shallow closed-loop geothermal system subject to the requirements of this subchapter.(16) Person--A natural person, corporation, organization, government, governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, or any other legal entity.(17) Pitless adapter--An adapter that provides a water-tight connection between the drop pipe from the submersible pump inside a well and the water line running to the service location. The device not only prevents water from freezing but also permits easy maintenance of the system components without the need to dig around the well.(18) Pump installer--A person who installs or repairs well pumps and equipment. A person does not have to be a "licensed pump installer" to install, repair, or service above ground pumps for shallow closed-loop geothermal systems.(19) Shallow closed-loop geothermal injection well--An injection well that is part of a shallow closed-loop geothermal system. These types of wells are limited to a depth of formations that contain water with a total dissolved solids content of 1000 parts per million (ppm) or less.(20) Shallow closed-loop geothermal system--A closed-loop geothermal injection well, including all heat pumps and tubing, heat transfer fluids, and connections from the injection well to the infrastructure and the geothermal heat exchange system, that operates as a heat source or heat sink in concert with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system designed to heat or cool infrastructure. These systems are also called "ground source heat pump systems." All energy used from this type of system is consumed by the onsite infrastructure and is not provided to an energy market.(21) TDLR--The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.(22) Total dissolved solids--The total dissolved (filterable) solids as determined by use of the method specified in 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 136.(23) Tracking number--The designated number assigned by TDLR for a specific well report.(24) Water well driller--A person or company possessing a water well driller's license issued by TDLR.(25) Well report--The State of Texas Well Report administered by TDLR.16 Tex. Admin. Code § 6.102
Adopted by Texas Register, Volume 50, Number 01, January 3, 2025, TexReg 0103, eff. 1/6/2025