The following standards are hereby incorporated
and made part of this chapter by reference: New Jersey Safe Drinking
Water Act (N.J.S.A. 58:12A-1 et seq.) and N.J.A.C. 7:10-1 et seq.
If there are conflicts between any part of this chapter and any other
applicable law, the more stringent of the two shall apply.
As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY
The local Board of Health having jurisdiction or the authorized
agent of the administrative authority acting on behalf of the administrative
authority.
ADVANCE NOTICE OF TEST DATES
Communications in writing or by telephone with the secretary
of the administrative authority or with a field witness designated
by the administrative authority. Messages left on answering machines
are not binding advance notices.
ALTERATION
Any physical change in the well and water supply distribution
system, including deepening, modification, removal, adding additional
water distribution lines, change of use and additional use. The term
"alter" shall be construed accordingly. Hydrofracturing shall be considered
an alteration if it is not carried out as part of the construction
of a new well. Replacement of pumps, installation of pitless adapters
or extension of the well casing above grade to conform with the state
code shall be considered repairs and not alterations.
APPROVED
Accepted or approved under applicable specifications stated
or cited in this chapter, or accepted as suitable for the proposed
use under procedures and powers of administration delegated in this
chapter, and the word "approval" shall be construed accordingly.
AUTHORIZED AGENT
Any qualified person who is delegated to function within
specified limits by the administrative authority.
AVAILABLE DRAWDOWN
The distance between the static water level and a water level
five feet above the pump intake.
BEDROOM
Any room within a dwelling unit, finished or unfinished,
which may reasonably be expected to serve primarily as a bedroom or
dormitory. The term "bedroom" shall be considered to include any room
or rooms within an expansion attic.
CERTIFICATION
A written statement by the administrative authority attesting
that the water supply facilities for the proposed realty improvement
are in compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
COMMERCIAL WATER USE
The use of well water as an integral part of a commercial
operation (e.g., landscaping, restaurants, laundries or car washes)
but not the incidental well water use associated with commercial operations.
CONSTANT RATE TEST
A pumping test conducted upon the well so that discharge
remains constant with time.
CONSTRUCT A WELL
Creating physical access to groundwater-bearing strata for
the purpose of providing a water supply.
DEVELOPMENT
The division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels,
the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration,
relocation or enlargement of any building or structure, any mining
excavation, landfill or recreational facility and any use or change
in the use of any building or other structure or land or extension
of use of land.
DRAWDOWN
A decline in the water level in a well measured from the
static level.
INTERFERENCE TEST
Performing measurements of water levels in designated observation
wells to determine the change in water levels from those measured
immediately prior to commencement of the well tests.
MINOR SUBDIVISION
A subdivision of land that creates no more than two new lots
plus lands remaining.
NEW WELL
A newly constructed, altered or an existing well prior to
its certification for a new or expanded use.
NONRESIDENTIAL WATER USE
Any use of water not related to residential use, including
commercial water use, industrial water use and agricultural water
use.
OBSERVATION WELL
Any nonpumped well utilized to obtain water level measurements
during interference testing.
PEAK DEMAND RATE
The average rate of discharge of water from a well, in gallons
per minute (GPM), during peak demand periods. The peak demand rate
equals the sum of the number of full bathrooms in the residence multiplied
by three GPM, plus the number of half bathrooms multiplied by 1.5
GPM with a maximum peak demand rate of nine GPM.
PEAK DEMAND TEST
A pumping test conducted upon a well to evaluate its capability
to supply peak demand needs. The test is conducted at a rate equal
to or greater than the peak demand rate to deliver at least the peak
load. This test has been described in detail by J.L. Hoffman and R.
Canace in "Two-Part Pump Test for Evaluating the Water-Supply Capabilities
of Domestic Wells" - New Jersey Geological Survey Groundwater Report
Series No. 1-1986.
PEAK DEMAND TIME
The duration of time, in minutes, during which the peak demand
rate is exerted on a well by a home. Peak demand time is computed
in the following manner:
Peak Demand Time(minutes) = (100 gallons x number
of bedrooms)/(3 GPM x number of bathrooms)
|
= Peak load (gallons)/Peak demand (GPM)
|
PEAK LOAD
The volume of water, in gallons, required during each peak
demand period. Residential peak load is equal to the number of bedrooms
in the residence multiplied by 100 gallons.
POTABLE WATER
Water free from impurities in amounts sufficient to cause
disease or harmful physiological effects and conforming in its bacteriological
and chemical quality to the requirements of the New Jersey Drinking
Water Act regulations.
REALTY IMPROVEMENT
Any proposed new residence or other building, the useful
occupancy of which requires the installation or erection of a water
supply system. Each family unit in a proposed multiple dwelling shall
be construed to be a separate realty improvement.
REPAIR
To fix, refurbish or replace one or more components of a
water supply system in a manner that will restore and preserve the
original location, design, construction and installation of the system.
RESIDENTIAL REPLACEMENT WELL
A well constructed to substitute for an existing residential
well that has failed to provide sufficient water to adequately supply
its existing residence or to provide water of potable quality.
RESIDENTIAL WELL
A well used for residential use which can include farming
and livestock.
[Added 12-16-2014 by Ord.
No. 14-02BH]
STATIC WATER LEVEL
The water level in the well either before or after pumping
when all drilling and pumping effects on the aquifer have dissipated
and the well is in equilibrium with atmospheric pressure.
SUBDIVISION
The division of a lot, tract or parcel of land into two or
more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land for sale or
development.
TEST WELL
A well subjected to the drilling discharge test, to the residential three-part pump test in §
176-10, the subdivision site plan approval three-part aquifer tests in §
176-11, or to the nonresidential pump test in §
176-12.
THREE-PART PUMP TEST
The sequence of peak demand test, constant rate test, and well recovery test as described in §
176-10 for residential wells.
THREE-PART AQUIFER TEST
The sequence of background test, constant rate test and recovery test as described in §
176-11 for subdivision site plan approval and in §
176-12 for nonresidential wells.
WELL
An artificial excavation that derives water from the interstices
of the rocks or soils which it penetrates.
WELL YIELD
The demonstrated rate at which water can be withdrawn indefinitely
from the well.
A state well permit is a prerequisite to the
issuance of any well permit by the administrative authority under
the terms of this chapter. No person shall locate, construct or alter
any water well within East Amwell Township until a permit for the
location or construction of such well has been issued by the administrative
authority. Other modifications for repairs shall not require a well
permit from the administrative authority.
[Amended 12-16-2014 by Ord. No. 14-02BH]
A. All new or altered water wells constructed in East Amwell Township and subject to Township well permits shall be approved by the administrative authority prior to use, after passing the requirements of the drilling discharge test as described in §
176-9, the residential three-part pump test as specified in §
176-10, the three-part aquifer test for subdivisions in §
176-11, or the nonresidential three-part aquifer test as specified in §
176-12, as applicable. All new or altered water wells that are subject to the three-part pump test and are located in proximity to existing producing water wells shall undergo the well interference test as specified in §
176-13 to the satisfaction of the administrative authority or its agent before certification.
B. Existing water wells will require Township recertification
for any increase in water usage of 20% or more over its certified
capacity, or if not certified, at 20% increase over its present use.
Examples of activities that would result in a water usage increase
include but are not limited to adding a bedroom, adding livestock
water requirements, and adding irrigation. The administrative authority
reserves the right to require recertification for an increase under
20% if there is evidence of potential interference with neighboring
water wells.
C. For residential replacement wells, the requirement for three-part pump tests can be waived provided there is no increased use beyond prior or certified use. Such residential replacement wells will be certified as to their actual yield measured by the drilling discharge test as specified in §
176-9.
[Amended 12-16-2014 by Ord. No. 14-02BH; 12-15-2015 by Ord. No. 15-01BH]
A. General.
(1) The well performance requirements and the well interference requirements
contained in this chapter shall be applicable to any well construction
or alteration in all areas of East Amwell Township if not specifically
exempted in other sections of this chapter.
(2) The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all applications to
the administrative authority for:
(a)
Approval as to suitability for subdivision as specified in §
176-7C with the exception of subdivisions performed solely for the purpose of merger, boundary adjustment or agricultural partition;
(b)
Certification of proposed water supply prior to issuance of
a construction permit to construct one or more dwelling units or any
nonresidential facility; and
(c)
Certification of proposed water supply prior to issuance of
a construction permit for a change in use or expansion of an existing
use requiring additional water.
(3) Any such application submitted to the administrative authority for
approval or certification shall be made on forms prescribed by the
administrative authority and shall include but not be limited to all
data as specified by this chapter and by N.J.A.C. 7:10-1 et seq.
(4) Any such application shall include a plot plan showing the location of all new wells, the location of all preexisting wells, the location of all existing subsurface disposal areas and the location of, and test results for, soil tests for potential subsurface disposal areas within the distances shown in Table 8-A of §
176-8A below.
(5) Any such application shall include the technical specifications for
new wells as required in properly executed Forms DWR-138 "Well Record"
as issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
B. Existing lots. Certified wells shall be required for all new construction proposed on existing lots and requiring a water supply before a construction permit can be issued, renewed or extended. These wells must fulfill the requirements of the drilling discharge test as specified in §
176-9, the residential three-part pump test as outlined in §
176-10 for residential development, the subdivision three-part aquifer test as outlined in §
176-11, or the nonresidential three-part pump test as outlined in §
176-12. Both residential and nonresidential development must fulfill the requirements of the well interference test as described in §
176-13, where applicable.
C. Major subdivisions. For all major subdivisions in all zones, a hydrogeological report shall be submitted prior to granting approval as to the suitability for subdivision by the administrative authority. This report shall include the information and data specified in §
176-7F below.
D. Major and minor subdivisions — certified wells.
(1) Certified wells shall be required for each lot of any subdivision
in the Sourland Mountain District before approval as to the suitability
of such lot can be granted by the administrative authority. For each
of these wells, all wells on the other lots of the proposed subdivision
must be available as observation wells. Preexisting producing wells
located within the required distance from any test well as described
in Table 13A may be used as observation wells at the option of their
owners.
(2) For major subdivisions in all other zones, certified wells shall
be required prior to the issuance of construction permits on each
lot in that subdivision.
E. Nonresidential development.
(1) Newly installed or altered nonresidential wells require the installation
of a totalizing water meter. Readings shall be reported monthly, or
less frequently at the discretion of the Board. Frequency of reporting
shall be based on septic system design restrictions or evidence of
current or potential interference with neighboring wells.
(2) For nonresidential development proposals with a total projected water use for the project of 2,000 gallons per day or more in the Sourland Mountain District, or 4,000 gallons per day or more elsewhere in East Amwell, a preliminary hydrogeological analysis shall be required and shall include the information and data specified in §
176-7F below prior to granting of approval as to the suitability of the proposal by the administrative authority. Such analysis shall be performed by a qualified professional with experience in the field of hydrogeology and as a minimum shall include pump tests and well interference tests designed to show whether the water supply will be adequate for the intended use. Advance approval of all test protocols by the administrative authority shall be required.
(3) For nonresidential development proposals with a total projected water use for the project of less than 2,000 gallons per day in the Sourland Mountain District, or less than 4,000 gallons per day elsewhere in East Amwell, a simplified testing procedure consisting of a constant rate and recovery test shall be conducted as specified in §
176-12 below.
|
Table 7-E1
|
---|
|
Livestock Category
|
Water Use Estimate (GPD) Per Unit
|
---|
|
Adult cattle
|
11.0
|
|
Young cattle
|
6.0
|
|
Swine
|
5.2
|
|
Horses
|
10.1
|
|
Adult sheep and goats
|
2.5
|
|
Young sheep and goats
|
1.5
|
|
Chickens
|
0.05
|
|
Turkeys
|
0.15
|
|
NOTES:
|
---|
|
1
|
Extrapolated from: Table from US Geological Survey, Water Resources
Investigations Report 92-4145, prepared in cooperation with NJ Department
of Agriculture.
|
(4) Demand for industrial and commercial use shall be based on N.J.A.C.
7:10-12.6. Agricultural demand shall be certified in writing by the
landowner or applicant and shall include the total number of acres
owned or operated, the acreage planted in each crop and the number
of acres of each crop under irrigation. The letter shall also include
a description of the irrigation or water use practices and irrigation
equipment used and a description of the method used to measure the
amounts of water diverted. Animal demands are obtained following Table
7-E above. If demand exceeds 100,000 gallons per day, a New Jersey
water allocation permit must be obtained from the New Jersey Department
of Environmental Protection.
F. Preliminary hydrologeological report.
(1) The preliminary hydrogeological report for the proposed major subdivisions specified in §
176-7C and nonresidential developments specified in §
176-7E above shall be prepared by a qualified professional with experience in the field of hydrogeology. The qualifications of the persons and firm who will be performing the test shall be submitted for review to the administrative authority. The hydrogeologic report shall include specifics as follows:
(a)
A discussion of the hydrogeology of the site and its environs,
including the review of available information in published maps and
reports depicting East Amwell Township and surrounding municipalities
and New Jersey Geological Survey (NJGS) Special Report No. 24 on Hunterdon
County. This review shall also include the attitude of formation strike
and dip and a fracture trace analysis using aerial photographs showing
the location and orientation of fractures beneath the site.
(b)
An aquifer test plan shall be submitted, including the location and technical specifications for the proposed test well and wells to be monitored for interference in accordance with §
176-7E(2). Prior to conducting an aquifer test, the applicant shall submit the design of such aquifer test, including the location of well(s) to be monitored for interference on adjacent lots. Such a review may include submission of such design to a qualified hydrogeologist representing the administrative authority for review and recommendations. The administrative authority may consider the comments and recommendations of this hydrogeologist prior to approving the aquifer test plan.
(c)
The location of all disposal areas, active, abandoned and proposed,
and the location of all soil tests for potential subsurface disposal
areas within 250 feet of the proposed wells.
(d)
A review of all well drilling results from the records of the
Hunterdon County Health Department from lots located within 1,000
feet of the proposed development.
(e)
A summary projection of the hydrological impact (e.g., the projected
long-term trend of the water levels in the available aquifers or other
sources of potable water) that may be caused by the proposed subdivision
or nonresidential development and an outline of all measures that
may reasonably be employed to minimize adverse impacts. This hydrological
analysis shall at a minimum address the impacts of any existing and
proposed wastewater disposal systems onto water supplies; impacts
of any existing and proposed stormwater management practices onto
any existing and proposed water supply and wastewater disposal systems;
impacts of proposed water supplies and wastewater disposal systems
onto stream baseflow and wetlands; and impacts regarding pollution
of surface and groundwaters. The analysis shall also include an outline
of all measures that may reasonably be employ to minimize any identified
adverse impacts.
(2) As a basis for the required study, an adequate number of test wells
shall be provided. The proposed location of these wells must be indicated
on a plot plan and, along with the aquifer test plan, shall be provided
to the administrative authority prior to installation of the wells.
The fracture trace analysis should be used to identify all observation
wells, which should be located along the primary geologic features.
The first observation well, when required, shall be located along
strike of the primary geologic fracture/structures identified on or
near the property. Table 7-F below is a guide to the number of test
well(s) required:
|
Table 7-F
|
---|
|
Residential Subdivisions
|
---|
|
Number of Proposed Lots
|
Number of Test Wells
|
Number of Observation Wells
|
---|
|
3 to 10
|
1
|
2
|
|
11 to 25
|
2
|
4
|
|
26 to 49
|
3
|
6
|
|
50 and over
|
At the administrative authority's discretion, but not more
test wells than 20% of the number of proposed lots
|
At the administrative authority's discretion, but not more
test wells than 20% of the number of proposed lots
|
|
Public community systems
|
At the administrative authority's discretion, in consultation
with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
|
At the administrative authority's discretion, in consultation
with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
|
|
Nonresidential Developments
|
---|
|
Average demand
(gallons per day)
|
Mountain
|
Valley
|
---|
|
1,999 or less
|
1
|
0
|
|
2,000 to 9,999
|
2
|
1
|
|
10,000 to 50,000
|
3
|
2
|
|
50,000 to 100,000
|
51
|
41
|
|
100,000 or more
|
Obtain NJDEP water allocation permit
|
Obtain NJDEP water allocation permit
|
|
NOTES:
|
---|
|
1
|
Includes shallow piezometer to assess impact of vertical leakage
on shallow groundwater, on subsurface disposal units or on surface
waters bodies such as wetlands.
|
(3) Both test wells and observation wells may be installed in locations which can be utilized for future domestic groundwater supplies. The minimum number of observation wells does not include existing wells. Observation wells and all existing wells within a distance from the test well as specified in Table 13-A shall be monitored, but monitoring of existing wells may be performed only if their owners have so requested, following the outline in §
176-13A.
(4) The qualified professional shall provide an outline of the proposed
field work to the administrative authority for review before the field
work commences.
All wells constructed within East Amwell Township
shall conform to the standards for the construction of nonpublic and
noncommunity wells as promulgated by the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection, N.J.A.C. 7:10-1 et seq., with the following
amendments:
A. No new well shall be located at a distance less than
that shown in the following table from any existing or proposed well.
Three-part pump tests are mandatory for all wells for which the distance
requirements of Table 8-A have been waived.
|
Table 8-A
|
---|
|
Lot Size
|
Minimum Spacing of New
Wells from Other Wells1,2
|
---|
|
Less than 1.5 acres
|
100 feet3
|
|
1.5 to 3 acres
|
150 feet
|
|
More than 3 acres
|
250 feet
|
|
NOTES:
|
---|
|
1 The minimum spacing
requirements for a replacement well for an existing use may be waived
by the administrative authority if there is no expansion or change
of use.
|
|
2 The spacing requirement
may be waived for multiple wells on single lots that serve one individual
residence at the discretion of the administrative authority upon adequate
justification.
|
|
3 The spacing requirement
for very small lots may be reduced to not less than 50 feet with a
minimum of 50 feet of casing to accommodate spacing from existing
wells.
|
B. Blasting for development of any well is prohibited.
C. Hydrofracturing for development of any well within
a distance of 250 feet from an existing well is prohibited.
D. Any new well shall be provided with a pitless adapter,
installed below the frost level.
E. Placement of the pump shall not be deeper than 10
feet above the bottom of the well, but not less than five feet below
the depth of the lowest water level measured during a successful peak
demand test.
F. Six-inch well casing must weigh a minimum of 19 pounds
per foot (0.280 inches wall thickness.)
G. Any wellhead that is buried below grade and dug up
for repair to the well or the pump must have the well casing extended
above grade and a pitless adapter installed, if practical. Well casing
must extend a minimum of 12 inches above finished grade.
H. Any well used during test proceedings must be disinfected
at the end of the pump testing in accordance with guidelines from
the Hunterdon County Health Department with the use of liquid or granular
chlorine (block chlorine is not permitted.)
[Amended 12-16-2014 by Ord. No. 14-02BH]
A. General requirements.
(1) The capability of a residential well to meet the total water requirements
of its user can be estimated by a drilling discharge test, a procedure
commonly known as "blowing the well." This test shall be conducted
under the direction of a qualified hydrogeologist, a professional
engineer or a well driller, licensed under the laws of the State of
New Jersey. The administrative authority reserves the right to witness
all drilling discharge tests; the witness will certify the test results
to the administrative authority on the appropriate East Amwell Township
well testing report forms. A minimum of two working days' advance
notice shall be provided to the administrative authority. The well
driller may be authorized by the administrative authority to certify
the results. The drilling discharge test cannot be used to certify
new wells for:
(a)
Nonresidential uses greater than 500 gallons per day.
(b)
New wells located closer to other wells than specified in Table
8-A.
(c)
New wells located in the Sourland Mountain District of East
Amwell Township.
(2) Three-part pump tests will be required for these new wells.
B. Test protocol.
(1) The drilling discharge test may be performed at any time during the
drilling operation after the well casing has been installed but preferably
after a promising aquifer has been penetrated and the desired well
depth has been reached. To initiate the test, the drill rotation must
be stopped and the flow of any feed water terminated. With the drill
bit remaining at the bottom of the well bore, compressed air flow
through the drilling pipe is maintained to discharge all the water
from the well bore until the overflow has cleared up completely but
for at least 20 minutes or to the maximum that conditions allow.
(2) In the meantime, an annular catch basin is formed by mounding the
drilling chips around the protruding well casing to collect the entire
discharge. A short length of four-inch diameter pipe is imbedded into
the wall of this catch basin to form a spout. The well discharge rate
is then determined by timing the filling of a container of known volume
(typically one gallon for lower well yields and five gallons for high
well yields) under the spout with a suitable timer (e.g., a stopwatch).
This timing is repeated in intervals of at least two minutes until
three consecutive measurements do not differ by more than 10% or by
not more than one second, whichever is greater. This flow test may
also be performed by other methods such as a calibrated v-notch weir
with the prior approval of the administrative authority or the test
witness.
(3) It is important to conduct the entire test sequence without interruptions.
(4) The static water level of all wells with a test yield of 10 gallons
per minute or more as estimated by the drilling discharge test shall
be measured after completion of the drilling operation and the removal
of the drilling rig. To allow sufficient time for well recovery, the
static water level must be measured no sooner than one hour after
removal of water from the well has stopped.
C. Interpretation of the results.
(1) If the drilling discharge test results indicate a well yield of less than 10 gallons per minute (GPM), the well will have to be tested by the three-part pump test as described in §
176-10 before it can be certified for use.
(2) If the drilling discharge test results indicate a well yield of 10
GPM or more, a three-part pump test is not required for houses of
five bedrooms or fewer, with no ancillary uses that exceed 100 gallons
per day.
(3) All pump tests shall be conducted under the supervision of a qualified
hydrogeologist, a professional engineer, or a well driller or a pump
installer licensed under the laws of the State of New Jersey, who
shall certify the results to the Administrative Authority if the tests
were not witnessed by an agent of the Administrative Authority. All
test results shall be recorded on East Amwell Township Well Testing
Report forms to be issued by the Administrative Authority.
[Amended 12-16-2014 by Ord. No. 14-02BH; 12-15-2015 by Ord. No. 15-01BH]
A. General requirements.
(1) The capacity of a proposed residential subdivision to meet water
supply needs shall be evaluated through a three-part aquifer test.
The aquifer test shall be conducted with a background phase, a constant
rate pumping phase and a recovery phase. The pumping rate and total
gallons pumped during the pumping phase should demonstrate that the
required water is available without adverse impact on adjacent properties,
the aquifer and related surface water features. If multiple production
wells are required to meet development demands, the aquifer test plan
must provide details for either conducting individual well tests for
each proposed production well or on conducting the test using multiple
production wells.
(2) The test shall be conducted in accordance with §
176-7C,
D and
E above. The minimum pumping rate for the testing shall be based on the calculated peak load times a factor of two to represent a daily maximum demand.
(3) The administrative authority reserves the right to witness all three-part
aquifer tests. A minimum of five working days' advance notice
shall be provided to the administrative authority, which reserves
the right to allot testing dates in case of scheduling problems.
B. Technical requirements.
(1) The three-part aquifer test must be performed in one continuous operation as specified in §
176-11C and
D. The design and operation of the aquifer test shall conform to the applicable sections of "Guidelines for Preparing Hydrogeologic Reports for Water Allocation Permit Application with an Appendix on Aquifer Test Analysis Procedures," NJGS GSR 29 (1992 or the most recent edition or successor document). The general outline of the aquifer test procedure includes a background period of water level data collection prior to the start of the constant rate test, a constant rate pumping portion of the test and a final phase of monitoring recovery from the constant rate pumping portion of the test.
(2) For proposed subdivisions within the Sourland Mountain District testing is required on all wells of the subdivision as per §
176-7D. The required number of three-part aquifer tests as per §
176-11 shall be determined by Table 7-E. The remaining wells are to be tested in accordance with §
176-10, the three-part pump test. The aquifer test plan will provide rational for selection of the well(s) for subdivision aquifer testing as per §
176-11.
(3) The background phase of testing includes 24 hours of monitoring static
water levels in the wells immediately prior to the start of the constant
rate portion of the test. A minimum of twenty-minute water level measurements
is required from each test and monitoring well during the twenty-four-hour
period. It is recommended that a continuous water level monitor be
used to read the readings. The purpose of the background period of
the test is to collect data necessary to demonstrate that any antecedent
influence can be removed from the constant rate test data. Antecedent
effects can include rainfall events, barometric pressure changes,
pumping influences from other users in the aquifer and long-term seasonal
water level trends.
(4) The water levels in the aquifer must be stable prior to the start
of the constant rate aquifer test as determined by a final round of
pretest background water level measurements. The pump and discharge
pipe shall be equipped with a calibrated flow meter for all flows
under 40 GPM and shall be verified with timed volumetric measurements
(for example, the time required to fill a five-gallon pail). The discharge
must be directed away from the site without infiltrating to the aquifer
and affecting water levels in the monitoring wells. Any permits required
by the NJDEP for the discharge of water must be obtained prior to
starting the test.
(5) The flow rate shall be immediately adjusted at the start of the test
to the constant rate developed in the approved aquifer test plan.
The flow rate may not vary for more than 10% throughout the duration
of the test or the test may have to be repeated. Short duration pump
failures are not allowed, and the test will have to be repeated.
(6) Water level measurements during the pumping phase of the test will
conform to the schedule in NJGS GSR 29 or shall be conducted in conformance
with the approved aquifer test plan. The same requirement holds for
water level measurements during the recovery portion of the test.
(7) Water quality analyses shall be conducted in accordance with the
Private Well Testing Act and Private Well Testing Rules (N.J.A.C.
7:9E). Additional water quality tests may be required by the administrative
authority based on past agricultural history of the site, or due to
suspected or known contaminated sites in the area of the proposed
subdivision.
(8) The water levels in the test and observation wells shall recover
to static levels after conclusion of the constant rate test within
a time period equal to the duration of pumping. If the wells do not
fully recover, recovery measurements will be extended to 24 hours
from the start of recovery. If the wells are not fully recovered within
24 hours after start of recovery, the well will have failed the aquifer
test unless adequate data can be provided to ensure that the aquifer
is of sufficient extent to prevent the mining of groundwater from
fractures zones of limited lateral extent.
C. Final hydrogeologic report.
(1) A final hydrogeologic report shall be provided with each subdivision
site plan application, including all data from the three-part aquifer
test. Data shall be provided on a floppy disk or CD in Microsoft Word
and Excel compatible format.
(2) The final hydrogeologic report shall provide calculations of important
aquifer characteristics such as transmissivity and storage coefficient
as detailed in NJDEP GSR 29. The radius of influence for the test
as determined from observation wells shall be provided. The impact
on adjacent landowners shall be described. The overall assessment
of the aquifer test compared to data developed in the preliminary
hydrogeologic report shall be detailed, specifically variations in
expected response of the aquifer.
(3) The final hydrogeologic report shall include a detailed evaluation
of the water supply demand for the average and peak day of the subdivision.
Evaluation of the long-term use of the well on the ability of the
aquifer to sustain the water demand as well as an analysis of the
overall ability of the aquifer to meet existing demands of adjoining
properties shall be detailed. Impact on the overall water budget from
the subdivision including impacts on surface water bodies, shall be
provided.
(4) The report shall include an analysis of the potential impacts from
subsurface sewerage disposal systems on the groundwater quality. This
analysis shall consist of a site plan depicting the well, septic leach
field, geologic features observed from the fracture trace analysis
and the radius of influence from the well. The report will also detail
the results of the water quality analysis.
D. Pass/fail criteria for nonresidential tests.
(1) The test and observation well(s) must meet the recovery requirement stated in §
176-11B(8).
(2) Any three-part aquifer test will be deemed to fail if more than two
feet of drawdown is projected at any existing property boundary at
the rate and duration equal to the average daily demand over a twenty-four-hour
period for the proposed development unless the applicants' hydrogeologist
provides adequate justification to the administrative authority that
water use at average daily demand will not adversely impact water
resources and existing wells on affected properties.
(3) The proposed development will be deemed to fail if more than five
feet of drawdown is observed in wells on adjoining properties during
testing or is projected at any existing property boundary at the rate
and duration equal to the peak daily demand over a twenty-four-hour
period. The applicant shall either decrease the average daily demand
or the applicant's hydrogeologist must provide adequate justification
to the administrative authority that water use at average and peak
daily demand will not adversely impact water resources and existing
wells on affected properties.
[Amended 12-16-2014 by Ord. No. 14-02BH; 12-15-2015 by Ord. No. 15-01BH]
A. General Requirements.
(1) The capacity of a nonresidential well(s) to meet the average and
peak demand requirements of its user shall be evaluated through a
three-part aquifer test. The aquifer test shall be conducted with
a background phase, a constant rate pumping phase and a recovery phase.
The pumping rate and total gallons pumped during the pumping phase
should demonstrate that the required water is available without adverse
impact on adjacent properties, the aquifer and related surface water
features. If multiple production wells are required to meet development
demands, the aquifer test plan must provide details for either conducting
individual well tests for each proposed production well or on conducting
the test using multiple production wells.
(2) The test shall be conducted in accordance with §
176-7C,
D and
E above. The minimum pumping rate for the testing shall be based on the calculated peak load times a factor of two to represent a daily maximum demand.
(3) All pump tests shall be conducted under the supervision of a qualified
hydrogeologist, a professional engineer, or a well driller or a pump
installer licensed under the laws of the State of New Jersey, who
shall certify the results to the Administrative Authority if the tests
were not witnessed by an agent of the Administrative Authority. All
test results shall be recorded on East Amwell Township Well Testing
Report forms to be issued by the Administrative Authority.
(4) The Administrative Authority reserves the right to witness all three-part
aquifer tests. A minimum of two working days' advance notice
shall be provided to the Administrative Authority, which reserves
the right to allot testing dates in case of scheduling problems.
B. Technical requirements: hydrogeologic report required.
(1) The three-part aquifer test must be performed in one continuous operation as specified in §
176-12C,
D and
E. The design and operation of the aquifer test shall conform to the applicable sections of "Guidelines for Preparing Hydrogeologic Reports for Water Allocation Permit Application with an Appendix on Aquifer Test Analysis Procedures," NJGS GSR 29 (1992 or the most recent edition or successor document). The general outline of the aquifer test procedure includes a background period of water level data collection prior to the start of the constant rate test, a constant rate pumping portion of the test and a final phase of monitoring recovery from the constant rate pumping portion of the test.
(2) The background phase of testing includes three days of monitoring
static water levels in the wells immediately prior to the start of
the constant rate portion of the test. A minimum of hourly water level
measurements is required from each test and monitoring well during
the three-day period. It is recommended that a continuous water level
monitor be used to read the readings. The purpose of the background
period of the test is to collect data necessary to demonstrate that
any antecedent influence can be removed from the constant rate test
data. Antecedent effects can include rainfall events, barometric pressure
changes, pumping influences from other users in the aquifer and long-term
seasonal water level trends.
(3) The water levels in the aquifer must be stable prior to the start
of the constant rate aquifer test as determined by a final round of
pretest background water level measurements. The pump and discharge
pipe shall be equipped with a calibrated flow meter for all flows
under 40 GPM and shall be verified with timed volumetric measurements
(for example, the time required to fill a five gallon pail). The discharge
must be directed away from the site without infiltrating to the aquifer
and affecting water levels in the monitoring wells. Any permits required
by the NJDEP for the discharge of water must be obtained prior to
starting the test.
(4) The flow rate shall be immediately adjusted at the start of the test
to the constant rate developed in the approved aquifer test plan.
The flow rate may not vary for more than 10% throughout the duration
of the test or the test may have to be repeated. Short duration pump
failures are not allowed, and the test will have to be repeated.
(5) Water level measurements during the pumping phase of the test will
conform to the schedule in NJGS GSR 29 or shall be conducted in conformance
with the approved aquifer test plan. The same requirement holds for
water level measurements during the recovery portion of the test.
(6) Water quality analyses shall be conducted in accordance with the
Private Well Testing Act and Private Well Testing Rules (N.J.A.C.
7:9E). Additional water quality tests may be required by the administrative
authority based on past agricultural history of the site, or due to
suspected or known contaminated sites in the area of the proposed
subdivision.
(7) The water levels in the test and observation wells shall recover
to static levels within 24 hours after the conclusion of the constant
rate. If the test and observation wells are not fully recovered within
24 hours after start of recovery, the well will have failed the aquifer
test unless adequate data can be provided to ensure that the aquifer
is of sufficient extent to prevent the mining of groundwater from
fractures zones of limited lateral extent.
C. Technical requirements: hydrogeologic report not required.
(1) For nonresidential development proposals with a total projected water
use of less than 2,000 gallons per day in the Sourland Mountain District
or less than 4,000 gallons per day elsewhere in East Amwell Township,
a simplified constant rate test will be conducted without the requirements
for the background test, the aquifer test plan and hydrogeologic report.
The applicant shall provide a proposed daily water use for the project
in gallons per day, which shall be the basis for the test described
below. To be certified for the proposed water use, the well must be
capable of yielding at minimum that water volume within the two hour
period of the test. The actual results of the test shall determine
the maximum water volume the well is capable of producing and the
well will be certified for this amount. Applicant daily water usage
from this well shall not exceed the certified volume.
(2) To calculate the constant rate test pump rate, the proposed water
use (total gallons per day) is divided by 120 to provide the minimum
pump rate, in gallons per minute (GPM), required to discharge the
requested water volume within the two-hour test period. The submersible
pump used for the test must be capable of pumping at least that rate.
For example, a proposed water use of 2,000 gallons per day requires
a pump capable of delivering at least 16.7 GPM.
(3) To conduct the constant rate test, install a submersible pump as
deep as possible in the well, recording its actual depth. Record the
initial water level in the well and the water meter reading; start
the pump and record the test start time. During the test, verify the
accuracy of the water meter readings by measuring with a stop watch
the time required to fill a five gallon container. (five gal/number
of seconds x 60 sec/min=GPM.) Run the pump at its maximum flow rate
and record the well water level at least every 10 minutes until the
water level stabilizes and every 15 minutes thereafter. If the water
level drops to within 15 feet of the pump, reduce the pump output
until the well water level stabilizes. Continue pumping the well for
a total of two hours maintaining a stable water level during the second
hour (i.e., the water level should not change more than three feet
or 3% of the drawdown, whichever is greater, between fifteen-minute
readings. Deviation from this standard to allow for technical anomalies
shall be allowed at the discretion of the witness.) The final pump
rate, determined from averaging the last hour's flow meter readings,
shall be recorded. The well shall be certified for daily use at the
volume of water it actually produced during the test. The applicant
shall not exceed the tested well's certified daily volume as
determined by this test.
D. Final hydrogeologic report.
(1) A final hydrogeologic report shall be provided with each nonresidential
site plan application, including all data from the three-part aquifer
test. Data shall be provided on a floppy disk or CD in Microsoft Word
and Excel compatible format.
(2) The final hydrogeologic report shall provide calculations of important
aquifer characteristics such as transmissivity and storage coefficient
as detailed in NJDEP GSR 29. The radius of influence for the test
as determined from observation wells shall be provided. The impact
on adjacent landowners shall be described. The overall assessment
of the aquifer test compared to data developed in the preliminary
hydrogeologic report shall be detailed, specifically variations in
expected response of the aquifer.
(3) The final hydrogeologic report shall include a detailed evaluation
of the water supply demand for the average and peak day of the facility.
Evaluation of the long-term use of the well on the ability of the
aquifer to sustain the water demand as well as an analysis of the
overall ability of the aquifer to meet existing demands of adjoining
properties shall be detailed. Impact on the overall water budget from
the operation of the facility, including impacts on surface water
bodies, shall be provided.
(4) The report shall include an analysis of the potential impacts from
subsurface sewerage disposal systems on the groundwater quality. This
analysis shall consist of a site plan depicting the well, septic leach
field, geologic features observed from the fracture trace analysis
and the radius of influence from the well.
E. Pass/fail criteria for nonresidential tests requiring hydrogeologic
report.
(1) The observation well(s) must meet the recovery requirement stated in §
176-12B(7), if applicable.
(2) Any individual production well will be deemed to fail if more than
two feet of drawdown is projected at any existing property boundary
at the rate and duration equal to the average daily demand over a
twenty-four-hour period for the proposed development, unless the applicants'
hydrogeologist provides adequate justification to the administrative
authority that water use at average daily demand will not adversely
impact water resources and existing wells on affected properties.
(3) The proposed development will be deemed to fail if more than five
feet of drawdown is observed in wells on adjoining properties during
testing or is projected at any existing property boundary at the rate
and duration equal to the peak daily demand over a twenty-four-hour
period. The applicant shall either decrease the average daily demand
or the applicant's hydrogeologist must provide adequate justification
to the administrative authority that water use at average and peak
daily demand will not adversely impact water resources and existing
wells on affected properties.
A licensed well driller or a professional licensed engineer or pump installer must be present during retest, the entire procedure must be undertaken, even if only one section of the original test has failed. The witness fee as provided in Chapter
149, Fees, Article
I, Witnessing Well Test and Field Work, must be paid for a retest, even though the Hunterdon County Department of Health does not charge a duplicate fee.
Any person or persons, firm or corporation violating
any of the provisions of or any order promulgated under this chapter
shall, upon conviction thereof, pay a penalty of not more than $500
nor less than $50 for each violation. Each day a particular violation
continues may constitute a separate offense.
If any provision of this chapter or the application
thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity
shall not affect other provisions or applications, and to this end,
the provisions of the chapter are declared to be severable.