[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Health of the Township of Hillsborough 4-3-1989;
amended in its entirety 5-1-1995 by Ord. No. 95-1BH
(Ch. 189 of the 1977 Code). Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
A.
This chapter is designed:
(1)
To ensure that wells constructed in Hillsborough Township
will produce a sufficient volume of water to serve their intended users to
maintain acceptable standards of hygiene and sanitation;
(2)
To ensure that wells from new construction do not unduly
infringe upon the performance of existing wells; and,
(3)
In the process of evaluation, to collect data and information
about the several groundwater aquifers in Hillsborough Township in order to
determine prospects of groundwater supply for existing and potential uses.
B.
It has been shown that groundwater supply and well performance
vary widely in Hillsborough Township and surrounding municipalities, depending
on geological and hydrological factors.
C.
Although Hillsborough Township is a rural community and
has not had occasion to fully stress the groundwater system, a prudent municipal
Board of Health must act in a responsible fashion to protect this essential
resource for present and future generations, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 26:3-31a
and 58:11-23 et seq.
The following codes, standards and ordinances are hereby incorporated
and made a part of this chapter by reference. If there are conflicts between
any part of this and any other applicable law, the more stringent of the two
shall apply: New Jersey Safe Drinking Water Act, N.J.S.A. 7:10-12.1 et seq.;[1] all other relevant statutes and codes.
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 58:12A-1 et seq. for the New Jersey Safe
Drinking Water Act.
As used in this chapter:
The local Board of Health having jurisdiction or the authorized agent
of the administrative authority acting on behalf of the administrative authority.
Any physical change in the well, including deepening, modification
or removal, such that there will be a change in size, construction or installation.
The term alter shall be construed accordingly. Replacement of pumps and installation
of pitless adapters shall be considered a repair and not an alteration.
Accepted, or accepted 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 work approval
shall be construed accordingly.
The use of any method or methods to increase or alter the number
and size of fractures in a rock well.
A licensed health officer, professional engineer, sanitary inspector,
plumbing inspector or any other qualified person who is delegated to function
within specified limits by the administrative authority.
A room having at least a commode, sink basin, and bathing facilities
which include a tub or shower or similar facility.
A room having a commode and a sink basin.
Any room within a dwelling unit, furnished or unfurnished, which
may reasonably be expected to provide sleeping quarters for any one or more
individuals. The term bedroom shall be considered, in absence of any evidence
to the contrary, to include any room on the second and/or third floor and
any room on the first floor which has no through traffic and no direct door
to the outside. The term bedroom shall be considered to include any room or
rooms within an expansion attic.
A written statement by the administrative authority attesting that
the water supply facilities for the proposed realty improvement are in compliance
with the Realty Improvement and Facilities Act, as revised (N.J.S.A. 58:11-23
et seq.), N.J.S.A. 58:12A-1 et seq. and the regulations promulgated under
either, and the requirements of this chapter.
The drilling, building, assembly or installation of a new water supply
system or the enlargement of an existing water supply system; and the term
“well construction” shall be construed accordingly.
Twice the peak load.
A decline in the water level in a well, measured from the static
level.
A decline in water level in a well due to pumping from any other
wells.
A decline in water level in a well to the extent where the proper
operation of the well is threatened due to pumping from any other wells.
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
A pumping test conducted upon a well to evaluate its capability to
supply peak demand needs. The test is conducted at a rate and a duration equal
to or greater than the peak demand rate and peak demand time. 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" - N.J. Geological
Survey Ground Water Report Series No. 1-1986.
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:
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Peak Demand Time =
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100 gallons x number of bedrooms
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3 gpm x number of bathrooms
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The volume of water, in gallons, required during each peak demand
period. Peak load is equal to the number of bedrooms in the residence multiplied
by 100 gallons.
Any water used or intended to be used for drinking or culinary purposes.
A person who has a degree in geology with a minimum of six hours
of graduate course work in hydrogeology, has maintained membership in a professional
organization specializing in groundwater geology for the past five years (e.g.
National Water Well Association) and meets the criteria of 7:14B-1.6, as amended
from time to time.
Any proposed new residence or other building of which the useful
occupancy 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.
The inflow of groundwater into a well from the aquifer in which the
well is drilled.
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.
The water level in the well either before or after pumping, when
all the pumping effects on the aquifer have dissipated and the well is in
equilibrium with atmospheric pressure.
An artificial excavation that derives water from the interstices
of the rocks or soil which it penetrates.
The maximum rate at which water can be withdrawn continuously from
a well.
A.
Application. Information about each well shall be certified
by the applicant's well driller, hydrogeologist, or engineer and furnished
to the administrative authority.
B.
Permits. A state well permit and a local permit application 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 Hillsborough Township until a permit for the location, construction or alteration of such well has been issued by the administrative authority. (Also see § 350-15, Fees.)
C.
Information. All well applications shall include the
locations and technical specifications for all new wells, the location of
all pre-existing wells and the location of all existing wastewater and other
subsurface disposal areas, where such information can be reasonably furnished
by the applicant, and the location of soil tests for potential subsurface
disposal areas within acceptable conditions.
D.
Plans. A certification from the applicant as to the number
of bedrooms and bathrooms.
E.
Well driller's report. Well driller shall provide:
(1)
Twenty-four-hour notification to administrative authority
prior to drilling or pump tests.
(2)
Well driller's report with the following information:
(a)
Date drilled.
(b)
Geologic formation or rock type, based upon maps and
field observations.
(c)
Depth to water bearing formations/fracture zones.
(d)
Elevation at ground surface.
(e)
Depth to bedrock.
(f)
Total depth.
(g)
Length of casing.
(h)
Casing diameters.
(i)
Pump intake level.
(j)
Pump type.
(k)
Static water level as measured from top of casing.
(l)
Yield in gpm
(m)
Hours pumped and pump rate.
(n)
Drawdown in feet of well monitored continuously at fifteen-minute
intervals.
(o)
Height of casing above ground.
A.
Permit sequencing. All wells shall be installed, pump
tested and approved by the administrative authority regarding water quantity
and water quality before any other construction permits are issued.
B.
Pump test requirements. All new wells must be pump tested
as set forth in this chapter.
C.
Pitless adapter. A pitless adapter shall be installed
in all well construction, or upon alteration or repair of any existing well,
or as waived by the administrative authority.
A.
Approved wells. For subdivisions in all zones, approved
wells shall be required prior to issuance of construction permits on each
lot proposed in that subdivision.
B.
Hydrogeological report. For nonresidential and multiple residence development proposals, a hydrogeological analysis may be required prior to granting of approval as to the suitability for subdivision by the administrative authority. Such analysis shall be performed by a qualified expert, 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. This report shall include the information data specified in § 350-6C below.
C.
Report content. The hydrogeological report for proposed
major subdivisions shall be prepared by a qualified groundwater consultant
and shall include specifics as follows:
(1)
A discussion of the hydrogeology of the site and its
environs, specifically including mapping of any fractures or faults via aerial
photographs and ground verification.
(2)
Location and technical specification for the proposed
well(s).
(3)
Location of all existing sewage disposal areas and the
location of soil tests for potential subsurface sewage disposal areas within
100 feet of the proposed well(s).
(4)
The drawdowns for each well, the radius of influence
for the same, the project drawdown for all lots, an analysis of any adverse
impacts that may be created by the proposed subdivision and all measures that
may be employed to minimize adverse impacts. All methodology used in preparation
of this report shall be in conformance with recognized engineering practice
for groundwater hydraulics.
All wells constructed within Hillsborough 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.
7:10-12.1 et seq., with the following amendments:
A.
Well casing. The well casing shall extend to a minimum
of 20 feet into unweathered bedrock; however, the total length of the casing
in all other cases is 60 feet and 80 feet in areas affected by any contamination
as noted by the administrative authority.
B.
Minimum distances. No new well shall be located at a
distance less than that shown in the following table from any existing or
proposed well.
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Lot Size
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Minimum Spacing of New
Wells From Other Wells1
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|---|---|---|
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Up to 1.5 acres
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100 feet2
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More than 1.5 up to 3 acres
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150 feet
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More than 3 acres
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500 feet
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NOTES:
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1 The spacing requirements may be waived
for multiple wells on single lots that serve one individual residence. The
spacing requirement may be reduced at the discretion of the administrative
authority, upon adequate justification.
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2 The spacing requirement for small lots
may be reduced to not less than 50 feet with a minimum of eighty-foot casing
to accommodate spacing from existing wells.
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C.
Artificial fracturing. Artificial fracturing for construction,
repair or development of any well is prohibited.
D.
Pump depth. Placement of the pump shall not be deeper
than 10 feet above the bottom of the well, but not less than 10 feet below
the depth of the water level measured at the end of a successful peak demand
test.
E.
Dip tube. All wells which are to be certified or have
been certified shall be equipped with a permanent dip tube, installed with
the permanent pump, to facilitate measurement of the water level in the well.
The dip tube requires installation of a small-diameter pipe or plastic tube
from the top of the well to the final pump level in the well. The internal
diameter of any dip tube must be large enough (one-inch diameter) to accommodate
commonly used probes.
F.
Pipes. Pipe installed from the well to the residence
shall be a minimum of 200 psi strength and bedded in select fill or sand.
In addition, pipes shall be sleeved at all points through walls or floors,
and openings shall be sealed to prevent leakage.
G.
Solder. Any soldered joints shall be made with no lead
solder.
H.
Submersible pumps. All submersible pumps installed must
be classified lead-free.
A.
Pump test. The capability of a well to meet the peak
demand and the total daily demand of its user shall be evaluated through a
three-part pump test. The well must pass the peak demand test as required
for the size of the residence or the nonresidential facility to be supported
by the well. The well must pass the constant head, recovery, and interference,
if applicable, portions of the test to evaluate the long-term yield of the
well.
B.
Supervision. All well tests shall be conducted under
the supervision of a well driller or a pump installer licensed under the laws
of the State of New Jersey, who shall certify the results of the tests to
the administrative authority. All test results shall be recorded on "Hillsborough
- Well Testing Report" forms issued by the administrative authority.
C.
Witnessing. The administrative authority reserves the
right to witness all well tests. A minimum of one-working-day advance notice
shall be provided to the administrative authority. The administrative authority
reserves the right to allot testing dates in case of scheduling problems.
Interference test and seventy-two-hour constant head test shall be designed
and witnessed by the applicant's qualified groundwater consultant and will
be overseen by the Township's expert witness.
D.
Technique. The three-part pump test must be performed
in one continuous operation as heretofore specified. The well must be at its
static level at the beginning of the test; i.e., the well has to be undisturbed
for a minimum of 12 hours before testing.
E.
Flow meter. Flow rates at the discharge line must be
measured with a water-flow meter. Flow rates must be adjusted by throttling
the flow. The flow meter must be checked at least once during the test by
timed volumetric measurement.
F.
Discharge. The discharge water must be channeled away
from the well head to minimize direct recharge of the well during the test.
G.
Water level. The water level in the well must be determined
reliably during the tests.
A.
Definition. The peak demand test is a standard drawdown
pump test used to determine whether the well can supply the water needed by
the household or other facility during times of peak water demand.
B.
Pass/fail. The results of the peak demand test must show
that well storage plus well recharge during the peak demand time at least
equals the peak load required for the facility proposed to be supported by
the well. If the results of the peak demand test are unsatisfactory, the well
may be altered or used in conjunction with additional wells; or the design
of the proposed facility must be so modified as to lower the peak load requirements
sufficiently to accommodate the performance of the well; otherwise, the well
shall be abandoned and sealed in accordance with the requirements of N.J.A.C.
7:9-9.1 et seq.
C.
Test protocol.
(1)
General. To perform the peak demand test, the well is
pumped at least at the peak demand rate for the peak demand time. If 80% of
the available storage in the well has been drawdown prior to the end of peak
demand time, the flow rate will be reduced to maintain a constant level in
the well at 80% of the available storage.
(2)
Residential. The peak demand rate for residential use
equals three gpm for each full bathroom plus 1.5 gpm for each half-bath proposed
for the serviced residence; the peak load equals 100 gallons for each proposed
bedroom (which equals 1/2 of the minimum daily requirements of two persons
per bedroom, according to N.J.A.C. 7:10-12.7) and the peak demand time equals
the time required to deliver the peak load at the peak demand rate.
(3)
Nonresidential. The peak demand rate for nonresidential
use equals two gpm for each major supply fixture (flush toilet, sink, shower
head, bathtub, laundry unit, dishwasher, water cooled air conditioners, etc.)
proposed for the serviced nonresidential facility; the peak load equals 1/2
of the minimum daily water requirements, according to N.J.A.C. 7:10-12.7;
and the peak demand time equals the time required to deliver the peak load
at the peak demand rate.
(4)
Drawdown. The drawdown is monitored during the test at
one-minute intervals for the first 10 minutes and five-minute intervals thereafter,
until the end of the peak demand test. To pass the peak demand test, the well
must not be drawdown during the peak demand time below a level less than 10
feet above the pump intake and below a level less than 20 feet above the bottom
of the well.
A.
Exclusion. No constant head test or well recovery test
is required when the peak demand test is passed. The peak demand test passes
if less than 1/2 of the water necessary to satisfy the peak demand test
at the calculated peak demand rate and demand time is drawn from well storage,
and the rate of drawdown in the well indicates a flow of water from the aquifer
to the well is greater than or equal to five gallons per minute. For example,
at 7.5 gpm flow, the rate of drawdown must be less than 1.7 ft./min.:
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(7.5 - 5 gpm
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=
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1.7 feet/minute
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1.469 gp feet*
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*Volume of water in a six-inch well casing.
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B.
Definition. The constant head test is a portion of the
drawdown pump test used to determine whether the well can supply the water
needed by the household or other facility for the life of the well.
C.
Pass/Fail. The results of the constant head test must
show that the well yield (gpm x 1440 min/day) is equal to twice the daily
load (two times the peak load). This allows for a factor of two safety factors
on present well yield to meet long-term needs. Further, if the results of
the constant head test indicate a well yield of less than three gpm, the property
for which the well is drilled should be deed-restricted against excessive
water usage. The deed restriction shall include restrictions against pool
facilities, lawn watering systems, and lawn watering.
D.
Test protocol. To perform the constant head test, the
water level in the well is maintained at the water level reached at the end
of the peak demand test. This level must be maintained for a period of 30
minutes, with a maximum water level fluctuation of plus or minus two feet
after flow adjustment, in order for the well yield to be determined. Further,
the water level should not rise or fall by more than five feet at any time
after a change in flow rate, or the flow rate must be readjusted. The test
is continued until a constant head is maintained for 30 minutes or the well
yield is found to be below twice the daily load. The test must be continued
for a minimum of 30 minutes after the conclusion of the peak demand test.
Water level and flow rate are to be measured every five minutes.
E.
Residential. The daily load is equal to the peak load
times two. The daily load equals 200 gallons for each proposed bathroom (which
equals twice the peak load and represents the minimum daily requirement of
two persons per bedroom, according to N.J.A.C. 7:10-12.7).
F.
Nonresidential. The daily load is equal to the total
planned wastewater discharge of the facility.
A.
Exclusion. A well may be excluded from the recovery portion
of the three-part pump test if less than 1/2 of the water necessary to
satisfy the peak demand test at the calculated peak demand rate and peak demand
time is drawn from storage.
B.
Monitoring. Immediately after termination of the constant
head test, the water level in the well will be monitored. Monitoring will
take place at one-minute intervals until 80% of the original static water
level in the well has recovered or for four hours, whichever comes first.
C.
Pass/fail. If the well is unable to recharge 80% of the
drawdown measured during the well test in the total elapsed pumping time of
the peak demand test plus the constant head test or less, the well fails the
recovery portion of the three-part pump test and will be considered inadequate
for use.
A.
Definition. An interference test which is restricted
to the MZ-Zone, or any zone in which the well driller's report indicates the
presence of diabase or argillite rock formations, is an evaluation of the
influence a new well will have on existing well(s) so as to determine if that
influence would be sufficiently large as to interfere with operation of existing
wells. Interference testing will be conducted whenever a well to support new
construction on a subsized lot or wherever a proposed well to support new
construction is within 500 feet of an existing well. Interference testing
shall be required on all multiple residential developments where wells supply
potable water.
B.
Pass/fail. The results of the interference test must
show that the influence of the new well on any existing well at a minimum
cannot exceed 5% of the available drawdown or five feet, whichever is less,
in the existing wells. If the results of the peak demand test on the new well
are unsatisfactory, the well may be used in conjunction with additional wells,
provided the interference test on the additional well(s) is satisfactory,
or design of the proposed facility must be so modified as to lower the daily
demand requirements sufficiently to pass a second interference test; otherwise,
the well shall be abandoned and sealed in accordance with the requirements
of N.J.A.C. 7:9-9.1 et seq. If any influence is observed in the observation
wells from the pumping well, a hydrogeological analysis of long-term impacts
by a qualified hydrogeologist shall be required prior to granting of approval
for the new well.
C.
Test protocol.
(1)
To perform the interference test, the well is pumped
at 80% of the available drawdown or twice the daily demand rate, whichever
is greater as determined by the constant head test. A maximum rate of 10 gpm
is permissible with approval by the administrative authority. The pumping
level (80% of available drawdown) or pumping rate (twice the daily demand
rate) is maintained for 72 hours. The interference test can be initiated at
the conclusion of the constant head test and will negate the necessity of
the recovery test with the prior approval of the administrative authority.
(2)
Existing residential wells within 500 feet of the well
to be pumped shall be offered the opportunity to participate in the interference
testing. Prior to any test pumping of the new wells, static water levels in
all wells to be monitored will be obtained four times at two-hour intervals
the day prior to testing and once the morning of the testing to establish
background conditions. Each participant in the interference test will be asked
to minimize water usage and, if possible, disconnect the well for the duration
of the test. The new test well must be monitored at two-hour intervals during
the test. Existing residential wells must be monitored at least every two
hours during the daylight hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the test.
(3)
The interference test is designed to stress the aquifer
by simulating long-term usage of a new well and the resulting effects on adjacent
wells. The duration of the test is necessary to affect the aquifer a sufficient
distance from the new well to evaluate interference. Observed drawdown in
all the wells plus a basic evaluation of fracture pattern in the area will
allow a qualified hydrogeologist to predict long-term pumping levels in the
aquifers.
A.
All wells that are taken out of service must be sealed
in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:9-9.1 et seq. by a licensed well sealer within
30 days of the disconnection.
B.
The well is considered to be out of service if a new
on-site well or connection of a public water supply system has been installed
as a replacement water supply.
C.
The well sealer shall submit a completed New Jersey Department
of Environmental Protection Well Abandonment Report after sealing the well.
D.
The well sealer shall provide twenty-four-hour notification
to the administrative authority prior to sealing the well.
All well water shall be tested for selected New Jersey Primary and Secondary
Drinking Water Quality Parameters as set forth in the New Jersey Safe Water
Drinking Act and shall include but not be limited to coliform bacteria, nitrates,
nitrites, pH, hardness, sodium, sulfates, volatile organics, fluoride, and
eight heavy metals (arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, selenium
and silver) or any other parameter as required by the administrative authority.
Well installation permits and witnessing fees are as follows:
