This aquifer protection and well testing chapter is adopted
to ensure the adequacy of potable groundwater supply for residential
and commercial development in areas not served by public water supply
and to ensure that such water is safe for human consumption and use.
Abandoned and faulty wells may cause pollutants to reach the aquifer,
creating risk to life safety of residents drawing water from that
source. These provisions are established to promote the health, safety
and welfare of the citizens of the Township of Wantage. These provisions
do not excuse any person or entity from complying with all other relevant
requirements and obligations imposed by State and Federal laws and
regulations and other local ordinance provisions.
For all major subdivisions, an aquifer test and hydrogeologic
report shall be submitted and reviewed prior to granting of preliminary
subdivision approval. Aquifer testing and data to be included in the
report are as follows:
a. The average daily, peak day, and average yearly water demand for
each subdivision of four or more lots must be determined according
to guidelines set forth at N.J.A.C. 7:10-12.7; peak day is twice the
average daily demand.
b. The minimum number of test wells required is based on the number
of lots, and the acreage of the tract to be developed as follows:
Number of lots
|
Wells
|
---|
4-10
|
2 test wells, 1 pumping test
|
11-25
|
3 test wells, 1 pumping test
|
26-50
|
4 test wells, 1 pumping test
|
>50
|
4 test wells plus 1 additional test well for each additional
25 lots or part thereof; at least 4 test wells per 100 acres. More
wells may be needed depending on geology and well yield; 1 pumping
test per each 50 lots or part thereof
|
Each pumping well must have an observation well within 500 feet.
More pumping tests than indicated above may be needed to pump the
estimated water demand of a project in a twenty-four-hour period,
depending on the yield of the test wells.
|
c. Wells should be located by applicant's hydrogeologist on lots
in such a manner that they may become the domestic supply for that
lot. Locations should take into consideration:
1. Area distribution of test wells on the tract;
2. Geologic variability beneath the site;
4. Geologic structures, joints, faults, etc.: and
5. Two wells in each group should be located on adjacent proposed lots
and along the dominant joint direction. One of these wells should
be the pump-tested well in each group.
Wells must be constructed in accordance with Standards for the
Construction of Public Noncommunity and Nonpublic Water Systems set
forth at NJDEP N.J.A.C. 7:10-12, et seq. Each test well must have
a locking cap.
d. Pumping test(s).
1. The pumping test(s) shall be designed by the applicant's hydrogeologist
to pump at least the average daily water demand and preferably the
peak day demand at the highest rate possible. For 50 or more lots,
the peak day demand plus 20% additional must be pumped.
2. The pumping test(s) must last at least four hours and up to 24 hours.
Test(s) must be conducted in accordance with standard methods. All
test wells shall be monitored for drawdown by reliable methods; dip
tubes should be installed for this purpose in a pumping well. Discharge
must be metered and channeled away from the wellhead. The pumping
test must be followed immediately by a standard recovery test to 90%
recovery in the pumping well. If the water level has not recovered
to 90% in one hour, a water level should at least be taken the following
morning to be sure that the level has recovered to 90% of static.
3. The pumping rate, total gallons pumped, amount of drawdown and recovery
rate should demonstrate that the needed water is available without
detrimental impact on the aquifer or nearby wells.
e. Water samples must be collected near the end of the pumping test(s) and be analyzed as per subsection
15A-1.3e above, or as required by the township engineer. Projects of 50 or more lots must comply with Public Community Water Supply testing standards.
f. A geologic and hydrogeologic report containing appropriate maps,
well logs, pumping test data, information on nearby wells, onsite
water balance, results of the water analyses, discussion of the adequacy
of the water supply and local/regional effects on the water table,
and recommendations must be prepared by the applicant's hydrogeologist
and submitted to the township engineer for review. For developments
of 50 or more lots, the hydrogeologic report must also be reviewed
by NJDEP.
g. The report required in subsection
15A-1.4f above shall be reviewed by the township engineer who may require additional testing or information.
h. Monies to cover all review expenses must be deposited in an escrow
account prior to preliminary site plan approval in accordance with
the requirements of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53.1, et seq.