[Ord. 2007-7, 5/9/2007; as amended by A.O.]
The Easton Suburban Water Authority Backflow Prevention by Containment
and Cross-Connection Control Program revised April 2006, as may be
updated and amended from time to time, is hereby adopted as though
more fully set forth herein at length.
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No.
2020-06, 12/9/2020]
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Williams Township
Well Construction Standards Ordinance."
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No.
2020-06, 12/9/2020]
The purpose of this part is to ensure and protect the quality
and suitability of Individual Water Supply systems by requiring that
a permit be obtained prior to the construction of Individual Water
Supply and Semipublic Water Supply systems and Wells (each capitalized
term is defined below), production wells, test wells and monitoring
wells; and to establish minimum construction standards for the location,
installation, reconstruction, replacement, modification, reactivation
or abandonment of these systems.
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No.
2020-06, 12/9/2020]
"This part applies to all Individual Water Supply and Semipublic
Water Supply systems, as each of these terms is defined by this part
and all Wells that have not been completed, or that are not in operation
or are not in an operable condition at the time of the effective date
of this part. Additionally, this part shall apply to all Alterations
(as defined herein) to an existing Well. Public Water Systems (as
defined by this part) are exempt from this part. This part shall not
apply to routine maintenance and/or minor repairs to keep an existing
Well in proper working order. This is in addition to, but not superseding,
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) regulations
and/or Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) and any and all federal
agencies.
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No.
2020-06, 12/9/2020]
The following words and terms when used in this part shall have
the following meaning unless the context specifically and clearly
indicates otherwise:
A supply, the regular use of which has been discontinued
for a period of one year or more, or which is in such a state of disrepair
that continued use for the purpose of obtaining Groundwater is impracticable,
or which has been replaced by a new Well or Public Water System for
the same use.
A Well used exclusively to supply water for irrigation, livestock
operation or other agricultural purposes.
Any action which necessitates entering a Well with drilling
tools; treating a Well to increase yield (i.e., jetting, hydro-fracking
extending well depth or enlarging annulus, etc.), altering the physical
structure or depth of the Well; removal or replacement of Well Casing.
This shall not include routine pump removal or replacement or disinfection
by chlorination in accordance with PADEP and DRBC regulations.
The area between the wall of the drilled hole (or bore) and
the well casing, or the space between two well casings. If a conductor
casing is used, this includes the area between the bore and the conductor
casing and between the conductor casing and the well casing.
American National Standards Institute.
American Petroleum Institute.
An underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock, rock
fractures, or unconsolidated materials (such as gravel, sand, or silt)
that can transmit water.
A conceptual understanding of the hydrogeologic setting along
with the identification of potentially impacted water resources are
key components for aquifer test design, execution and analysis. Aquifer
test design and the conceptual understanding should be considered
when developing the pre-drilling plan and modified accordingly as
more site-specific data become available.
American Society for Testing Materials.
American Water Works Association.
The flowing back of used, contaminated or polluted water
from a plumbing fixture or vessel or other sources into a water supply
pipe due to negative pressure in a pipe.
The solid rock underlying unconsolidated surface materials.
A bedrock is defined as "Competent" as rock that, because of its physical
and geological characteristics, is capable of sustaining openings
without structural support, i.e., rock formations in which no artificial
support is needed to maintain a cave-free borehole.
An impervious durable pipe placed in a borehole to prevent
the walls from caving and to seal off surface drainage or undesirable
water, gas or other fluids and prevent their entering the Well.
All of the aerobic and facultative anaerobic, gram negative,
non-spore forming, rod-shaped bacteria which are capable of fermenting
lactose with gas formation within 48 hours at 35° C.
All acts necessary to obtain Groundwater, or artificial recharge
of Groundwater (i.e., stormwater management). Provided, however, such
term does not include an excavation made for the purpose of obtaining
or prospecting for oil, natural gas, minerals, or products of mining
or quarrying, or for inserting media to repressure oil or natural
gas formations or for storing petroleum, natural gas, or other products
and services. Construction of Wells includes the location and excavation
or drilling of the Well, but excludes the Installation of Pumps and
Pumping Equipment.
Any individual, partnership, company, association, corporation,
group or entity employed, hired, contracted or otherwise engaged by
the Owner to perform defined services for compensation, including
but not limited to a Well Driller.
An arrangement allowing either direct or indirect connection
through which backflow, including Back Siphonage, can occur between
the drinking water in a Public Water System and a system containing
a potential source of contamination.
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Delaware River Basin Commission.
Environmental Protection Agency, a government organization
in the United States that protects human health and environmental
resources.
A Well that yields water by artesian pressure at the ground
surface. A Well that yields water without exterior means (pumping,
air-lifting etc.) Many times, flowing or artesian by PDEP definition
(surface water influence).
A hole drilled into the earth, by boring or otherwise constructed
for the primary purpose of adding or removing British Thermal Units
(BTUs) from the earth for heating or cooling.
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-5, 10/12/2022]
Water within the earth below the water table within the zone
of saturation. Groundwater includes both water under water table conditions
and confined within deep aquifers.
A permanent watertight joint or connection made by filling
with concrete, neat cement or bentonite material between the Casing
and the undisturbed formation surrounding the Well or between two
strings of Casing. Grouting materials shall conform to AWWA standards,
as the same may be amended from time to time.
A system including Wells, pumps, and piping equipment, which
supplies water to a private home, or commercial/industrial development
occupying on a single lot or property.
The procedure employed in the placement and preparation for
operation of pumps and pumping equipment, including all construction
involved in making entrance to the Well and establishing seals but
not including repairs to existing installations.
National Sanitation Foundation.
Any Person responsible for a subject property, including
but not limited to the record owner, a tenant and any other Person
vested with sole or partial, legal or equitable ownership of property
located in the Township.
35 P.S. 721.1 et seq. and 25 Pa. Code Chapter 109.
Any individual, public or private corporation for profit
or not for profit, association, partnership, firm, trust, estate,
department, board, bureau or agency of the Commonwealth or the federal
government, political subdivision, municipality, district, authority,
or any other legal entity whatsoever which is recognized by law.
A device or assembly of parts which will permit water to
pass through the wall of the Well Casing or extension thereof, and
which provides access to the Well and to the parts of the water system
within the Well in a manner to prevent entrance of pollution into
the Well and the water produced.
Polyvinyl Chloride. This material is commonly used in the
construction of well casing and screen in unconsolidated aquifer boreholes.
Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
Williams Township, Northampton County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMAs defined by the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act (35 P.S. 721.1 et seq.), a system which provides water to the public for human consumption which has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of at least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year. The term is either a Community or Non-Community System and includes collection, treatment, storage and distribution facilities under the control of the operator of the system and used in connection with the system. The term also includes a system which provides water for bottling or bulk hauling for human consumption.
COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMA water system which serves at least 15 service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents.
NON-COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMSA water system that serve either transient or a non-transient population. Facilities are required to provide a safe and adequate supply of water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Non-Community Water Systems are facilities, such as schools, factories, restaurants, and churches, served by their own water supply.
NON-TRANSIENT NON-COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMSNon-community water system that regularly serves at least 25 of the same persons at least six months per year. Examples of non-transient non-community water systems include schools, churches, restaurants, and shopping centers, or businesses that have their own supply and treatment systems.
TRANSIENT NON-COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMSA public water system that provides water where people do not remain for long periods of time (i.e., a restaurant, campground, gas station, or highway rest area).
SEMI-PUBLIC WATER SUPPLYA water supply which services two or several facilities such as industrial or commercial establishments, parks, camps, hotels, motels, schools, institutions, eating and drinking establishments or a water supply which services two or more dwelling units and is not a Public Water System.
Any excavation that is drilled, cored, bored, washed, driven,
dug, jetted, or otherwise constructed when the intended use of such
excavation is for the location, acquisition or artificial recharge
of Groundwater or as a geothermal well. This includes but is not limited
to test wells, test borings, and monitoring wells, in addition to
Wells to be utilized as Individual Water Supplies or Semipublic or
Public Water Systems.
Class Designation of Ground Water Wells as defined as the
following Classes herein by this part:
CLASS I WELLWell with a volume of less than 2,000 gallons per twenty-four-hour day (gpd). Residential and/or Nonresidential wells of less than 2,000 gpd and/or minor subdivisions of five single family dwellings or less as regulated by SALDO. This includes individual new and replacement wells for single-family dwelling not associated with a subdivision.
CLASS II WELLWell with a volume of greater than 2,000 gpd but less than 10,000 gpd and/or serving major residential subdivisions as defined by Williams Township SALDO of six or more and or any nonresidential development. Hydraulic well test will be required according to § 26-209 below.
CLASS III WELLWell with a volume of greater than 10,000 gpd over a thirty-day span (300,000 gallons per month). Class III wells shall be regulated by PADEP, DRBC, and any state, multi-state regulatory agencies. Hydraulic well testing will be required according to state or multi-state agencies.
The act of cleaning/flushing out the clay and silt introduced
during the drilling process and to improve the efficiency of the well
by removing fine-grained material from the well and gravel pack. This
is often performed using air-lifting, pump-and-surge, and intermittent
pumping methods. Well development techniques should be conducted according
to PADEP requirements.
An individual or company that is permitted or licensed by
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to drill Wells in Pennsylvania.
An approved device or method used to protect a Well Casing
or water system from the entrance of any external pollutant at the
point of entrance into the Casing of a pipe, electric conduit or water
level measuring device.
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No.
2020-06, 12/9/2020]
The Owner of the property on which a Well for domestic water
use is to be utilized shall:
1.
Prior to Construction of a Well or undertaking any Alteration to
a Well, apply to the Township for a Well installation permit, providing,
on the prescribed form: name and address of applicant, name and address
of Owner of the land where the Well is to be drilled, name and address
and license number of the Well Driller, site location and address
of the property where the Well is to be drilled and proposed date
for drilling to begin. A site plan (sketch) showing the location and
identification of existing or proposed buildings, structures, improvements,
driveways, septic systems, wells, water bodies, and other same features
on adjacent properties within 100 feet of the existing or proposed
well.
2.
At the time the application is presented to the Township for review,
the applicant shall pay the application fee as established by the
Township fee schedule. In no case will the application be accepted
for review prior to payment of the applicable fee. For a proposed
Class II or Class III Well, publicly available information concerning
the construction, use, and capacity of all wells within 100 feet of
the proposed well shall also be provided.
3.
Have all Wells constructed by a qualified Pennsylvania licensed Well
Driller to meet, at a minimum, the rules and regulations of this part
and any administrative agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
4.
Submit any relevant information or data concerning the constructed
Well to the Township, including a signed Well completion report and
a copy of Well water test results (sampled and analyzed according
to state and federal regulations) obtained from the Well Driller to
permit the Township to determine whether Construction of the Well
complied with the requirements of this part. A well construction and
geologic log must be submitted to the Township along with a copy of
the well permit.
5.
Prior to construction of a dwelling unit or a building intended to be connected to a Class I Well for which an application has been filed with the Township and a well permit issued therefor, the proposed Class I Well must be drilled, constructed, and tested for quantity and quality pursuant to § 26-208, Subsection 3A, before construction on the dwelling unit or building may occur.
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-5, 10/12/2022]
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No.
2020-06, 12/9/2020]
Wells shall be located at a point free from flooding at a higher
elevation and at the following minimum setback distances to existing
or potential sources of pollution as required by PADEP and state or
federal regulatory agencies.
If the minimum setbacks cannot be achieved an ordinance waiver
must be applied for in writing. The Board of Supervisors will provide
a determination if the waiver is approved.
|
Source of Pollution
|
Minimum Setback Distance
(feet)
|
|---|---|
|
Lakes, ponds, streams or other surface waters
|
25 (measured from the top of the adjacent bank, if applicable)
|
|
Livestock yards and silos
|
50
|
|
Manure stacks
|
250
|
|
Preparation area or storage area of hazardous spray materials,
fertilizers of chemicals, salt piles
|
100
|
|
Gravity sewer lines and drains carrying domestic sewage or industrial
waste
|
50
|
|
Septic tanks, aerobic tanks or holding tanks
|
50
|
|
Subsurface sewage disposal systems, elevated sand mounds, other
sewage disposal fields
|
100
|
|
Sewage seepage pits, cesspools
|
100
|
|
Spray irrigation sites, sewage sludge and septage disposal sites
|
100
|
|
Petroleum tanks, liquid-tight manure storage and fertilizer
storage and handling
|
100
|
|
Property lines, driveways, drainage and utility easements and
private roads
|
10
|
|
Dedicated public right-of-way
|
25
|
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No.
2020-06, 12/9/2020]
All wells shall be constructed according to PADEP 25, Chapter
78.
1.
Casing.
A.
All Wells supplying an Individual Water Supply or SemipublicWater
Supply shall be equipped with watertight and durable Casing of carbon
steel with a minimum wall thickness of 0.280 inch or such other thickness
as may be established from time to time by AWWA Standard A100.
B.
The sections of Casing shall be joined together by threaded couplings
or joints, welding or other watertight approved method. The Casing
shall be carried to a minimum depth of 50 feet and meet firm, competent
bedrock then extended an additional 10 feet into firm bedrock or other
impervious strata and Grouted in place. Casing and Grouting must be
compatible. Pressure Grouting is required for all Wells by running
tremie pipe to the bottom of and along the Casing. Cement concrete
or bentonite are required for use in Grouting. Casing shall extend
at least 12 inches above ground surface. The borehole shall be at
least three inches larger than the outside diameter of the Casing
to allow for Grout.
C.
In areas known to be contaminated as recognized by PADEP and/or state
or federal agencies, the minimum depth for Casing shall be 50 feet
below existing grade elevation the criteria established in AWWA Standards
A100-84, must be followed.
2.
Well Depth. The minimum drilled depth for any water Well is 80 feet
from surface of the ground.
3.
Ferrous Casing. Ferrous Casing shall be new pipe meeting ASTM or
API Specifications for water Well construction. It shall be equipped
with a drive shoe or other effective Casing seal and have full circumference
welds or threaded pipe joints.
4.
Grouting.
A.
An Annular Space shall be provided between the Well Casing and the
borehole annulus. It shall be filled using tremie-grouting methods
to reduce the chance for materials to bridge within the borehole.
Grout shall be installed in one continuous operation under pressure
from the bottom of the Casing to the natural ground surface within
24 hours of completion of drilling. No activity in and around the
Well is permitted to occur within 24 hours after Grouting of the Casing,
or within two hours if using bentonite.
B.
All obstructions must be completely cleared prior to placement of
Grout material. The Casing shall be sealed by Grouting full bore depth
to grade. Each region deemed as an undesirable water-bearing zone
or polluted/contaminated by state and/or federal agencies shall be
sealed.
C.
During the installation of a pitless adaptor, Grout material may
be removed from the exterior of the Casing in order to provide a watertight
seal between the Casing and this adaptor. For such an adaptor, a ditch
at least three feet deep will be required along with conduits, stone
dust or sand. A sanitary Well cap shall be incorporated for protection
from leakage and identification of the Well.
D.
Grouting is to be inspected by the Township Representative.
5.
Packer. Packers when used shall be of material that will not adversely
impact taste or odor or introduce toxic substances or bacterial contamination
into the well water.
6.
Gravel Filter Media (Gravel Pack). Gravel Pack when used shall be
at least 95% siliceous material and placed in a uniform continuous
operation. Protection from leakage shall be guaranteed by the licensed
drilling contractor. Size and distribution of filter media shall be
prescribed by the licensed driller for Class I and Class II wells.
Engineer or geologists shall design size.
7.
Pits. Pit installations are not permitted.
8.
Pitless Installations:
A.
Pitless installations are those where the Casing terminates above
the ground surface. Where used, they shall be effectively sealed.
All buried suction lines shall be encased. The access Casing shall
be protected against corrosion and shall extend at least 12 inches
above the natural ground surface and to a point below the frost line.
This area shall be designed for blockage of water, insects, and rodents.
B.
Pitless adaptors cannot be installed with torch or flame, but must
be installed using a hole saw or drill and be water-tight sanitary
cap for all wells.
C.
Pitless installations are to be inspected by the Township upon installation.
9.
Well Screens. Well screens shall provide maximum amount of open area
while still maintaining structural strength. Well screen construction
shall be designed by the licensed driller for Class I and Class II
wells. Well screen construction shall be designed by the licensed
engineer or geologist for Class III wells.
10.
Well Cap. Install a secure, screened, varmint free watertight well
cap on all Wells to prevent any surface pollutants from entering the
Well or any vandalism to the Well or aquifer. In the event of a Flowing
Well, the Well cap must stop overflow from the Well.
11.
Venting. Where venting is required, an overlapping cover or pipe
with an opening facing downward shall be required. With 100-year floodplain,
venting shall be extended 12 inches above floodplain elevation. In
no case shall openings be less than 12 inches from the ground.
12.
Monitoring Wells. Monitoring Wells shall be designed such as to minimize
potential contamination of the aquifer and to maximize the information
obtained from each such Well.
13.
Heat Pumps. Heat pump (geothermal) installations shall be designed
and constructed to provide an effective watertight seal with the Well
Casing or water storage reservoir and to prevent contamination from
reaching the water chamber or interior pump surfaces. In closed loop
systems, holes must be grouted from bottom to top with cement or bentonite.
Open loop systems must conform to same requirements as water well
and any state or federal requirements for geothermal systems.
14.
Disinfection. Following completion of construction, the Well shall
be pumped continuously until the water discharge is clear. It shall
be filled with water containing concentration of not less than 100
parts per million of free chlorine. A portion of this solution shall
be recirculated directly to the Well in order to insure proper agitation.
The water shall not be used for a period of 24 hours to allow enough
contact time to disinfect the system. Other combinations of water/chlorine
concentration and time interval may be used if demonstrated equally
effective to the satisfaction of the Township's dully appointed representative.
Disposal of the purged water shall be at a point so as to minimize
adverse effects to aquatic life and in no way directed into any subsurface
sewage disposal system. Refer to PADEP and EPA regulations for guidance.
15.
Cross-Connections.
A.
If pump and piping is not installed by the Well Driller, the Owner
and its Contractor are responsible for proper installation of check-valves
and backflow protection. Backflow protectors must be incorporated
into the system and be used as needed for each outside water hose
connectors. At least two check-valves must be incorporated into each
water system that derives water from a Well.
B.
A cross-connection prevention assembly shall be provided. For Semipublic
Water Supplies, this device is required to be installed at any fixed
potable water outlet to which a hose may be connected.
16.
Well Water Sampling and Analysis.
B.
If the Well is located within or adjacent to an area of known contamination,
the Well analysis shall include the contaminants of concern. The Owner
or its representative shall utilize the appropriate means and methods
for sampling and stabilization and obtain sample analysis from a laboratory
certified by the PADEP to perform the analyses. One copy of the analysis
results shall be provided to the Owner of the Well and one copy provided
to the Township.
17.
Completion Report. The Well Driller, on behalf of the Owner, shall
submit one copy of the water well completion report to the Township,
prior to Township refunding escrow less inspection fees.
18.
A Township Well Permit is required for all vertical geothermal well
construction. A scaled house location survey plan or a copy of an
approved stormwater or sediment control plan must be submitted with
the application to show the proposed well site(s). Hand-drawn sketched
and faxed drawings are not acceptable. The plan must be clear and
accurate. If there is an approved sediment control/stormwater plan
for the property, a copy of this plan must be used.
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-5, 10/12/2022]
A.
All geothermal wells must be "closed-loop" unless the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection ("PADEP") issued
a Groundwater Appropriation Permit. The PADEP requires all "open-loop"
geothermal wells to return the water to the same aquifer from which
it is withdrawn. A standing column is an open-loop well (See Standing
Column Geothermal Well Systems).
B.
Minimum closed-loop geothermal well setback requirements:
(1)
Fifty feet from any septic tank, septic disposal system or septic
reserve area.
(2)
Fifty feet from stormwater management devices (i.e., sources
of contamination).
(3)
Fifty feet from existing gravity flow public sewer mains and
laterals, except 10 feet where piping is constructed of:
(4)
Ten feet from any existing or future building foundation.
(5)
Ten feet from any existing underground utilities.
(6)
Thirty feet from domestic water wells and irrigation wells.
(7)
Ten feet from a property line.
(8)
Fifteen feet from any road, public right-of-way or easements.
C.
All applications must show sediment control measures on the plan
for containing the drilling water and cuttings on the property.
D.
The property owner and well driller are responsible for compliance
with all applicable sediment control, noise and dust ordinance(s).
E.
Following completion of installation and grouting of a closed-loop
well (including horizontal), a final pressure test shall be performed.
Additional pressure testing prior to grouting is encouraged due to
the capital investment in the ground source heat pump ("GSHP") well
boring.
F.
Following completion of installation and grouting of wells (including
horizontal), the final testing of the loop shall be performed with
water or air that shall be applied at a minimum pressure of 150% of
the manufacturer's heat pump operating specifications. Once pressurized,
the closed system pressure shall be observed for at least 30 minutes.
G.
If pressure testing shows that any GSHP loop leaks on a closed-loop
well (including horizontal), the leaking loop shall be repaired or
replaced. If the loop can't be repaired or replaced, the loop
and borehole shall be decommissioned in accordance with PADEP Well
Abandonment Requirements. Following any loop repair or replacement
work, an additional final pressure test shall be performed as described
above in this section.
H.
Underground caution tape shall be installed above all borehole locations
that are finished below final grade. Underground caution tape shall
also be installed over all sections of underground piping associated
with the GSHP system. Scaled site schematics that tie underground
GSHP well locations and underground piping to aboveground reference
points shall be provided to the property owner upon completion of
the system.
I.
Subsurface closed-loop tubing shall be placed on and covered with
suitable clean material that will not result in damage to the tubing
as excavation trenches and pits are backfilled and compacted. At least
three feet of backfill shall be placed above the embedding sands for
the tubing that is no more permeable than the surrounding soil. If
less than three feet is used (other than the location where the tubing
may daylight along the building foundation), measures shall be taken
to prevent long-term damage to the tubing from freeze-thaw cycles
and accidental damage from shallow excavation activities (caution
tape alone is not considered sufficient protection). Backfill materials
shall be clean and shall be adequately compacted to minimize the potential
for forming a depression or sump that would allow infiltration of
surface runoff or other fluids.
J.
The use of refrigerants, antifreeze chemicals and lubricating oils
is prohibited on water that is returned to the subsurface via open-loop
systems. The use of plasticizers in grout used in well construction
is prohibited for open-loop GSHP wells. Following are the only current
PADEP-approved refrigerants: plasticizers, antifreeze, lubricating
oils and corrosion inhibitors that are allowed for closed-loop wells.
K.
Standing column geothermal well systems will be allowed only after
the applicant submits evidence that the Pennsylvania Department of
Environment has approved both a Groundwater Appropriations Permit
("GAP") and a discharge permit for the return water. Any proposed
"bleed-off" water must be approved by the state as part of the GAP;
and must have an approved discharge site. Use of the standing column
well as a drinking water source will not be allowed until the applicant
can demonstrate that the HVAC components have the approval of the
National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) or the equivalent for contact
with drinking water.
L.
Standing column wells must be a minimum of 100 feet from all infiltrative
stormwater devices, including but not limited to dry wells; 30 feet
from a building foundation; 100 feet from a septic system and generally
meet the same setbacks as all other cased "open" wells (such as drinking
water wells).
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No.
2020-06, 12/9/2020]
1.
Hydraulic testing shall be designed and properly conducted to adequately
define the characteristics of the Aquifer and Well in accordance with
PADEP regulations. The testing should demonstrate that the existing
or new-constructed Well shall provide adequate yield while also not
negatively impacting or influencing the environment or nearby wells
according to multi-state and federal agency requirements.
2.
If potential negative impacts have been determined by the Township
Engineer, hydraulic testing and development shall cease until the
applicant submits a mitigation plan and approval by the Township Engineer.
Mitigation of an adjacent adversely impacted well may include, but
not be limited to: modifying hydraulic testing plan, reduction in
proposed development, replacement of existing impacted well, connection
to other public water supply, redrilling proposed production well
to deeper aquifer, etc. Any Adverse impacts to adjacent exiting wells
is the responsibility of the Applicant to mitigate to the satisfaction
of the Township.
3.
In addition to these regulations, hydraulic testing requirements
are as follows for each Class Well designation:
A.
Class I Well.
(1)
Hydraulic Testing shall be performed by a licensed driller for
a period of no less than two hours and will be followed by the recovery
phase, to adequately determine yield and characteristics of the well.
Water level measurements during the recovery phase will be implemented
until the well has reached 95% recovery from static water level prior
to pumping.
(2)
The results of hydraulic testing will be submitted along with
the geologic logs and completion report to the Township for review.
B.
Class II Well.
(1)
Prior to hydraulic testing, a hydraulic (Aquifer Test) plan
shall be submitted to the Township for review a minimum of one week
prior to conducting the test. A pump test plan shall be drafted according
to state and multi-state agency requirements. Hydraulic testing will
be conducted for a minimum period of eight hours by licensed well
driller or engineer/geologist and according to PADEP and multi-state
agencies.
(2)
Class II Wells shall be subjected to a long-term pumping test
in accordance with the requirements and procedures set forth as previously
stated in Class I Wells. Within a subdivision of six or more lots
proposing individual on-lot wells, a minimum of one well for each
proposed six lots, or fraction thereof, shall be drilled and tested
in accordance with the long-term pumping test requirements prior to
final plan approval. All other lots shall have individual Class I
Wells drilled and tested prior to issuance of a building permit. The
Township shall be provided a minimum 72 hours' advance notice of the
time and date for implementation of the pumping test, and the test
shall not commence until a representative of the township is present.
(3)
Prior to conducting the hydraulic testing, the applicant shall
notify adjacent property owners by certified mail within 1/4 mile
of said property of proposed hydraulic testing and include the following
information:
(4)
Upon request of adjacent property owner to monitor their Well
during the proposed hydraulic testing, applicant shall conduct ground
water monitoring for the duration of the hydraulic testing period,
including background, pumping, and recovery. Collected ground water
measurements shall be provided to the owner at their request and be
included in the hydraulic testing data.
C.
Class III Well.
(1)
Prior to hydraulic testing, a hydraulic (Aquifer Test) plan
shall be submitted by owner's engineer or geologist representative
to the Township for review a minimum of two weeks prior to conducting
the test. Hydraulic testing plan shall be as required state and multi-state
agencies. Duration, including background and recovery periods, shall
be determined by state and multi-state agencies according to well
use designation and yield. Testing shall be conducted according to
the industry standards according to PADEP, DRBC, and federal agencies,
where applicable. Installation and construction of monitoring/observations
wells shall be determined according to Monitoring Wells per state
agencies. Industry standards shall be reviewed.
(2)
A Class III Well or Wells shall be subjected to a long-term
pumping test in accordance with the requirements and procedures set
forth as previously stated in Class I and II Wells.
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No.
2020-06, 12/9/2020]
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No.
2020-06, 12/9/2020]
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No.
2020-06, 12/9/2020]
1.
Any Person who violates any provision of this part or any order issued
pursuant to this part commits a summary offense and shall upon conviction,
be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000,
together with costs, for each separate offense. In default of payment
of such fine, the defendant shall be sentenced to imprisonment for
a period of time not to exceed 10 days for each separate offense.
The Township Solicitor's office may assume charge of the prosecution
without the consent of the District Attorney as required under the
applicable Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure relating to trial
in summary cases. All fines and penalties collected for any violation
of this part shall be paid to the Township and delivered to the Township
treasurer for deposit.
A.
Each day or any portion thereof in which a violation is found to
exist shall be considered a separate offense under this part. Likewise,
each section of this part which is found to be violated shall be considered
a separate offense.
2.
Upon discovery of any violation of this part, the Township may, in
its sole and absolute discretion, forego any prosecution hereunder,
and may grant to the Owner a period of seven calendar days to comply
with the provisions of this part. Upon failure of the Owner to effect
such compliance, the Township may initiate prosecution as hereinabove
set forth.
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No.
2020-06, 12/9/2020]
In addition to any other remedies provided in this part, any
violation of this part shall constitute a public nuisance. The Township
shall have the authority to order any Person causing a public nuisance
to abate the public nuisance. In the event that the Person fails to
abate the public nuisance, the Township shall have the authority to
enter upon the property and abate the public nuisance or to institute
a suit or suits in law or in equity to restrain or prevent violations
of this part, including but not limited to seeking a preliminary injunction
under the applicable provisions of the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities
Act[1], or by seeking other legal relief from a court of competent
jurisdiction. The Township shall be entitled to recover the expenses
of abatement and all reasonable attorneys' fees.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 750.1 et seq.
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No.
2020-06, 12/9/2020]
1.
Approval of any application and issuance of a permit for Construction
of a Well shall not constitute any guarantee or warranty by the Township
regarding quantity or quality of water that may be obtained as a result
of any Well drilled under the permit. The permit only provides the
Township's approval to drill a Well at the site shown on the application,
and does not provide any other guarantees, approval, warranties, etc.
2.
The Township, and its boards, committees and commissions, their elected
and appointed officials and their employees, contractors and other
professional consultants, engineers, solicitors, managers, representatives,
advisors, predecessors, successors, agents, independent contractors,
insurers and assigns shall not be liable or responsible for damages
to any person or property caused by, resulting from, relating to or
arising out of the issuance of any permit under this part or by reason
of the conduct of any activity undertaken pursuant to this part.
