2011-03-18_REVISION - C1981018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 18, 2011 2 are later used for water monitoring wells are exempt from the Water Well Construction Rules, 2 CCR 402-2 (WWCR). The SEO recommends that operators, if they intend on using an exploratory bore hole as a water well at a later date, still follow the WWCR rules to allow maximum use of the well after mining operations have ceased. Conversion of an existing monitoring well or exploration borehole to a production well will require that the well be compliant with the WWCR's minimum standards for water well construction. All wells drilled to with the intent to use ground water are subject to the jurisdiction of the SEO and the Board of Examiners (BOE). Water wells must be constructed in accordance with the WWCR. Permitting types that may be applicable to your site include: 1) Monitoring Hole Notice: A notice provided to the SEO that water monitoring wells are going to be constructed within a specific quarter-quarter. The exact location/number of wells is not required nor is there a fee for this form. However, these wells must either be plugged and abandoned or permitted as monitoring wells within 1 year of construction. -Wells constructed under Monitoring Hole Notices (MH Notices) cannot be converted to production wells at a later date. Wells drilled under an MH Notice must be constructed by an authorized individual as defined in the WWCR. Please read the MH Notice form for further details and requirements. 2) Monitoring Well Permit: A permit to monitor water quality/levels for an extended period of time. Though wells constructed under monitoring well permits (in accordance with the WWCR) can potentially be converted to production wells at a later date, wells constructed under MH Notices and converted to monitoring wells cannot. Please note that if you choose to convert an exploration borehole to a water monitoring well, it will, at the time of conversion, require a monitoring well permit through the SEO along with evidence that the well meets the minimum monitoring well construction standards as stated in the WWCR. The SEO recommends that, if you drill a well with the intent of monitoring water quality/quantity levels for over 1 year, you obtain a monitoring well permit prior to constructing the well (versus constructing the well under an MH Notice) to maximize the long-term use of the well. Monitoring wells must be constructed by an authorized individual as defined in the WWCR. Construction by a licensed water well contractor is required of the well will be converted to a production well at a later date. 3) Dewatering Well Permit: A permit to conduct dewatering operations. All dewatering operations require a dewatering well permit. The scope of a dewatering well is limited to dewatering only; use of the water beyond dewatering is not allowed under this permit. A well constructed under an MH Notice can be converted to a dewatering well. If you plan on using the water acquired from dewatering operations after the initial dewatering (this includes uses such as dust suppression, potable water supply, operational uses) a non-exempt permit must be obtained and the well will be considered a production well. A well drilled under an MH Notice will not be eligible for conversion to any uses beyond the immediate dewatering of the well. Dewatering wells must be constructed by an authorized individual as defined in the WWCR. Note that short term dewatering for construction purposes may be allowed under a Notice of Intent to dewater. 4) Production Well (exempt): These permits are assumed to be non-injurious to the stream system so their use does not require augmentation water. However, their uses are also very limited. These wells can be permitted either for drinking and sanitary purposes inside a commercial business (up to 0.33 of/yr) or up to 3 single