Dealing with an old well on your property can be a real headache. Well decommissioning, while it may sound complicated, is crucial for both safety and the environment. Ignoring a disused well risks water contamination and physical dangers.
This guide explains the why, when, and how of well decommissioning. We’ll explore regulations, the process, and typical costs involved. You’ll learn how to handle each step.
Abandoned wells create direct pathways from the surface to groundwater. This opens up several environmental and safety concerns for property owners.
These risks include contamination, safety hazards, and property devaluation. Ignoring these problems can create costly and time consuming issues. Addressing the problems can keep everyone safe.
Decommissioning is essential when a well malfunctions, poses contamination risks, or becomes a safety hazard.
Several reasons can warrant this procedure.
An out-of-sight, out-of-mind well? That’s the type most in need of decommissioning. If you are selling property with a well, you’ll want to ensure any necessary decommissioning happens before the sale.
Well decommissioning follows a structured set of guidelines that vary by state.
While a professional is usually required, understanding these state guidelines lets you discuss the process clearly with contractors.
First, gather all available well information, including construction records (well logs). Verify compliance with your local government to confirm the regulations related to inactive and abandoned wells.
Next, check local regulations and hire a registered well driller, as property owners typically cannot perform this work themselves. Verify depth, diameter and material of the casing.
The top priority before beginning work is disconnecting power to all well equipment. Clear any obstructions from the well, such as pumps, piping, and debris.
This preparation will allow easy access for filling later. A neglected well often requires extra work and attention.
If the well was previously used for pumping, disinfect the inside with a chlorine solution. This important step will ensure your well is sanitized.
Follow state-specific disinfection and cleaning procedures as required.
Sealing involves using approved grouting mixtures that comply with environmental standards.
Various factors will affect your choice of grout, such as type of well, geology, and other regulations. This table shows primary types used to permanently decommission a well.
Grout Type | Composition | Use Cases |
---|---|---|
Neat Cement Grout | Cement & Water | Simple, cost-effective for smaller wells. |
Cement Grout | Cement, Sand & Water | Added strength, for mid-sized wells. |
Cement-Bentonite Grout | Cement, Bentonite Clay & Water | Reduced shrinkage and cracking, common in various well types. |
Bentonite Slurry | Bentonite Clay & Water | Smaller wells, or as part of a layered seal. |
Bentonite, in either pelletized form or mixed into the grout, forms an impermeable barrier against leakage. Bentonite pellets are useful when dealing with drilled wells, smaller diameter borings and other types of abandoned wells where a grout slurry mixture cannot be properly installed as prescribed by local well decommissioning guidance.
For deeper wells, grout is pumped under pressure from the bottom up using a tremie pipe. This ensures a complete and stable fill. The well should be filled from bottom to top.
Surface pipes should be removed or capped properly below ground, steel pipe needs to have its caps welded into place. Fill the surrounding area with packed earth, mounding it slightly to allow for settling and proper drainage.
If the well has a casing you will need to chop this with a proper saw to dispose of at your local salvage point. Your local scrap metal hauler might have guidelines regarding properly sized chopped up pieces, check local metal haulers.
Decommissioning costs can range from $50 to thousands of dollars. Well depth, type, local geology, and location are all contributing factors.
Shallow wells or those with easier fill requirements will be less expensive to decommission. This is due to smaller volume of bentonite, smaller quantities of sealing grout, and less involved processes needed to properly address any contaminations or safety hazards of each.
Deep drilled wells are more expensive, as they require specialized procedures. Specialized materials and experienced well decommissioning professionals also factor into higher costs.
Well decommissioning permanently seals an unused or damaged well. This safeguards groundwater and eliminates safety hazards. It typically involves removing the pump, filling the well, and permanently sealing it according to EPA, state, and local regulations.
Costs can vary significantly, from $50 to $5,000 or more, depending on the project complexity. Simpler projects for shallow wells might be closer to $150. Larger or deeper wells may require significantly more extensive, and more costly, work. Always obtain several written estimates of well decommissioning costs so you have all the pricing information available.
Homeowners should always contact a licensed and certified water well contractor for decommissioning a well.
Contractors handle permitting, reporting, and ensure proper safety and procedures for different well types. If the casing for an older, legacy or improperly sealed well is leaking or you can detect other obvious problems and are not yet ready to abandon well due to cost or other complexities you should cap wells using materials readily available from local hardware and/or plumbing supply locations.
Well abandonment, or decommissioning, involves permanently sealing a well to prevent access. The steps generally include inspection, filling, capping, and reporting as outlined in state and local regulations.
These regulations aim to maintain water quality and human safety. Contact a licensed professional to get information on specific steps, procedures, costs, regulations and safety related topics and answers.
Well decommissioning safeguards groundwater and public safety by addressing potential hazards and contamination. Adhering to regulations, including filling, sealing, and reporting, is crucial. Collaborating with property owners, relevant authorities (state, local, EPA, HOA), and management companies helps ensure proper procedures are followed. This collaboration helps protect water resources.
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