Pursuant to section 25 of the Environmental Protection Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. E-9, Council made the following regulations:

PART 1
DEFINITIONS

Definitions

1. In these regulations 

abandoned well

(a) "abandoned well" means a well that is not being used or at maintained for future use as a well, or a well declared abandoned by the Minister;

absorption field

(b) "absorption field" means the system of drainage pipe for a disposing of and dispersing effluent from a septic tank;

annular space

(c) "annular space" means the space between the earthen side walls of the well and the outside of the casing;

applicant

(d) "applicant" means a person who has applied for a license;

casing

(e) "casing" means a continuous, watertight length of pipe which is used to seal and support the upper portion of a well;

construct

(f) "construct" in relation to a well means to create, repair, or reconstruct a well by drilling, boring, washing, or any other method, or to complete a well in accordance with sections 8 and 10;

contamination

(g) "contamination" means an alteration of water quality which causes the water to have a concentration of a substance in excess of the limits set out in the latest edition of the "Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality" published by the Health and Welfare Canada, and "contaminant" means a substance which causes or is known to cause contamination;

domestic sewer line

(h) "domestic sewer line" means a pipe that transports domestic sewage from a building to a sewer main;

draw down

(i) "draw down" means the lowering of the water level in a well as a result of pumping of water from the well;

flowing well

(j) "flowing well" means any well from which water will overflow either periodically or year round without the use of pumping equipment;

grout

(k) "grout" means any stable, impervious bonding material which is capable of preventing the vertical movement of water along the outside of the casing, or the act of installing the same;

license

(1) "license" means the written permission from the Minister to engage in the business of drilling wells and to operate equipment for the purpose of well construction;

licensee

(m) "licensee" means the person who has been granted a license;

manure or sewage lagoon

(n) "manure or sewage lagoon" means an artificial or natural structure used to store solid or liquid manure or sewage;

municipal sewer main

(o) "municipal sewer main" means a pipe which transports municipal sewage to a point of treatment or discharge;

pitless adapter

(p) "pitless adapter" means an above or below ground discharge device designed for attachment to well casing to prevent the entrance of contamination into the well, conduct water from the well, and provide access to pumping equipment partly within the well;

pump or pumping equipment

(q) "pump" or "pumping equipment" means any equipment or material utilized or intended for use in withdrawing or obtaining groundwater for any use, and includes without limitation, seals and tanks, together with fittings and controls;

restricted area

(r) "restricted area" means an area listed in Schedule A;

rock pit

(s) "rock pit" means an artificial opening constructed below ground surface which drains water or other liquid into the ground;

storage tank system

(t) "storage tank system" means one or more petroleum tanks, together with all attachments to the tank above and under the ground surface;

suspend

(u) "suspend" means to declare a license invalid for a fixed period of time, after which the license again becomes valid for the remainder of the period for which it was originally issued;

Water Well Advisory Board

(v) "Water Well Advisory Board" is the board appointed under section 3;

well driller

(w) "well driller" means a person who constructs wells. (EC188/ 90)

LICENSING OF PERSONS WHO CONSTRUCT WELLS

Licensing

2. (1) No person shall

(a) hold himself out as a well driller; or
(b) construct or attempt to construct a well 

unless he is the holder of a valid license.

Application

(2) An application for a license shall be made on the form approved by the Minister.

Qualifications

(3) The Minister may require an applicant for a license to take

(a) an examination regarding the construction of wells; and
(b) a field test to demonstrate his practical knowledge of well construction.

Issue of license

(4) Where the Minister is satisfied that the applicant has sufficient knowledge or experience in the construction of wells, and has paid a license fee of $100, the Minister shall issue a license to the applicant.

Conditions

(5) The Minister may impose such conditions on the license as he sees fit, including, but not limited to, conditions restricting the licensee to performing one or some of the aspects of construction described in clause 1(f).

Compliance with conditions

(6) Failure to comply with any condition imposed on a license is an offence against these regulations.

Term

(7) A license shall be in effect for a period of one year from the date of issuance.

Suspension

(8) Where the Minister has reasonable and probable grounds to believe and does believe that a licensee is not complying with the Act or regulations, he may, subject to subsections (9) to (12), cancel or suspend the license.

Notice

(9) Before the Minister makes a decision to refuse to issue a license, or to cancel or suspend a license, or to impose conditions on a license, he shall give written notice to the applicant or licensee, as the case may be, advising him

(a) of the decision being considered;
(b) that the decision may be made any time after ten days have elapsed from the receipt of the notice; and
(c) that any time prior thereto the applicant or licensee may make written request to the Minister to have a hearing before the Water Well Advisory Board.

Receipt of notice

(10) Written notice by the Minister pursuant to subsection (9) to an applicant or a licensee will be deemed to have been received three days after it has been posted.

Reference to Board

(11) Where the Minister receives a request from an applicant or licensee pursuant to clause (9)(c), he shall within five days send a copy of the request and of the Minister's notice to the chairman of the Water Well Advisory Board.

Decision

(12) Where the Water Well Advisory Board has made recommendations in writing to the Minister pursuant to clause 3(7)(b), the Minister shall consider the recommendations and render a decision in writing to the applicant or licensee within twenty-one days of receiving the recommendations. (EC 188/90)

WATER WELL ADVISORY BOARD

Water Well Advisory Board

3. (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council, for the purpose of section 2, shall appoint a board, to be known as The Water Well Advisory Board consisting of three members including

(a) an employee of the Department;
(b) one licensee; and
(c) one member of the general public who is working in a field related to water well construction.

Term of office

(2) The members of the Water Well Advisory Board shall hold office for a term of two years, and upon completion of that term are eligible for reappointment.

Quorum

(3) All members of the Board shall be present at a hearing it conducts and the Board's decision regarding its recommendations shall be by majority rule.

Chairman

(4) The Lieutenant Governor in Council shall appoint one of the members of the Board as Chairman.

Substitutes

(5) Where a member or the Chairman is unable or unwilling to serve by reason of illness, absence from the province, or other good and sufficient reasons, the Lieutenant Governor in Council shall appoint a substitute member to serve in place of that member.

Remuneration

(6) The Chairman and members of the Water Well Advisory Board shall receive such remuneration and such reimbursement for expenses as may be fixed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

Hearing and recommendations

(7) The Water Well Advisory Board shall within twenty-one days of receiving documents from the Minister pursuant to subsection 2(11)

(a) schedule a hearing and advise the applicant or licensee of the time and place thereof, and that he shall thereat have the right to be heard; and
(b) conduct the scheduled hearing and render its recommendations in writing to the Minister.

Procedure

(8) The Water and Well Advisory Board may establish procedures and guidelines governing its hearings and the conduct of its business. (EC188/90)

WELL CONSTRUCTION REPORT

Report

4. A person who constructs a well shall

(a) immediately complete a well construction report on the form approved by the Minister;
(b) record thereon the provincial property taxation number and the building permit number, if applicable;
(c) within thirty days of completing construction of the well, forward a copy of the report to the Department, and to the owner of the well; and
(d) retain a copy of the report for at least two years after completion of construction of the well. (EC188/90)

WELL PERMITS

Well permits

5. (1) No person shall cause or permit a well to be constructed in a restricted area or in a manner which departs from the provisions of these regulations without first obtaining a well permit.

Form and conditions

(2) The Minister may issue a well permit which shall be in such form and subject to such conditions as he sees fit.

Compliance

(3) No person shall fail to comply with any conditions imposed on a well permit.

Offence

(4) No person shall construct a well as described in subsection (1) without first ensuring that the owner of the property on which the well is being constructed has obtained a well permit. (EC188/90)

GROUNDWATER EXPLORATION PERMITS

Groundwater exploration permit

6. (1) No person shall, without first receiving a groundwater exploration permit, cause or permit the construction of a well which is

(a) 15 centimetres in diameter or greater;
(b) intended or required to be pumped at a rate of 4 litres per second or greater;
(c) to be used as an observation or monitoring well, or for the purpose of exploring for or determining the available quantity or quality of groundwater; or
(d) to be used to provide water to a water supply system.

Form and conditions

(2) The Minister may issue a groundwater exploration permit which shall be in such form, and subject to such conditions as he sees fit.

Term

(3) A groundwater exploration permit shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance.

Compliance

(4) No person shall fail to comply with any conditions imposed on a groundwater exploration permit by the Minister.

Data

(5) The holder of a groundwater exploration permit shall ensure that a copy of all pump test and hydrogeological data, including the well construction report and any interpretive reports or information specified in the conditions under which the permit is issued, is submitted to the Department within thirty days of completion of the testing or as directed by the Minister. (EC188/90)

GROUNDWATER ALLOCATION

Groundwater allocation

7. (1) No person shall, without first receiving a groundwater allocation in writing from the Minister, withdraw water from a well

(a) at a rate of 4 litres per second, or greater;
(b) for a water supply system, except as required to meet the conditions of a groundwater exploration permit.

Issue

(2) The Minister may issue a groundwater allocation to a registered owner of a property, with respect to a well located on that property.

Conditions

(3) The Minister may impose such conditions on a groundwater allocation as he sees fit, and no person shall fail to comply with such conditions.

Liability

(4) The recipient of a groundwater allocation shall be fully and solely liable for all adverse effects to any parties arising from the withdrawal of water pursuant to a groundwater allocation.

Term

(5) A groundwater allocation shall be in effect for the duration specified by the Minister in the allocation unless sooner revoked by him.

Termination

(6) Notwithstanding subsection (5), a groundwater allocation terminates on transfer of title of the property on which the well is located. (EC188/90)

GENERAL PROVISIONS RE WELL CONSTRUCTION

Construction

8. (1) No person shall construct a well other than in a manner which maintains existing natural protection against contaminants.

Equipment standards

(2) No person shall use, in the construction of a well, pitless adapters, well seals, well caps, piping and fittings, and pumping equipment materials which do not conform to the standards specified in Schedule B. (EC188/90)

LOCATION OF WELLS

Location 

9. (1) Subject to section 5, no person shall construct or cause or permit a well to be constructed at a location

(a) where the centre line of the well, extended vertically, does not clear a projection from a building by more than 1 metre;
(b) inside a foundation;
(c) where surface water other than rain will pass over or within .5 metres of the top of the well;
(d) less than 15 metres from a septic tank;
(e) less than 15 metres from an absorption field;
(f) less than 15 metres from a rock pit;
(g) less than 100 metres from a manure or sewage lagoon;
(h) less than 150 metres from a waste disposal site;
(i) less than 15 metres from a petroleum storage tank system;
(j) less than 3 metres from a domestic sewer line;
(k) less than 6 metres from a municipal sewer main;
(1) less than 45 metres from preparation or storage areas for pesticides, commercial fertilizers or chemicals; or
(m) less than 6 metres from an existing or abandoned well.

Location specified in building permit

(2) Where a building permit has been issued subject to or pursuant t to a plan which indicates location of a well, no person shall construct the well in a location other than in accordance with the plan. (EC 188/90)

WELL DESIGN

Manner of construction

10. (1) No person shall construct a well other than in a manner which

(a) adapts to the geologic and groundwater conditions existing at the site of the well;
(b) seals off water bearing formations that contain contaminants; and
(c) leaves no artificial openings to the well.

Casing installation

(2) No person shall install casing in a well other than

(a) a new carbon steel casing which conforms to the specifications in Schedule B; or
(b) new thermoplastic casing which conforms to the specifications in Schedule B.

Idem

(3) No person shall apply downward force in the installation of thermoplastic water well casing.

Length of casing

(4) Subject to section 5, no person shall construct a well with less than 12 metres of casing and the casing must extend 20 centimetres above ground after final landscaping.

Specifications in building permit

(5) Where a building permit has been issued which specifies well design requirements, no person shall construct a well other than in the manner specified.

Manner of installation of casing

(6) No person shall install casing in a well other than in the following manner

(a) the bottom 3 metres of the annular space shall be filled with grout, using a method described in Schedule C or a method approved in writing by the Minister; and
(b) the remaining annular space shall be filled with contaminant-free material.

Well pit

(7) No person shall cut the top of the well casing off below ground surface unless the top of the casing is enclosed in a water tight well pit which has an area of at least 1 square metre and which has an access or manway

(a) which measures at least 0.6 square metres in area;
(b) which extends 20 centimetres above the ground surface after final landscaping; and
(c) which has a removable cover. (EC188/90)

WELL COMPLETION

Completion requirements

11. (1) No person shall construct a well without immediately thereafter

(a) removing all earthen material and drill cuttings from the well;
(b) determining whether sufficient yield is available for the intended use of the well by bailing or pumping the well for a minimum of 30 minutes;
(c) disinfecting the well by a method described in Schedule D; and
(d) securing a well cap to top of the well casing which reasonably prevents contamination and is manufactured for that purpose.

Capping

(2) The owner of a property on which a flowing well is located shall cap and seal the well in a manner which prevents the overflow of water from the well casing.

Completion where groundwater allocation

(3) A person who receives a groundwater allocation pursuant to section 7 shall complete the well or wells by

(a) installing a permanent water flow meter on the water line from the pump to accurately monitor the withdrawal of water from each well;
(b) installing a water sampling port or tap which provides a means of obtaining a water sample from a point between each well and any water treatment apparatus; and
(c) installing an air line or drop pipe which allows for the measuring of the water level in each well. (EC188/90)

ABANDONMENT OF WELLS

Filling

12. The owner of an abandoned well shall, within thirty days of abandonment, fill the well by a method described in Schedule E. (EC188/ 90)

PUMP INSTALLATION

Pumping equipment

13. (1) No person shall install in a well pumping equipment which causes excessive drawdown of the water level of the well, as evidenced by turbidity of the water drawn from the well.

Idem

(2) No person shall install pumping equipment so that there exists a clearance of less than 1.25 centimetres between the pumping equipment and the sidewall of the well.

Connection

(3) No person shall connect a well and pumping or water distribution equipment other than with

(a) a properly installed pitless adapter; or
(b) a well seal.

Pitless adapter

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), a pitless adapter shall be installed so that different metals do not come into contact with each other.

Hand pump

(5) A person who installs a hand pump shall mount it to the well casing or pump mounting sleeve in a manner that seals the top of the casing or sleeve.

Sampling port

(6) No person shall install or cause or permit to be installed pumping equipment without a water sampling port or a tap at a point between the well and any water treatment device.

Installation

(7) All pumps shall be installed in accordance with the Electrical Inspection Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. E-3. (EC188/90)

GENERAL

Commencement

14. These regulations come into force on April 1, 1990.

SCHEDULE A

RESTRICTED AREAS

Pursuant to Section 5 of the Water Well Regulations, the listed areas are designated as restricted for well construction purposes.

PRINCE COUNTY

1. NEW ANNAN

ALL REFERENCE POINTS taken from Prince Edward Island Agriculture Series N.T.S. Reference 11L/5 (East) Sheet 6E3 and 5E2. Scale 1:5000. The restricted area is the area enclosed by the following description of boundaries:

COMMENCING at a point defined by P.E.I. Stereographic Projection System coordinates at 247000 meters, East and 208000 meters North;

THENCE along a line due East approximately 1450 meters or until it intersects the Southwest shore of the Barbara Weit River.

THENCE Northwesterly and Southwesterly following the various courses of the said shore of the Barbara Weit River, to the point of intersection of the said shore of the Barbara Weit River or tributary of Barbara Weit River with the North boundary of the Barbara Weit Road (Route 120);

THENCE Southeasterly by a straight line for 1320 meters or to the place of commencement;

ALL AZIMUTHS AND COORDINATES are derived from the P.E.I. Stereographic Projection System, the coordinates being expressed in meters.

The above described area is shown on the attached Map A.

2. KENSINGTON

ALL REFERENCE POINTS taken from Prince Edward Island Property map 1:2500 Series, map Nos. 11L05-6E1-2, 6E2-1, 6E2-4, 6E1-3. The restricted area is the area enclosed by the following boundaries:

COMMENCING at a point defined as the West end of Pleasant Street on the centre line of the street;

THENCE in an Easterly direction along the centre line of Pleasant Street to the centre line of Broadway Street North (Route No. 20);

THENCE in a Southerly direction along the centre line of Broadway Street North (Route No. 20) to the junction of School Street at the centre line;

THENCE in an Easterly direction along the centre line of School Street to the centre line of Woodleigh Drive (Route No. 101);

THENCE due South for 324 meters or to the centre line of Broadway South (Highway No. 2);

THENCE in a Westerly direction for 175 meters or to the centre line of Kelvin Road at its junction with the centre line of Stewart Street;

THENCE in a Southwesterly direction along the centre line of Stewart Street for 406 meters or to coordinates 250591 meters East, and 209481 meters North;

THENCE in a Northerly direction a distance of approximately 540 meters or to the place of commencement;

ALL COORDINATES are derived from the P.E.I. Stereographic Projection System, the coordinates being expressed in meters.

The above described area is shown on the attached Map B.

3. O'LEARY

ALL REFERENCE POINTS taken from Prince Edward Island property maps 21109-5F2-3, 5F3-2, 5E4-1, 5E1-4. The restricted area is the area enclosed by the following boundaries:

COMMENCING at a point defined by coordinates 206332 meters East, 240303 meters North;

THENCE on an azimuth 76° 49' 16" for a distance of 372.8 meters to a point having coordinates 206695 meters East, 240388 meters North;

THENCE on an azimuth 346° 1' 22" for a distance of 472.0 meters to a point having coordinates 206581 meters East, 240846 meters North.

THENCE on an azimuth 257° 23' 7" for a distance of 361.7 meters to a point having coordinates 206228 meters East, 240767 meters North.

THENCE on an azimuth 167° 21' 60" for a distance of 475.5 meters or to the point of commencement.

ALL AZIMUTHS AND COORDINATES are derived from the Prince Edward Island Stereographic Projection System, the coordinates being expressed in meters.

The above described area is shown on the attached Map C.

4. MIMINEGASH

ALL POINTS OF REFERENCE from Sheet 5D3 of Agricultural Series N.T.S. Reference 211/16 (East). The restricted area is the area enclosed by the following boundaries:

COMMENCING at a point defined by Easting 207000 meters, Northing 259282 meters;

THENCE due North for a distance of 974 meters to a point defined by coordinates 207000 meters East, 260256 meters North;

THENCE due West for a distance of approximately 537 meters or to the shoreline of Northumberland Strait;

THENCE in a Southwesterly direction approximately 1200 meters along the shoreline of Northumberland Strait;

THENCE due East for a distance of approximately 1150 meters or to the place of commencement;

ALL COORDINATES are derived from the P.E.I. Stereographic Projection System, the coordinates being expressed in meters.

The above described area is shown on the attached Map D.

TIGNISH

ALL REFERENCE POINTS taken from 1:50000 scale typographical map series available from Energy, Mines & Resources, Canada.

The restricted area is the area enclosed by the following description of boundaries:

COMMENCING at a point defined by U.T.M. coordinates at 421000 meters East and 5200100 meters North;

THENCE along a line due east 400 meters to a point having coordinates 421400 meters East, 5200100 meters North;

THENCE along a line due South 400 meters to a point having coordinates 421400 meters East and 5199700 meters North;

THENCE along a line due west 400 meters to a point having coordinates 421000 meters East and 5199700 meters North;

THENCE along a line due North 400 meters or to the place of commencement;

ALL COORDINATES are derived from the Universal Transverse Mercator System, the coordinates being expressed in meters.

The above described area is shown on the attached Map E.

6. SUMMERSIDE ISTHMUS

ALL REFERENCE POINTS taken from 1:50000 scale typographical map series available from Energy, Mines & Resources Canada. The restricted area is the area enclosed within the following description of boundaries:

COMMENCING at a point defined by U.T.M. coordinates at 436000 metres East and 5141500 metres north.

THENCE east along the south side of provincial highway No. 2 to a point having coordinates 443000 metres east, 5140400 metres north.

THENCE along a line due south 2600 metres to a point having coordinates 443000 metres east and 5137800 metres north which is on the north bank of the Wilmot River.

THENCE westward along the bank or shore of the Wilmot River to a point having coordinates 436000 metres east and 5137550 metres north.

THENCE along a line due north 3950 metres or to the place of commencement.

ALL COORDINATES are derived from the Universal Transverse Mercator System, the coordinates being expressed in metres.

The above described area is shown on the attached Map F.

QUEENS COUNTY

7. NORTH RIVER

ALL REFERENCE POINTS taken from Agricultural Series N.T.S. Reference 11L-6 (East) Sheet 6A3 and 5A2. Restricted area is the area enclosed by the following description of boundaries:

COMMENCING at the point of intersection of the West boundary of the North (Yorke) River and a line extending due East and West and passing through the point having coordinates Easting 285000 meters, Northing 189228 meters; 

THENCE due West following said line for a distance of approximately 1080 meters or until it intersects a line extending due North and South and passing through the point having coordinates Easting 284732 meters, Northing 190000 meters;

THENCE due North following said line passing through coordinates Easting 284732 meters, Northing 190000 meters for a distance of approximately 480 meters or until it intersects the center line of a stream;

THENCE Northeasterly following the various courses of said centre line of a stream to the aforesaid West boundary of the North (Yorke) River;

THENCE Easterly and Southeasterly along the various courses of the said West boundary of the North (Yorke) River to the place of commencement;

ALL AZIMUTHS AND COORDINATES are derived from the P.E.I. Stereographic Projection System, the coordinates being expressed in meters.

The above described area is shown on the attached Map G.

8. WINSLOE

ALL REFERENCES in this description taken from Prince Edward Island 1:2500 map series sheets 11L06-6B3-3 and IIL06-A4-4 which are available from Land Registration and Information Service, 11 Kent Street, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Copyright Council of Maritime Premiers. The restricted area is enclosed by the following description of boundaries:

COMMENCING at the point or intersection of the center line of the Lower Malpeque Road, with the centre line of Melody Lane and Sleepy Hollow Road;

THENCE in a northerly direction 471 meters or to a point defined as 286150 meters East and 193600 meters North;

THENCE in an easterly direction 607.5 meters to a point defined as 286757.5 meters East and 193600 meters North;

THENCE in a Southerly direction 334 meters or to the point of intersection of the center lines of the Malpeque Highway and Melody Lane;

THENCE in a Westerly direction along the center line of Melody Lane to the point of commencement.

The above described area is shown on the attached Map H.

9. WINTER RIVER WATERSHED

ALL AREAS located within a 250 metre radius of existing municipal water supply production wells. These are located on provincial property identification number 133769 at Brackley and on provincial property identification number 192583 at Union.

The above described areas are shown on the attached Map I.

 

SCHEDULE B
STANDARDS FOR EQUIPMENT

Standards for Materials Used in Well Construction,
Completion and Pump Installation

The materials used in the construction and completion of water wells and in the installation of pumping equipment shall conform to the standards prescribed below or where no standard is here specified, to equivalent nationally recognized standards. The following abbreviations are used in this schedule.

ASTM - American Society of Testing Materials

AWWA - American Water Works Association

CSA - Canadian Standards Association

NSF - National Sanitation Foundation

WELL CASING

Carbon steel casing - ASTM Standard A 589

Thermoplastic casing - ASTM Standard A 480

PITLESS WELL ADAPTERS - NSF Basic Criteria C-8

DISTRIBUTION PIPE

Ductile iron pipe, fittings - AWWA C106

Steel pipe - AWWA C200

Concrete pipe - AWWA C300

Fiberglass pressure pipe - AWWA 950

Asbestos-cement pipe - AWWA C400

Plastic pipe - AWWA C900, NSF Standard No. 14, or CSA 137.1

PUMPING EQUIPMENT

Vertical turbine, and submersible pumps - AWWA E 101-88

VALVES AND FITTINGS - AWWA C500

SCHEDULE C

METHODS FOR GROUTING ANNULAR SPACE

Pursuant to section 10(6)(a) of the Groundwater Protection Regulations, all wells must be constructed such that at least the lower 3 m (10 ft.) of annular space between the well casing and well bore must be grouted. The following methods of grouting are approved under these regulations:

1. POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT METHOD 

This method involves placing bentonite in the bottom of the surface hole, and the displacement of the bentonite up around the casing, as the casing, fitted with a drillable plug at its lower terminus, is lowered into the hole. The placement of the grout shall be conducted according to the guidelines outlined below.

(a) The surface hole is drilled to the casing set depth. The diameter of the surface hole must be at least 5 cm (2") greater than the diameter of the casing (eg. an 18 cm (7") surface hole for 12 cm (5") casing).

(b) A sufficient quantity of bentonite (see table 1 for recommended volumes) either granular or pellet form, to fill 3 m (10 ft.) of annular space is placed in the bottom of the surface hole. The bentonite should be poured slowly (1, 22.7 Kg (501b.) bag per 3 minutes) into the hole to permit even wetting of the material. (If the surface hole is dry, water should be added with the bentonite with a ratio of 1 part water to I part bentonite. The bentonite should sit in the hole for a period of 1/2 hour before installing the casing.)

(c) A drillable plug is inserted in the bottom end of the casing string. The drillable plug should be made of non-toxic material of sufficient strength to withstand the pressures developed when displacing the bentonite.

TABLE 1

VOLUME OF GROUT REQUIRED FOR
TYPICAL WELL GROUTING APPLICATIONS

A. Volume of grout required per foot of casing (cubic feet per foot)

 

SURFACE HOLE DIAMETER
CASING DIAMETER	13 cm (5")	15 cm (6")	20 cm (8")	25 cm (10")	30 cm (12")
10 cm (4")	0.05	0.11	0.26	0.46	0.70
13 cm (5")	-	0.06	0.21	0.41	0.65
15 cm (6")	-	-	0.15	0.35	0.59
20 cm (8")	-	-	-	-	0.20
25 cm (10")	-	-	-	-	0.24

B. Feet of annular space filled per cubic foot of grout

 

SURFACE HOLE DIAMETER
CASING DIAMETER	13 cm (5")	15 cm (6")	20 cm (8")	25 cm (10")	30 cm (12")
10 cm (4")	20.4	9.2	3.8	2.2	1.4
13 cm (5")	-	16.7	4.7	2.4	1.5
15 cm (6")	-	-	6.6	2.9	1.7
20 cm (8")	-	-	5.1	2.3	-
25 cm (10")	-	-	-	4.2	-

(d) The casing is set in the surface hole, displacing the bentonite up around the casing. If the drillable plug breaks before the casing has reached the casing set depth, the level of bentonite in the annular space shall be determined, and the additional bentonite required to fill the lower 3 m (10 ft.) of annular space shall be flushed slowly down around the side of the casing with generous amounts of water.

(e) Once the casing has been set, the drillable plug is drilled out and drilling continues.

2. GROUT PUMP METHOD

The grout pump method uses a mixer to make a fine slurry of bentonite grout, and a pump and tremie pipe to introduce the grout into the annular space after the casing has been set. The operation should be conducted according to the following guidelines.

(a) A surface hole is drilled to the casing set depth, with a diameter sufficient to allow the introduction of a 2.5 cm (1 ") tremie pipe into the annular space between the side wall of the well and the outside of the casing. (eg. for 13 cm (5") casing a 23 cm (9") surface hole is recommended).

(b) The casing is seated firmly in the surface hole, and blocked to hold it centered in the hole. The lower 0.9 m (3 ft.) of the hole may be tapered to facilitate centering the bottom of the casing, or centralizers may be used.

(c) Bentonite grout is thoroughly mixed according to the manufacturers directions, and pumped via the tremie pipe into the hole. The placement of the grout must be made in one continuous operation, starting at the bottom of the hole, and raising the tremie pipe up the hole as grouting proceeds. It is important that the discharge end of the tremie pipe remains submerged in the grout at all times during the placement of the grout.

(d) Once the grouting has been completed, a period of 1/2 hour should be allowed before drilling proceeds.

3. DRY BENTONITE METHOD

In this method, bentonite is poured dry along the outside of the casing as it is lowered into the surface hole. The operation should be conducted according to the procedure outlined below.

(a) A surface hole is drilled to the casing set depth. The surface hole must be drilled to a diameter 2.5 cm (1 ") greater than the casing diameter (eg. a 15 cm (6") surface hole for 13 cm (5") casing).

(b) A drive shoe is fixed to the lower end of the casing. The attachment of a drive shoe is mandatory with this method as it prevents the loss of the bentonite down the hole during setting of the casing.

(c) Dry bentonite of granular or pellet type is poured into the annular space as the casing is lowered gradually into the hole, ensuring that the bentonite settles in the hole at the same rate as the casing. The placement of the bentonite can be greatly facilitated if a shallow cone shaped depression is constructed around the top of the hole into which the bentonite can be poured.

(d) Once the lower 3 m (10 ft.) of the casing has been surrounded by bentonite, it is essential that the remaining annular space above the bentonite is filled with clean native earth material, according to the procedure outlined above for the placement of the grout, to ensure that the bentonite is delivered to the bottom of the hole.

(e) This method of grouting should not be used for casing lengths greater than 15 m (50 ft.) or in caving formations.

4. BENTONITE "PELLET" METHOD

In this method, bentonite in pellets, chips or granular form, are placed in the surface hole, and open ended casing seated in the hole. The operation should be carried out according to the procedure outlined below.

(a) A surface hole is drilled to the casing set depth. The diameter of the surface hole must be at least 2.5 cm (1") greater than the diameter of the casing (eg. 15 cm (6") surface hole for 13 cm (5") casing).

(b) The lower 3 m (10 ft.) of the surface hole is filled slowly with bentonite (chips, pellets or granules).

(c) Casing is lowered into the surface hole and firmly seated.

(d) The bentonite inside the casing is removed and drilling continued.

 

SCHEDULE D

METHODS FOR DISINFECTING WATER WELLS

Before drilling, the well driller should clean & disinfect the drilling tools to prevent the spread of contamination from previous jobs or from the surface at the new well site.

Pursuant to section 10(1)(c) the well must be thoroughly disinfected before it is placed into operation. The most commonly used methods involve chlorine either in liquid or tablet formulation. The approved methods are indicated below. Please Note: Chlorine should always be used in well ventilated places, because breathing the fumes can be hazardous to your health.

1. WELL WITHOUT PUMP - LIQUID CHLORINE

(a) Measure the diameter of the well and calculate the volume of chlorine bleach (5.25% active chlorine) required using Table 1.

TABLE 1

Well Diameter		Litres of Bleach per 100 feet of water in well  (for 100 mg/l solution
Inches	cm
4	10	0.6
5	13	0.9
6	15	1.2
8	20	2.0
10	25	3.4
12	25	4.8
24	60	17.4

(b) Take the volume of chlorine bleach determined from Table 1 and mix this in at least 45 litres (10 gallons) of water.

(c) Pour this solution into the well and let it stay in the well for at least 8 hours.

(d) Pump the well for at least 1 hour to remove the chlorine solution.

2. WELL WITH PUMP - LIQUID CHLORINE

(a) Conduct steps 1 and 2 under Method A.

(b) Pour the solution into the well between the drop pipes and the outer casing (see Figure 1). This may be done by pouring or siphoning through the air vent or by removing the well seal.

FIGURE 1

TYPICAL WELL SEAL

Where the casing has a well cap, remove the well cap and pour the solution directly into the well.

(c) Open all faucets in the system and let the water run until the chlorine odor or taste is detected. Turn water off and repeat step #1 with a second chlorine solution. Seal the top of the well.

(d) Let the system sit idle for 8-12 hours, preferably overnight.

(e) Discharge water from all outlets until chlorine odor and taste have disappeared. Faucets on fixtures discharging to septic tank systems should be temporarily diverted to an outside discharge point, to avoid overloading the disposal system.

(f) Contact Water Resources Branch to make arrangements for resampling before using water for human consumption.

3. DISINFECTION WITH CHLORINE TABLETS OR POWDER

Chlorine tablets normally contain about 65% to 70% available chlorine present as calcium hypochlorite. Users should be aware that these tablets may cause chemical burns, fire or explosion if adequate safety precautions are not taken. Always follow the directions on the label prior to usage.

(a) Measure the diameter of the well and calculate the weight of tablets required per 100 feet of water using Table 2.(100 mg/L solution)

TABLE 2

Well Diameter			Grams of Chlorine Tablets  Dry Weight
Inches	cm			Oz.	g
4	10			1.4	40
6	15			4	113
8	20			6	170
10	25			8	226
12	30			12	340
24	61			48	1360

Variable size tablets are the most effective for well chlorination.

(b) Place the required weight of the tablets into the well by removing the well cap or seal. When the plumbing system is also being disinfected, pump the chlorine solution until a chlorine odor is detected at each faucet or tap. Leave this solution in the well and plumbing system for at least 8 to 12 hours.

(c) Discharge water from all outlets until the chlorine odor and taste have disappeared.

(d) Contact Water Resources for a resample.

SCHEDULE E

METHODS FOR FILLING ABANDONED WELLS

The following describes the methods approved for the abandonment of drilled and dug wells as required by section 12 of the Water Well Regulations:

1. FOR DRILLED WELLS

(a) Any obstructions in the well shall be removed prior to plugging the well.

(b) The well shall be filled with alternating layers of sand and bentonite or cement to the ground surface. The thickness of individual bentonite or cement layers shall not be less than 0.3 m (1 ft.) thick, and the individual sand layers shall not be more than 3 m (10 ft.) thick.

2. FOR DUG WELLS

(a) Any obstructions in the well shall be removed prior to plugging the well.

(b) The well shall be filled within I m (3 ft.) of the ground surface with sand or till and sandstone. The sandstone is to be placed only below the water table.

(c) A 150 mm (6 in.) thick layer of a low permeability material (less than 10 cm 6/sec) such as bentonite or compacted clean clay, must be installed within 1 m (3 ft.) of the ground surface to prevent entry of surface water into the subsurface.

(d) The surface area at the top of the well must be covered with topsoil and graded to allow positive drainage away from the well.

(EC 188/90)