401 KAR 6:310. Water well construction practices and standards.

RELATES TO: KRS 223.400-223.460, 223.991

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 223.420, 223.435, 224.70-100

NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: This administrative regulation provides standards and requirements for the commercial practice of water well drilling. These requirements are necessary to ensure that the completed well provides an appropriate quality of product to the consumer while protecting the ground water resources of the commonwealth. This administrative regulation fulfills the mandate of KRS 223.435 to promulgate administrative regulations establishing standards of practice for water well construction and of KRS 224.70-100 to protect water quality.

Section 1. Definitions. The terms used in 401 KAR 6:320 and this administrative regulation shall have the meanings given in KRS 223.400, 224.005, or in this section:

(1) "Abandoned" means a well unsuitable for its intended use that has been sealed or plugged to prevent entry of surface water and to prevent mixing of water from different aquifers.

(2) "Annular space" means the opening between a well-bore or excavation and the well casing or between a casing pipe and a liner pipe.

(3) "Aquifer" means a water-bearing formation that transmits water in sufficient quantity to supply a well.

(4) "Bedrock" means any solid rock exposed at the surface of the earth or overlain by unconsolidated materials or soils.

(5) "Consolidated formation" means a geological formation which is bedrock.

(6) "Construction" means all acts necessary for obtaining ground water by wells, including drilling or excavation of the well and installation or modification of casing, but excluding the installation of permanent pumps and pumping equipment.

(7) "Driller" means water well driller as defined in KRS 223.400.

(8) "Established ground surface" means the elevation of the ground surface at the site of the well.

(9) "Finished ground surface" means the final or permanent elevation of the ground surface at the site of the well.

(10) "Impervious" means any material which will not permit the passage of water at a rate greater than 1 x 10^-7 centimeters per second (cm/sec) (e.g., clay).

(11) "Modification" means any change, replacement, or other alteration of the water well. This includes, but is not limited to deepening of a well, replacing or repairing a casing, replacing or repairing a well screen, installing a pitless adapter and any other changes of a well structure. Bailing and pump replacement are not modifications.

(12) "Monitoring well" means a well constructed when the actual or intended use in whole or part is the removal of water for the purpose of sampling, measuring or test-pumping for scientific, engineering or regulatory purposes.

(13) "Pitless well adapter" means a device designed for attachment to one (1) or more openings through a well casing. It shall be constructed so as to prevent the entrance of contaminants into the well through the opening, protect the water supply lines and plumbing from freezing and provide access to water system parts within the well.

(14) "Pitless well unit" means an assembly which extends the upper end of the well casing to above the finished ground surface. It shall be constructed so as to prevent the entrance of contaminants into the well, conduct water from the well, protect the water lines from freezing, and shall provide full access to the well and to water system parts within the well.

(15) "Pumping water level" means the elevation of the water surface in a well when water is discharged during pumping.

(16) "Rig operator" means any individual under supervision of a driller for whom an application has been submitted and who has been given a rig operator card from the cabinet and who may from time to time be in charge of well construction in the driller's absence.

(17) "Rig operator card" means an identification card provided to a rig operator by the cabinet after a certified driller has submitted an application requesting a card for the rig operator.

(18) "Static water level" means the level at which water stands in a well when no water is being taken from the aquifer either by pumping or by free flow.

(19) "Unconsolidated formation" means a geological formation such as sand or gravel, which has a tendency to cave in under natural conditions.

(20) "Well unsuitable for its intended use" means a well:

(a) The use of which has been permanently discontinued;

(b) Which is in such a state of disrepair that it cannot be used to supply groundwater;

(d) From which groundwater for useful purposes is not obtainable; or

(e) Bore-holes which:

1. Are dry;

2. Have caved in; or

3. Are unsuitable for further development and well construction.

Section 2. Scope. This administrative regulation provides minimum standards for location, construction and modification of water wells. No water well shall be constructed or modified contrary to the provisions contained in this administrative regulation. Sections 3 through 12 of this administrative regulation apply to water wells except monitoring wells. Section 13 of this administrative regulation applies to monitoring wells. Wells used solely for the purpose of recovery of pollutants shall not be included in this administrative regulation.

Section 3. General Requirements. (1) Certified driller required. All water wells subject to this administrative regulation shall be constructed only by persons having a valid certificate issued in accordance with KRS 223.400 through 223.460 and 401 KAR 6:320, or by persons under the supervision of certificate holders and having a rig operator card.

(2) Reports. Within thirty (30) days after a water well has been constructed or modified, the driller shall submit a report of construction to the cabinet. The report shall be submitted on the form entitled Kentucky Water Well Record (DEP-4045).

(3) Variance.

(a) If conditions are believed to exist at a proposed installation site which preclude compliance with the requirements of this administrative regulation, the driller may request a variance by submitting to the cabinet a Kentucky Water Well Variance Request Form (DEP-6036) outlining a specific proposal to be used in lieu of compliance with this administrative regulation. The request shall include a thorough description of the site (lot size, the location of sewers, septic tanks, buildings, seepage fields, and other sources of contamination on the property and adjacent property with distances shown to the proposed well), the section number and brief summary of the provisions for which a variance is requested, and a complete justification as to why the variance is needed and how the alternate standard ensures the protection of the quality of the groundwater and the protection of public health and safety. The driller shall give special emphasis to ensuring the protection of the public's health and safety. The driller shall provide a description of site-specific geologic and soil conditions. The cabinet shall notify the applicant in writing within thirty (30) days of its decision either to grant or deny the variance based upon a determination by the cabinet that the proposed variance shall ensure the protection of the quality of the groundwater and protection of the public health and safety. The driller shall request a variance and shall obtain approval before well construction begins. In case of an emergency, where the delay incurred due to the above-described variance procedure would cause undue hardship or loss of life to the intended user, the driller may obtain an oral variance, provided the above-listed information is provided to the cabinet within fifteen (15) days of the date such oral variance is issued.

(b) After any variance is issued regarding the location of a well with respect to various contamination sources in Section 6 of this administrative regulation, the driller for which a variance has been issued shall take two (2) water samples from the well and have them analyzed for fecal coliform at a cabinet-approved laboratory. The cabinet may require analysis for other water quality parameters which may exist in conjunction with the source of potential pollution as necessary to protect the health or safety of potential users. At the time the variance is approved, the cabinet shall notify the driller as to what these parameters will be. One (1) sample shall be taken within thirty (30) days and the second sample shall be taken within sixty (60) days, but not less than thirty (30) days, after completion of the well.

(c) Examples of location problems which could preclude compliance with this administrative regulation would be where the proposed location of a well is too close to septic tanks, buildings, sewer lines, or barnyards as indicated in Table A.

(d) Examples of public health and engineering principles that may be considered in issuing a variance are ground surface conditions, depth of the water table, the location of sources of pollutants, the vulnerability of the aquifer to bacteria and other pollutants, and the geologic conditions at the site.

(4) Water sampling. All water samples shall be delivered to the laboratory within six (6) hours of the time they are taken and shall be kept at four (4) degrees centigrade (or forty (40) degrees Fahrenheit) during that time, but shall not be frozen. Containers for the water samples shall be sterile glass or plastic. However, drillers may obtain approval from the cabinet to perform fecal coliform analyses (except those required for variance approval) if they can demonstrate to the cabinet that they are capable of providing an accurate analysis.

(5) Display of certificate number. Drillers shall have their certificate numbers permanently affixed and prominently displayed on all drilling equipment used at construction sites. The certificate number shall be inscribed in the following manner: KY.CERT. XXXX-XXXX (insert certificate number in place of the X's). Numbers shall be at least three (3) inches in height and of a color that is easily distinguishable from that of the equipment. This number shall be removed if equipment is scrapped, sold, or otherwise changes ownership or if the driller's certificate becomes invalid.

(6) The documents listed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection are adopted and filed herein by reference. Copies of these documents may be obtained from the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, Division of Water, 18 Reilly Road, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, (502) 564-3410. The material is available for public inspection and copying during business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Division of Water, Frankfort Office Park, 18 Reilly Road, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, (502) 564-3410.

(a) Kentucky Water Well Record (DEP-4045) (September 15, 1987); and

(b) Kentucky Water Well Variance Request Form (DEP-6036) (January 1, 1991).

Section 4. Design Factors. The driller shall design each well to include the following:

(1) Natural protection. Location of the well shall include use of every natural protection available to promote sanitary conditions.

(2) Geological formations. The well construction shall be adapted to the local or site-specific geologic formations and ground water conditions.

(3) Undesirable geological formations. Water bearing formations shall be prevented from contributing to a well by installing casing or a liner and properly sealing when such formations contain undesirable water or when the primary purpose for the well is to withdraw water from a deeper formation.

(4) Capacity. The well shall be constructed with the capacity to produce as much quantity of the desired water as the aquifer or aquifers can safely furnish.

(5) Durability. Construction methods and materials shall provide a durable well capable of maintaining safe water and protecting the aquifer over its useful lifetime and until the well is properly abandoned.

(6) Pitless well adapters. No well casing shall be cut off or cut into below ground surface except by a driller to install a pitless well adapter or pitless well unit. The well casing shall extend at least four (4) inches above established ground surface. If practicable, the well casing shall extend above any known conditions of flooding or run-off from the surrounding land after installation of a pitless well adapter or pitless well unit. Construction or installation of pitless well adapters or pitless well units shall be done in such a manner to provide a leak-proof seal.

Section 5. Location. (1) General. In establishing the location of a well, the driller shall consider sources of pollutants which exist on or adjacent to the premises where the well is to be located. As far as possible, the well shall be located on ground which is higher than sources of pollutants and shall have ready access for repairs, maintenance, treatment and inspection.

(2) Relation to sources of pollutants. In establishing minimum lateral distances to locate a well from potential sources of pollutants, the driller shall consider the character and location of the sources of pollutants, types of geologic formations present, depth to the aquifer, direction of ground water flow, effect on the ground water movement by well pumping and possibilities of flooding of the site by surface waters. Sources of pollutants such as streams, refuse disposal sites, excavations, waste treatment facilities, buried oil and gasoline storage tanks, improperly constructed wells and cisterns shall be evaluated and a distance determined based on the pertinent facts.

(a) The minimum lateral distances shown in Table A shall apply for the sources of pollutants listed.

(b) When the upper formations are composed of materials with a permeability of 1 x 10³ centimeters per second or greater, the lateral distances in Table A shall be doubled.

(3) Flood water. The construction of wells in locations subject to flooding shall be avoided. If no reasonable alternate site exists, wells may be constructed in flood zones only if water-tight construction is provided. If practicable, the casing of the well shall terminate not less than two (2) feet above the maximum known flood elevation.

(4) Relation to building. With respect to buildings, pits, and basements, the location of a well shall be as follows:

(a) Adjacent to building. When a well must be located adjacent to a building, it shall be so located that the center line of the well extended vertically will clear any projection from the building by not less than five (5) feet.

(b) Pits and basements. New wells shall not be constructed in pits or basements.

Section 6. Drilled Wells in Unconsolidated Formations. (1) General. In wells constructed in unconsolidated formations which extend the full depth of the well, including the screened area, the driller shall install a permanent casing, governed by the pumping level in the finished well. For pumping levels greater than twenty (20) feet below the ground surface, the driller shall install casing that extends five (5) feet below the pumping level. For pumping levels twenty (20) feet or less below the ground surface, the driller shall install casing that extends ten (10) feet below the pumping level. Under no conditions shall a driller install less than twenty (20) feet of permanent casing, excluding the screened interval. The driller shall fill the annular space between the casing and the drill hole. This may be accomplished by constructing an upper drill hole having a diameter four (4) inches greater than the inner diameter of the casing to be installed and extending to a depth of at least twenty (20) feet. The driller shall seal the upper drill hole with impervious drill cuttings, native clay, bentonite, or a neat cement-bentonite slurry after the casing is in place. Cable-tool drilling may accomplish proper seal through dry bentonite application while driving casing.

(2) Gravel pack construction. When an oversized drill hole (i.e., more than four (4) inches greater than the inside diameter of the casing) is constructed to permit the placement of a gravel pack around the well screen, the driller shall seal the annular space between the casing and drill hole in the top twenty (20) feet or twenty (20) feet below the point of pitless adapter attachment with impervious drill cuttings, native clay, a neat cement-bentonite slurry or bentonite. If a permanent outer casing is installed, the driller shall extend the outer casing to a depth of at least twenty (20) feet and, depending on the formations present, seal the annular space between the drill hole and the outer casing with impervious drill cuttings, native clay, bentonite, or a neat cement-bentonite slurry. The driller shall seal the annular space between inner and outer casings to prevent the entrance of pollutants from the surface.

(a) All gravel placed in the well shall be clean, washed and disinfected prior to placement or provisions made for disinfection in place.

(b) Gravel refill pipes may be installed if they terminate above established ground surface and are provided with watertight caps.

(c) In wells designed for placement of an artificial gravel pack, the driller shall provide an adequate screen having openings sized on the basis of the grain size of the gravel. The driller shall develop the well to ensure free entry of water without sediment.

(d) Under no circumstances shall the gravel pack extend to any closer than twenty (20) feet of the established ground surface.

Section 7. Drilled Well Construction in Consolidated Formations. (1) Where the soil overburden is thirty (30) feet or less in thickness, the driller shall drive or otherwise provide a watertight seal to a depth of at least twenty (20) feet below ground level and at least ten (10) feet into bedrock. The diameter of the drill hole shall be a minimum of one and three-quarter (1 3/4) inches greater than the inner diameter of the casing. The driller shall fill the annular space with a neat cement-bentonite slurry, bentonite, native clay, impervious drill cuttings, or a mechanical packer in combination with one (1) or more of the above materials. The driller shall install plastic casing as required in subsection (7) of this section.

(2) Where the soil overburden is greater than thirty (30) feet in thickness, the driller shall install the casing to a watertight seal, a minimum of two (2) feet into stable rock. When the casing is driven, the driller shall fit the casing with a drive shoe and drive the casing to a watertight seal. The driller shall seal the annular space around the casing with impervious drill cuttings, native clay, bentonite, a neat cement-bentonite slurry or a mechanical packer in combination with one (1) or more of the above materials. The driller shall install plastic casing as required in subsection (7) of this section.

(3) Where the well is drilled to obtain water from the bedrock, beneath a thick (greater than thirty (30) feet) overburden of soil or unconsolidated formations which are unstable and will settle back around the casing, the driller shall drive the well casing to a watertight seal. In instances where a temporary surface casing must be installed to stabilize the bore-hole and in order to facilitate drilling and permanent casing installation, the driller shall fill the annular space around the well casing with impervious drill cuttings, bentonite, a neat cement-bentonite slurry or native clay to a depth of at least twenty (20) feet. The driller shall not install plastic casing under these conditions.

(4) Where the well is drilled to obtain water from a lower formation the driller shall extend the casing at least two (2) feet below any creviced formation or fractured formation encountered and drive or install the casing watertight into stable bedrock. The diameter of the drill hole through the creviced formation shall be a minimum of one and three-quarter (1 3/4) inches greater than the inner diameter of the casing. The driller shall seal the annular space with a neat cement-bentonite slurry, bentonite, native clay, impervious drill cuttings, or a mechanical packer in combination with one (1) or more of the above materials. Where an outer casing is left in place, the driller shall seal the annular space between the casings with impervious drill cuttings, native clay, bentonite, a neat cement-bentonite slurry, or a mechanical packer in combination with one (1) or more of the above materials. In instances where voids are encountered, the driller shall extend the casing a minimum of two (2) feet into stable rock below the lowermost void and shall seal the annular space with impervious drill cuttings, bentonite, a neat cement-bentonite slurry, clay or a mechanical packer in combination with one (1) or more of the above materials.

(5) Flowing artesian well. All flowing artesian wells shall be shut in. The driller shall install casing to eliminate flow in the annular space and shall seal the annular space between drill hole and casing with a neat cement-bentonite slurry, bentonite, native clay, impervious drill cuttings, or a mechanical packer in combination with one (1) or more of the above materials.

(6) In all wells where the casing is driven, the driller shall not use plastic casing.

(7) Plastic casing installations. When plastic well casing is installed, the drill hole shall be a minimum of two (2) inches greater than the inner diameter of the casing. The driller shall clean the pipe spigot and socket and treat it with a cleaner-primer. The driller shall solvent cement the joints with a quick-setting cement, or thread and couple the joints. Other types of joints may be evaluated and approved by the cabinet. The driller shall cement a coupling on the bottom of the casing to stabilize it in the hole or use centralizers. The driller may use a steel nipple five (5) to ten (10) feet long on the bottom of the casing in lieu of the coupling when the well will be continued by drilling out through the bottom of the casing. In wells completed in consolidated formations, the driller shall set the casing into bedrock a minimum of ten (10) feet where the overburden is thirty (30) feet or less in thickness and a minimum of two (2) feet where the overburden is greater than thirty (30) feet in thickness to prevent leaking around the end of the casing. In wells in bedrock where the well will be drilled to total depth before casing is installed, the driller shall install a watertight mechanical packer at the bottom of the lowermost string of casing. The driller shall seal the annular space between the casing and wall of the drill hole with at least five (5) feet of bentonite immediately above the packer. The driller shall fill the annular space above the bentonite seal with impervious drill cuttings, native clay, bentonite, or a neat cement-bentonite slurry.

(8) In areas where the overburden is at least fifteen (15) feet thick and water can only be obtained at or just above the rock surface, the driller shall set the casing at or just above the rock. Under these conditions, the driller shall seal the lowermost part of the annular space between the casing and wall of the drill hole with a minimum of two (2) feet of bentonite. The driller shall fill the remaining annular space above the bottom seal to the surface with a neat cement-bentonite slurry, bentonite or impervious clay. There shall be no less than twelve (12) feet of overburden from the ground surface to the bottom of the seal. If the casing is to be slotted or a screen installed, the driller shall not extend the slotted section above the bottom of the bentonite or cement seal. If water is encountered in drilling into the rock to develop a reservoir, the driller shall choose which water source is to be used and seal off all others.

Section 8. Special Type Wells. (1) General. Wells in this classification are dug, bored, driven, and radial collector. The choice of any one (1) of these as opposed to a drilled well is largely dictated by the characteristics of the water-bearing formations or aquifers in the local areas.

(2) Bored or dug well - well not finished with buried slab. Bored or dug wells that are not finished as buried slab wells shall comply with the following:

(a) Annular space. The driller shall grout the open space between the excavation and the installed casing with concrete. The driller shall pour the concrete a minimum of six (6) inches thick and without construction joints from the ground surface to a minimum of ten (10) feet below ground level. The driller shall be responsible for the installation of the concrete grout. The driller shall insure that the diameter of the well bore below the grouting is a minimum of four (4) inches greater than the outside diameter of the well casing and is filled with a gravel pack from the well bottom to the water-producing formation and with impervious material from the top of the gravel pack to the bottom of the concrete grout. The driller shall not extend the gravel pack any closer than ten (10) feet of the ground surface.

(b) Upper terminal. The driller shall extend the casing at least eight (8) inches above finished ground surface. The driller shall provide a cover slab at least four (4) inches thick, adequately reinforced and having a diameter sufficient to extend to the outer edge of the casing. The slab shall be constructed without joints. The driller shall slope the top of the slab to drain to all sides and shall provide a watertight joint where the slab rests on the well casing. If a manhole is installed, the driller shall insure that the manhole consists of a curb cast in the slab extending four (4) inches above the slab. The driller shall provide a watertight cover having sides which overhang the curb at least two (2) inches for any manhole.

1. If installing a vent, the driller shall provide a vent that consists of pipe extending above the slab with the open end turned down and not less than six (6) inches above the slab. The driller shall cover the open end with twenty-four (24) mesh or finer screen of durable material.

2. The driller shall cast in place adequate sized pipe sleeve or sleeves in the slab to accommodate the type of pump or pump piping proposed for the well.

(3) Bored or dug well - buried slab construction. The driller shall terminate the well casing at a depth of ten (10) feet or more below the ground surface. The driller shall use well casing meeting the requirements in Section 9 of this administrative regulation. The driller shall firmly imbed or connect the casing to a pipe cast in a reinforced buried concrete slab. The casing shall be a minimum of four (4) inches in diameter and extend from the concrete slab to at least eight (8) inches above finished ground surface. The driller shall fill the annular space between the casing pipe and the well bore with clean impervious material thoroughly tamped to minimize settling. The driller shall make the diameter of the well bore below the buried slab a minimum of four (4) inches greater than the outer diameter of the well casing. The driller shall fill the well bore with a gravel pack from the well bottom to the water table and with impervious material from the top of the gravel pack to the bottom of the concrete slab. The driller shall not extend the gravel pack any closer than ten (10) feet of the ground surface.

(4) Driven well. The well point, drive pipe and joints shall be structurally suitable to prevent rupture or distortion during the driving of the well. The driller shall construct the top ten (10) feet of the hole to a diameter of at least two (2) inches greater than the inner diameter of the drive pipe. The driller shall fill the annular space around the drive pipe with impervious material. The type of pump proposed for the well will determine how the top ten (10) feet or more of the well shall be completed. If the working barrel of a hand pump is to be located below ground surface, the driller shall enclose the upper portion of the well in steel or iron casing pipe to a point below the barrel. So called "frost pits" curbed with stone, brick, tile, or other materials shall not be installed.

(5) Radial collector well. Approval of plans for the well shall be obtained from the cabinet before construction. Factors that shall be considered for approval of a radial collector well include depth of well, types of soil formations, location of well and sources of potential contamination in the surrounding area.

Section 9. Construction Materials and Other Requirements. (1) Casing and liner pipe. In selection of casing and liner pipe, the driller shall consider the stress to which the pipe will be subjected during construction and the corrosiveness of the water with which it comes in contact. The driller shall install steel or plastic casing, except for bored or dug wells, which the driller shall construct in accordance with Section 8 of this administrative regulation and except for monitoring wells, which the driller shall construct in accordance with Section 13 of this administrative regulation. The driller shall install all pipe and casing in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. The driller shall not install used or rejected casing or pipe shall not be used.

(a) The driller shall install steel well casing that conforms to the minimum standards given in Table B; or

(b) The driller shall install plastic well casing and liners that meet the requirements given in Table C. Evidence of compliance shall be display of the National Sanitation Foundation seal on each section of casing.

(c) The driller shall install plastic well casing and liners that are Standard Dimension Ratio (SDR) rated, have an minimum impact classification of IC-1, and conform to the minimum requirements given in Table C.

(2) Outer casing. The driller shall install casing, intended for construction purposes only, that is of weight and design as necessary to be watertight and permit installation without distortion or rupture to the specified depth. The driller shall remove the outer casing upon completion of the well.

(3) Joints. The driller shall insure that all casing and liner pipe joints are watertight.

(4) Screens or perforated or slotted casing. The driller shall install screen or perforated or slotted casing openings that provide the maximum amount of open area consistent with strength of screen or casing and the grading of the water-bearing formation or gravel pack. The driller shall install materials with openings that permit maximum transmitting ability without clogging or jamming and are sized to provide sediment-free water to the well. Screens shall be made of noncorrosive material.

(5) Drive shoe. The driller shall equip the pipe that is to be driven with a drive shoe. The driller may use a collar or coupling for light driving. No driller shall drive plastic casing.

(6) Grouting guides. The driller shall provide a centering shoe for protective casing that is to be grouted in the drill hole or annular space. The driller shall provide sufficient guides or centralizers to permit the unobstructed flow and deposition of the thickness of grout specified.

(7) Cement grout. The driller shall use the procedures and materials for preparing and placing cement grout that follow:

(a) Concrete grout. The driller shall mix cement, sand, and water in the proportion of one (1) bag of cement (ninety-four (94) pounds) and an equal volume of dry sand to not more than six (6) gallons of clean water.

(b) Neat cement grout. The driller shall mix one (1) bag of cement (ninety-four (94) pounds) to not more than six (6) gallons of clean water.

(c) Neat cement-bentonite slurry. The driller shall mix one (1) bag of cement, (ninety-four (94) pounds) to seven and one-half (7 1/2) gallons of clean water and two (2) to six (6) percent bentonite (by weight two (2) to six (6) pounds) to increase fluidity and to control shrinkage.

(d) Application. The driller shall perform all cement grouting by adding the mixture from the bottom of the annular space upward in one (1) continuous operation until the annular space is filled or to the point of pitless adapter attachment. The driller may add bentonite, aquajel, or similar materials to the annular space in the manner indicated for grouting, prior to the cement grouting, to seal any small crevices or fissures and assure that the annular space is open.

(e) Setting time. The driller shall not resume drilling operations until the cement grout has set and hardened for at least forty-eight (48) hours when high-early-strength cement is used and at least seventy-two (72) hours when regular cement is used. The driller may reduce setting time from forty-eight (48) hours with high-early-strength cement and seventy-two (72) hours with regular cement by addition of manufacturers' approved chemicals and following manufacturers' recommendations for setting time.

(8) Plumbness and alignment. The driller shall ensure that the bore of the hole is sufficiently plumb and straight to receive the casing without binding. The driller shall ensure that the casing is sufficiently plumb and straight that it will not interfere with installation and operation of the pump.

(9) Construction water. The driller shall obtain water used in the drilling process from a source which will not result in the introduction of pollutants into the well.

(10) For air rotary drilling, the driller shall inject water into the air stream at the rate of approximately three (3) gallons per minute.

(11) Drill cuttings. The driller shall use drill cuttings that are impervious to fill the annular space of a well to prevent surface water from percolating down the drill hole.

(12) The driller shall not use any material containing lead in constructing a water well.

Section 10. Finishing and Testing. (1) Upper terminal. The driller shall terminate the casing or riser pipe at a height above established ground surface consistent with proposed plans for a pump house and pump installation, but not less than four (4) inches above finished ground surface. If practicable, the driller shall not install casing less than two (2) feet above any known conditions of flooding by drainage or run-off from the surrounding land. The driller shall fit the well with a well cap or sanitary seal upon completion of the well and prior to departure from the well site. The driller shall compact and grade the ground surface surrounding the well to drain water away from the well.

(2) Disinfection. For all wells except monitoring wells, the well driller shall disinfect all wells upon completion of the driller's work. The driller shall introduce sufficient chlorine to give a concentration of at least 100 parts per million to the water in the well. (CAUTION: When working with chlorine, persons should be in ventilated place. The powder or strong liquid should not come in contact with skin or clothing. Solutions are best handled in wood, plastic or crockery containers because metals are corroded by strong chlorine solutions.)

(a) Drilled wells. The driller shall disinfect the well in accordance with the following:

1. Determine the amount of water in the well by multiplying the gallons per foot (from Table D) by the number of feet of water in the well.

2. For each 100 gallons of water in the well, use the amount of chlorine liquid or compound given in Table D. Mix this total amount in about ten (10) gallons of water. If dry granules or tablets are used, they may be added directly to drilled wells.

3. The total amount of this solution shall be poured into the top of the well before the seal is installed and splashed around the lining, or wall, of the well. Ensure that the solution has contacted all parts of the well.

4. Where the driller installs a pump, the driller shall connect one (1) or more hoses from faucets on the discharge side of the pressure tank to the top of the well casing and start the pump, recirculating the water back into the well for at least fifteen (15) minutes. Then open each faucet in the system until a chlorine smell is evident. Close all faucets. Seal the top of the well.

5. Let stand for several hours, preferably overnight.

6. After standing, operate the pump, discharging water from all outlets until all chlorine odor disappears. Faucets on fixtures discharging to septic tank systems shall be throttled to a low flow to avoid overloading the disposal system.

7. Where no pump is installed, the well shall be bailed until all chlorine odor disappears before sampling.

(b) Dug wells. The driller shall disinfect the well in accordance with the following:

Diameter of well (in feet)	3	4	5	6	7	8	10
Amount of 5.25% laundry bleach to use per foot of water (in cups)	1.5	3	4.5	6	9	12	18
Amount of 70% Hypochlorite granules to use per foot of water (in ounces)	1	2	3	4	6	8	12

1. The amount of disinfectant required is determined primarily by the amount of water in the well. Using Table E, calculate the amount of chlorine that must be added for each foot of water in the well, according to its diameter.

2. To determine the exact amount of bleach to use, multiply the amount of disinfectant indicated as determined by the well's diameter times the number of feet of water.

3. This total amount of bleach shall be added to approximately ten (10) gallons of water, and splashed around the lining, or wall of the well. Be certain that the solution has contacted all parts of the well, using the entire amount of disinfectant. Seal the top of the well.

4. When this is done, pump enough water so the strong chlorine odor is evident. When the odor is detected, stop the pumping and allow the solution to remain in the well overnight.

5. After standing, operate the pump, discharging water from all outlets until a colormetric test indicates the absence of chlorine. Faucets on fixtures discharging to septic tank systems shall be throttled to a low flow to avoid overloading the disposal system.

(c) Water samples. Upon completion and disinfection of a new well or modification of an existing well, the driller shall be responsible for having the well tested for fecal coliform if the well is for potable use. The driller shall also give the owner information prepared by the cabinet explaining the importance of water well sampling, procedures for sampling, and how the water can be tested to assure a safe supply of water. The water sample shall not be taken until all chlorine has been removed from the well.

Section 11. Modification of Wells. (1) General. Wells constructed prior to the effective date of this administrative regulation need not meet its provisions. However, when a well is modified, reconstructed, or repaired, the work shall include those changes necessary to make the well conform to this administrative regulation.

(2) Well pits.

(a) No new well pits shall be allowed.

(b) No person shall modify existing well pits. Any person modifying a well shall eliminate existing well pits. The driller shall extend the casing a minimum of four (4) inches above the finished ground surface. Any flooring and the walls of the pit shall be broken and removed and the pit shall be filled with compacted earth.

(3) Notification. Within thirty (30) days after modification of a well, the driller shall provide written notification of the modification to the cabinet. The notification shall be submitted on the form entitled Kentucky Water Well Record (DEP-4045), incorporated in Section 3(6) of this administrative regulation.

Section 12. Abandoned Wells. (1) General. If a constructed water well is not suitable for its intended purpose and is to be abandoned, or if a well is drilled too close to a previously constructed well the owner shall ensure that the abandonment procedures are implemented as soon as possible, but no later than thirty (30) calendar days after completion of the well or after the owner has made the decision that the uncompleted well or previously constructed well is not to be used. The driller shall ensure that the well is completely filled in such a manner that the vertical movement of water within the annular space is effectively and permanently prevented.

(a) Preparation for wells to be abandoned. Before a well which is to be abandoned is sealed, the driller shall measure the depth and check to ensure that there are no obstructions within the well which may interfere with plugging operations. The driller shall pull or drill out screens, casings and liner pipes whenever possible to assure placement of an effective seal. The driller shall remove at least the upper five (5) feet of casing, liner pipe, brick, stone, metal, or other materials in all wells to prevent the passage of water along the casing and entering the water-bearing strata. The driller shall pull rather than cut the top joint of all plastic or steel casing.

(b) Disinfection. The driller shall disinfect the well and fill materials by using sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite. The driller shall dissolve sufficient chlorine compound to produce a calculated concentration of at least 100 parts per million (100 ppm) available chlorine in double the volume of water in the well. The driller shall place the fill material in the well after the water in the well has been so treated. Cement grouts do not require disinfection.

(c) Fill materials. The driller shall fill the aquifer or water-bearing zones in the wells with clean (relatively free of organic matter), disinfected, and dimensionally stable materials. The driller shall mechanically pack the fill materials to avoid later settlement. Neat cement shall not require disinfection. Except as specified in paragraph (e) of this subsection and subsections (2) through (5) of this section, the driller shall use only neat cement grout, a neat cement-bentonite slurry, or bentonite in plugging water wells. In all cases, clay may be used to fill the uppermost five (5) feet of the bore-hole.

(d) Placement of grout. The driller shall introduce neat cement or neat cement-bentonite grout used as a sealing material in abandonment operations at the bottom of the well or interval to be sealed (or filled) and shall place it progressively upward to the top of the well. For all such sealing materials the driller shall use grout pipe, tremie, cement bucket or dump bailer, in such a way as to avoid segregation or dilution of the sealing materials. Dumping grout material from the top shall not be permitted.

(e) Permanent bridges. Permanent bridges may be used only where voids are encountered which are too large to be filled. Under these circumstances, the driller shall completely fill the well to the bottom of the void with impermeable material. The driller shall construct a permanent bridge immediately above the void. The permanent bridge shall be at least ten (10) feet thick. Permanent bridges shall be composed only of neat cement. The driller shall allow the cement to harden for at least twenty-four (24) hours, if Type I cement is used, or for at least twelve (12) hours if Type III (high early strength) cement is used, before backfilling is continued. Temporary bridges used to provide a base for the permanent bridge shall consist only of inorganic materials - except that patented devices containing expandable neoprene, plastic, and other elastomers, and specifically designed for use in well construction are acceptable. Notification shall be given to the cabinet at least twenty-four (24) hours before a permanent bridge is to be installed.

(f) Preexisting contamination. A well unsuitable for its intended use which has been affected by salt water intrusion or any other pollutant shall be considered a special case. The method of filling and sealing such wells shall be submitted to the cabinet by the drillers and shall be subject to individual review and written approval by the cabinet prior to sealing. In the sealing of a double or multiple cased well, the driller shall submit a drawing of the well with a description of the proposed procedure and materials to be used, for prior approval by the cabinet.

(g) Well abandonment records. Before equipment is removed from the site, the exact location of the well or drill hole to be sealed and abandoned shall be determined and recorded, tying in the location with permanent reference points. The driller shall record all information relative to the abandonment procedures and the location of the abandoned well on forms provided by the cabinet with copies supplied to the cabinet and the owner of the land within thirty (30) days. The information shall be submitted on the form entitled Kentucky Water Well Record (DEP-4045) incorporated by reference in Section 6(3) of this administrative regulation.

(2) Abandonment of wells in unconsolidated formations. Drillers shall completely fill a well unsuitable for its intended use that is constructed only in unconsolidated formations and contains water under water table or atmospheric conditions. Clean, disinfected sand or gravel may be used as a fill material from the well bottom to the water table level. If the water-bearing formation consists of coarse sand or gravel and producing wells are located nearby, only sealing materials which do not adversely affect the producing wells shall be used. A driller shall not extend the sand or gravel fill any closer than ten (10) feet of the ground surface. The driller shall place a minimum of five (5) feet of neat cement grout, neat cement-bentonite slurry or bentonite above the sand or gravel fill. The driller shall fill the uppermost portion of the well above the cement or bentonite plug with clay or an impermeable material appropriate to the intended use of the land. Neat cement, a neat cement bentonite slurry, or bentonite may be used to fill the well to the ground surface.

(3) Abandonment of wells in consolidated formations. The driller shall completely fill a well unsuitable for its intended use that is constructed in consolidated formations or bedrock with neat cement, a neat cement-bentonite slurry, or bentonite, if there is no artesian flow of water in the well. The driller shall not use sand or gravel except for those wells for which a well record is on file with the cabinet. Use of sand or gravel shall be considered a special case and the method of filling and sealing such wells shall be subject to written approval by the cabinet prior to sealing. Under these conditions, the cabinet may allow the use of sand and gravel to fill through the water-producing horizon, if there is limited vertical movement of water in the formation and such movement will not adversely affect the quality or quantity of water in producing wells. The driller shall place neat cement or neat cement-bentonite grout or bentonite immediately above the sand and gravel fill, extending up to within five (5) feet of the ground surface. The driller shall fill the uppermost five (5) feet of the bore-hole with clay or an impermeable material appropriate to the intended use of the land. In the event the casing cannot be pulled or drilled out, the driller shall use bentonite slurry to fill the length of the casing.

(4) Abandonment of flowing artesian wells. The sealing of abandoned flowing artesian wells or wells which are unsuitable for their intended use and in which there is vertical movement of water between aquifers requires special attention. The driller shall notify the cabinet at least twenty-four (24) hours before such a well is to be sealed. The driller shall pressure cement such wells with neat cement mixed with the minimum quantity of water that will permit handling. In order to place the cement, the driller shall restrict flow. Gravel or stone aggregate not more than one-third (1/3) of the diameter of the hole may be placed through the water-bearing horizon, if its extent is known. The driller shall place a well packer, cast-iron plug, or temporary bridge at the bottom of the confining formation immediately overlying the artesian water-bearing horizon to seal off the flow. Temporary bridges shall consist only of inorganic materials - except that patented devices containing expandable neoprene, plastic, and other elastomers, and specifically designed for use in well construction shall be acceptable. The driller shall place the neat cement grout in one (1) continuous operation from the top of the packer, plug or bridge to five (5) feet of the surface or to the bottom of an overlying water-bearing formation. In the latter situation it may be necessary to repeat the process described in this subsection. The driller shall fill the uppermost five (5) feet of the bore-hole with clay or an impermeable material appropriate to the intended use of the land.

Section 13. Monitoring Well Construction. (1) After July 1, 1991, no person shall construct or modify a monitoring well without having a valid certificate issued in accordance with KRS 223.400 through 223.460.

(2) Drillers shall construct monitoring wells to maintain existing natural protection against the introduction of pollutants into aquifers, prevent the entry of pollutants through the bore-hole, and prevent the intermingling of groundwater from different aquifers through the bore-hole. Compliance with this section shall not relieve the driller from specific requirements under other federal or state regulatory programs.

(3) The driller shall use materials in the construction of a monitoring well appropriate to the purpose of that well. The driller shall seal the annular space above the sampling depth with suitable material, such as cement grout or bentonite, in order to prevent the introduction of pollutants into the samples or the groundwater. The driller shall complete the well at least four (4) inches above ground level or shall install a waterproof flush mount device capable of preventing surface water run-off, pollutants and contaminants from entering the well. The driller shall label the well with a Kentucky well tag. Within thirty (30) days after a monitoring well has been constructed or modified, the driller shall provide the well with a locking well cap.

(4) The driller shall provide the cabinet with a record of the well as specified in KRS 223.440.

(5) The record shall be submitted on the form entitled Kentucky Monitoring Well Record (DEP-8043). The following document is adopted and filed herein by reference: Kentucky Monitoring Well Record (DEP-8043) (January 1, 1991). Copies of this document may be obtained from the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, Division of Water, 18 Reilly Road, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, (502) 564-3410. The material is available for public inspection and copying during business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Division of Water, Frankfort Office Park, 18 Reilly Road, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.

(6) The owner shall ensure that monitoring wells are properly abandoned within thirty (30) days of the last sampling date or the determination is made that the monitoring well is unsuitable for use as a monitoring well.

(7) This section shall become effective on July 1, 1991.

TABLE A
Required Minimum Distances From Lateral Sources of Pollutants
Lateral Sources of Contamination	Minimum Distances for Clay & Loam Soils
Cess Pools	150 feet
Leaching Pit	100 feet
Pit Privy	75 feet
Subsurface Seepage Tile	75 feet
Lateral Fields	70 feet
Manure Piles	75 feet
Septic Tank	50 feet
Barnyard	50 feet
Sewers (noncast iron) (nonperforated)	50 feet
Sewers (cast-iron with watertight leaded or mechanical joints)	15 feet
Sewers (Schedule 40 or heavier plastic pipe with solvent cemented or elastomeric seal joints.) Pipe is solid pipe not perforated.	15 feet
Footing Drains (no connection to a sewer or a sump handling sewage)	10 feet
Pump House Floor Drain	2 feet
Cemeteries	75 feet
Property Lines	20 feet

TABLE B
Casing and Liner Pipe Weights and Dimensions
Size (inches)	External Diameter (inches)	Thickness (inches)	Weight (pounds per foot)
1	1.315	0.120	-
1 1/4	1.660	0.120	-
1 1/2	1.900	0.120	-
2	2.375	0.120	2.89
2 1/2	2.875	0.120	3.53
3	3.500	0.120	4.33
3 1/2	4.000	0.120	4.97
4	4.500	0.188	8.66
5	5.563	0.188	10.79
6	6.625	0.188	12.92
8	8.625	0.277	24.70
10	10.750	0.307	34.24
12	12.750	0.330	43.77
14	14.000	0.375	54.57
16	16.000	0.375	62.58
18	18.000	0.375	70.59
20	20.000	0.375	78.60

Pipe sizes not listed that are less than eight (8) inches in diameter shall match listed values as closely as possible.

Pipe sizes not listed that are eight (8) inches in diameter or greater shall be Schedule 30 pipe as a minimum.

TABLE C
Plastic Casing and Liner Pipe Specifications
Size (inches)	SDR	External Diameter (inches)	Minimum Wall (inches)
4	26	4.500	0.173
5	26	5.563