Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-8-2-.09
Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024
Section 335-8-2-.09 - Groundwater Extraction(1) Installation of a new well, or alteration of an existing well, for the purposes of extracting groundwater at a rate of 50 gallons per minute or greater requires a permit from the Department. This provision is applicable to a well whose surface location is in the coastal area and one whose surface location is not in the coastal area but whose 50 year capture zone extends into the coastal area. (a) An application for a permit to construct and operate a well which is subject to these provisions shall include: 1. a detailed plan for drilling, sampling, and testing the well;2. results of analyses which provide the predicted 50 year capture zone of the proposed well at maximum designed pumping capacity;3. the identification of existing wells, which are capable of pumping 50 gallons per minute or more, and their respective 50 year capture zones, which are located within one mile of the proposed well's 50 year capture zone; and4. reasonable assurance by the applicant that the proposed activity will not impact groundwater.(b) The applicant may proceed to install and test the well unless the Department objects in writing within 30 days after receipt of a complete application; however, the lack of an objection by the Department should not be construed as obligating the Department to issue a permit to operate.(2) Wells shall be drilled and sampled using specialized techniques designed to determine if saltwater zones overlie the target production zone, and shall be logged by a qualified geologist in sufficient detail to establish permeable and impermeable zones and their associated quality. (a) After the well is constructed, it shall be pump tested to establish aquifer characteristics of transmissivity and storage coefficient using an observation well which is located an appropriate distance from the pumping well and screened in the production zone of the pumping well. 1. The distance from the observation well to the production well shall be equal to or greater than the value derived by the following equation: 1.5m (PH/PV)0.5
Where M = aquifer thickness in feet
PH = aquifer horizontal conductivity in gallons per day per sq. ft.
PV = aquifer vertical conductivity in gallons per day per sq. ft.
2. The pump test shall be of sufficient duration to establish aquifer characteristics and groundwater quality. The duration shall be sufficient for the water level to stabilize at design capacity of the well, but in no case shall the duration be less than 12 hours. An evaluation of the pump test data and water quality analysis shall be submitted to the Department for review.(3) Water samples taken for analysis shall be obtained in accordance with the ADEM Field Operations Standard Operating Procedures or other methods approved by the Department. Parameter coverage shall be specified by the Department.(4) If the Department determines that saltwater intrusion should be evaluated, a monitoring well may be required to be placed at the 50 year capture zone perimeter in the direction of the most likely source of vertical or horizontal saltwater intrusion into the production aquifer.(5) Based upon all available information, if it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Department that the normal operation of the well will not adversely impact the existing quality of groundwater, a permit to operate the well may be issued.(6) The Department may deny a permit if the operation of a new or altered well would adversely impact existing drinking water wells. Author: John C. Carlton
Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-8-2-.09
New Rule: Filed May 26, 1994; Effective June 30, 1994. Amended: Filed March 22, 1995; effective April 26, 1995.Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § § 9-7-16, 22-22A-5, 22-22A-6, 22-22A-8.