La. Admin. Code tit. 56 § V-327

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section V-327 - Inactive Well

A. A well considered inactive is one that is not presently operating but is capable of being pumped with a minimum of effort or one that is used as an observation well. The owner must give evidence of his intentions for continued use. As evidence of his intentions, the owner shall be responsible for properly maintaining the well in such a way that:

1. the well and the annular space between the hole and casing shall have no defects that will permit the seepage of water from outside the well;

2. the well is clearly marked and is not a safety hazard;

3. the well is covered or capped in such a manner as to prevent easy entry by other than the owner;

4. the area surrounding the well is kept clear of waste and debris;

5. if the pump has been removed for repair or replacement, the well shall be adequately covered to prevent the entrance of any contaminant or pollutant;

6. the well is not used for the disposal or injection of trash, garbage, sewage, waste water, and/or storm runoff.

B. Unless a well is used for observation purposes, a well shall not remain in the inactive status for more than one year. After that time, it will be considered abandoned. Upon written request by the responsible party, the Louisiana Department of Public Works or the commission may permit, in writing, a well to remain in the inactive status for a specified period of time but not in excess of one additional year. The responsible party must satisfy the commission or department of his intent to use the well for observation purposes and/or return the well to the active well status within the specified time.

La. Admin. Code tit. 56, § V-327

Promulgated by the Office of the Governor, Capital Area Ground Water Conservation Commission, LR 1:386 (September 1975), effective October 1, 1975, repromulgated LR 33:2642 (December 2007).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 38:3076(14) and 38:3079.