La. Admin. Code tit. 56 § V-331

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

Section V-331 - Abandoned Hole

A. A pilot hole driven, drilled, augered, or bored with the intent to install casing and obtain water shall be considered an abandoned hole when the hole is not cased and a well is not developed or used for water supply or observation purposes within 30 days after drilling operations have been completed. Unless the owner has a prior agreement with the water well contractor that states otherwise, it shall be the water well contractor's responsibility to plug and seal such an abandoned hole within 90 days after work is terminated or after the hole is considered abandoned.

B. An exploratory test hole drilled or excavated solely for the purpose of collecting geologic, hydrologic, and water quality data shall be considered an abandoned hole within 30 days after the completion of all testing operations. The agency or organization responsible for the exploratory work is responsible for plugging and sealing the hole unless the landowner or lessee of the land has agreed in writing to retain responsibility for plugging and restoration.

C. When the drilling of a hole is temporarily suspended and the rig moved away from the drilling site, the hole shall be considered an abandoned hole unless drilling operations are resumed within 90 days of the initial date of suspension of drilling operations. During the shut down period, a mud column of sufficient weight and height shall be maintained in the hole at all times to prevent seepage of water from or into the aquifers, or the interaquifer movement of water.

La. Admin. Code tit. 56, § V-331

Promulgated by the Office of the Governor, Capital Area Ground Water Conservation Commission, LR 1:386 (September 1975), effective October 1, 1975, repromulgated LR 33:2643 (December 2007).

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