[Added 10-16-2001; amended 11-19-2002; 10-21-2014]
As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
A geothermal exchange system where a portion of the pipe
intended to recirculate a liquid solution through a heat exchanger
is submerged, suspended, or anchored in a pond or lake.
An excavation that is drilled, cored, driven, dug or otherwise
constructed that penetrates an aquifer or that may degrade the quality
of the aquifer.
Has the same meaning as "closed loop well."
A sealed, watertight loop of pipe buried outside of a building
foundation intended to recirculate a liquid solution through a heat
exchanger, but is limited to the construction of the bore hole and
the grouting of the bore hole and does not include the piping and
appurtenances used in any other capacity. "Closed loop well" does
not include any horizontal closed loop well systems where grouting
is not necessary by law or standard industry practice.
Any individual who installs closed loop wells for another
person. "Closed loop contractor" does not include the employee of
a closed loop contractor.
A sealed, watertight loop of pipe buried outside of a building
foundation, which is intended to recirculate a liquid solution through
a heat exchanger. This includes but is not limited to closed loop
wells, horizontal closed loop and body-of-water loop systems.
Any individual who installs geothermal exchange systems,
except an employee of a geothermal exchange system contractor.
Any open cut excavation or directional boring containing
a watertight loop of pipe buried outside of a building foundation
that does not penetrate an aquifer and is intended to recirculate
a liquid solution through a heat exchanger.
[Amended 6-20-2017]
No geothermal exchange system shall be constructed,
modified or sealed in McLean County except in accordance with these
regulations, and it shall be unlawful to proceed with the construction,
modification or sealing of a geothermal exchange system without first
obtaining a permit from the Health Department.
In order to protect the sewage disposal system
and a horizontal geothermal exchange system, there shall be a minimum
setback of 15 feet between the systems.
Permit applications for a geothermal exchange
system shall be in writing and in such form as shall be prescribed
by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Every application shall
be signed by the geothermal exchange system contractor.
A.
The application shall be accompanied by a plan showing
the location of all existing structures, wells, septic tanks, secondary
sewage treatment units, cesspools, privies, sewers, lakes, ponds or
streams on the applicant's property and on neighboring properties,
if they are within 200 feet of the proposed geothermal exchange system(s).
B.
Prior to the approval of the permit, the Health Department,
at its discretion, may require additional information and/or inspect
the property and neighboring properties.
[Amended 6-20-2017]
[Amended 2-17-2015]
Each permit application for a geothermal exchange system shall be accompanied by a fee as set forth in Chapter 205, Fees, payable to the McLean County Health Department. This fee shall not be refundable in the event that an individual decides not to construct or modify the geothermal exchange system. All fees shall be increased by 3% annually. Other changes in fees and annual increases shall be determined by a majority vote of Board of Health members during a regularly scheduled Board of Health meeting.
[Amended 2-17-2015; 6-20-2017]
If, upon receipt of the application and fee,
the Health Department finds that the requirements of this article
have been satisfied, the permit shall be issued.
A.
The permit is valid for a period of 12 months from
the date of issuance.
B.
If construction, modification or sealing of the geothermal
exchange system has not started within this period, the permit is
void.
C.
Any modification from the submitted plan approved
with the permit application must be submitted to the Health Department
in writing before construction, modification or sealing begins.
[Amended 2-17-2015; 6-20-2017]
All individuals who install geothermal exchange systems in this County shall be registered annually with the Health Department. Closed loop well contractors shall possess a valid certificate of registration issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health to be eligible to apply for a registration with the Health Department. A registration fee as set forth in Chapter 205, Fees, shall accompany the registration application. The registration shall expire on December 31 of the year of issue.
The fee for a first-time registration for an
individual shall be increased by 40%. This surcharge will cover the
expense of providing the education and training requirements and for
completing the paperwork and file set-up costs.
[Amended 6-20-2017]
A.
The Health Department shall be notified by telephone
or in writing at least 24 hours prior to the commencement of any work
to construct, modify or seal a geothermal exchange system for which
a permit has been issued.
B.
Before grouting and backfilling is started, an inspection
shall be made by the Health Department to determine if full compliance
with this article has been met.
