[Ord. 2007-7, 5/9/2007; as amended by A.O.]
The Easton Suburban Water Authority Backflow Prevention by Containment and Cross-Connection Control Program revised April 2006, as may be updated and amended from time to time, is hereby adopted as though more fully set forth herein at length.
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No. 2020-06, 12/9/2020]
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Williams Township Well Construction Standards Ordinance."
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No. 2020-06, 12/9/2020]
The purpose of this part is to ensure and protect the quality and suitability of Individual Water Supply systems by requiring that a permit be obtained prior to the construction of Individual Water Supply and Semipublic Water Supply systems and Wells (each capitalized term is defined below), production wells, test wells and monitoring wells; and to establish minimum construction standards for the location, installation, reconstruction, replacement, modification, reactivation or abandonment of these systems.
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No. 2020-06, 12/9/2020]
"This part applies to all Individual Water Supply and Semipublic Water Supply systems, as each of these terms is defined by this part and all Wells that have not been completed, or that are not in operation or are not in an operable condition at the time of the effective date of this part. Additionally, this part shall apply to all Alterations (as defined herein) to an existing Well. Public Water Systems (as defined by this part) are exempt from this part. This part shall not apply to routine maintenance and/or minor repairs to keep an existing Well in proper working order. This is in addition to, but not superseding, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) regulations and/or Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) and any and all federal agencies.
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No. 2020-06, 12/9/2020]
The following words and terms when used in this part shall have the following meaning unless the context specifically and clearly indicates otherwise:
ABANDONED WELL
A supply, the regular use of which has been discontinued for a period of one year or more, or which is in such a state of disrepair that continued use for the purpose of obtaining Groundwater is impracticable, or which has been replaced by a new Well or Public Water System for the same use.
AGRICULTURAL WELL
A Well used exclusively to supply water for irrigation, livestock operation or other agricultural purposes.
ALTERATION
Any action which necessitates entering a Well with drilling tools; treating a Well to increase yield (i.e., jetting, hydro-fracking extending well depth or enlarging annulus, etc.), altering the physical structure or depth of the Well; removal or replacement of Well Casing. This shall not include routine pump removal or replacement or disinfection by chlorination in accordance with PADEP and DRBC regulations.
ANNULAR SPACE
The area between the wall of the drilled hole (or bore) and the well casing, or the space between two well casings. If a conductor casing is used, this includes the area between the bore and the conductor casing and between the conductor casing and the well casing.
ANSI
American National Standards Institute.
API
American Petroleum Institute.
AQUIFER
An underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock, rock fractures, or unconsolidated materials (such as gravel, sand, or silt) that can transmit water.
AQUIFER TEST PLAN (AQUIFER WELL PERFORMANCE): CLASS II AND CLASS III WELLS
A conceptual understanding of the hydrogeologic setting along with the identification of potentially impacted water resources are key components for aquifer test design, execution and analysis. Aquifer test design and the conceptual understanding should be considered when developing the pre-drilling plan and modified accordingly as more site-specific data become available.
ASTM
American Society for Testing Materials.
AWWA
American Water Works Association.
BACK SIPHONAGE
The flowing back of used, contaminated or polluted water from a plumbing fixture or vessel or other sources into a water supply pipe due to negative pressure in a pipe.
BEDROCK
The solid rock underlying unconsolidated surface materials. A bedrock is defined as "Competent" as rock that, because of its physical and geological characteristics, is capable of sustaining openings without structural support, i.e., rock formations in which no artificial support is needed to maintain a cave-free borehole.
CASING
An impervious durable pipe placed in a borehole to prevent the walls from caving and to seal off surface drainage or undesirable water, gas or other fluids and prevent their entering the Well.
COLIFORM
All of the aerobic and facultative anaerobic, gram negative, non-spore forming, rod-shaped bacteria which are capable of fermenting lactose with gas formation within 48 hours at 35° C.
CONSTRUCTION OF WELLS
All acts necessary to obtain Groundwater, or artificial recharge of Groundwater (i.e., stormwater management). Provided, however, such term does not include an excavation made for the purpose of obtaining or prospecting for oil, natural gas, minerals, or products of mining or quarrying, or for inserting media to repressure oil or natural gas formations or for storing petroleum, natural gas, or other products and services. Construction of Wells includes the location and excavation or drilling of the Well, but excludes the Installation of Pumps and Pumping Equipment.
CONTRACTOR
Any individual, partnership, company, association, corporation, group or entity employed, hired, contracted or otherwise engaged by the Owner to perform defined services for compensation, including but not limited to a Well Driller.
CROSS SECTION
An arrangement allowing either direct or indirect connection through which backflow, including Back Siphonage, can occur between the drinking water in a Public Water System and a system containing a potential source of contamination.
DEP
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
DRBC
Delaware River Basin Commission.
E.P.A
Environmental Protection Agency, a government organization in the United States that protects human health and environmental resources.
FLOWING WELL
A Well that yields water by artesian pressure at the ground surface. A Well that yields water without exterior means (pumping, air-lifting etc.) Many times, flowing or artesian by PDEP definition (surface water influence).
GEOTHERMAL WELL
A hole drilled into the earth, by boring or otherwise constructed for the primary purpose of adding or removing British Thermal Units (BTUs) from the earth for heating or cooling.
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-5, 10/12/2022]
GROUNDWATER
Water within the earth below the water table within the zone of saturation. Groundwater includes both water under water table conditions and confined within deep aquifers.
GROUT
A permanent watertight joint or connection made by filling with concrete, neat cement or bentonite material between the Casing and the undisturbed formation surrounding the Well or between two strings of Casing. Grouting materials shall conform to AWWA standards, as the same may be amended from time to time.
INDIVIDUAL WATER SUPPLY
A system including Wells, pumps, and piping equipment, which supplies water to a private home, or commercial/industrial development occupying on a single lot or property.
INSTALLATION OF PUMPS AND PUMPING EQUIPMENT
The procedure employed in the placement and preparation for operation of pumps and pumping equipment, including all construction involved in making entrance to the Well and establishing seals but not including repairs to existing installations.
N.S.F.
National Sanitation Foundation.
OWNER
Any Person responsible for a subject property, including but not limited to the record owner, a tenant and any other Person vested with sole or partial, legal or equitable ownership of property located in the Township.
PENNSYLVANNIA SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT (SDWA)
35 P.S. 721.1 et seq. and 25 Pa. Code Chapter 109.
PERSON
Any individual, public or private corporation for profit or not for profit, association, partnership, firm, trust, estate, department, board, bureau or agency of the Commonwealth or the federal government, political subdivision, municipality, district, authority, or any other legal entity whatsoever which is recognized by law.
PITLESS ADAPTER
A device or assembly of parts which will permit water to pass through the wall of the Well Casing or extension thereof, and which provides access to the Well and to the parts of the water system within the Well in a manner to prevent entrance of pollution into the Well and the water produced.
PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride. This material is commonly used in the construction of well casing and screen in unconsolidated aquifer boreholes.
SALDO
Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
TOWNSHIP
Williams Township, Northampton County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
WATER SYSTEM
1. 
PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMAs defined by the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act (35 P.S. 721.1 et seq.), a system which provides water to the public for human consumption which has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of at least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year. The term is either a Community or Non-Community System and includes collection, treatment, storage and distribution facilities under the control of the operator of the system and used in connection with the system. The term also includes a system which provides water for bottling or bulk hauling for human consumption.
2. 
COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMA water system which serves at least 15 service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents.
3. 
NON-COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMSA water system that serve either transient or a non-transient population. Facilities are required to provide a safe and adequate supply of water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Non-Community Water Systems are facilities, such as schools, factories, restaurants, and churches, served by their own water supply.
A. 
NON-TRANSIENT NON-COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMSNon-community water system that regularly serves at least 25 of the same persons at least six months per year. Examples of non-transient non-community water systems include schools, churches, restaurants, and shopping centers, or businesses that have their own supply and treatment systems.
B. 
TRANSIENT NON-COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMSA public water system that provides water where people do not remain for long periods of time (i.e., a restaurant, campground, gas station, or highway rest area).
4. 
SEMI-PUBLIC WATER SUPPLYA water supply which services two or several facilities such as industrial or commercial establishments, parks, camps, hotels, motels, schools, institutions, eating and drinking establishments or a water supply which services two or more dwelling units and is not a Public Water System.
WELL
Any excavation that is drilled, cored, bored, washed, driven, dug, jetted, or otherwise constructed when the intended use of such excavation is for the location, acquisition or artificial recharge of Groundwater or as a geothermal well. This includes but is not limited to test wells, test borings, and monitoring wells, in addition to Wells to be utilized as Individual Water Supplies or Semipublic or Public Water Systems.
WELL CLASSIFICATIONS
Class Designation of Ground Water Wells as defined as the following Classes herein by this part:
1. 
CLASS I WELLWell with a volume of less than 2,000 gallons per twenty-four-hour day (gpd). Residential and/or Nonresidential wells of less than 2,000 gpd and/or minor subdivisions of five single family dwellings or less as regulated by SALDO. This includes individual new and replacement wells for single-family dwelling not associated with a subdivision.
2. 
CLASS II WELLWell with a volume of greater than 2,000 gpd but less than 10,000 gpd and/or serving major residential subdivisions as defined by Williams Township SALDO of six or more and or any nonresidential development. Hydraulic well test will be required according to § 26-209 below.
3. 
CLASS III WELLWell with a volume of greater than 10,000 gpd over a thirty-day span (300,000 gallons per month). Class III wells shall be regulated by PADEP, DRBC, and any state, multi-state regulatory agencies. Hydraulic well testing will be required according to state or multi-state agencies.
WELL DEVELOPMENT
The act of cleaning/flushing out the clay and silt introduced during the drilling process and to improve the efficiency of the well by removing fine-grained material from the well and gravel pack. This is often performed using air-lifting, pump-and-surge, and intermittent pumping methods. Well development techniques should be conducted according to PADEP requirements.
WELL DRILLER
An individual or company that is permitted or licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to drill Wells in Pennsylvania.
WELL SEAL
An approved device or method used to protect a Well Casing or water system from the entrance of any external pollutant at the point of entrance into the Casing of a pipe, electric conduit or water level measuring device.
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No. 2020-06, 12/9/2020]
The Owner of the property on which a Well for domestic water use is to be utilized shall:
1. 
Prior to Construction of a Well or undertaking any Alteration to a Well, apply to the Township for a Well installation permit, providing, on the prescribed form: name and address of applicant, name and address of Owner of the land where the Well is to be drilled, name and address and license number of the Well Driller, site location and address of the property where the Well is to be drilled and proposed date for drilling to begin. A site plan (sketch) showing the location and identification of existing or proposed buildings, structures, improvements, driveways, septic systems, wells, water bodies, and other same features on adjacent properties within 100 feet of the existing or proposed well.
2. 
At the time the application is presented to the Township for review, the applicant shall pay the application fee as established by the Township fee schedule. In no case will the application be accepted for review prior to payment of the applicable fee. For a proposed Class II or Class III Well, publicly available information concerning the construction, use, and capacity of all wells within 100 feet of the proposed well shall also be provided.
3. 
Have all Wells constructed by a qualified Pennsylvania licensed Well Driller to meet, at a minimum, the rules and regulations of this part and any administrative agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
4. 
Submit any relevant information or data concerning the constructed Well to the Township, including a signed Well completion report and a copy of Well water test results (sampled and analyzed according to state and federal regulations) obtained from the Well Driller to permit the Township to determine whether Construction of the Well complied with the requirements of this part. A well construction and geologic log must be submitted to the Township along with a copy of the well permit.
5. 
Prior to construction of a dwelling unit or a building intended to be connected to a Class I Well for which an application has been filed with the Township and a well permit issued therefor, the proposed Class I Well must be drilled, constructed, and tested for quantity and quality pursuant to § 26-208, Subsection 3A, before construction on the dwelling unit or building may occur.
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-5, 10/12/2022]
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No. 2020-06, 12/9/2020]
Wells shall be located at a point free from flooding at a higher elevation and at the following minimum setback distances to existing or potential sources of pollution as required by PADEP and state or federal regulatory agencies.
If the minimum setbacks cannot be achieved an ordinance waiver must be applied for in writing. The Board of Supervisors will provide a determination if the waiver is approved.
Source of Pollution
Minimum Setback Distance
(feet)
Lakes, ponds, streams or other surface waters
25 (measured from the top of the adjacent bank, if applicable)
Livestock yards and silos
50
Manure stacks
250
Preparation area or storage area of hazardous spray materials, fertilizers of chemicals, salt piles
100
Gravity sewer lines and drains carrying domestic sewage or industrial waste
50
Septic tanks, aerobic tanks or holding tanks
50
Subsurface sewage disposal systems, elevated sand mounds, other sewage disposal fields
100
Sewage seepage pits, cesspools
100
Spray irrigation sites, sewage sludge and septage disposal sites
100
Petroleum tanks, liquid-tight manure storage and fertilizer storage and handling
100
Property lines, driveways, drainage and utility easements and private roads
10
Dedicated public right-of-way
25
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No. 2020-06, 12/9/2020]
All wells shall be constructed according to PADEP 25, Chapter 78.
1. 
Casing.
A. 
All Wells supplying an Individual Water Supply or SemipublicWater Supply shall be equipped with watertight and durable Casing of carbon steel with a minimum wall thickness of 0.280 inch or such other thickness as may be established from time to time by AWWA Standard A100.
B. 
The sections of Casing shall be joined together by threaded couplings or joints, welding or other watertight approved method. The Casing shall be carried to a minimum depth of 50 feet and meet firm, competent bedrock then extended an additional 10 feet into firm bedrock or other impervious strata and Grouted in place. Casing and Grouting must be compatible. Pressure Grouting is required for all Wells by running tremie pipe to the bottom of and along the Casing. Cement concrete or bentonite are required for use in Grouting. Casing shall extend at least 12 inches above ground surface. The borehole shall be at least three inches larger than the outside diameter of the Casing to allow for Grout.
C. 
In areas known to be contaminated as recognized by PADEP and/or state or federal agencies, the minimum depth for Casing shall be 50 feet below existing grade elevation the criteria established in AWWA Standards A100-84, must be followed.
2. 
Well Depth. The minimum drilled depth for any water Well is 80 feet from surface of the ground.
3. 
Ferrous Casing. Ferrous Casing shall be new pipe meeting ASTM or API Specifications for water Well construction. It shall be equipped with a drive shoe or other effective Casing seal and have full circumference welds or threaded pipe joints.
4. 
Grouting.
A. 
An Annular Space shall be provided between the Well Casing and the borehole annulus. It shall be filled using tremie-grouting methods to reduce the chance for materials to bridge within the borehole. Grout shall be installed in one continuous operation under pressure from the bottom of the Casing to the natural ground surface within 24 hours of completion of drilling. No activity in and around the Well is permitted to occur within 24 hours after Grouting of the Casing, or within two hours if using bentonite.
B. 
All obstructions must be completely cleared prior to placement of Grout material. The Casing shall be sealed by Grouting full bore depth to grade. Each region deemed as an undesirable water-bearing zone or polluted/contaminated by state and/or federal agencies shall be sealed.
C. 
During the installation of a pitless adaptor, Grout material may be removed from the exterior of the Casing in order to provide a watertight seal between the Casing and this adaptor. For such an adaptor, a ditch at least three feet deep will be required along with conduits, stone dust or sand. A sanitary Well cap shall be incorporated for protection from leakage and identification of the Well.
D. 
Grouting is to be inspected by the Township Representative.
5. 
Packer. Packers when used shall be of material that will not adversely impact taste or odor or introduce toxic substances or bacterial contamination into the well water.
6. 
Gravel Filter Media (Gravel Pack). Gravel Pack when used shall be at least 95% siliceous material and placed in a uniform continuous operation. Protection from leakage shall be guaranteed by the licensed drilling contractor. Size and distribution of filter media shall be prescribed by the licensed driller for Class I and Class II wells. Engineer or geologists shall design size.
7. 
Pits. Pit installations are not permitted.
8. 
Pitless Installations:
A. 
Pitless installations are those where the Casing terminates above the ground surface. Where used, they shall be effectively sealed. All buried suction lines shall be encased. The access Casing shall be protected against corrosion and shall extend at least 12 inches above the natural ground surface and to a point below the frost line. This area shall be designed for blockage of water, insects, and rodents.
B. 
Pitless adaptors cannot be installed with torch or flame, but must be installed using a hole saw or drill and be water-tight sanitary cap for all wells.
C. 
Pitless installations are to be inspected by the Township upon installation.
9. 
Well Screens. Well screens shall provide maximum amount of open area while still maintaining structural strength. Well screen construction shall be designed by the licensed driller for Class I and Class II wells. Well screen construction shall be designed by the licensed engineer or geologist for Class III wells.
10. 
Well Cap. Install a secure, screened, varmint free watertight well cap on all Wells to prevent any surface pollutants from entering the Well or any vandalism to the Well or aquifer. In the event of a Flowing Well, the Well cap must stop overflow from the Well.
11. 
Venting. Where venting is required, an overlapping cover or pipe with an opening facing downward shall be required. With 100-year floodplain, venting shall be extended 12 inches above floodplain elevation. In no case shall openings be less than 12 inches from the ground.
12. 
Monitoring Wells. Monitoring Wells shall be designed such as to minimize potential contamination of the aquifer and to maximize the information obtained from each such Well.
13. 
Heat Pumps. Heat pump (geothermal) installations shall be designed and constructed to provide an effective watertight seal with the Well Casing or water storage reservoir and to prevent contamination from reaching the water chamber or interior pump surfaces. In closed loop systems, holes must be grouted from bottom to top with cement or bentonite. Open loop systems must conform to same requirements as water well and any state or federal requirements for geothermal systems.
14. 
Disinfection. Following completion of construction, the Well shall be pumped continuously until the water discharge is clear. It shall be filled with water containing concentration of not less than 100 parts per million of free chlorine. A portion of this solution shall be recirculated directly to the Well in order to insure proper agitation. The water shall not be used for a period of 24 hours to allow enough contact time to disinfect the system. Other combinations of water/chlorine concentration and time interval may be used if demonstrated equally effective to the satisfaction of the Township's dully appointed representative. Disposal of the purged water shall be at a point so as to minimize adverse effects to aquatic life and in no way directed into any subsurface sewage disposal system. Refer to PADEP and EPA regulations for guidance.
15. 
Cross-Connections.
A. 
If pump and piping is not installed by the Well Driller, the Owner and its Contractor are responsible for proper installation of check-valves and backflow protection. Backflow protectors must be incorporated into the system and be used as needed for each outside water hose connectors. At least two check-valves must be incorporated into each water system that derives water from a Well.
B. 
A cross-connection prevention assembly shall be provided. For Semipublic Water Supplies, this device is required to be installed at any fixed potable water outlet to which a hose may be connected.
16. 
Well Water Sampling and Analysis.
A. 
After 24 hours of Well disinfection, the Owner or its representative shall collect and have water samples analyzed for:
(1) 
pH;
(2) 
Hardness;
(3) 
Total solids;
(4) 
Iron;
(5) 
Lead;
(6) 
Magnesium;
(7) 
Arsenic;
(8) 
Nitrate-Nitrogen; and
(9) 
Coliform bacteria at a minimum.
B. 
If the Well is located within or adjacent to an area of known contamination, the Well analysis shall include the contaminants of concern. The Owner or its representative shall utilize the appropriate means and methods for sampling and stabilization and obtain sample analysis from a laboratory certified by the PADEP to perform the analyses. One copy of the analysis results shall be provided to the Owner of the Well and one copy provided to the Township.
17. 
Completion Report. The Well Driller, on behalf of the Owner, shall submit one copy of the water well completion report to the Township, prior to Township refunding escrow less inspection fees.
18. 
A Township Well Permit is required for all vertical geothermal well construction. A scaled house location survey plan or a copy of an approved stormwater or sediment control plan must be submitted with the application to show the proposed well site(s). Hand-drawn sketched and faxed drawings are not acceptable. The plan must be clear and accurate. If there is an approved sediment control/stormwater plan for the property, a copy of this plan must be used.
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-5, 10/12/2022]
A. 
All geothermal wells must be "closed-loop" unless the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection ("PADEP") issued a Groundwater Appropriation Permit. The PADEP requires all "open-loop" geothermal wells to return the water to the same aquifer from which it is withdrawn. A standing column is an open-loop well (See Standing Column Geothermal Well Systems).
B. 
Minimum closed-loop geothermal well setback requirements:
(1) 
Fifty feet from any septic tank, septic disposal system or septic reserve area.
(2) 
Fifty feet from stormwater management devices (i.e., sources of contamination).
(3) 
Fifty feet from existing gravity flow public sewer mains and laterals, except 10 feet where piping is constructed of:
(a) 
Cast-iron pipe with water-tight lead caulked joints or joints filled with neoprene gaskets; or
(b) 
Solvent welded schedule 40 (or SDR equivalent) or better PVC pipe; or
(c) 
Thermally welded high-density polyethylene ("HDPE") pipe.
(4) 
Ten feet from any existing or future building foundation.
(5) 
Ten feet from any existing underground utilities.
(6) 
Thirty feet from domestic water wells and irrigation wells.
(7) 
Ten feet from a property line.
(8) 
Fifteen feet from any road, public right-of-way or easements.
C. 
All applications must show sediment control measures on the plan for containing the drilling water and cuttings on the property.
D. 
The property owner and well driller are responsible for compliance with all applicable sediment control, noise and dust ordinance(s).
E. 
Following completion of installation and grouting of a closed-loop well (including horizontal), a final pressure test shall be performed. Additional pressure testing prior to grouting is encouraged due to the capital investment in the ground source heat pump ("GSHP") well boring.
F. 
Following completion of installation and grouting of wells (including horizontal), the final testing of the loop shall be performed with water or air that shall be applied at a minimum pressure of 150% of the manufacturer's heat pump operating specifications. Once pressurized, the closed system pressure shall be observed for at least 30 minutes.
G. 
If pressure testing shows that any GSHP loop leaks on a closed-loop well (including horizontal), the leaking loop shall be repaired or replaced. If the loop can't be repaired or replaced, the loop and borehole shall be decommissioned in accordance with PADEP Well Abandonment Requirements. Following any loop repair or replacement work, an additional final pressure test shall be performed as described above in this section.
H. 
Underground caution tape shall be installed above all borehole locations that are finished below final grade. Underground caution tape shall also be installed over all sections of underground piping associated with the GSHP system. Scaled site schematics that tie underground GSHP well locations and underground piping to aboveground reference points shall be provided to the property owner upon completion of the system.
I. 
Subsurface closed-loop tubing shall be placed on and covered with suitable clean material that will not result in damage to the tubing as excavation trenches and pits are backfilled and compacted. At least three feet of backfill shall be placed above the embedding sands for the tubing that is no more permeable than the surrounding soil. If less than three feet is used (other than the location where the tubing may daylight along the building foundation), measures shall be taken to prevent long-term damage to the tubing from freeze-thaw cycles and accidental damage from shallow excavation activities (caution tape alone is not considered sufficient protection). Backfill materials shall be clean and shall be adequately compacted to minimize the potential for forming a depression or sump that would allow infiltration of surface runoff or other fluids.
J. 
The use of refrigerants, antifreeze chemicals and lubricating oils is prohibited on water that is returned to the subsurface via open-loop systems. The use of plasticizers in grout used in well construction is prohibited for open-loop GSHP wells. Following are the only current PADEP-approved refrigerants: plasticizers, antifreeze, lubricating oils and corrosion inhibitors that are allowed for closed-loop wells.
K. 
Standing column geothermal well systems will be allowed only after the applicant submits evidence that the Pennsylvania Department of Environment has approved both a Groundwater Appropriations Permit ("GAP") and a discharge permit for the return water. Any proposed "bleed-off" water must be approved by the state as part of the GAP; and must have an approved discharge site. Use of the standing column well as a drinking water source will not be allowed until the applicant can demonstrate that the HVAC components have the approval of the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) or the equivalent for contact with drinking water.
L. 
Standing column wells must be a minimum of 100 feet from all infiltrative stormwater devices, including but not limited to dry wells; 30 feet from a building foundation; 100 feet from a septic system and generally meet the same setbacks as all other cased "open" wells (such as drinking water wells).
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No. 2020-06, 12/9/2020]
1. 
Hydraulic testing shall be designed and properly conducted to adequately define the characteristics of the Aquifer and Well in accordance with PADEP regulations. The testing should demonstrate that the existing or new-constructed Well shall provide adequate yield while also not negatively impacting or influencing the environment or nearby wells according to multi-state and federal agency requirements.
2. 
If potential negative impacts have been determined by the Township Engineer, hydraulic testing and development shall cease until the applicant submits a mitigation plan and approval by the Township Engineer. Mitigation of an adjacent adversely impacted well may include, but not be limited to: modifying hydraulic testing plan, reduction in proposed development, replacement of existing impacted well, connection to other public water supply, redrilling proposed production well to deeper aquifer, etc. Any Adverse impacts to adjacent exiting wells is the responsibility of the Applicant to mitigate to the satisfaction of the Township.
3. 
In addition to these regulations, hydraulic testing requirements are as follows for each Class Well designation:
A. 
Class I Well.
(1) 
Hydraulic Testing shall be performed by a licensed driller for a period of no less than two hours and will be followed by the recovery phase, to adequately determine yield and characteristics of the well. Water level measurements during the recovery phase will be implemented until the well has reached 95% recovery from static water level prior to pumping.
(2) 
The results of hydraulic testing will be submitted along with the geologic logs and completion report to the Township for review.
(3) 
The pumping test shall be implemented in accordance with the following procedures:
(a) 
Two-part pump test for evaluating the water supply capabilities of domestic wells.
(b) 
Pumping test for individual on-lot residential wells may be completed by a licensed well driller.
B. 
Class II Well.
(1) 
Prior to hydraulic testing, a hydraulic (Aquifer Test) plan shall be submitted to the Township for review a minimum of one week prior to conducting the test. A pump test plan shall be drafted according to state and multi-state agency requirements. Hydraulic testing will be conducted for a minimum period of eight hours by licensed well driller or engineer/geologist and according to PADEP and multi-state agencies.
(2) 
Class II Wells shall be subjected to a long-term pumping test in accordance with the requirements and procedures set forth as previously stated in Class I Wells. Within a subdivision of six or more lots proposing individual on-lot wells, a minimum of one well for each proposed six lots, or fraction thereof, shall be drilled and tested in accordance with the long-term pumping test requirements prior to final plan approval. All other lots shall have individual Class I Wells drilled and tested prior to issuance of a building permit. The Township shall be provided a minimum 72 hours' advance notice of the time and date for implementation of the pumping test, and the test shall not commence until a representative of the township is present.
(3) 
Prior to conducting the hydraulic testing, the applicant shall notify adjacent property owners by certified mail within 1/4 mile of said property of proposed hydraulic testing and include the following information:
(a) 
Seventy-two hours' advance notice of hydraulic testing date (including background)
(b) 
Indicate the proposed hydraulic testing duration
(c) 
Provide the option to monitor their Well during aquifer testing
(4) 
Upon request of adjacent property owner to monitor their Well during the proposed hydraulic testing, applicant shall conduct ground water monitoring for the duration of the hydraulic testing period, including background, pumping, and recovery. Collected ground water measurements shall be provided to the owner at their request and be included in the hydraulic testing data.
C. 
Class III Well.
(1) 
Prior to hydraulic testing, a hydraulic (Aquifer Test) plan shall be submitted by owner's engineer or geologist representative to the Township for review a minimum of two weeks prior to conducting the test. Hydraulic testing plan shall be as required state and multi-state agencies. Duration, including background and recovery periods, shall be determined by state and multi-state agencies according to well use designation and yield. Testing shall be conducted according to the industry standards according to PADEP, DRBC, and federal agencies, where applicable. Installation and construction of monitoring/observations wells shall be determined according to Monitoring Wells per state agencies. Industry standards shall be reviewed.
(2) 
A Class III Well or Wells shall be subjected to a long-term pumping test in accordance with the requirements and procedures set forth as previously stated in Class I and II Wells.
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No. 2020-06, 12/9/2020]
1. 
An abandoned well shall be decommissioned (grouted to seal the well) by a PA licensed well driller according to PADEP regulations and requirements.
2. 
A copy of the Well Abandonment Report is to be provided to the Township.
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No. 2020-06, 12/9/2020]
1. 
Wells for agriculture or other purposes not involving human consumption, shall be permitted regardless of public water availability.
2. 
Cross connections between an Individual Water System and the Public Water System is prohibited.
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No. 2020-06, 12/9/2020]
1. 
Any Person who violates any provision of this part or any order issued pursuant to this part commits a summary offense and shall upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000, together with costs, for each separate offense. In default of payment of such fine, the defendant shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a period of time not to exceed 10 days for each separate offense. The Township Solicitor's office may assume charge of the prosecution without the consent of the District Attorney as required under the applicable Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure relating to trial in summary cases. All fines and penalties collected for any violation of this part shall be paid to the Township and delivered to the Township treasurer for deposit.
A. 
Each day or any portion thereof in which a violation is found to exist shall be considered a separate offense under this part. Likewise, each section of this part which is found to be violated shall be considered a separate offense.
2. 
Upon discovery of any violation of this part, the Township may, in its sole and absolute discretion, forego any prosecution hereunder, and may grant to the Owner a period of seven calendar days to comply with the provisions of this part. Upon failure of the Owner to effect such compliance, the Township may initiate prosecution as hereinabove set forth.
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No. 2020-06, 12/9/2020]
In addition to any other remedies provided in this part, any violation of this part shall constitute a public nuisance. The Township shall have the authority to order any Person causing a public nuisance to abate the public nuisance. In the event that the Person fails to abate the public nuisance, the Township shall have the authority to enter upon the property and abate the public nuisance or to institute a suit or suits in law or in equity to restrain or prevent violations of this part, including but not limited to seeking a preliminary injunction under the applicable provisions of the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act[1], or by seeking other legal relief from a court of competent jurisdiction. The Township shall be entitled to recover the expenses of abatement and all reasonable attorneys' fees.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 750.1 et seq.
[Ord. No. 2019-01, 6/12/2019; as amended by Ord. No. 2020-06, 12/9/2020]
1. 
Approval of any application and issuance of a permit for Construction of a Well shall not constitute any guarantee or warranty by the Township regarding quantity or quality of water that may be obtained as a result of any Well drilled under the permit. The permit only provides the Township's approval to drill a Well at the site shown on the application, and does not provide any other guarantees, approval, warranties, etc.
2. 
The Township, and its boards, committees and commissions, their elected and appointed officials and their employees, contractors and other professional consultants, engineers, solicitors, managers, representatives, advisors, predecessors, successors, agents, independent contractors, insurers and assigns shall not be liable or responsible for damages to any person or property caused by, resulting from, relating to or arising out of the issuance of any permit under this part or by reason of the conduct of any activity undertaken pursuant to this part.