Title26DEPARTMENTOFTHEENVIRONMENTSubtitle04REGULATIONOFWATERSUPPLY,SEWAGEDISPOSAL,ANDSOLIDWASTESections.01-.20Chapter04WellConstructionAuthority:EnvironmentArticle,§§9-1305and9-1305.1,AnnotatedCodeofMaryland.01PurposeandAdministrativeResponsibilities.A.Purpose.Thischapterestablishesthestandardsandproceduresapplicabletotheconstruction,abandonmentandmaintenanceofwellsinMaryland.B.Pre-emptionofLocalAuthority.InaccordancewithEnvironmentArticle,§9-1304,AnnotatedCodeofMaryland,theregulationsofthischapteraretheonlyproceduresandstandardsapplicabletoconstructionofwells..02Definitions.A.Inthischapter,thefollowingtermshavethemeaningsindicated.B.TermsDefined.(1)“Abandonment”meanstodiscontinuetheuseofawellpermanently.(2)“Annularspace”meansthespacebetweencasingsorbetweenthecasingandborehole.(3)“ApprovingAuthority”meanstheSecretaryoftheEnvironmentortheSecretary’sdesignee.(4)“Aquifer”meansaformation,groupofformations,orpartofaformationthatcontainssufficientsaturatedpermeablematerialtoyieldsignificantquantitiesofwatertoawell.(5)Bedrock.(a)“Bedrock”meanssolidrockthatunderliesgravel,soil,orothersuperficialmaterial.(b)“Bedrock”alsomeansinabsolutetermsmaterialthata6-inchauger,equippedwithcarbidecuttingteeth,penetratesatarateoflessthan1inchin3minutes.(6)“Bentonite”meansacolloidalclay,composedofatleast85percentsodiummontmorillonite.(7)“Boredwell”meansanyexcavationmadeusingpowerdrivenequipmentwherethedrillconsistsofacontinuousspiralofmetalsolidorhollowstemaugerorbucketattachedtoashaftandwheretheexcavatedmaterialisbroughttothegroundsurfacebyupwardmovementalongthesurfaceofthespiralorremovedbyliftingthespiralorbucket.

(8)“Borehole”meansaholedrilledorboredintotheearth,intowhichcasing,screen,liners,grout,gravelpackandotherphysicalobjectsthatmaybeinstalledtoconstructawell.Thegeneralizedtermincludestheexcavationsfordug,driven,andjettedwells.(9)“Casing”meansanymetal,plasticorotherpipeinstalledfromthesurfacetoeitherthebedrockorscreenedaquiferintheborehole.(10)“Cathodicprotectionwell”meansawellconstructedtominimizetheelectrolyticcorrosionofmetallicequipmentthatcomesincontactwiththeground.(11)“Cluster”meansagroupofwellsthatareconstructedforthesameuseonthesameproperty.(12)“Confinedaquifer”meansanaquiferthatisboundedaboveandbelowbybedsofdistinctlylowerpermeabilitythanthatoftheaquiferitselfandcontainsgroundwaterunderpressuregreaterthanthatoftheatmosphere.Thistermissynonymouswiththeterm“artesianaquifer”.(13)“Confininglayer”meansabodyofimpermeableorofdistinctlylesspermeablematerialstratigraphicallyadjacenttooneormoreaquifers.(14)“Department”meanstheDepartmentoftheEnvironment.(15)“Development”meanstheprocesswherebyawellispumped,surged,bailed,airlifted,swabbed,orjettedtoremoveanymaterialthatmaybeblockingthewellscreenorfractureswithintheborehole.(16)“Disinfection”meanstheinactivationorremovalofthoseagentsthatmaycauseinfection.(17)“Domesticwell”meansawellusedtosupplypotablewatertooneormoredwellings.(18)“Drivenwell”meansanywellinwhichthecasingismanuallyormechanicallydrivenintothegroundwithlittleornomaterialexcavatedduringwellconstruction.(19)“Dugwell”meansanywellmadeusingonlyhandtools.(20)“Emergencycondition”means:(a)Thelackofwaterposesanimmediateandsignificantdangertothehealthandwelfareofpersons,livestock,domesticfowl,orcrops;or(b)TheApprovingAuthorityhasdeterminedthatotherexceptionalcircumstancesexist.(21)“Geothermalwell”meansawellusedtotransferheattoorfromthegroundorgroundwater.(22)“Grout”or“groutingmaterial”meansastable,imperviousbondingmaterialthatisreasonablyfreeofshrinkageandiscapableofprovidingawatertightsealintheannularspacethroughoutthedepthrequired.

(23)“Hydrofracturing”meansamethodofdevelopingorreworkinganexistingwellwherebywaterispumpeddowntheboreholeunderpressureinanattempttoincreasethewell'syield.(24)“Industrialwell”meansawellusedtosupplywatertoanindustrialorcommercialfacilityforuseinprocessing,washing,ormanufacturingofgoodsandservices.(25)“Injectionwell”meansanyholemadeinthegroundtoinjectfluidsintoanyundergroundformationfromwhichgroundwatermaybeproduced.(26)“Irrigationwell”meansawellthatisusedforwateringcropsotherthanresidentiallawnsandgardens.(27)“Jettedwell”meansanywellmadeusingwaterunderpressureasameansofdrillingorpenetratingtheground.(28)“Jetted-drivenwell”meansajettedwellwherethediameteroftheexcavationislessthanthediameterofthewellcasingusedandthewellcasingisdrivenintotheexcavation.(29)“Liner”meansapipethatisinstalledinsideacompletedandcasedwellorboreholeto:(a)Protecttheintegrityoftheborehole;(b)Sealoffzonesofundesirablequality;(c)Repaircompromisedcasingor;(d)Repaircompromisedscreens.(30)“Monitoringwell”meansapermanentwellusedfor:(a)Determiningthewatertable;(b)Determiningthepotentiometricsurfaceofanaquifer;(c)Obtainingagroundwatersample;or(d)Groundwaterwithdrawalforremediationpurposes.(31)“Non-potablewell”meansawellthatisnotusedorintendedtobeusedasadrinkingwatersupply.(32)“Person”meansthefederalgovernment,theState,anycounty,municipalcorporation,orotherpoliticalsubdivisionoftheState,oranyoftheirunits,anindividual,receiver,trustee,guardian,executor,administrator,fiduciary,orrepresentativeofanykind,oranypartnership,firm,association,publicorprivatecorporation,oranyotherentity.(33)“Piezometer”meansanonpumpingwellofatemporarynaturetomeasurewatertables.(34)“Pitlessadapter”meansadevicedesignedforattachmenttotheexteriorofawellcasingandequippedwithlateralconnectionsdesignedfortheattachmentofpipesleadingfromthewellforpurposesofconductingwatertoadistributionsystemandallowingextensionofwellcasingabovegrade.(35)“Pitlessunit”meansadevicedesignedtoreplaceasectionofcasingwithlateralconnectionsdesignedfortheattachmentofpipesleadingfromthewellforthepurposesofconductingwatertoadistributionsystemandallowingextensionofwellcasingabovegrade.

(36)“Pollution”meansanycontaminationorotheralterationofthephysical,chemical,orbiologicalpropertiesofanywatersoftheState,includingachangeintemperature,taste,color,turbidity,orodorofthewaters,orthedischargeordepositofanyorganicmatter,harmfulorganism,orliquid,gaseous,solid,radioactive,orothersubstanceintoanywatersofthisStatethatwillrenderthewatersharmfulordetrimentalto:(a)Publichealth,safety,orwelfare;(b)Domesticcommercial,industrial,agricultural,recreational,orotherlegitimatebeneficialuses;(c)Livestock,wildanimals,orbirds;or(d)Fishorotheraquaticlife.(37)“Potablewater”meanswaterthatisfreefromimpuritiesinamountssufficienttocausediseaseorharmfulphysiologicaleffectsandthatconformswiththemaximumcontaminantlevelsasadoptedbytheUnitedStatesEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyandlistedin40CFR§141,SubpartGasamended.(38)“Publicwell”meansawellthatisusedtosupplywatertoapublicwatersystemasdefinedinCOMAR26.04.01.(39)“Replacementwell”meansawellthatistoreplaceanyexistingwatersupply.(40)Reworking.(a)“Reworking”meanstherehabilitationormodificationofawell.(b)“Reworking”includesbutisnotlimitedto:(i)Removingandreplacingwellscreen;(ii)Placinganewscreeninawell;(iii)Placinglinerpipeinawell;and(iv)Redevelopmentofawell.(c)“Reworking”doesnotinclude:(i)Increasingthediameterofawell;or(ii)Deepeningofawell.(41)“Standbywell”meansawatersupplywellthatisabackuptotheprimarilyusedwatersupplywellwhichmeetstheconstructionandpotabilitystandardsofthischapter.(42)“Testwell”meansawellusedforthepurposeofexploringforgroundwaterforawatersupplyandusedtodetermineaquiferproperties.(43)“Unconfinedaquifer”meansanaquiferthatisnotboundedabovebyabedofdistinctlylowerpermeabilitythanthatoftheaquiferitselfandcontainsgroundwaterunderpressureapproximatelyequaltothatoftheatmosphere.Thistermissynonymouswiththeterm“watertableaquifer”.(44)“Variance”meansadeviationfromtherequirementsoftheseregulationsgrantedbytheDepartmentaccordingtotheprovisionsofRegulation.37.(45)“Watersupplywell”meanseverytypeofwell,exceptmonitoringandclosedloopgeothermalwells.

(46)“Well”meansaholemadeintheground:(a)Toexploreforgroundwater;(b)Toobtainormonitorgroundwater;(c)Toinjectwaterintoanyundergroundformationfromwhichgroundwatermaybeproduced;or(d)Totransferheattoorfromthegroundorgroundwater,ifthehole:(i)Extendsmorethan20feetbelowthesurfaceoftheground;and(ii)IsnotawellforobtaininggeothermalresourcesunderEnvironmentArticle,§5-601,AnnotatedCodeofMaryland..03ApplicationforaWellConstructionPermit.A.AnapplicationforawellconstructionpermitshallbemadeontheformsprovidedbytheApprovingAuthority.B.Aseparateapplicationshallbemadeforeachwell,exceptthatasingleapplicationmaybemadeforaclusterofwellsunderoneofthefollowingconditions:(1)Theclusterisforclosedloopgeothermalordewateringwellsandthemaximumnumberofwellsdrilledperapplicationis20;or(2)TheclusterisforpiezometersusedinspillcontrolinvestigationsandothergroundwaterinvestigationsrequiredbytheDepartment.C.Ifpiezometersareconvertedtopermanentmonitoringwells,atagmustbeobtainedforeachone.D.Anapplicationshallbelegibleandcomplete.Anillegibleorincompleteapplicationmaybereturnedtotheapplicantwithastatementofthereasonforrejection.E.AnapplicationforawellconstructionpermitshallbesubmittedtotheApprovingAuthorityforreview,exceptfor:(1)Anapplicationforatestwellforapublicwatersupplysystemorapublicwell,whichshallbesubmittedtotheDepartmentthroughtheApprovingAuthority;and(2)Anapplicationforawatersupplywellforuseonadairyfarm,whichshallbesubmittedtotheApprovingAuthoritywhoshallsubmittotheDepartmentofHealthandMentalHygieneforreviewpriortoissuance.F.AnapplicationforaninjectionwellshallbesubmittedtotheDepartmentthroughtheApprovingAuthority.G.AnapplicationfordewateringwellsshallbemadetotheApprovingAuthorityif:(1)Thewellswillbedeeperthan30feet;(2)Thewellwillbeinuseforgreaterthan30days;or(3)Thewellwillcontainpumpingequipment.H.Anapplicationforaclusterofwellsshallincludeadrawingindicatingthelocationofeachproposedwellontheproperty.

I.Forawellpermittedaspartofaclusterthatisproposedtobeconvertedtoapermanentmonitoringwellaseparateapplicationshallbemade.J.TheApprovingAuthoritymayrequestadditionalinformationdeemednecessarytoconsidertheapplication..04ReviewandApprovalofanApplicationforaWellConstructionPermit.A.ApplicationReviewandApproval.(1)TheApprovingAuthorityshallreviewtheapplicationforcompletenessandnotifytheapplicantofanyadditionalinformationneeded.(2)TheApprovingAuthorityshallapprovetheapplicationif:(a)Theapplicationiscomplete;(b)Theproposedwellmeetsthecriteriaof§Bofthisregulation;(c)Theproposedsourceorsourcesofdrillingwatermeetstherequirementsofthischapter;(d)TheApprovingAuthorityhasreceivedtherequiredwellpermitfee,ifapplicable;and(e)Oneofthefollowingconditionsregardingwaterappropriationorusepermittingismet:(i)Anapplicationforanappropriationorusepermithasbeensubmitted,ifrequired,inaccordancewithapplicableStatelawandregulation;or(ii)Anoticeofexemption,ifrequiredunderEnvironmentArticle,§5-502,AnnotatedCodeofMaryland,hasbeenmadewiththeDepartment.(3)Ifitapprovestheapplication,theApprovingAuthorityshallsigntheapplicationandissueawellconstructionpermit.(4)AnapplicationthathasbeendisapprovedbytheApprovingAuthorityshallbereturnedtotheapplicantwithastatementofthereasonsfordisapproval.B.CriteriaforApproval.(1)AproposedwellconstructionshallbeinaccordancewiththeapplicableMasterWaterandSewerPlan,promulgatedinaccordancewithEnvironmentArticle,Title9,Subtitle5,AnnotatedCodeofMaryland.(2)Aproposedwelllocationforawatersupplyoropenloopgeothermalwellshallsatisfythefollowingminimumhorizontaldistancerequirements:(a)10feetfromapropertyline;(b)15feetfromaroadordedicatedright-of-way;(c)30feetfromabuildingfoundation;(d)100feetfromidentifiablesourcesofcontaminationanddesignatedsubsurfacesewagedisposalareasiftheproposedwellwillutilizeanunconfinedaquiferasawatersupplysource;(e)50feetfromidentifiablesourcesofcontaminationanddesignatedsubsurfacesewagedisposalareasiftheproposedwellwillutilizeaconfinedaquiferasawatersupplysource;and

(f)Exceptasprovidedin§B(3)ofthisregulation,50feetfromanysewagegravityorforcemain.(3)IfaforcemainisconstructedofmaterialsapprovedbytheDepartmentandhaspassedaleakagetestinaccordancewiththerecommendedstandardsforsewageworks,and,ifrequiredbytheApprovingAuthority,concreteencasementofsewageforcemainjointshavebeenemplacedwithina50-footradiusoftheproposedwell,thenthedistancefromanyforcemainmaybe10feet.(4)Aproposedwelllocationforaclosedloopgeothermalwellshallsatisfythefollowingminimumdistancerequirements:(a)10feetfromapropertyline;(b)15feetfromaroadordedicatedright-of-way:(c)50feetfrompotentialsourcesofcontamination:and(d)50feetfromanygravitysewerline,exceptthedistanceofremovalshallbeatleast10feetwhenthesewerisconstructedof:(i)Castironpipewitheitherwater-tightleadcaulkedjointsorjointsfittedwithneoprenegaskets;(ii)SolventweldedScheduled40(orSDRequivalent)orbetterpolyvinylchloride(PVC)pipe;or(iii)Thermallyweldedhighdensitypolyethylene(HDPE)pipe.(5)Awatersupplywellmaynotbelocatedwithinorunderanybuildingotherthanaseparatestructureconstructedspecificallyforthehousingofpumpingequipment.(6)TheApprovingAuthoritymayapproveamonitoringorclosedloopgeothermalwelllocationwithinabuilding,ifunobstructedaccesstothewellisprovided.(7)Allwellsshallbelocatedsoastobeaccessibleforcleaning,treatment,repair,testing,inspection,andotherrequirementsthatmaybenecessary.(8)ThelocationofawatersupplywellshallbeinaccordancewithanyconditionsonwellspacingthatmaybeimposedbytheDepartmentthroughanappropriationorusepermit.C.Notwithstandingsatisfactionofthecriteriaofthisregulation,theApprovingAuthority,beforeapprovingapermit,shalldeterminetheacceptabilityofaproposedwelllocationwithregardtoallidentifiablesourcesofcontamination,topography,surfacedrainage,easements,andgroundwaterconditions.D.Uponwrittenrequest,deviationfromthedistancecriteriamaybepermittedbytheApprovingAuthoritywithoutavarianceapprovedbytheDepartmentperRegulation.37ofthischapterforadomesticwellconstructedonanindividuallotinthosecaseswherethepropertyownerhasinitiatedorcompletedconstructionoftheresidentialdwellingforthatlotincompliancewithallotherState,county,ormunicipallawsandregulations.Therequestshalldescribetheneedforadeviationandshallcontainastatementsignedbytheownerconfirmingthebasisforadeviation.

.05IssuanceofWellConstructionPermits.A.AwellmaynotbeconstructeduntiltheApprovingAuthorityhasissuedapermittodrillthewell,exceptasprovidedinRegulation.06ofthischapter.B.TheApprovingAuthoritymayissueawellconstructionpermitonlytoapersonlicensedbytheStateBoardofWellDrillersasamasterwelldriller.C.ExceptasprovidedinRegulation.06ofthischapter,theApprovingAuthoritymayissueawellconstructionpermitafterreceiptandreviewofacompletedapplicationsubmittedinaccordancewiththischapter.D.TheApprovingAuthoritymayimposespecialconditionsonthepermitthatarenecessarytoprotectthepublichealthandenvironment.E.TheApprovingAuthorityshallissueaseparatepermitforeachwell,exceptthattheApprovingAuthoritymaypermitawellclusterunderonepermit.F.Thepermit,ifnecessary,authorizestheconstructionofatemporarywelltosupplydrillingwaterforconstructionofthepermittedwell.Thetemporarywellshallbesealedwithin48hoursofcompletionofconstructionofthepermittedwell,inaccordancewiththischapter.G.WrittenPermitandWellIdentificationTag.(1)Issuanceofawellconstructionpermitshallconsistofawrittenpermitandadurablewellidentificationtag.(2)WrittenPermit.(a)Thepermitshallstatepertinentinformationandrequirementsapplicabletotheapprovedwell.(b)Apermitshallbevalidforaperiodof12monthsfromthedateofissuancebytheApprovingAuthority.(c)Uponwrittenrequestbythewelldriller,apermitmaybeextendedin6-monthincrementsbytheApprovingAuthority.(3)WellIdentificationTag.(a)Thewelldriller,immediatelyaftergroutingthewell,shallpermanentlyattachtothewelltheidentificationtagfurnishedbytheApprovingAuthority.(b)Theidentificationtagshallbepermanentlyfastenedtothewellcasingabovethefinishedgradebymeansofastainlesssteelband.(c)Forwellswhereapitlessadapterorpitlessunitisnotused,theidentificationtagshallbepermanentlyattachedorfastenedtoaconcretebasewherethisbasecompletelysurroundsthecasing.(d)Forclosedloopgeothermalwells,thewellidentificationtagshallbesuppliedtotheowner.(e)Iftheidentificationtagisremovedfromthewellduringlaterworkonthewell,itshallbereplacedintheproperpositionandmannerbythepersonwhoremovesit..06EmergencyProceduretoObtainaWellConstructionPermit.

A.TheApprovingAuthoritymaypermitemergencyconstructionofwellsfortheconditionsspecifiedinRegulation.02B(20)ofthischapterorforthefollowingtypesofwells:(1)MonitoringwellsatpollutionspillsitestocontrolthespreadofthepollutionasrequiredbytheDepartment;or(2)Geothermalwellsifalossofheatingorcoolingposesahealththreatorsignificantlossofgoodsorlivestock.B.Ifanemergencyconditionoccursduringnormalbusinesshours,theApprovingAuthoritymaygrantanemergencypermitinaccordancewiththefollowingprocedures:(1)TheexistenceofanemergencyconditionshallbeverifiedbytheApprovingAuthority;(2)IftheemergencyisverifiedtothesatisfactionoftheApprovingAuthority,theApprovingAuthoritymayissueaverbalemergencypermitnumbertoamasterwelldriller;(3)Thepermitnumbershallbeinthepossessionofthepermitteeduringconstructionofthewell,andshallconstituteauthorizationtoconstructthewell;(4)Theemergencypermitshallbecomenullandvoidifwellconstructionisnotstartedwithin2daysafterissuanceoftheemergencypermitnumber;and(5)Within3businessdaysafterthestartofconstructionofthewell,themasterwelldrillershallsubmittotheApprovingAuthorityacompleted,writtenapplication,includingtheemergencypermitnumber.C.Ifanemergencyconditionoccursduringnonbusinesshours:(1)ThemasterwelldrillershallattempttocontacttheApprovingAuthoritythroughtheApprovingAuthority'snonbusiness-hoursemergencytelephonenumber;(2)IftheApprovingAuthoritycannotbecontacted,thenthewellmaybeconstructedwithoutreceivingaverbalpermitnumberprovidedthatnotlaterthanthefirstbusinessdayfollowingthestartofwellconstructionactivity,anapplicationissubmittedtotheApprovingAuthority;and(3)TheApprovingAuthorityshallverifytheemergencyconditionbeforetheissuanceofapermit.D.AnywellconstructedunderanemergencyconditionshallbeconstructedinconformancewithallapplicablelawsandregulationsoftheApprovingAuthority.E.IfthenewwelllocationisfoundtobeunacceptablebytheApprovingAuthority,thewellshallbesealedinaccordancewiththischapter..07VerbalAuthorizationtoConstructaWell.A.TheApprovingAuthoritymaygrantverbalauthorizationtoamasterwelldrillertoconstructawellwhen:(1)TheapplicationhasbeensubmittedandapprovedbytheApprovingAuthority;or

(2)Theauthorizationisforanemergencywell.B.VerbalAuthorizationandPermitNumber.(1)Verbalauthorizationshallbeaccompaniedbytheissuanceofawellconstructionpermitnumber.(2)UponrequestbyApprovingAuthoritypersonnel,thewelldrillershallsupplythewellconstructionpermitnumberforthewellbeingdrilled.C.Verbalauthorizationmaynotbegrantedifthewellistoprovidewaterforauserequiringapermittoappropriateorusewater,andthispermithasnotbeenobtainedorisnotvalid.D.Anywellconstructedwithverbalauthorizationshallbeconstructedinconformancewithallapplicablelawsandtheregulationsofthischapter..08TransferofPermit.A.Awellconstructionpermitmaybetransferredfromthepermitteetoanothermasterwelldrillerprovided:(1)Thewellhasnotbeencompleted;(2)Thepermithasnotexpired;(3)ThepermitteeobtainstheApprovingAuthority'sapprovaltotransferthepermit;and(4)ThetransfereenotifiestheApprovingAuthorityinwritingoftheirintentiontoacceptthepermit.B.Thetransfereeshallberesponsibleforcomplyingwithalllawsandregulationsapplicabletotheconstructionofthewell.C.ThetransfereemaynotbeginwellconstructionbeforeobtainingthepermitandwelltagfromthepermitteeandreceivingtheapprovalofthetransferfromtheApprovingAuthority.D.TheApprovingAuthorityshallmaintainaseparatelogofpermittransfers..09PermitInvalidation.A.Apermitisinvalidif,priortowellcompletion,theMarylandBoardofWellDrillerssuspendsorrevokesthelicenseofthemasterwelldrillerpermitholder.B.TheApprovingAuthoritymayinvalidateapermitafterafindingthatinformationsubmittedtosupporttheapplicationwasinaccurate.C.TheApprovingAuthoritymayinvalidateapermitafterafindingthatinformationsubmittedtosupporttheapplicationisnolongerapplicabletothesite.D.TheApprovingAuthorityshallnotifythepermitteethatapermithasbeeninvalidated..10Permittee'sResponsibilities.

A.Themasterwelldrillertowhomawellconstructionpermitisissuedisresponsibleforconstructionofthewellinaccordancewiththepermitandapplicablelawsandregulations.B.Allotherpersonsworkingonawellorpotablewatersupplysystem,includingbutnotlimitedtoapumpinstaller,awater-conditionerinstaller,anelectrician,oramasterplumber,alsoshallberesponsiblefortheirphaseoftheworkanditsconformancetoapplicablelawsandregulations.C.Onlythepermittee,orhislicensedemployeeorlicensedagent,isauthorizedtoconstructthewell.D.Thepermittee,orhislicensedemployeeorlicensedagent,shallbepresenton-sitetosupervisetheworkofconstructingawell.E.Permitinformationshallbeavailableon-siteduringconstructionofthewellandmadeavailableuponrequesttotheApprovingAuthority.F.Thepermittee,uponcompletionofthewell,shallprepare,sign,andsubmittotheApprovingAuthorityalegiblewellcompletionreport.TherequirementsforwellcompletionreportsaresetforthinRegulation.29ofthischapter..11PermitsforReworkedandDeepenedWells.A.Awellconstructionpermitisnotrequiredifanexistingwellrequiresonlyreworkingorrepairing,andnotdeepening.B.Ifreworkingthewellincludeshydrofracturing,thewelldrillershallsubmitaHydrofractureofWellReportwithin45daysaftercompletionoftheworkasrequiredinRegulation.28ofthischapter.C.Ifanexistingwellrequiresdeepening,andthewellidentificationnumberisverifiablebymeansofthewellidentificationtagorpriorpermit,awellconstructionpermitisnotrequiredexceptinareasofknownwaterqualityproblems,however,uponcompletion,thewelldrillershallsubmittotheApprovingAuthoritythewellidentificationnumberandanupdatedcompletionreportinaccordancewiththeregulationsofthischapter.D.Ifawellrequiresdeepeningandthewelldrillercannotprovidethewellidentificationnumber,thewelldrillershallapplyforawellconstructionpermit.E.IfawellwhichisgovernedbyawaterappropriationandusepermitrequiresdeepeningpermissionmustbeobtainedfromtheDepartment..12ProcedureforAuthorizingConversionsofTestWells.A.Apermittedtestwellthatisfoundtoproducetherequiredamountofwatermaybeconvertedtoawatersupplywellif:(1)IthasbeenconstructedinconformancewiththeregulationsofthischapterfortheuseforwhichconversionissoughtandCOMAR26.17.06;(2)Uponwrittenrequest,theconversionisapprovedbytheApprovingAuthority;

(3)Forwellsthataretosupplywaterforapublicwatersupplysystem,therequestisapprovedbytheDepartment;and(4)Forwellsthataretosupplywaterforuseonadairyfarm,therequestisapprovedbytheDepartmentofHealthandMentalHygiene.B.AtestwellmaybeconvertedtoamonitoringwellwhenrequestedinwritingandapprovedbytheApprovingAuthority.C.AtestwellmaybeconvertedtoastandbywellwhenrequestedinwritingandapprovedbytheApprovingAuthority.D.Atestwellshallbeabandonedandsealedinaccordancewiththischapterwithin180daysaftercompletionunlessalongerperiodoftimeisapprovedbytheApprovingAuthorityortheApprovingAuthorityhasapproveditsconversiontoawatersupplywell,amonitoringwell,orageothermalwell..13RelocationDuringConstruction.A.Ifitisnecessarytorelocateawellunderconstructioninordertoobtainsufficientyieldorpotablewaterorbecauseofawellconstructionproblem,thewelldrillermayrelocatethewellconstructionsiteunderauthorityoftheoriginalpermitif:(1)ThenewsitemeetstherequirementsofthischapterandtherequirementsoftheApprovingAuthority;and(2)Thepermitteeprovidesadrawingofthenewwelllocationonthewellcompletionreport.B.Ifthenewwelllocationisfoundtonotmeettherequirementsofthischapterthewellshallbeabandonedinaccordancewiththischapter..14NotificationofWellConstructionActivities.A.WaterSupplyWells.(1)ThepermitteeshallnotifytheApprovingAuthorityonthebusinessdaypriortocommencingwelldrillingactivitiestoallowtheApprovingAuthoritytheopportunitytoinspect.(2)TheApprovingAuthoritymayrequirethatthepermitteeprovidenoticebeforecommencingayieldtestinHydrogeologicArea3.(3)TheApprovingAuthoritymayrequirethatthepermitteeprovidenoticebeforetheinstallationofthepitlessadapterorpitlessunit.(4)TheApprovingAuthoritymayrequirethatthepermitteeprovidenotificationpriortocommencinggroutingactivitiestoallowthemtheopportunitytoinspect.B.Nonpotable,Monitoring,andGeothermalWells.(1)TheApprovingAuthoritymayrequirethepermitteegivenoticeinadvanceofcommencingwellconstructionactivitiesonmonitoringwellsandnonpotablewells.(2)ThepermitteeshallnotifytheApprovingAuthorityonebusinessdaypriortocommencingwelldrillingactivitiesofgeothermalwells.

C.Awelldrillershallnotifyamunicipalityifthewellwillbedrilledinsidethemunicipality'scorporateboundarylineorifthewellwillbedrilled1mileorlessoutsidethemunicipality'scorporateboundaryline..15ConstructionStandards—HydrogeologicAreas.A.GeologicandhydrologicconditionsinMarylandrequirevaryingwellconstructionstandards.Forthepurposesofthischapter,theStatehasbeendividedintofivehydrogeologicareas.AmapoftheapproximatehydrogeologicareaboundariesisinRegulation.39ofthischapter.B.TheFiveHydrogeologicAreas.(1)HydrogeologicArea1.TheareawheretheunconfinedQuaternaryaquiferoftheMarylandCoastalPlainisofmajorimportance;theareadescribedin“UnitedStatesGeologicalSurvey(USGS)ProfessionalPaper822,WaterResourcesoftheDelmarvaPeninsula,1973”and“MarylandGeologicalSurvey(MGS),ReportofInvestigationNo.40,TheColumbiaAquiferoftheEasternShoreofMaryland,Part1Hydrogeology,1984”,whichisincorporatedbyreference.(2)HydrogeologicArea2.TheareawheretheconfinedaquifersoftheMarylandCoastalPlainareofmajorimportanceasdescribedin“MGS,OpenFileReport72-02-1,AUser'sGuidefortheArtesianAquifersoftheMarylandCoastalPlain,1972”.(3)HydrogeologicArea3.TherocksoftheMarylandPiedmontandBlueRidgeasdescribedin“MGS,ReportofInvestigation10,GroundWaterOccurrenceintheMarylandPiedmont,1969”,and“MGS,OpenFileReport69-02-1,GroundWaterAquifersandMineralCommoditiesofMaryland,1969”,exclusiveofthecarbonaterocks.(4)HydrogeologicArea4.ThesedimentaryrocksoftheMarylandAppalachianHighlandsandValleyandRidgeProvinces,exclusiveofcarbonaterocks,asdescribedinthereferenceslistedinHydrogeologicArea3.(5)HydrogeologicArea5.Thecarbonaterocksasdefinedbythe“MarylandGeologicalSurvey,GeologicMapofMaryland”,Scale:1:250,000dated1968..16ConstructionStandards—General.A.SanitaryProtectionDuringWellConstruction.(1)Duringwellconstruction,thepermitteeshallprotectagainstpollutionofthewellandanywater-bearinggeologicformationsbyanycause,includingsurfacewaterdrainage.(2)Wheneverconstructionceasesbeforethewellisgrouted,theopenannularspaceshallbecoveredbythepermitteeandthewellshallbecapped.B.WaterforWellConstruction.(1)OnlywaterfromasourceapprovedbytheApprovingAuthorityinaccordancewiththissectionmaybeusedintheconstructionanddevelopmentofawell.

(2)Waterusedforconstructionofawellshallbetakenfromthebestsourceavailabletothewelldriller.(3)Thebestsource,inorderofpreference,shallbe:(a)ApublicwatersupplysystemmeetingtherequirementsofCOMAR26.04.01forwaterquality;(b)Anyotherpotablewatersupply;(c)Anonpotablewell;(d)Atemporarywell,constructedspecificallyforthepurposesofobtainingwaterfortheconstructionofthewell.(4)Waterusedfortheconstructionordevelopmentofawellshall:(a)Haveaturbidityofnotmorethan25standardunits,exceptwhentheturbidityisduetotheoxidationofdissolvedironormanganese;(b)Betransported,whennecessary,intanktrucksusedonlyforthepurposeoftransportingdrillingorpotablewater;(c)Betreatedwithchlorineinamountsindicatedin§B(5)ofthisregulation;(d)Haveacolorofnotmorethan25standardunits;and(e)Containnoobjectionableodor.(5)Chlorinetreatmentrequiredin§B(4)(c)ofthisregulation,shallbeasfollows:(a)ForwaterfromapublicsupplyapprovedunderCOMAR26.04.01,achlorinecompoundshallbeaddedtothewatertoproduceafreechlorineresidualofatleast1.0mg/lwhendeliveredatthedrillingsite;(b)Forwaterfromanyotherpotablewatersupply,thefreechlorineresidualofatleast3.0mg/linthewaterdeliveredatthedrillingsite;(c)Waterfromanonpotablewellshallbedosedwithchlorinetoproduceaminimumfreechlorineresidualof50mg/l.C.ScreeninginMoreThanOneAquiferProhibited.Awellmaynotbescreenedinmorethanoneaquifer.D.Sealing-OffStrata.Inordertopreservethequalityofgroundwater,theApprovingAuthoritymayincludeaspecialconditioninawellconstructionpermitrequiringthataquifersandotherstratabesealedoff.E.WellDevelopment.Allwellsshallbedevelopedaccordingtothefollowingrequirements:(1)Welldevelopmentmeanstheprocesswherebyawellispumped,surged,bailed,airlifted,swabbedorjettedtoremoveanymaterialthatmaybeblockingthewellscreenorfractureswithintheborehole;(2)Developmentshallcontinueuntilformationcuttings,drillingfluids,andadditivesareremovedfromthewell;(3)ForwellsinHydrogeologicAreas1and2,welldevelopmentshallremovethefinesand,silt,andclayfromthewater-bearingzonesurroundingthewellscreen;(4)AnyhydrofracturingshallbeperformedinaccordancewithRegulation.28ofthischapter;and(5)Everywellshallbedevelopedinordertoobtainthefullyieldofthewellandawaterqualitythatmeetsallofthefollowingrequirements:

(a)Containslessthan5milligramssandorlargersizedparticlesperliterofwater,whereparticleswithadiameterbetween0.0625and2.0mmareconsideredtobesand;and(b)Hasaturbidityoflessthan10NTU(nephelometricturbidityunit)asdeterminedbymethodsdesignatedin40CFR§141.74(a)(1),exceptiftheturbidityisduetotheoxidationofdissolvedironormanganesenaturallyoccurringinthewater..17ConstructionStandards—Casing.A.WellCasing.(1)Markings.(a)Exceptasprovidedin§A(1)(b)ofthisregulation,allcasingshallbemarkedbythemanufacturersufficientlytoallowidentificationofthecasing.(b)Wellcasingformonitoringwellsisexemptfromdisplayingmarkings.(c)Thewelldrillershallprovide,uponrequest,sufficientinformationtoallowidentificationofcasingusedformonitoringwells.(2)PlasticWellCasing.(a)Plasticwellcasingshallbepolyvinylchloride,PVC,manufacturedtomeetthestandardsoftheAmericanSocietyofTestingandMaterials(ASTM)StandardF-480.(b)Plasticwellcasingshallbeinstalledinaccordancewiththemaximumdepthlimitsspecified:

Table 1 Depth Limit, In Feet, for Plastic Water Well Casing

PVC Cell Class 12454, PVC 1120, Type I Diameter (inches) SDR SDR SDR SDR SCH SCH 26 21 17 13.5 40 80 2 136 265 517 1085 708 2185 3 “ “ “ “ 604 1730 4 “ “ “ “ 400 1139 4.5 “ “ “ “ 310 M 5 “ “ “ “ 242 807 6 “ “ “ “ 180 724 8 “ “ “ “ 125 498 10 “ “ “ “ 92 424 12 “ “ “ “ 76 387 16 “ “ “ “ 72 - (c)InHydrogeologicAreas3,4,and5,plasticwellcasingmaynotbeusedforthemaincasingwherecavingconditionsoccurbeforecasingplacement.

(d)Plasticwellcasing4inchesorlessindiametershallbeaminimumofschedule40.(e)Allplasticwellcasinggreaterthan4inchesindiametershallbeaminimumofSDR26.(3)MetalWellCasing.(a)Metalwellcasingshallmeetoneofthefollowingstandards:(i)ASTMstandardA-53orA-589;(ii)AmericanPetroleumInstitutestandard5Aor5L;or(iii)ASTMstandardA-312,type304minimum,forstainlesssteel.(b)Metalwellcasingof4inchesorless,nominalsize,shallbeschedule40orbetter.(c)Metalwellcasinggreaterthan4inches,nominalsize,shallhaveaminimumnominalwallthicknessof0.188inches.(d)TheApprovingAuthoritymayrequirethatSchedule40orStandardSchedulemetalwellcasingbeusedwherethereiscorrosivewater,soil,orgeology.(e)Metalcasingshallbenew,primepipe,beingfreeofpitsorbreaks.(4)CasingmaterialisnotpermittedwhichwillcausethedeliveredwatertobetoxicorviolateStateorfederalprimarydrinkingwaterstandardsineffectatthetimethewellisconstructed.(5)OthertypesandsizesofwellcasingmaybeapprovedbytheApprovingAuthorityforspecialapplications,uponwrittenrequestbythewelldriller.B.MinimumCasingLength.(1)InHydrogeologicAreas1and2,thecasingshallextendtothetopoforintotheaquiferused.(2)InHydrogeologicAreas3,4,and5,thecasingshallextendthroughtheweatheredzoneandbeseatedaminimumof2feetintobedrock.(3)Lessthan20feetofcasingmaynotbeusedinanyareaexceptasprovidedinRegulation.23ofthischapter.(4)InHydrogeologicArea4,theminimumcasinglengthis40feet.C.MinimumCasingDiameter.(1)Potablewatersupplywellsshallhaveaminimummaincasingdiameterof4inchesinallhydrogeologicareasoftheState.(2)InHydrogeologicAreas1and2,forpotablewatersupplywells,the4-inchminimummaincasingdiametershallextendto,whichevercomesfirst:(a)Aminimumof250feet;or(b)Thetopoftheaquiferused.(3)CriteriaforVarianceforTelescopingCasing.(a)TheApprovingAuthorityshallsubmitareporttotheDepartmentforapprovalpriortograntingvariancesto§C(2)ofthisregulationforincreasingordecreasingtheminimumdepthofthe4-inchminimummaincasingdiameter.(b)Thereportshallcontainataminimumthefollowinginformation:(i)Areaofcountywherevarianceisbeingconsidered;(ii)Aquiferforwhichvarianceisbeingconsidered;

(iii)Discussionofcurrentaquiferusageandpredictedaquiferusage;and(iv)Proposedvariancewording.(c)ThereportshallbeincorporatedinthecountyMasterWaterandSewerPlanpriortoimplementation.D.WellCasingJoints.(1)Jointsshallbewatertight.(2)Jointsformetalcasingmaybeeitherelectricallyweldedorthreaded.(3)Jointsforplasticwellcasingmaybeeitherthreaded,solventwelded,orsordering.(4)ScrewsorothermechanicaldevicesmayonlybeusedtojoinPVCwellliner:(i)Forsolventweldedjointsusedinliners;(ii)Withnonpenetratingstainlesssteelscrews;(iii)Andpertherecommendationsofthepipemanufacturertomaintaintheirwarranty.E.OtherInstallationRequirements.(1)Linersshallmeetthestandardsforwellcasingunder§§AandDofthisregulation.(2)Wellcasingmaynotbecutofforcutintobelowgroundexcepttoinstallapitlessunit.(3)Wellcasingshallextendatleast8inchesabovethefinishedgrade..18ConstructionStandards—Screen.A.WellScreens.(1)AllwellsthatobtainwaterfromaquifersinHydrogeologicAreas1and2shallbeequippedwithascreenthatshalladequatelypreventtheentranceofformationmaterialintothewellduringuse.(2)Wellscreensshallhavesufficientstructuralstrengthtoaccomplishthepurposeforwhichtheyareinstalled.(3)Wellscreenopeningsshallprovide,sofarasispractical,themaximumamountofopenarea,consistentwithstrengthofscreenmaterialandsedimentgrainsizeofthewater-bearingformationtopermitmaximumtransmissionwithoutclogging.(4)Wellscreens,otherthanthosemadecommercially,constructedbycreatingopeningsorslotsinthecasing,orliner,orboth,byanymechanicalcontrivanceareprohibitedunlessapprovedbytheApprovingAuthorityinaspecialpermitcondition.(5)Thewellscreenshallbeprovidedwithfittingsnecessarytosealthescreentothecasing.Ifthescreendiameterissmallerthanthecasingdiameter,thenextensionofthescreenblanksectiontoatleast20feetabovethebaseofthemaincasingisrequired,orapackerorareducerfittingshallbeused.(6)Afittingshallbeprovidedtoclosethebottomofthescreen.B.Gravel-PackedWells.

(1)Gravel,whichispackedintheannularspace,shallbewater-washed,disinfected,andfreefromclay,silt,andorganicmaterial.(2)Gravelpackmaynotconnectaquifers..19ConstructionStandards—Grouting.A.Allwellsshallbegroutedinaccordancewiththisregulation.B.TimeLimits.(1)Allwellsshallbegroutedassoonaspossiblebutnotlaterthan24hoursafterthewellcasinghasbeensetinplaceinHydrogeologicalArea’s1&2.(2)InHydrogeologicalArea’s3,4&5allwellsshallbegroutedwithin72hoursafterthepermanentcasinghasbeenset.(3)Aftergroutingiscompleted,thereshallbeaminimumcuringtimebeforedrillingmayberesumedof:(a)18hoursforTypeIandTypeIIPortlandcement;and(b)12hoursforTypeIIIPortlandcement.C.GroutingMaterials.(1)Cement.(a)TheannularspacemaybefilledwithneatPortlandorquick-settingcementinaratioofnotover6gallonsofwaterper94-poundsackofcement.(b)Bentonitemaybeaddedtotheneatcementgroutinanamountnottoexceed6poundsper94-poundsackofcement.Ifbentoniteisaddedtotheneatcementgrout,thenadditionalwatermaybeaddedattheratioof1gallonofwaterper2poundsofbentonite.(2)Bentonite.(a)Bentonitewithaminimumsolidscontentof20percentmaybeusedtofilltheannularspaceinaccordancewiththefollowing:(i)Whenmixedasaslurry,at2poundsbentonitepergallonofwater;or(ii)Inchiporpelletformandifhydratedperthemanufacturerspecifications,whentheannularspaceislessthan20feetindepth.(b)BentonitemaynotbeusedforgroutingwhereitwillcomeintocontactwithgroundwaterhavingapHbelow4.0oratotaldissolvedsolidscontentgreaterthan1,000mg/l.(3)ThermalEnhancedBentoniteGrout.(a)Bentoniteslurryshallbemixedpermanufacturerspecifications.(b)Thesand-bentoniteratiomaynotbegreaterthan250poundsofsandper50poundsofbentonite.(c)Sandshallbe“000”wellgravelthatmeetsthefollowing:(i)95percentsilicasand;(ii)Haveauniformitycoefficientnotgreaterthan1.7;and(iii)Haveaparticlesizerangeof0.60mmto0.15mm.(4)ThermallyEnhancedCementatiousGrout:(a)Shallbemixedpermanufacturersspecifications;and(b)Haveapermeabilityratingnotlessthan1×10¯7.

(5)Cementaloneorbentonitealonemayberequiredasaspecialconditioninawellconstructionpermitforanywell.(6)Ifrapidlossofgroutmaterialoccursduringgroutemplacement,coarsefillmaterialmaybeusedinthezoneorzonesinwhichthelossisoccurring.(7)OthergroutingmaterialsormixturesmaybeauthorizedasaspecialconditioninawellconstructionpermitforanywellafterreviewandapprovalbytheDepartment.D.StandardsforGroutingUnconfinedAquiferWellsinHydrogeologicAreas1and2.Forwellsscreenedinanunconfinedaquiferunderthissection,theannularspaceshallbegroutedtoadepthofatleast20feet.E.StandardsforGroutingConfinedAquiferWellsinHydrogeologicArea2.Underthissection:(1)Thedepthofgroutingmaynotbelessthan30feet;(2)Theannularspaceabovethescreenandbelowthegroutshallbecompletelyfilledwithclay,drillcuttings,orsandbeforegroutingoperationsbegin;(3)Fortwopart(lapped)telescopedwells,thedrillingfluidmaybeusedasfillmaterialintheannularspaceifthedrillfluidhasaweightgreaterthan11poundspergallon;(4)Drillingfluidlessthan11poundspergallonmaynotbeusedasanacceptablefillmaterial;(5)Forwellsintendedtohaveayieldgreaterthan5,000gallonsperday,thegroutshallextendfromaminimumof5feetintotheconfiningbed,immediatelyabovetheaquiferbeingused,tothelandsurface;and(6)Forwellsintendedtohaveayieldoflessthan5,000gallonsperday,thegroutshallextendfromaminimumof5feetintothefirstconfiningbed,whichisatleast5feetthick,tothelandsurface.(7)Relativedepthstoconfininglayersaredescribedin“MGS,OpenFileReportNo.12-02-20,MarylandCoastalPlainAquiferInformationSystem:HydrogeologicFramework,2013”,whichisincorporatedbyreference.F.StandardsforGroutingWellsinHydrogeologicAreas3,4,and5.(1)Theannularspaceshallbegroutedcompletelyfromthebottomofthecasingtothelandsurface.(2)Theminimumdepthofgroutmaynotbelessthan18feetinHydrogeologicAreas3and,andmaynotbelessthan38feetinHydrogeologicArea4and5.(3)Ifcavingconditionsareexperiencedonwellswithgreaterthan30feetofcasing,theannularspaceshallbegroutedfromthepointwherecavingoccurredorfromadepthof30feet,whicheverisgreater,tothelandsurface.G.Iftheannularspacecannotbegroutedinaccordancewiththeseregulations,thewellshallbeabandonedandsealedinaccordancewiththischapter.H.DeviationfromGroutingStandards.

(1)Deviationfromthegroutingstandardsgivenin§§D,E,andFofthisregulationmaybeapprovedbytheApprovingAuthorityforunusualconditionsthatpreventconformancewiththosestandards.(2)ThedeviationfromthegroutingstandardshallberequestedonaformprovidedbytheApprovingAuthority.TherequestshallbesubmittedtotheApprovingAuthoritywithin5daysafterthewelliscompleted.TheApprovingAuthorityshallrejectorapprovetherequestwithin5businessdays.I.GroutHeight.(1)Forwellswhereapumpisnottobeinstalled,thefinalgroutheightshallbeatgroundgrade.(2)Forwellswhereapumpistobeinstalled,thefinalgroutheightshallbeimmediatelybelowthepitlessadapterorpitlessunit..20ConstructionStandards—MethodsofGrouting.A.Allgroutshallbeemplacedinonecontinuousoperationupwardfromthebottomofthecasingordepthspecifiedintheseregulations.B.Pouring,dumping,orshovelingofgroutslurriesintotheannularspaceorwellboreareprohibited.C.Thedrillingfluidsintheannularspaceshallbethinnedbeforegroutingtoadensitylessthanthatoftheintendedgroutdensity.D.Groutshallbeemplacedsothatitcompletelydisplacesthefluidintheannularspacefromthebottomoftheintervalbeinggroutedtothegroundsurface.E.Thefollowingareapprovedmethodsofgroutingwhenperformedinaccordancewiththeconditionsspecified:(1)GroutPipeOutsideofCasing(TremiePipe).(a)Theannularspaceshallbeaminimumof1½inches.(b)Allgroutshallbeplacedbypumpingthroughthegroutpipe.(c)Theentireintervaltobegroutedshallbeopenandwithoutobstructions;washingorjettingwithwaterisrecommendedforcleaningtheboreholeandmayservetoremoveobstructionscausedbycavingwhichotherwisewouldpreventapropergrout.(d)Thegroutpipeshallextendfromthesurfacetothebottomoftheintervaltobegrouted.(e)Thegroutpipemayremainextendedtothebottomoftheintervalduringandaftergrouting,oritmayberaisedslowlyasthegroutisplacedprovidedthatthedischargeendofthegroutpiperemainssubmergedintheemplacedgroutatalltimesuntilgroutingiscompleted.(f)Intheeventofinterruptioninthegroutingoperations,thebottomofthegroutpipeshallberaisedabovethegroutlevelandshouldnotberesubmergeduntiltheairandwaterhavebeendisplacedfromthegroutpipe.

(g)GroutingDepthsof20feetorLess.Groutmaybeplacedbyagroutpipeinsertedonly10feetintotheannularspace,providedthat:(i)Theentireintervaltobegroutedisclearlyvisiblefromthesurfaceandisdry;and(ii)Anannularspacelargerthantheminimum1½inchesmayberequiredtoassurevisibilityfromthesurface.(2)GroutPipe—InsideCasing.(a)Thebottomofthecasingisfittedwithacementingshoeorfloatshoeandthecasingisplacedintheboreholeashortdistanceoffthebottom;(b)Thegroutpipeisplacedinthecasingashortdistancefromthefloatshoeorismechanicallyattachedtothefloatshoe;and(c)Groutispumpedthroughthegroutpipeuntilgroutappearsatthelandsurface.(3)GroutingwithBentoniteChipsorPellets.Awellmaybegroutedusingbentonitechipsorpelletsunderthefollowingconditions:(a)Thegroutingdepthis20feetorless;(b)Theannularspaceisopenandfreeofobstruction;(c)Theannularspaceisatleast1½inches;(d)Thedrillingfluid,ifpresent,isthinnedtoaviscosityoflessthan30secondsandtheweightislessthan9poundspergallon;(e)Thebentonitechipsorpelletsmaybepoureddowntheannularspace;and(f)Theannularspaceiscontinuouslymeasuredtoassureproperfillingwithoutbridging.(g)Ifbridgingoccursandtheannularspacecannotbecompletelyfilledthen:(i)Theannularspaceshallbejettedtoremovethebentonite;or(ii)Thewellshallbeabandonedandsealedinaccordancewiththischapter.(4)TheApprovingAuthoritymayapproveothergroutingmethodsnotspecificallyidentifiedbythisregulation.