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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 12. Health
Agency 5. Department of Health
Chapter 630. Private Well Regulations
12/30/2024

12VAC5-630-250. Emergency procedures.

Applications for replacement wells that meet the definition of an emergency well replacement (12VAC5-630-10) shall have priority over normal applications for private well permits. Emergency procedures are as follows:

1. Drinking water wells. When a private drinking water well has failed and must be replaced, a licensed onsite soil evaluator, professional engineer, or licensed water well systems provider shall conduct a sanitary survey of the property and surrounding area to determine the most suitable location. If a site is found that meets the minimum site requirements of this chapter, including the minimum separation distances contained in Table 1 of 12VAC5-630-380 and 12VAC5-630-380 H, the local health department will issue a permit for that site. If a site cannot be located that meets the minimum separation distances listed in Table 1 of 12VAC5-630-380 and 12VAC5-630-380 H, the local health department shall identify a site that complies with the minimum separation distances to the greatest extent possible. However, the replacement well shall not be located closer to a source of contamination than the existing well it is replacing. Replacement drinking water wells must meet the sampling requirements of 12VAC5-630-431 E and F.

2. Heat pump wells or commercially dependent wells. If a heat pump well or commercially dependent well must be replaced, the applicant shall propose a replacement site based on the technical requirements of the heat pump system or commercial establishment. A licensed onsite soil evaluator, professional engineer, or water well systems provider shall conduct a sanitary survey of the property and surrounding area to determine the most suitable location. If the site meets the minimum requirements of this chapter, the local health department will issue a permit for that site. If a site cannot be located that meets the minimum separation distances listed in Table 1 of 12VAC5-630-380, the local health department shall identify a site that complies with the minimum separation distances to the greatest extent possible. However, the replacement well shall not be located closer to a source of contamination than the existing well it is replacing. If the replacement heat pump well or commercially dependent well must be placed closer to a sewage disposal system (but no closer than the existing well it is replacing) the well shall be sampled for fecal coliforms. If fecal coliforms are present in the sample and further investigation reveals that the groundwater is contaminated, the well shall be abandoned.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-176.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-34-100 § 2.15, eff. April 1, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 4, eff. November 6, 2024.

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