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:
A. Drinking water wells. In the event a private drinking water well has failed and must be replaced, the local health department will 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 3.1 and 12VAC5-630-380 F, 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 3.1 and 12VAC5-630-380 F, 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 any source of contamination than the existing well it is replacing. Replacement drinking water wells must meet the sampling requirements of 12VAC5-630-370 D and E.
B. 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. The local health department will conduct a sanitary survey of the property and surrounding area to determine if the site meets the minimum site requirements of this chapter including the minimum separation distances contained in Table 3.1 and 12VAC5-630-380 F. 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 3.1 and 12VAC5-630-380 F, 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 any 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 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR355-34-100 § 2.15, eff. April 1, 1992.