Publication Summary

Title

Abandoned Wells Problems and Solutions

Month-Year PublishedJanuary 1996
Revised onJanuary 2007
Online Availability
View this publication in Acrobat PDF format
83 kilobytes,  requires version 4.0 or later of Adobe Acrobat Reader Software  get Acrobat Reader
Short Description

It is not uncommon in Washington state to find old wells which are no longer usable. These are called abandoned wells. The most common type of abandoned well is the shallow dug type. Abandoned wells can pose safety and environmental problems, and are required to be properly decommissioned as soon as possible. Closing down an old well is called decommissioning. This brochure discusses how to locate abandoned wells, what dangers they pose, and the process used in decommisioning one.

(Also see abstract below)
Publication Number96-br-097
Author(s)Bruner, Marian
Print Availability
Request from the program.
Number of pages 2
Keywords abandoned well, construction, decommission, land development, land owner, safety, wells
Related Web ContentWell Construction and Licensing
Related Publications TitleRelationship    
Chapter 173-160 WAC, Minimum Standards For Construction And Maintenance Of Wellsrelated regulation
Abstract Long Description

It is not uncommon in Washington state to find old wells which are no longer usable. These are called abandoned wells. The most common type of abandoned well is the shallow dug type. Abandoned wells can pose safety and environmental problems, and are required to be properly decommissioned as soon as possible. Closing down an old well is called decommissioning. This brochure discusses how to locate abandoned wells, what dangers they pose, and the process used in decommisioning one.

There are several ways to decommission a well. The state has written minimum construction and decommissioning standards printed in chapter 173-160 WAC.


This page last updated June 26, 2008