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Department of Ecology News Release - November 22, 2006
06-247
OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has updated and modified the state regulations governing construction and maintenance of wells, as well as the professional licensing requirements for well contractors and operators.
The standards for well construction (Chapter 173-160 WAC) identify specific construction requirements that all wells must meet in order to protect public health, safety and welfare as well as to protect the ground water resource. The changes to the standards for well construction and driller licensing are required by legislative mandate (Chapter 18.104 RCW).
Dick Szymarek, state well drilling coordinator, said the rule changes maintain consistency with the drilling statute and bring the rule up to date with changes in drilling industry and technology advances. "Most amendments to the rules are responsive to driller request and the need to clarify the existing rules" he said.
The licensing rule (Chapter 173-162 WAC) provides for the administration of the licensing of Washington State well drillers. There will be an increase in licensing fees from $20 every two years to $75 every two years.
Specific rule amendments address the process and criteria for evaluation of continuing education classes, conducting annual performance reviews on those counties delegated to inspect wells and establishing new categories of licenses for drillers that meet specific requirements.
The rule amendments also include the specific requirements for ground source heat pump borings and grounding wells; clarification of well construction definitions and terms; and updating specific materials and methodologies used in the construction of water and resource protection wells to remain consistent with current drilling technology.
Public hearings were conducted in Moses Lake, Lacey and Everett over the past three months, and the review and comment period ended October 6, 2006. The new rules were adopted November 21, 2006, and will officially go into effect December 22, 2006. The documents may be viewed online at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/laws-rules/activity/wac173160_162.html.
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Media contact: Richard Szymarek (360) 407-6648
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
