06/07/04 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

The ground water industry typically penetrates by drilling through this upper surfhce water zone and completes most of its wells in the lower glacial outwash or into the FIG (Franconia, Ironton, & Galesville) sandstone or bed rock formation. Some areas have the St Lawrence formation which lies on top of the FIG and some areas also have the Jordan sandstone (aquifer) above the St Lawrence present. Our records indicate that 49% of the well drilling in the past 10 years is completed in the bedrock (FIG) formation. The rest are completed in the glacial sands and gravels. The static water levels in the FIG are typically lower than the surface-water. Improper installation of water wells could create a conduit for surface water to penetrate the aquitard (clay, St Lawrence) and could contaminate the lower ground water with undesirable water quality parameters such as iron and manganese. Through proper drilling techniques and proper grounding of the casing in place, we are protecting the ground water from other undesirable water quality characteristics found in surface water such as raw sewage, chemigation contamination, or landfill run off: We protect the surface water levels and our pristine ground water quality characteristics by properly completing these public and private wells in accordance with the Mn Dept of Health Code MCAR 4725 with regard to the sealing of the casing with either high solids bentonite or neat cement grout. It prevents the down drafting of surface water into the lower static ground water aquifers. We have about 300 licensed water Well Contractors in the State of Minnesota. We are licensed and bonded by the Mn Dept of HealthL As a condition of our annul permit, the licensee must submit all of our water well records and water quality results for each well. We must obtain 6 continuing education credits each year. We must submit the appropriate license application and pay the fees before the 31 st of January each yearL For each well drilled, we must submit a notification form to the MDH with the $200 fee (unless exempt). About 1/3rd of all wells are inspected during the drilling process and the MDH reports a 96% compliance rate by the drilling industry. Most of the 4% violations come from none licensee violations.