Michigan Water Well Construction News and Notes
“Did You Know?”
Discharge of Drilling Materials into Surface Waters
Water well drilling contractors are urged to exercise caution when performing well drilling or abandoned well plugging operations near lakes, rivers, streams, and other watercourses to prevent the discharge of drilling materials into surface waters. Drilling materials that may adversely impact surface water quality include drilling fluids, drill cuttings, grouts, formation materials from well development processes, and eroded materials from flowing well breakouts.
If you intend to drill a well or plug an abandoned well where the potential for such discharge exists, special precautions should be taken. Some recommended procedures are:
- Transport of fluids and cuttings offsite.
- Ditching to divert drilling fluids and cuttings into an upland vegetated area, where filtration through vegetation and soil can occur.
- Construction of a shallow trench, pit, or soil berm to contain the fluids and drill cuttings.
- Using geofabrics or erosion control matting to retain solids downstream of the drill site and prevent their migration towards surface waters.
- Straw or hay bale barriers, or other structures to retain fluid and drill cuttings.
The discharge of drilling materials (except for clear, potable water) into surface water violates Part 95, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (Act 451). Act 451, '324.9502(1) states the following:
“A person shall not place, throw, deposit, discharge, or cause to be discharged into or onto the waters of the state, any litter, sewage, oil, or other liquid or solid materials that render the water unsightly, noxious, or otherwise unwholesome so as to be detrimental to the public health or welfare or to the enjoyment of the water for recreational purposes.”
Beware, contractors may be subject to prosecution if a discharge to surface waters occurs.
“Who Should I Contact?”
EGLE Water Use Program (Water Use Program) - Large Quantity Withdrawals - Groundwater Dispute
The Water Use Program is responsible for registering large quantity withdrawals, collecting annual water use data, making determinations on the potential impacts to water resources as a result of proposed withdrawals, and processing water withdrawal permits. The information managed by the Water Use Program provides an environmental baseline for managing water resources in an integrated manner and strengthens the legal basis for opposing unwarranted diversions of Great Lakes water. Water wells with a pump capacity of 70 gallons per minute or above must register using the Water Withdrawal Assessment Tool.
Information regarding withdrawals can be accessed at the following link: Mi.gov/WaterUse
In cases where well owners believe their drinking water well is being impacted by a large quantity withdrawal, Groundwater Dispute Program staff contact information can be found at the following link: Michigan.gov/Groundwater-Dispute-Program-Contacts
Upcoming Water Well Drilling Contractor and Pump Installation Contractor Registration Exam
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April 12, 2024 (Application deadline February 16, 2024)
Detailed information for applying is in the application packet.
- Application registration packet for the exam can be found at the following link: Application Registration Packet
Be sure to apply early!
Education and Collaboration Opportunity!
- 2024 Michigan Groundwater Annual Education Conference
March 11-12, 2024, Grand Traverse Resort, Traverse City, MI
Information and registration can be found on the Michigan Ground Water Association website at the following link: Michigan Ground Water Association. Scholarship applications are available on the website for local health department staff.
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