From The Chief
Welcome to the Spring 2022 issue of News Bits. This newsletter contains important updates regarding staffing, changes in the cement industry and some important reminders.
First, I'd like to review some statistics regarding private well drilling and pump installation in 2022:
- 10,091 wells constructed
- 3479 wells filled and sealed
- 974 wells inspected during construction
- 283 variances issued
- 51 notices of non-compliance issued
- 3 notices of violation issued
- 2 citations issued
-Marty Nessman, DNR Private Water Supply Section Chief
From The Field
Change In County Coverage
You may have noticed a new Private Water Supply Specialist on your job site recently, especially if you work in the western or central part of the state. John Bowen joined our team in March and is working out of the Baldwin office, while Steve Janowiak is now our Field Expert on Well Contamination Response and Coordination and is back working out of the Wisconsin Rapids office. Our county coverage map has been updated to reflect the counties they will cover moving forward.
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What's New
Recent Cement Industry Changes Affecting Well Drilling
The companies that make Portland cement have switched from producing Type I Portland cement to Type IL Portland cement. The reason for the change is to reduce the carbon footprint of cement for the roads, buildings and other items constructed using cement. Current supplies of Portland Type I in stores and batch plants will be replaced by Type IL moving forward.
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What’s the difference? - Type I cement has up to 5% limestone in it, while Type IL contains up to 15% limestone.
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Why is this important? - S. NR 812.11 (15) (b) requires the use of Portland cement, ASTM C150, Type I or API-10A, Class A. Type IL Portland cement does not meet ASTM standard C150, which limits the amount of limestone to no more than 5%. Portland cement meeting API-10A, Class A specifications may not be readily available in Wisconsin due to changes in cement production.
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What is the DNR’s position on the changes? – The department supports reducing the carbon footprint of cement used in the construction of water wells in Wisconsin. The DNR will be submitting scope statements to create both an emergency rule and a permanent rule to change s. NR 812.11 (15) to allow the use of Type IL cement as a grouting material.
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What should you do in the meantime? - Wells constructed with Type IL cement will be accepted by the department during the period before the emergency and permanent rules take effect as it may not be possible to construct a well with Type I or Class A cement during that time.
The Private Water Supply section will continue to update drillers and pump installers about the emergency and permanent rules as we work through the rulemaking process. You can find additional information about the changes in the cement industry at the following websites:
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Technology
WCR Online Entry System: We will soon be moving to online only well construction report submittal. Now is a great time to get familiar with the system. Click here to get started.
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REMINDER: Starting Jan. 1, 2023 we will only accept electronic well construction reports.
Online Variance Applications Now Available: You can now submit a variance application online. You can use the same WAMS ID that you created to submit online well construction reports. Click here to get a WAMS ID.
Compliance
Your 2022 Annual Report Is On Its Way!
The 2022 "Report Card" will be sent out via mail shortly. The report summarizes the well construction reports, abandonment forms and laboratory data received by the DNR from you in 2022. Please review the report carefully and contact the DNR if there are is any missing data or something in the report doesn't look right. This report is your opportunity to double check the data that the DNR receives from you and the laboratories you use. The DNR uses your input to identify any problems that may exist in our data system and improve our systems.
Reminder: Not All Shale Is Created Equal
Drillers in eastern Wisconsin where dolomite overlies the Maquoketa shale formation need to be aware that s. NR 812.14(10) prohibits having a well that is open to both the dolomite (Silurian age Niagara formation) and any formation beneath the Maquoketa shale. If you can't get water from the Niagara dolomite or the Maquoketa shale formations and need to extend the well below the shale, you must first case and grout your casing through the dolomite and into the shale. If you have any questions about these requirements, please contact your local water supply specialist.
Final Tidbits
We have a lot of great tools to make finding and submitting information fast and easy.
Non-Complying Well or Features/NR 812 Compliance Report: Fill out this form anytime you encounter non-complying well or pressure system features. It is recommended to have several copies printed in your work vehicle.
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REMINDER:You must inform the owner in writing on this form anytime you encounter non-complying features that are known and apparent.
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