Who Can Plug an Abandoned Well

Overview Introduce the common methods used to construct wells. Discuss the different types of wells Discuss what types of wells a landowner plug. Discuss reasons for hiring a contractor. Conclusion

Introduction There are many different types of well construction methods. The method used for each well depends on geological formations.

What are the common methods used to construct water wells? Hand dug Driven Drilled

Well Construction Techniques There are eight different types of well construction techniques.

Type I – Dug Well Land Surface Open Hole Total Depth Sealed Rock or Brick Lining as Casing

Type II – Drilled Well Land Surface Casing Open Hole Total Depth Seal Cemented Annulus

Type III – Drilled Well Cemented Annulus Smaller Casing Total Depth Land Surface Casing Open Hole Seal

Type IV – Drilled Well Casing with Selected, Perforated, Slotted, or Screened Intervals Cemented Annulus Land Surface Casing Total Depth Seal Gravel or Sand Pack

Type V – Drilled Well Casing with Selected, Perforated, Slotted, or Screened Intervals Cemented Annulus Land Surface Casing Total Depth Seal Gravel or Sand Pack Open Hole Seal

Type VI – Drilled Well Total Depth Cemented Annulus Land Surface Large Casing Smaller Casing with Selected, Perforated, Slotted, or Screened Intervals

Type VII – Drilled Well Casing with Selected, Perforated, Slotted, or Screened Intervals Cemented Annulus Land Surface Casing Total Depth Seal Gravel or Sand Pack Seal

Type VIII – Drilled Well Land Surface Total Depth Casing Gravel or Sand Pack Casing with Selected, Perforated, Slotted, or Screened intervals

What type wells can a landowner plug? A landowner can plug type I-V wells, assuming there is less than 100 feet of standing water in the well.

Even with a type I-V well, why might it be better to hire a contractor? A contractor may have better equipment and understanding of the geology conditions that affect how the well should be plugged.

Conclusion Landowners have the authority to plug type I-V wells if there is less than 100 feet of water in the well. Only licensed well drillers should plug type VI-VIII wells. In some cases it may be better to hire a contractor for type I-V wells