<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".34" citation="COMAR 26.04.04.34" title_num="26" subtitle_num="04" chapter_num="04" heading="Well Abandonment and Sealing Standards — General.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Any well shall be considered abandoned when:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The well is in such a state of disrepair that continued use for its intended purpose is impracticable;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The well has been permanently disconnected from any water supply system or irrigation system; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The well is unsuccessful, that is, it does not meet the requirements of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>All wells constructed prior to April 1, 1969 that are not in use shall be abandoned.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>An abandoned well shall be filled and sealed in accordance with this regulation.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>The Approving Authority may require a well owner to abandon and seal a well if it:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Is causing or is a potential source of pollution of waters of the State;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Is producing water that is polluted;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Does not have an Interim Certificate of Potability, if required; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Is no longer needed for its intended purpose.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Well sealing shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Restore as nearly as possible those subsurface conditions that existed before the well was constructed, taking into account changes, if any, that have occurred since the time of construction; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Provide better protection against aquifer communication through the borehole.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>An abandoned well shall be sealed in such a way that:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If it is a cased well:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The annular space is sealed so that it will not act as a channel for the interchange of waters; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The interior of the well casing is sealed so that it will not act as a channel for the interchange of waters;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If it is an uncased well bore, it will not act as a channel for the interchange of waters; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>It will not present a hazard to the safety and well-being of humans or animals.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>Any abandoned well shall be sealed only:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>By a well driller licensed by the Maryland State Board of Well Drillers; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Under the supervision of a representative of the Approving Authority.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>Abandonment and Sealing Notification. For wells designed to be used at a rate of more than 10,000 gallons per day, a licensed well driller shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Provide written notification to the Approving Authority that identifies the well to be sealed and an outline of the work to be done;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Identify whether the well casing is to be perforated or ripped; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Provide 24-hour notification to the Approving Authority before the commencement of sealing operations.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="I.">
    <text>Abandonment and Sealing Approval.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>When the Approving Authority has reason to believe that the sealing of a well necessitates close supervision, it may require:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The submission of sealing plans and specifications for approval before sealing operations are initiated; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>24 hours’ notice before the commencement of sealing operations.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The Approving Authority may approve of a well sealing procedure not identified in Regulation .36 of this chapter, provided the sealing procedure complies with Regulation .36D of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="J.">
    <text>Reports on the Abandonment and Sealing of Wells.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>When a well is abandoned and sealed, the person sealing it shall submit a completed Water Well Abandonment Sealing Report on the form provided by the Approving Authority.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>This report shall be submitted not later than 45 days after abandonment and sealing of the well or test hole.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>