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 WellLand 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 WellLand 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