N.J. Admin. Code § 7:9D-2.4 - Requirements for the construction and maintenance of all Category 3 and 4 wells

(a) In addition to the well permitting requirements at N.J.A.C. 7:9D-1 and the general construction specifications at N.J.A.C. 7:9D-2.2, the following specific requirements shall apply to all Category 3 and 4 wells:

1. Copies of the site-specific well construction requirements shall be maintained at the drilling site by the well driller;

2. All annular space between the casing and the oversized borehole shall be sealed in accordance with the requirements in 7:9D-2.9 and 2.10;

3. For all monitoring wells, no more than 25 feet total of well screen shall be installed. For all monitoring wells constructed without a screen, there shall be no more than 25 feet total of open borehole;

4. No more than five feet of filter pack shall be placed above the top of the well screen;

5. Protective steel casing shall be installed to a minimum depth of two feet below grade, equipped with a steel locking cap and securely set in concrete. This requirement shall only apply to all above grade well installations and does not apply to wells that require connection to a manifold system, for example, soil vapor extraction wells, or groundwater treatment wells;

6. All flush-mounted wells shall be constructed with manholes, locking caps, and seals to prevent leakage of surface water into the well. This requirement does not apply to wells that require connection to a manifold system, for example, soil vapor extraction wells, or groundwater treatment wells; and

7. Below-grade well installations shall be in accordance with the Department's Field Sampling Procedures Manual, August 2005, as amended and supplemented.

(b) Category 3 and 4 wells in consolidated formations shall be constructed in accordance with the following:

1. Wells drilled to screen across the overburden bedrock interface shall be constructed using a maximum of 10 feet of well screen. In all other cases, the borehole drilled to case off the overburden shall extend a minimum of 10 feet into competent bedrock; and

2. If a well screen and riser pipe are to be installed, applicable well specifications for wells shall be adhered to pursuant to 7:9D-2.2.

(c) Category 3 and 4 wells in unconsolidated aquifers where a confining layer(s) exist shall be constructed in accordance with the following:

1. Any screened interval or filter pack shall not extend across the interface of a confining layer and an aquifer.

(d) Category 3 and 4 wells in unconsolidated aquifers using direct push technologies are permitted to be installed to a maximum depth of 30 feet and grouted in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:9D-2.9 and 2.10.

(e) Category 3 and 4 geotechnical borings involving the use of direct-push technologies shall be installed such that the borehole can be decommissioned in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:9D-3.

(f) In addition to the general well drilling and well permitting requirements in N.J.A.C. 7:9D-1 and 2.2, the following requirements shall apply to the construction of all cathodic protection wells:

1. The borehole diameter shall be at least four inches larger than the diameter of the anode, cathode, or casing to be used;

2. The top of a cathodic protection well casing shall be fitted with watertight caps, covers, "U" bends, or equivalent devices or housings to prevent entry of surface water and pollutants. All such covers shall allow venting of gases from the well; and

3. The annular space between the casing and the oversized borehole shall be sealed in accordance with the requirements in N.J.A.C. 7:9D-2.9 and 2.10.

Notes

N.J. Admin. Code § 7:9D-2.4

Amended by 50 N.J.R. 171(a), effective 1/2/2018 Amended by 53 N.J.R. 1489(a), effective 9/7/2021