Well Water Issues Topic for DNR Meetings
Geothermal projects and inspections for real estate transactions affected
For the City-Times
Separate rule proposals relating to licensing criteria for well drillers for geothermal heating and cooling systems, and to requirements governing who can seal and inspect wells and water systems for real estate transactions, are the topic of public hearings statewide on Dec. 16 and 17. Both proposed changes help protect sources of drinking water as well as consumers.
DNR proposes to issue a single drilling license with authorizations available for either water well or heat exchange drilling or both. Construction requirements for heat exchange drilling are also proposed in the rule, according to Steve Ales, private water section chief for the Department of Natural Resources.
A separate set of proposed changes to Natural Resources 146 and Natural Resources 812 of the Wis. Adm. Code would create specific requirements for property transfer well inspections to help protect sources of drinking water as well the health of consumers. The proposed rules do not require inspections of wells at time of property transfer, but set uniform minimum standards if an inspection is performed, Ales says.
The proposals carry out a 2007 law that required that only licensed well drillers and pump installers could fill and seal wells and inspect wells at the time of real estate transfer, Ales says. DNR worked with the Wisconsin Water Well Association and well drillers and installers to develop the proposals.
The public hearings are set for 4 p.m. on Dec. 16 and 17 at the following locations:
Dec. 16, 2013
- Madison, UW-Pyle Center Room 227, 702 Langdon St.
- LaCrosse, UW-La Crosse Room 102 Wing Technology, 1725 State St.
- Wausau, UWC-Wausau Room 144, near the MAIN ENTRANCE, 518 S. 7th Ave.
- Milwaukee, UW-Milwaukee Room 264 Enderis Hall, 2400 East Hartford Ave
Dec. 17, 2013
- Madison, UW-Pyle Center Room 227, 702 Langdon St.
- Eau Claire, UW-Eau Claire Old Library Room 1128, 105 Garfield Ave.
- Green Bay, UW-Green Bay Instructional Services Room 1034, 2420 Nicolet Dr.
- Ashland: Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Room 7, 2100 Beaser Ave.
Comments on the proposed rules must be received on or before 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 20, 2013. Written comments may be submitted by U.S. mail, fax, e-mail, or through the Internet and will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearing.
Written comments and any questions on the proposed rules should be submitted to Randell Clark, DNR, Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater, 101 S Webster St., Madison, WI 53703; Fax: (608) 267-7650; or email: [email protected].
Comments also may made using the Administrative Rules System Web site.