North Carolina Administrative Code
Title 15A - Environmental Quality
Chapter 02 - ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Subchapter C - WELL CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
Section .0200 - CRITERIA AND STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO INJECTION WELLS
Section 02C .0225 - GROUNDWATER REMEDIATION WELLS AND SYSTEMS
Universal Citation: 15A NC Admin Code 02C .0225
Current through Register Vol. 39, No. 6, September 16, 2024
(a) "Groundwater Remediation Wells" means wells that are used to inject additives, treated groundwater, or ambient air for the treatment of contaminated soil or groundwater. Only additives that the Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Public Health determines not to adversely affect human health in compliance with G.S. 130A-5 shall be approved for injection.
(b) "Groundwater Remediation Systems" include infiltration galleries and injection wells. When on-site contaminated groundwater is used, the groundwater remediation injection wells shall be permitted in accordance with G.S. 143-215.1A.
(c) Permitted by Rule. The following are permitted by rule pursuant to Rule .0217 of this Section if constructed and operated in accordance with the rules of this Section, all criteria for the specific injection system are met, hydraulic or pneumatic fracturing are not conducted, and the injection wells or injection activities do not result in the violation of any groundwater or surface water standard outside the injection zone:
(1) Passive Injection Systems that use
in-well delivery systems to diffuse injectants into the subsurface;
(2) Small-scale Injection Operations used to
inject tracers or other additives to remediate contaminant plumes located
within a land surface area not to exceed 10,000 square feet;
(3) Pilot Tests conducted to evaluate the
technical feasibility of a remediation strategy in order to develop a full
scale remediation plan for future implementation, if the surface area of the
injection zone wells are located within an area that does not exceed five
percent of the land surface above the known extent of groundwater
contamination. A pilot test may involve multiple injection wells, injection
events, and injectants within the specified area. An individual permit shall be
required to conduct more than one pilot test on any separate groundwater
contaminant plume;
(4) Air
Injection Wells used to inject ambient air to enhance in-situ treatment of
groundwater and that meet the following requirements:
(A) The air to be injected shall not exceed
the ambient air quality standards set forth in
15A NCAC
02D .0400 and shall not contain petroleum or
any other constituent that would cause a violation of groundwater standards
specified in Subchapter 02L; and
(B) Injection wells of this type shall be
constructed in accordance with the well construction standards applicable to
monitoring wells specified in Rule .0108 of this Subchapter.
(5) In-situ thermal (IST) well
systems shall meet the following requirements:
(A) Any IST systems used shall not contain
petroleum or any other constituent that would cause a violation of groundwater
standards specified in Subchapter 02L; and
(B) Injection wells of this type shall be
constructed in accordance with the well construction standards applicable to
monitoring wells specified in Rule .0108 of this Subchapter.
(d) Notification for Groundwater Remediation Wells described in Subparagraphs (c)(1) through (c)(3), and (c)(5) of this Rule shall be submitted to the Director two weeks prior to injection made using one form per facility supplied by the Director. Such notification shall include the following:
(1)
the name and contact information of the well owner;
(2) the name and contact information of the
person who can answer technical questions about the proposed injection system,
if different from the well owner;
(3) geographic coordinates of the injection
well or well field;
(4) maps of the
injection zone indicating the known extent of contamination such as:
(A) contaminant plume maps with
isoconcentration lines that show the horizontal extent of the contaminant plume
in soil and groundwater, existing and proposed monitoring wells, and existing
and proposed injection wells; and
(B) cross-sections to the known or projected
depth of contamination that show the horizontal and vertical extent of the
contaminant plume in soil and groundwater, changes in lithology, existing and
proposed monitoring wells, and existing and proposed injection wells;
(5) the purpose, scope, and goals
of the proposed injection activity;
(6) the name, volume, concentration, and
Material Safety Data Sheet of each injectant;
(7) a schedule of injection well construction
and injection activities;
(8) the
plans and specifications of each injection well or well system, which include:
(A) the number and depth of injection
wells;
(B) information on whether
the injection wells are existing or proposed;
(C) the well contractor name and
certification number; and
(D)
information on of whether the injection wells are permanent wells, "direct
push" temporary injection wells, or are subsurface distribution systems;
and
(9) a description of
a monitoring plan capable of determining if violations of groundwater quality
standards specified in Subchapter 02L result from the injection
activity.
(e) Notification for Air Injection Wells described in Subparagraph (c)(4) of this Rule shall be submitted to the Director two weeks prior to injection on forms supplied by the Director. Such notification shall include the following:
(1) the facility name, address, and location
indicated by either:
(A) the latitude and
longitude with reference datum, position accuracy, and method of collection;
or
(B) a facility site map with
property boundaries;
(2)
the name, telephone number, and mailing address of the person responsible for
installation or operation of the wells;
(3) the ownership of facility as a private
individual or organization or a federal, State, county, or other public
entity;
(4) the number of injection
wells and their construction details; and
(5) the operating status as proposed, active,
inactive, temporarily abandoned, or permanently abandoned.
(f) Permit Applications for all Groundwater Remediation Wells not Permitted by Rule. In addition to the permit requirements set forth in Rule .0211 of this Section, an application for all groundwater remediation wells not permitted by rule shall be submitted in duplicate to the Director made using one form per facility furnished by the Director and shall include the following:
(1) Site Description
and Incident Information. The site description and incident information shall
include the following:
(A) the name of the
well owner or person otherwise responsible for the installation or operation of
injection wells, mailing address, telephone number, and whether the owner is a
federal, State, private, public, or other entity;
(B) the name of the property owner, if
different from the well owner, physical address, mailing address, and telephone
number;
(C) the name, mailing
address, telephone number, geographic coordinates of the facility for which the
application is submitted, a brief description of the nature of the business,
and the status of the facility such as closed, still operating, or under
construction;
(D) a description of
the contamination incident including the source, type, cause, and release dates
of the contamination; a list of all contaminants in the affected soil or
groundwater; the presence and thickness of free product; and the maximum
contaminant concentrations detected in the affected soil and
groundwater;
(E) the State agency
responsible for management of the contamination incident, including the
incident tracking number, and the incident manager's name and telephone number;
and
(F) a list of all permits
issued for the facility or contamination incident, including Hazardous Waste
Management program permits or approval under the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA), waste disposal permits issued in accordance with
G.S.
143-215.1, Sewage Treatment and Disposal
Permits issued in accordance with G.S. 130A, and any other environmental
permits required by State or federal law.
(2) Soils Evaluation (For Systems Treating
On-Site Contaminated Groundwater Only). For systems with proposed discharge
within seven feet of land surface and above the seasonal high water table, a
soil evaluation of the disposal site shall be provided to the Division by the
applicant. If required by G.S. 89F, a soil scientist shall submit this
evaluation. If this evaluation is submitted, it shall include the following
information:
[Note: The North Carolina Board for Licensing of Soil Scientists has determined, via letter dated December 1, 2005, that preparation of soils reports pursuant to this Paragraph constitutes practicing soil science under G.S. 89F.]
(A) Field description
of soil profile. Based on examinations of excavation pits or auger borings, the
following parameters shall be described by individual horizons to a depth of
seven feet below land surface or to bedrock: thickness of the horizon; texture;
color and other diagnostic features; structure; internal drainage; depth,
thickness, and type of restrictive horizons; pH; cation exchange capacity; and
presence or absence of evidence of any seasonal high water table. Applicants
shall dig pits when necessary for evaluation of the soils at the
site.
(B) Recommendations
concerning annual and instantaneous loading rates of liquids, solids, other
wastewater constituents, and amendments. Annual hydraulic loading rates shall
be based on in-situ measurement of saturated hydraulic conductivity in the most
restrictive horizon.
(3)
Injection Zone Determination. The applicant shall specify the horizontal and
vertical portion of the injection zone within which the proposed injection
activity shall occur based on the hydraulic properties of that portion of the
injection zone specified. No violation of groundwater quality standards
specified in Subchapter 02L resulting from the injection shall occur outside
the specified portion of the injection zone as detected by a monitoring plan
approved by the Division. For systems treating on-site contaminated
groundwater, computer modeling or predictive calculations based on
site-specific conditions shall be provided to demonstrate that operation of the
system shall not cause or contribute to the migration of contaminants into
previously uncontaminated areas. This prescribed injection zone shall replace
the compliance boundary as defined in
15A NCAC
02L .0107.
(4) A hydrogeologic evaluation of the
disposal site to a depth that includes the injection zone determined in
accordance with Subparagraph (3) of this Paragraph. If required by G.S. 89E,
G.S. 89C, or G.S. 89F, a licensed geologist, professional engineer, or licensed
soil scientist shall prepare a hydrogeologic evaluation of the facility. The
hydrogeologic evaluation shall include all of the following:
(A) the regional and local geology and
hydrogeology;
(B) the changes in
lithology underlying the facility;
(C) the depth to bedrock;
(D) the depth to the mean seasonal high water
table;
(E) the hydraulic
conductivity, transmissivity, and storativity of the injection zone based on
tests of site-specific material, including a description of the tests used to
determine these parameters;
(F) the
rate and direction of groundwater flow as determined by predictive calculations
or computer modeling; and
(G) the
lithostratigraphic and hydrostratigraphic logs of test and injection
wells.
(5) Area of
Review. The area of review shall be calculated using the procedure for
determining the zone of endangering influence specified in
40 CFR
146.6(a). The applicant
shall identify all wells within the area of review that penetrate the injection
or confining zone and repair or permanently abandon all wells that are
improperly constructed or abandoned.
(6) Injectant Information. The applicant
shall submit the following information for each proposed injectant:
(A) the injectant name and manufacturer,
concentration at the point of injection, and percentage if present in a mixture
with other injectants;
(B) the
chemical, physical, biological, or radiological characteristics necessary to
evaluate the potential to adversely affect human health or groundwater
quality;
(C) the source of fluids
used to dilute, carry, or otherwise distribute the injectant throughout the
injection zone as determined in accordance with Subparagraph (f)(3) of this
Rule. If any well within the area of review of the injection facility is to be
used as the fluid source, then the following information shall be submitted:
location or ID number, depth of source, formation, rock or sediment type, and a
chemical analysis of the water from the source well, including analyses for all
contaminants suspected or historically recognized in soil or groundwater on the
site;
(D) a description of the
rationale for selecting the injectants and concentrations proposed for
injection, including an explanation or calculations of how the proposed
injectant volumes and concentrations were determined;
(E) a description of the reactions between
the injectants and the contaminants present, including specific breakdown
products or intermediate compounds that may be formed by the
injection;
(F) a summary of results
if modeling or testing was performed to investigate the injectant's potential
or susceptibility for biological, chemical, or physical change in the
subsurface; and
(G) an evaluation
concerning the development of byproducts of the injection process, including
increases in the concentrations of naturally occurring substances. Such an
evaluation shall include the identification of the specific byproducts of the
injection process, projected concentrations of byproducts, and areas of
migration as determined through modeling or other predictive
calculations.
(7)
Injection Procedure. The applicant shall submit a description of the proposed
injection procedure that includes the following:
(A) the proposed average and maximum daily
rate and quantity of injectant;
(B)
the average maximum injection pressure expressed in units of pounds per square
inch (psi); and
(C) the total or
estimated total volume to be injected.
(8) Engineering Planning Documents (For
Systems Treating On-Site Contaminated Groundwater Only). If required by G.S.
89C, a professional engineer shall prepare these documents. The following
documents shall be provided to the Division by the applicant:
[Note: The North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors has determined, via letter dated December 1, 2005, that preparation of engineering design documents pursuant to this Paragraph constitutes practicing engineering under G.S. 89C.]
(A) engineering plans for the entire system,
including treatment, storage, application, and disposal facilities and
equipment, except those previously permitted unless they are directly tied into
the new units or are critical to the understanding of the complete
process;
(B) specifications
describing materials to be used, methods of construction, and means for
ensuring quality and integrity of the entire groundwater remediation
system;
(C) plans that include
construction details of recovery, injection, and monitoring wells and
infiltration galleries;
(D)
operating plans that include:
(i) the
operating schedule including any periodic shut-down times;
(ii) required maintenance activities for all
structural and mechanical elements;
(iii) a list of all consumable and waste
materials with their intended source and disposal locations;
(iv) restrictions on access to the site and
equipment; and
(v) provisions to
ensure the quality of the treated effluent and hydraulic control of the system
at all times when any portion of the system ceases to function, such as standby
power capability, complete system-off status, or duplicity of system
components.
(9) Fracturing Plan. If hydraulic or
pneumatic fracturing is proposed, then the applicant shall submit a detailed
description of the fracturing plan that includes the following:
(A) Material Safety Data Sheets of fracturing
media including information on any proppants used;
(B) a map of fracturing well locations
indicating the known extent of groundwater contamination and all buildings,
wells, septic systems, underground storage tanks, and underground utilities
located within the area of review as described in Subparagraph (5) of this
Paragraph;
(C) a demonstration that
the fracturing process shall not result in the fracturing of any confining
units or otherwise cause or contribute to the migration of contamination into
uncontaminated areas, or otherwise cause damage to buildings, wells, septic
systems, underground storage tanks, and underground utilities;
(D) the injection rate and volume;
(E) the orientation of bedding planes,
joints, and fracture sets of the fracture zone;
(F) a performance monitoring plan for
determining the fracture well radius of influence; and
(G) if conducted, the results of geophysical
testing or a pilot demonstration of fracture behavior conducted in an
uncontaminated area of the site.
(10) Injection well construction details
including:
(A) the number and depth of
injection wells;
(B) the number and
depth of borings if using multi-level or "nested" well systems;
(C) information on whether the injection
wells are existing or proposed;
(D)
the depth and type of casing;
(E)
the depth and type of screen material;
(F) the depth and type of grout;
(G) information on whether the injection
wells are permanent or temporary "direct push" points; and
(H) the plans and specifications of the
surface and subsurface construction details of each injection well or well
system.
(11) Monitoring
Wells. Monitoring wells shall be of sufficient quantity and location to detect
any movement of injection fluids, injection process byproducts, or formation
fluids outside the injection zone as determined by the applicant in accordance
with Subparagraph (f)(3) of this Paragraph. The monitoring schedule shall be
consistent with the proposed injection schedule, the pace of the anticipated
reactions, and the rate of transport of the injectants and contaminants. The
applicant shall submit a monitoring plan that includes the following:
(A) the target contaminants and the secondary
or intermediate contaminants that may result from the injection;
(B) the other parameters that may serve to
indicate the progress of the intended reactions;
(C) a list of existing and proposed
monitoring wells to be used; and
(D) a sampling schedule for monitoring the
proposed injection.
(12)
Well Data Tabulation. A tabulation of data on all existing or abandoned wells
within the area of review of the injection wells that penetrate the proposed
injection zone, including monitoring wells and wells proposed for use as
injection wells. Such data shall include a description of each well's type,
depth, record of abandonment or completion, and any additional information the
Director may require to ensure compliance with
G.S.
87-84.
(13) Maps and Cross-Sections. Scaled,
site-specific site plans or maps depicting the location, orientation, and
relationship of facility components including the following:
(A) an area map based on the most recent USGS
7.5' topographic map of the area, at a scale of 1:24,000 and showing the
location of the proposed injection site;
(B) topographic contour intervals showing all
facility related structures, property boundaries, streams, springs, lakes,
ponds, and other surface drainage features;
(C) all existing or abandoned wells within
the area of review of the injection wells listed in the tabulation required in
Subparagraph (12) of this Paragraph that penetrate the proposed injection zone,
including water supply wells, monitoring wells, and wells proposed for use as
injection wells;
(D) potentiometric
surface maps that show the direction of groundwater movement and existing and
proposed wells;
(E) contaminant
plume maps with isoconcentration lines that show the horizontal extent of the
contaminant plume in soil and groundwater and existing and proposed
wells;
(F) cross-sections to the
known or projected depth of contamination that show the horizontal and vertical
extent of the contaminant plume in soil and groundwater, major changes in
lithology, and existing and proposed wells; and
(G) any existing sources of potential or
known groundwater contamination, including waste storage, treatment, or
disposal systems, within the area of review of the injection well or well
system.
(14) Any other
information necessary for the Department to ensure compliance with
G.S.
87-84.
(g) Injection Volumes. The Director may establish maximum injection volumes and pressures necessary to ensure compliance with G.S. 87-84 and that:
(1) fractures are not initiated in the
confining zone of the injection zone determined in accordance with Subparagraph
(f)(3) of this Rule;
(2) injected
fluids do not migrate outside the injection zone or area; and
(3) injected fluids and fractures do not
cause or contribute to the migration of contamination into uncontaminated
areas.
(h) Well Construction.
(1) Wells shall not be located
where:
(A) surface water or runoff will
accumulate around the well due to depressions, drainage ways, or other
landscapes that will divert water to the well;
(B) a person would be required to enter
confined spaces to perform sampling and inspection activities; and
(C) injectants or formation fluids would
migrate outside the approved injection zone as determined by the applicant in
accordance with Subparagraph (f)(3) of this Rule.
(2) Wells used for hydraulic or pneumatic
fracturing shall be located within the boundary of known groundwater
contamination but no closer than 75 feet to this boundary unless it can be
demonstrated that a lesser separation distance will not adversely affect human
health or cause a violation of a groundwater quality standard as specified in
Subchapter 02L, such as through the use of directional fracturing.
(3) The methods and materials used in
construction shall not threaten the physical and mechanical integrity of the
well during its lifetime.
(4) The
well shall be constructed in a manner that surface water or contaminants from
the land surface cannot migrate along the borehole annulus either during or
after construction.
(5) The
borehole shall not penetrate to a depth greater than the depth at which
injection will occur unless the purpose of the borehole is the investigation,
of the geophysical and geochemical characteristics of an aquifer. Following
completion of the investigation the borehole beneath the zone of injection
shall be grouted completely to prevent the migration of any
contaminants.
(6) For "direct-push"
temporary injection wells constructed without permanent or temporary casing,
injection and well abandonment activities shall be conducted within the same
working day as when the borehole is constructed.
(7) Drilling fluids shall contain only
potable water and may be comprised of one or more of the following:
(A) the formation material encountered during
drilling; and
(B) materials
manufactured specifically for the purpose of borehole conditioning or well
construction.
(8) Only
allowable grout listed under Rule .0107 of this Subchapter shall be used;
however, bentonite grout shall not be used:
(A) to seal zones of water with a chloride
concentration of 1,500 milligrams per liter or greater as determined by tests
conducted at the time of construction; or
(B) in areas of the State subject to
saltwater intrusion that may expose the grout to water with a chloride
concentration of 1,500 milligrams per liter or greater at any time during the
life of the well.
(9)
The annular space between the borehole and casing shall be grouted:
(A) with a grout that is non-reactive with
the casing or screen materials, the formation, or the injectant;
(B) from the top of the gravel pack to land
surface and in a way that there is no interconnection of aquifers or zones
having differences in water quality that would result in the degradation of the
groundwater quality of any aquifer or zone; and
(C) so that the grout extends outward from
the casing wall to a thickness equal to either one-third of the diameter of the
outside dimension of the casing or two inches, whichever is greater. In no case
shall a well be required to have an annular grout seal thickness greater than
four inches.
(10) Grout
shall be emplaced around the casing by one of the following methods:
(A) Pressure. Grout shall be pumped or forced
under pressure through the bottom of the casing until it fills the annular
space around the casing and overflows at the surface;
(B) Pumping. Grout shall be pumped into place
through a hose or pipe extended to the bottom of the annular space that can be
raised as the grout is applied. The grout hose or pipe shall remain submerged
in grout during the entire application; or
(C) Other. Grout may be emplaced in the
annular space by gravity flow in a way to ensure complete filling of the space.
Gravity flow shall not be used if water or any visible obstruction is present
in the annular space at the time of grouting.
(11) All grout mixtures shall be prepared
prior to emplacement per the manufacturer's directions with the exception that
bentonite chips or pellets may be emplaced by gravity flow if water is present
or otherwise hydrated in place.
(12) If an outer casing is installed, it
shall be grouted by either the pumping or pressure method.
(13) The well shall be grouted within seven
days after the casing is set or before the drilling equipment leaves the site,
whichever occurs first. If the well penetrates any water-bearing zone that
contains contaminated or saline water, the well shall be grouted within one day
after the casing is set.
(14) No
additives that will accelerate the process of hydration shall be used in grout
for thermoplastic well casing.
(15)
A casing shall be installed that extends from at least 12 inches above land
surface to the top of the injection zone.
(16) Wells with casing extending less than 12
inches above land surface and wells without casing shall be approved by the
Director only when one of the following conditions is met:
(A) site specific conditions directly related
to business activities, such as vehicle traffic, would endanger the physical
integrity of the well; or
(B) it is
not operationally feasible for the well head to be completed 12 inches above
land surface due to the engineering design requirements of the
system.
(17)
Multi-screened wells shall not connect aquifers or zones having differences in
water quality that would result in a degradation of the groundwater quality of
any aquifer or zone.
(18) Prior to
removing the equipment from the site, the top of the casing shall be sealed
with a water-tight cap or well seal, as defined in
G.S.
87-85, to preclude contaminants from entering
the well.
(19) Packing materials
for gravel and sand packed wells shall be:
(A)
composed of quartz, granite, or other hard, non-reactive rock
material;
(B) of uniform size,
water-washed and free from clay, silt, and toxic materials;
(C) disinfected prior to subsurface
emplacement;
(D) emplaced such that
it will not connect aquifers or zones having differences in water quality that
would result in the deterioration of the water quality in any aquifer or zone;
and
(E) evenly distributed around
the screen and shall extend to a depth at least one foot above the top of the
screen. A one foot thick or greater seal comprised of bentonite clay, shall be
emplaced directly above and in contact with the packing material.
(20) All permanent injection wells
shall have a well identification plate that meets the criteria specified in
Rule .0107 of this Subchapter.
(21)
A hose bibb, sampling tap, or other collection equipment shall be installed on
the line entering the injection well such that a sample of the injectant can be
obtained prior to its entering the injection well.
(22) If applicable, all piping, wiring, and
vents shall enter the well through the top of the casing unless it is based on
a design demonstrated to preclude surficial contaminants from entering the
well.
(23) The well head shall be
completed in a manner to preclude surficial contaminants from entering the
well, and well head protection shall include:
(A) an accessible external sanitary seal
installed around the casing and grouting; and
(B) a water-tight cap or well seal compatible
with the casing and installed so that it cannot be removed without the use of
hand or power tools.
(i) Mechanical Integrity. All permanent injection wells shall be tested for mechanical integrity, which shall be conducted in accordance with Rule .0207 of this Section.
(j) Operation and Maintenance.
(1) Unless permitted by this Rule, pressure
at the well head shall be limited to a maximum that will ensure that the
pressure in the injection zone does not initiate new fractures or propagate
existing fractures in the injection zone, initiate fractures in the confining
zone, or cause the migration of injected or formation fluids outside the
injection zone or area.
(2)
Injection between the outermost casing and the well borehole is
prohibited.
(3) The well owner
shall monitor the operating processes at the well head and shall protect the
well head against damage during construction and use.
(k) Monitoring.
(1) Monitoring of the injection well shall be
required by the Director to protect groundwaters of the State.
(A) Samples and measurements taken for the
purpose of monitoring shall be representative of the monitored
activity.
(B) Analysis of the
physical, chemical, biological, or radiological characteristics of the
injectant shall be made monthly or more frequently, as approved by the
Director, in order to provide representative data for characterization of the
injectant.
(C) Monitoring of
injection pressure, flow rate, and cumulative volume shall occur according to a
schedule determined necessary by the Director.
(D) Monitoring wells associated with the
injection site shall be monitored quarterly or on a schedule determined by the
Director to detect any migration of injected fluids from the injection
zone.
(2) In determining
the type, density, frequency, and scope of monitoring, the Director shall
consider the following:
(A) physical and
chemical characteristics of the injection zone;
(B) physical and chemical characteristics of
the injected fluids;
(C) volume and
rate of discharge of the injected fluids;
(D) compatibility of the injected fluids with
the formation fluids;
(E) the
number, type, and location of all wells, mines, surface bodies of water, and
structures within the area of review;
(F) proposed injection procedures;
(G) expected changes in pressure, formation
fluid displacement, and direction of movement of injected fluid;
(H) proposals of corrective action to be
taken in the event that a failure in any phase of injection operations renders
the groundwaters unsuitable for their best intended usage as defined
15A NCAC
02L; and
(I) the life expectancy of the injection
operations.
(3)
Monitoring wells completed in the injection zone and any of those zones
adjacent to the injection zone may be affected by the injection operations. If
affected, the Director may require additional monitor wells located to detect
any movement of injection fluids, injection process byproducts, or formation
fluids outside the injection zone as determined by the applicant in accordance
with Subparagraph (f)(3) of this Rule. If the operation is affected by
subsidence or catastrophic collapse, any other required monitoring wells shall
be located so that they will not be physically affected and shall be of an
adequate number to detect movement of injected fluids, process byproducts, or
formation fluids outside the injection zone or area. In determining the number,
location and spacing of monitoring wells, the following criteria shall be
considered by the Director:
(A) the
population relying on the groundwater resource affected, or potentially
affected, by the injection operation;
(B) the proximity of the injection operation
to points of withdrawal of groundwater;
(C) the local geology and
hydrology;
(D) the operating
pressures;
(E) the chemical
characteristics and volume of the injected fluid, formation water, and process
byproducts; and
(F) the number of
existing injection wells.
(l) Reporting.
(1) For all injection wells, the well owner
shall be responsible for submitting to the Director on forms furnished by the
Director the following:
(A) a record of the
construction (form GW-1), abandonment (form GW-30), or repairs of the injection
well within 30 days of completion of the specified activities; and
(B) the Injection Event Record within 30 days
of completing each injection.
(2) For injection wells requiring an
individual permit, the following shall apply:
(A) The well owner shall be responsible for
submitting to the Director hydraulic or pneumatic fracturing performance
monitoring results;
(B) All
sampling results shall be reported to the Division annually or at another
frequency determined by the Director based on the reaction rates, injection
rates, likelihood of secondary impacts, and site-specific hydrogeologic
information;
(C) A final project
evaluation report shall be submitted within nine months after completing all
injection-related activities associated with the permit or submit a project
interim evaluation before submitting a renewal application for the permit. This
document shall assess the injection projects findings in a written summary. The
final project evaluation shall also contain monitoring well sampling data,
contaminant plume maps, and potentiometric surface maps; and
(D) For groundwater remediation injection
permits, each monitoring report shall include a summary identifying any
detectable contaminant degradation breakdown products, and a table with
historical laboratory analytical results. The table shall indicate any
exceedances of groundwater standards per
15A NCAC
02L .0202, and shall distinguish data
collected prior to injection from data collected after injection.
(m) Application and Annual Fees (For Systems Treating On-Site Contaminated Groundwater Only)
(1) Application Fee. For every application
for a new or major modification of a permit under this Rule, a nonrefundable
application processing fee in the amount provided in
G.S.
143-215.3D shall be submitted to the Division
by the applicant at the time of application. Modification fees shall be based
on the annual fee for the facility.
(2) Annual Fees. An annual fee for
administering and compliance monitoring shall be charged in each year of the
term of every renewable permit per the schedule in
G.S.
143-215.3D(a). Annual fees
shall be paid for any facility operating on an expired permit that has not been
rescinded or revoked by the Division. Permittees shall be billed annually by
the Division. A change in the facility, which changes the annual fee, shall
result in the revised annual fee being billed effective with the next
anniversary date.
(3) Failure to
pay an annual fee within 30 days after being billed may be cause for the
Division to revoke the permit upon 60 days notice.
Authority
G.S.
87-87;
87-88;
87-90;
87-94;
87-95;
143-211;
143-214.2(b);
143-215.1A;
143-215.3(a)(1);
143-215.3(c);
Eff. May 1, 2012;
Readopted Eff. September 1,
2019.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. North Carolina may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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