Oklahoma Administrative Code
Title 785 - Oklahoma Water Resources Board
Chapter 35 - Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing
Subchapter 11 - Plugging and Capping Requirements for Wells and Test Holes
Section 785:35-11-3 - Variances to plugging requirements

(a) Variances from any of the minimum standards for plugging set forth in this subchapter may be granted by the Board when it is demonstrated that the plugging method or actions proposed will protect the quantity and quality of the groundwater from contamination and waste. Requests for variances must be completed on forms provided by the Board and submitted prior to beginning any work related to activities subject of the variance request, unless otherwise approved by the Executive Director as provided in this section.

(b) Requests for variances shall be accompanied by any plans, specifications or other information detailing the type of variance requested and reasons for the variance request.

(c) Requests for variances must be signed by the licensed well driller, contain a notarized signature from the landowner of the land where the work is being done, and contain a certification that activities subject of the variance request will not cause pollution.

(d) Staff shall review the plans, specifications and data for purposes of determining the potential impacts on the groundwater and, if deemed advisable, may consult with all person requesting the variance, landowner and licensed professional engineer or hydrogeologist. Staff shall then make a recommendation to the Executive Director about the request for variance.

(e) The Executive Director may approve the requested variance, deny the requested variance, or approve the requested variance subject to certain conditions being met.