R655-4-9. The Approval Process for Non-Production Wells

  9.1 General.

  Regulated non-production wells such as cathodic protection wells, closed-loop heating/cooling exchange wells, monitor/piezometer/test wells, and other wells meeting the criteria in R655-4-1(1.2.4) drilled and constructed to a depth greater than 30 feet below natural ground surface require approval from the state engineer. The approval and permitting of regulated production wells is accomplished through the water right processes in accordance with Section 73 of the Utah Code.

  9.2 Approval to Drill, Construct, Renovate, or Replace.

  Approval to drill, construct, renovate, or replace non-production wells is issued by the state engineer's main office and regional offices following review of written requests from the owner/applicant or their appointed representative. The appointed representative shall not include the licensed driller designated on the application. The requests for approval shall be made on forms provided by the state engineer entitled "Request for Non-Production Well Construction". The following information must be included on the form:

  a. General location or common description of the project.

  b. Specific course and distance locations from established government surveyed outside section corners or quarter corners.

  c. Total anticipated number of wells to be installed.

  d. Diameters, approximate depths and materials used in the wells.

  e. Projected start and completion dates.

  f. Name and license number of the driller contracted to install the wells.

  g. A detailed explanation of the purpose and technical aspects of the drilling project. This can also include reviews and approvals (e.g., building permits) done by local jurisdictions of the project. This additional documentation may expedite the Division's processing of the non-production well application.

  h. Signature of the well owner or authorized representative attesting to the accuracy and truthfulness of the information on the application. The licensed driller cannot be the signatory on the non-production well application.

  9.2.1 There is no fee required to request approval to drill, construct, renovate, or replace a non-production well. Using available information and sources, the Division will evaluate the potential for the non-production well to become a contamination source or otherwise negatively impact the groundwater resource prior to approval. This evaluation can take up to 14 days to conduct. The Division shall list application information on its website to allow the public and local jurisdictions to review the project prior to approval. The well permit application shall be returned without review to the applicant if the Division determines that the application is incomplete, contains inaccurate information, lacks sufficient information or is illegible. The Division shall deny the issuance of a well permit if the site where the well is to be drilled is designated by the Division as an area where wells may not be constructed, including but not limited to contaminated or protected aquifers, areas where drilling and construction of wells can impact other water rights, and other areas where environmental remediation may be adversely affected by the construction and/or operation of wells. Upon written approval by the state engineer, the project will be assigned an approved non-production well number which will be referenced on all start cards and official well driller's reports.