Sample Course. WATER WELL DRILLER/PUMP INSTALLER REQUIRED ONE HOUR STATUTES AND RULES CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSE Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Sample CourseSample Course

WATER WELL DRILLER/PUMP INSTALLERREQUIRED ONE HOUR

STATUTES AND RULES CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSE

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Compliance DivisionWater Well Driller/Pump Installer Section

PO Box 12157

Austin, Texas 78711

512/463-7880

512/463-8616 (fax)

MAIL ALL FORMS AND CORRESPONDENCE TO:

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

P.O. Box 12157

Austin, TX 78711

The Primary Goals of the Program

Groundwater protection License qualified drillers and pump installers Establish and enforce minimum well

construction, well plugging, and pump installation standards

Administration of the Abandoned Well Notification and Enforcement Program

Regulation through cooperation with state and federal agencies and local governments.

WATER WELL DRILLER/PUMP INSTALLER CONTACT INFORMATION

Department website: www.license.state.tx.us

Program main line: 512/463-7880

Program fax: 512/463-8616

Program email: [email protected]

Customer Service: 512/463-6599

Customer Service email: [email protected]

Available on the Department’s website: Report Violations/File Complaints on-line Well Construction and Plugging Specifications Texas Well Report Submission and Retrieval System link Water Well Driller Advisory Council information Well Reports Plugging Reports Undesirable Water and Constituent Reports License Applications Apprentice Registration Applications Tex. Admin. Code Chapter 76 (Rules) Tex. Occupations Code Chapters 1901 (Drillers) & 1902 (Pump Installers) Variance Request Forms Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Upcoming continuing education courses Examination References

Water Well Driller/Pump Installer Web Page

License/Application/Renewal/CE Questions

…should be directed to TDLR Customer Service at:

512/463-6599or

1-800/803-9202

Continuing EducationContinuing education requirements – To renew a license as a driller

or pump installer, a licensee must complete 4 hours of continuing education (CE) in courses approved by the department. The CE hours must include the following:

• One hour of instruction dedicated to the water well driller and pump installer statutes and rules; and

• Three hours of instruction in topics directly related to the well industry, including but not limited to well and water well pump standards, geologic characteristics of the state, state groundwater laws and related regulations, well construction and pump installation practices and techniques, health and safety, environmental protection, technological advances, or business

management.

The CE hours must have been completed within the term of the current license or registration, in the case of a timely renewal. For late renewal, the CE hours must have been completed within one year period immediately prior to the date of the renewal.

License Application

Requires license applicants (well driller and pump installer) to provide names and addresses of 10 customers who have been provided service by the applicant.

Well driller applicants must provide 10 State of Texas Well Reports corresponding to the 10 customer

references submitted.

Apprenticeships

Requires licensed supervisors and applicants for the apprentice program to include in-depth and specific information concerning apprenticeships.

Requires 2 year minimum in an apprentice program – before application for a license.

The continuing education provider will electronically post the 1 hour of CE credit to TDLR.

Licensing, Renewals, and Examinations

License Renewals

Licenses expire annually from the date of issuance.

Renewals are mailed to the last known address of the licensee (if you move, be sure to make the TDLR aware of your new address).

Must submit:• Renewal fee; • License renewal paperwork; and

The continuing education provider will electronically post the 4 hours of CE credit to TDLR.

TDLR Authority to Conduct Criminal Background Checks

Texas Occupations Code Chapter 53Effective September 1, 1999

Effective September 1, 2003

TDLR conducts DPS criminal background checks on all new license and registration applicants as well as license and registration renewals.

When Completed License Application Is Received by the Licensing Division…

The application file is forwarded to WWD/PI Section staff.

Experience and workmanship verifications are then conducted by contacting the references and reviewing the submitted State of Texas Well Reports (for drillers).

Same process for pump installer applicants, without the well reports.

When applying, verifiable work experience must be submitted for each classification of pump installation or well drilling.

Notice of Examination Eligibility…

Specifies exams applicant is approved to take.

Approved applicants have one (1) year from the date the application was filed to complete all of the requirements for a license (includes passing the examination(s)).

An applicant may only take an exam twice in one year.

All examinations are computer based.

All license applicants approved to take exams are required to:

Take and pass the General Well Driller and/or General Pump

Installer exam including any and all subsequent specific license

designations exams.

The Eligibility Notice Will State: If you are approved to take an exam, you will receive a letter indicating which exams you have been approved to take:

Well Drillers:General Well Driller [ ] Water Well Driller[ ] Monitor Well Driller[ ] Closed Loop Geothermal Well Driller

Pump Installers:General Pump Installer[ ] Windmills, Hand Pumps and Pump Jack Installer[ ] Line-shaft Turbine Pump Installer[ ] Single Phase Pump Installer[ ] Three Phase Pump Installer

Well Driller and Pump Installer examreference lists and exam content outlines are available on the Department’s website at:

www.license.state.tx.us/wwd/wwdexam.htm

Driller License Designations

A – Master Well Driller W – Water Well DrillerM – Monitor Well DrillerC – Closed Loop Geothermal Well DrillerD – Dewatering Well DrillerN – Injection Well Driller

Pump Installer License Designations

I – Master Pump Installer

L – Windmills, Hand Pumps, and Pump Jacks

P – Single Phase Pump Installer

K – Three Phase Pump Installer

T – Line-shaft Turbine Pump Installer

New Rule Effective December 1, 2006 for Pump Installer License “New Definition”

Placement and preparation for

operation of equipment andmaterials – Includes but is notlimited to removing the pump.

This means you have to be licensed to remove a pump from a well.

Pump ColumnPump Column

Pump column material that has been Pump column material that has been used in the production of oil or gas or used in the production of oil or gas or has been exposed to contamination has been exposed to contamination may not be placed in a well may not be placed in a well regulated by this department. regulated by this department.

New rule effective December 1, 2006New rule effective December 1, 2006

Master Well Driller License

To obtain a Master Driller License (A), an applicant is required to have

verifiable experience in all fields of drilling regulated by the TDLR and pass

the following exams:

General

Water Well

Monitor Well

Closed-loop Geothermal

Dewatering (subject to development)

Injection (subject to development)

Master Pump Installer License

To obtain a Master Pump Installer License (I), an applicant is required to have

verifiable experience in all fields of pump installation regulated by the TDLR

and pass the following exams:

General

Windmills, Hand Pumps, and Pump Jacks

Single Phase Pumps

Three Phase Pumps

Line-shaft Turbines

76.204(g) Requests to Waive CE Requirements…

…because the license holder does not supervise, contract with the public, or has

retired from the drilling or pump service industry shall:

Submit the request in writing to the Department;

Include detailed explanation of the conditions under which the waiver is requested;

Submit the license renewal fee; and

Licensee must remain inactive for a minimum of one (1) year.

To reinstate a license to supervise and/or contract with the public, the licensee

shall submit four (4) hours of continuing education with one (1) hour dedicated to

the Water Well Driller/Pump Installer Statutes and Rules course.

Apprentice Registration Supervising licensee must have been licensed for at least

two years prior to taking on apprentice(s);

A completed Department registration form:• Fee• Proof that the licensee has agreed to accept the

responsibility of supervising the training program;• A detailed description of the training program ,including

the types of wells to be drilled and/or the classifications of pumps to be installed, equipment used, safety training and procedures, and experience, knowledge, and qualification benchmarks while under the apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship Requirements

Supervisor must be within 1 hour travel time; Supervisor must visit the site once per day (drillers); Apprentice may not perform or offer outside of apprenticeship; Apprentice may be supervised by other licensees with same

company as supervisor; With each renewal, supervisor must provide written progress report

evaluating performance compared to established training program; To renew a registration as an apprentice, a registrant must complete

a 1 hour department approved continuing education course dedicated to the WD/PI statutes and rules.

A licensee may not supervise more than (3) apprentices at any one time; combination licenses may have up to 6 (3 of each).

76.800 Fees

…effective October 1, 2004

Examination Fees

General Well Driller exam - $100

Water Well Driller exam - $50

Monitor Well Driller exam - $50

Closed Loop Geothermal Well Driller exam - $50

General Pump Installer exam - $100

Windmills, Hand Pumps, & Pump Jacks exam - $50

Single Phase Pump Installer exam - $50

Three Phase Pump Installer exam - $50

Line-shaft Turbine Pump Installer exam - $50

Original License, Registration, Annual Renewal, Duplicate License, and Variance Request Fees

Driller’s license - $215

Installer’s license - $215

Combination Driller/Installer license - $325

Apprentice registration - $65

Combination Driller/Installer Apprentice reg. - $115

Lost, revised, or duplicate license - $25

Variance request fee - $100

Maximum of 1 year to renew with late fees.

If a license has been expired for over 1 year, the individual is

required to apply for a license, pay the exam fees, and take

and pass the specific exams.

If the exams are passed and the license fee is paid, a new

license number will be issued.

Late Renewal Fee Adjustments

Received prior to expiration date:

Received after license expiration and <90 days = fee + ½ of fee:

Renewal after 90 days and < 1 year = 2 x renewal fee:

Single license

Combo

license

< exp.

date

$215 $325

< 90

Days

$322.50 $487.50

>90

Days

$430 $650

Licensee Responsibilities

76.706(d)

A licensee shall have the following information on all proposals and invoices given to consumers (effective January 3, 1999):

Regulated by:

Texas Department of Licensing and RegulationP.O. Box 12157Austin, TX 787111-800/803-9202, 512/463-7880

76.708. Responsibilities of the Licensee - Adherence to Manufacturer's Recommended Well Construction Materials and Equipment

(a) It shall be the responsibility of the licensee to select the correct slot size for manufacturer well screen in a domestic (household use) water well to prevent sand/sediments from entering the well unless waived by the landowner or person having the well drilled in writing.

(b) It shall be the responsibility of the licensee to adhere to manufacturers' recommended pump sizing and wiring specifications.

(c) It shall be the responsibility of the licensee to select the proper hydraulic collapse pressure for casing to be installed.

76.703 Responsibilities of the Licensee – Standards of Completion for Public Water System Wells

76.703(1)The licensed driller shall, to the best of his or her abilities,ascertain whether a well which is to be drilled, deepened, oraltered is intended for use as part of a public water systemand shall comply with all applicable rules of the TCEQunder 30 TAC Chapter 290 and any other local codes orregional regulations.

Questions should be directed to the TCEQ’s Water Utilitiesand Districts Section at 512/239-6953

Public Supply Well

Local Authority

76.1000.

(a) Wells shall be completed in accordance with the following specifications and in compliance with the local groundwater conservation district rules or incorporated city ordinances:

Groundwater DistrictsGroundwater Districts

As you will notice on the following As you will notice on the following map, there has been the addition of map, there has been the addition of many Groundwater Districts. Be sure many Groundwater Districts. Be sure to find out before drilling if the well is to find out before drilling if the well is located in a district. If so, please located in a district. If so, please contact the district prior to drilling.contact the district prior to drilling.

Water Wells Located Within Public Water Supply Sanitary Easements

76.1000(k)

Water wells located within public water supply sanitary

easements (150 feet) must be constructed to public water well

standards pursuant to 30 TAC Chapter 290.

Drilling Fluids and Cuttings

76.1000(f)

Each licensed well driller drilling, deepening, or altering a well shall keep anydrilling fluids, tailings, cuttings, or spoils contained in such a manner so as toprevent spillage onto adjacent property not under the jurisdiction or controlof the well owner without the adjacent property owners’ written consent.

76.1000(g)

Each licensed well driller drilling, deepening, or altering a well shall prevent the spillage of any drilling fluids, tailings, cuttings, or spoils into any bodyof surface water.

76.1000(h) Chlorination/Disinfection of Wells

Unless waived by written request from the landowner, a new, repaired, orreconditioned well or pump installation or repair on a well used for humanconsumption shall be properly disinfected. The well shall be properlydisinfected with chlorine or other appropriate disinfecting agent under thecircumstances.

A disinfecting solution with a minimum concentration of fifty(50) Milligrams per liter (mg/L) (ppm), shall be placed in the well as requiredby the American Water Works Association (AWWA), pursuant toANST/AWWA C654-87 and the United States Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA).

76.702 Responsibilities of the Licensee and Landowner

(Access Denied)

76.702(a)(1) If well is not completed to established specifications.

Where a landowner, or person having the well drilled, deepened, or altered, denies a licensed welldriller access to the well to complete the well to established standards and thereby precludes thedriller from performing his or her duties under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapters 1901 and 1902 and this title, the well driller shall file with the Department a statement to that effect within five days of the denial. The landowner or person authorizing the well work must complete the well to established standards within ten days of notification by the Department.

76.702(e)(1) If undesirable water is encountered.

Where a person or landowner having the well drilled, deepened, or altered denies a licensed driller access to a well which requires plugging or completion or otherwise precludes the driller from plugging or completing a well which has encountered undesirable water or constituents, the driller shall, within 48 hours, file a signed statement to that effect with the Department and provide a copy of the statement to the local groundwater conservation district.

Well constructionWell construction

In the following slide you will notice In the following slide you will notice the proper completion of a well. It the proper completion of a well. It shows:shows:

The 10 feet of annular cementThe 10 feet of annular cement The sloping slab that extends 2 feet in The sloping slab that extends 2 feet in

all directionsall directions The casing extending 12 inches above The casing extending 12 inches above

land surface.land surface.

Well Construction Specifications

Annular Seal Violations Examples

Appears to be in compliance After inspection no cement

Annular Seal Violations

Appears to be in compliance After inspection no cement

Alternative Surface Alternative Surface CompletionCompletion

The following two slides indicate the The following two slides indicate the proper completion methods for using proper completion methods for using a sleeve and a pitless adapter.a sleeve and a pitless adapter.

Annular Cement & Surface CompletionViolations

Improper Annular Seal, Surface Completion, and Cap

Look the cement almost made it in.

Beyond popular belief, electrical, duct or scotch tape is not a proper cap

Proper Surface Completion

Proper Alternate Surface Completions

SetbacksSetbacks

The following slides show the proper The following slides show the proper distances for setback on septic tanks, distances for setback on septic tanks, drain fields and potential sources of drain fields and potential sources of contamination and;contamination and;

The proper well completion for The proper well completion for reducing the setbacks.reducing the setbacks.

76.1000(a)(6)(A)(B)(C) Exceptions To Property Line Distance Requirements

(6) The following are exceptions to the property line distance requirementwhere:

(A) groundwater conservation district rules are in place regulating thespacing of wells;

(B) platted or deed restriction subdivision spacing of wells and on-site sewage systems are part of the planning; or

(C) public wastewater treatment is provided and utilized by the landowner.

If A Well Driller Knowingly Encounters Undesirable Water or Constituents Overlying Or Underlying Fresh Water

Or Is Producing Undesirable Water

76.1001(3)(4) & 76.1002(b)

Bentonite grout may not be used if a water zone contains chlorides above onethousand five hundred (1500) parts per million (mg/L) or if hydrocarbons arepresent.

The use of bentonite in well plugging operations also falls under the chlorideand hydrocarbon criteria.

Proper completion method to prevent commingling of aquifers and zones

Proper completion method to prevent commingling of aquifers and zones

Proper completion method for the production of undesirable water

ENFORCEMENT

When investigations document possible statute and/orrule violation(s):

A Notice of Alleged Violations (NOAV), signed by a DepartmentProsecutor is forwarded to the respondent (licensed, unlicensed,or landowner).

For settlement purposes and in compliance with the followingAdministrative Penalty Matrix, the Prosecutor makes the finaldetermination on a settlement or possible administrative hearing.

Well Drillers and Pump Installers

Enforcement Division Administrative Penalty Matrix

Class A, B, C, D, and E Violations

Class A:

1st Violation 2nd Violation 3rd Violation

Warning letter to $1,000 $1,000 to $2,000 plus up to 6 months probated suspension

$2,000 to $3,000 plus 1year probated suspension up to 1 year full suspension

Failed to timely submit Well Report (within 60 days) 1901.251(b)/76.700(1) Failed to provide Department information on all invoices/proposals 76.706(d) Failed to comply with local ordinances/rules 76.1000(a) Failed to construct a PWS well according to approved TCEQ plans 76.703 Failed to timely submit Plugging Report (within 30 days) 1901.255(d)/76.700(2) Failed to properly mix cement for annular seal/plugging 76.10(8) Failed to timely submit Report/notify when undesirable water

encountered 1901.254(a) & 1902.252(a)/76.701

Failed to notify landowner of abandoned well responsibilities 1901.255(b) & 1902.253/76.702(b)

Failed to properly complete a well within a PWS sanitary easement 76.1000(k) Failed to furnish violation information to Department 76.706(c)

Class B:

1st Violation 2nd Violation 3rd Violation

$Warning Letter to $2,000/day not corrected plus up to 6 months probated suspension

$1,000 to $4,000/per day not corrected plus 6 months probated suspension up 1 full year suspension

$2,000 to $5,000 per day not corrected plus 1 full year suspension up to revocation

Failed to properly seal annular space of a water well 76.1000(a)(1) Failed to provide proper surface completion on a water well 76.1000(b)(1)(2)(3) or

76.1000(c)(1)(2) Failed to locate a water well at least 50’ from a property line 76.1000(a)(4) Failed to submit accurate Well Report 1901.251(a)/ 76.700 Failed to place proper cap/cover over a newly drilled unattended well 76.702(d) Failed to cap or complete well to prevent pollutants from entering 76.1000(e) Failed to properly cap a well 76.1004(f) Failed to prevent drilling fluids from entering adjacent property 76.1000(f) Failed to prevent drilling fluids from entering surface water 76.1000(g) Failed to properly mark rigs with license number 1901.252(a) / 76.704 Failed to provide proper well seal for a well located in flood zone 76.1000(a)(5) Failed to provide proper steel sleeve for a well located in flood zone 76.1000(a)(5) Failed to provide proper completion for monitor well in a vault 76.1000(b)(3) Failed to provide proper completion for a temporary monitor well 76.1000(b)(4)

Class B (cont.):

Failed to complete or plug a temporary monitor well w/in 48 hours 76.1000(b)(4) Failed to provide proper completion for a closed loop injection well 76.1000(b)(5) Failed to properly disinfect newly drilled/repaired well 76.1000(h)(i) Failed to ensure no unprotected openings for a serviced well/pump 76.1008(b) Failed to comply with requirements for water distribution systems 76.1006 Failed to comply with requirements for chemical injection systems 76.1007

Class C:

1st Violation 2nd Violation 3rd Violation

$500 to $3,000 $1,500 to $5,000 plus 6 months probated suspension up to 6 months full suspension

$3,500 to $5,000 plus 1 year full suspension up to revocation

Drilling/Pump installation without a license 1901.151&

1902.151/76.200 Offering to perform Drilling/Pump installation without a license 1901.151&

1902.151/76.200 Drilling/Pump installation without a current license 1901.151&

1902.151/76.200 Entered into partnership with or aiding and abetting

unqualified/unlicensed person 76.705(d)/76.706(b)

Failed to provide proper supervision of a registered apprentice 76.206(d)(e) Landowner failed to cap/plug abandoned well w/in 180 days of

notice 1901.255(c)/76.702(a)(2)(3)

Made false or misleading representations in installing well/pump 76.705(e)

Class D:

1st Violation 2nd Violation 3rd Violation

$500 to $3,000 plus up to 6 months probated suspension

$1,500 to $5,000 plus 1 year probated suspension up to 1 year full suspension

$3,500 to $5,000 plus revocation

Failed to properly plug a well 76.1004(a)(b)

Offering services which could not be competently performed 76.705(a) Failed to accurately represent qualifications and capabilities 76.705(b) Performed/offering to perform services without knowledge or exp. 76.705(c) Failed to located a well at least 50’ from of septic tank/tightline 76.1000(a)(3) Failed to located a well at least 150/50’ from contamination source 76.1000(a)(4) Failed to located a well at least 100/50’ from septic drain field 76.1000(a)(4) Failed to select proper slot size for manufactured screen 76.708(a) Failed to adhere to manufacturers’spec’s for pump wiring and sizing 76.708(b) Failed to select proper hydraulic collapse pressure for casing 76.708(c) Failed to properly complete a well that encountered undesirable water 76.1001(1)(2)(3)(4)(5) Failed to complete well producing undesirable water to prevent flow

onto land surface 76.1002(c)

Failed to properly plug well that penetrates undesirable water zone 76.1004(c) Drilling/Pump Installation without the appropriate license type 1901.151&

1902.151/76.200 Failed to complete or plug a test well within 6 months 76.1000(j) Failed to properly plug large diameter hand dug well 76.1004(d)

Water Well Driller / Pump Installer Cases Class E:

1st Violation 2nd Violation 3rd Violation

$1,000 to $4,000 plus up to 6 months probated suspension

$2,000 to $5,000 plus 1 year probated suspension up 1 full year suspension

$5,000 plus 1 full year suspension up to revocation

Intentionally misstated/misrepresented a fact in license or renewal

application 1901.301(1)/ 76.202(e)

Failed to complete water well to prevent commingling of water production zones

76.1000(d)

Abandoned and DeterioratedWater Wells

A view of the inside of an old abandoned hand dug well

Is this well abandoned? Can it be brought into compliance? The answer is yes and yes, see the next slide to find out why.

Abandoned well means…

(§ 1901.255) …a well that is not in use. A well is considered to

be in use in the following cases:

the well is not a deteriorated well and contains the casing, pump, and pump column in good condition;

the well is not a deteriorated well and has been capped; the well is used in the normal course and scope and with the intensity and

frequency of other similar users in the general community; or the owner is participating in the Conservation Reserve Program or similar

governmental program.

Improper

C

ap

Are 5 gallon buckets proper caps for wells?.....look at the bucket

Deteriorated Wells

"Deteriorated well" means a well that because of its condition, will cause or is likely to cause pollution of any water in this state, including groundwater.

Is the well properly completed? Let’s take a closer look on the next slide.

Apparently not, no slab or sleeve and no annular cement!

By the way, that would be 3 violations!!!

Well Plugging Specifications

Large Hand Dug and Bored Wells…

…36-inches or greater in diameter to one hundred (100) feet:

May be plugged by backfilling with compacted clay or caliche to surface.

All removable debris shall be removed from the well.

If the well contains standing water, it shall be chlorinated by adding chlorine bleach at a rate of one (1) gallon of bleach for every five hundred (500) gallons of standing water.

Leave fill mounded to compensate for settling (recommend cement plug below ground level).

This is what can happen if these large diameter wells are left unplugged.

Oh and by the way, the horse survived, with the help of the fire department

And two winch trucks.

Wells drilled prior to June 1, 1983, will be grandfathered without

further modification unless the well is found to be a threat to

public health and safety or to groundwater quality.

The following will be considered a threat to public health and

safety or to groundwater quality:

1. the annular space around the well casing is open at the land surface;

2. an unprotected opening in the well casing that is above ground level;

3. top of well casing is below known flood level and not appropriately sealed;

4. deteriorated well casing allowing commingling of aquifers or zones of water of different quality;

5. water wells with the well head below ground level unless the Department grants a variance.

6. water wells located within fifty (50) feet of a source of contamination which affects the quality of water produced by the

well. (Amended December 1. 2006)

The following slide shows the proper well completion method for The following slide shows the proper well completion method for wells drilled before June 1, 1983.wells drilled before June 1, 1983.

Dry Holes

Wells which do not encounter groundwater (dry holes) may be

plugged by backfilling with drill cuttings from total depth to

within two (2) feet of the surface (or plow depth); where a two

(2) feet cement plug shall be poured.

Driller and/or Pump Installer Responsibilities

Texas Occupations Code Chapters 1901 and 1902 requires:

Each licensed driller or pump installer who knows of an abandoned or deteriorated well shall notify the landowner orperson possessing the well that well must be plugged or capped inorder to avoid injury or pollution.

The 16 TEX. ADMIN. CODE Ch. 76 Rules specify well re-completion standards if the landowner intends on keepingand using a well in this category.

Plugging, Capping Or Re-completion Operations

The abandoned and/or deteriorated well(s) must be plugged,

capped or re-completed by a licensed driller, licensed pump

installer or the landowner themselves.

Groundwater Conservation District (GCD) Enforcement Action Authority

Abandoned and/or Deteriorated Wells (effective September 1, 2003)

The 78th Legislature authorized GCDs to enforce compliance

with Tex. Occupations Code Chapter 1901.255 related to

abandoned and deteriorated wells within the boundaries of the

District.

GCDs can conduct abandoned/deteriorated well investigations,

bring enforcement actions against well owners, or refer

complaints and investigations to the Department.

And that concludes the required water

well driller and pump installer 1 hour statutes

and rules continuing education course.