(a) Definition. An earth coupled closed loop heat pump system consists of continuous, unbroken pipe system, laid in a vertical or horizontal formation, in which the pipe is connected to a heat exchanger and circulates a heat exchange liquid.
(b) Application for System Use Installation. Application for use or installation of a coupled closed loop heat system shall be made with the Board of Public Affairs. Upon approval of the application, a permit shall be filed with the same. The permit shall be issued upon compliance with this subsection and subsection (e) hereof.
(1) Procedure. The builder or potential user of this system shall file a written application for use with the Board of Public Affairs. This application shall contain the following:
A. The name of the potential builder/user.
B. The location of the property on which the system shall be used.
C. The type (i.e. horizontal or vertical) of system to be installed.
D. The type of antifreeze to be utilized within the system.
E. Written proof from the manufacturer as to the quality and safety of the antifreeze solution. Solutions may not contain any substances.
F. A copy of the building permit.
(2) Restrictions. All applications shall be subject to the standards for operation as defined in subsection (c) hereof.
(c) Standards. Standards for the construction of an earth coupled closed loop water source heat pump are as follows:
(1) The excavation used in conjunction with this system must be constructed, operated, maintained, and abandoned in compliance with the Ohio-EPA "Water Wells Regulations OAC 3754-9."
(2) The system must be charged with water from the mains of the Bryan Water Utility System.
(3) Antifreeze solutions for the system shall be limited to either of the following:
A. Pure glycerine where the glycerine shall be of ninety-six and one-half percent (96.5%) United States pharmacopoeia grade, or of food grade propylene glycol base, or calcium chloride.
B. Propylene glycol plus dipotassium phosphate or equivalent.
(d) Maintenance. After an earth coupled closed loop water source heat pump has been installed, no one may operate it unless he maintains certain minimum standards as follows:
(1) The applicant shall maintain the approved system in accordance with the standards specified in subsection (c) hereof.
(2) In addition, each system shall require the following:
A. An annual inspection of the pipe/plumbing components by the individual owner or by the hiring of trained personnel. The Board of Public Affairs shall be notified as to the time and date of each inspection. The Board shall also receive a written copy of the results/conclusions, as well as a copy of all repair work done following such an inspection.
B. Prompt and effective repair of damaged materials.
C. Proper recharging of the antifreeze, as suggested by the system manual, or by the system manufacturer.
D. Abandonment, if desired, according to the EPA guidelines and with all due regard for the maintenance of public and private safety.
E. Continuation in the name and at the address of the party approved for operation.
(3) Emergency procedures are as follows:
A. The Board or any one of its members or its Director shall be notified as soon as possible of any emergency situation regarding any system including without limitation a break in the closed piping which would cause either contamination of the water supply or antifreeze leakage.
B. Immediate repair measures shall be undertaken.
C. The Board shall be notified when the emergency situation has been negated.
D. A follow-up inspection shall be required.
(e) Transfer of Systems. The Board of Public Affairs shall be notified promptly when the owner/operator of an earth coupled closed loop heat pump system desires to transfer both the pump and the property to another party. The new owner/lessee shall refile an application, which shall be subject to the regulations and restrictions recorded in prior sections of this section.
(f) Regulations.
(1) Each and every applicant shall be required to submit an affidavit that states that these aforementioned procedures, regulations, requirements, and standards have been read, understood, and complied with at the time of application. Failure to do so will result in refusal by the Board to approve the system. (See subsection (b) hereof.)
(2) In addition to the penalties contained in Section 937.99, the Board of Public Affairs may revoke any permit or take any other action deemed necessary if the applicant does not comply with the requirements of subsections (b) to (e) hereof.
(Ord. 33-1983. Passed 8-1-83.)