§ 52.075 AQUIFER PROTECTION PROGRAM.

   The purposes of this program are to allow retention of those wells that are being used and are in good condition and to require either repair or destruction of those wells that are not usable and are causing groundwater pollution.

   (A)   Water wells.

      (1)   Beginning on January 1, 1999, and on each January first thereafter, any person who owns a water well, or any person who is in possession of a water well, except those wells for which a valid certificate of exemption is in effect, shall submit to the Agency a report of the volume of groundwater extracted, as measured by flowmeter if so equipped, or other reasonable means, and the total time the well was operated within the preceding 12 months. In addition, for water wells constructed to allow access for water level measuring, the static water level in each water well shall be measured and reported annually. Any results from a completed aquifer pump test, or groundwater quality data collected shall also be reported. This report shall be submitted to the Agency prior to February 1 of each year on a form approved by the Agency. Owners of wells located within the following agency jurisdictions, in lieu of a separate submittal, may submit copies of the existing reporting form if the form contains the information required by this section:

         (a)   United Water Conservation District;

         (b)   Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency;

         (c)   Ojai Basin Groundwater Management Agency; or

         (d)   Any other government agency that requires the reporting of groundwater extractions within its boundaries.

      (2)   If a well is classified as abandoned, as defined in § 52.056, a certificate of exemption shall be obtained or the well may be returned to active status by completing a well condition inspection report in the manner provided in § 52.069, or the well shall be destroyed as required by § 52.068.

   (B)   Based upon the above information, all wells in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County shall be classified as one of the following:

      (1)   Active;

      (2)   Abandoned with a valid certificate of exemption;

      (3)   Abandoned and requiring destruction;

      (4)   Non-compliant-abandoned;

      (5)   Non-compliant;

      (6)   Can't locate; or

      (7)   Can't locate report.

   (C)   Applicants in violation of this subchapter shall not be entitled to further well permits or any land use entitlement until all violations of this subchapter are corrected.

(Ord. 1274, passed 6-5-17)