For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDON. To terminate operations of a well for water supply, monitoring, dewatering, or geothermal purposes and to restore the site of the well in a manner that will protect ground water resources from contamination.
ABANDONED WELL. A well, whose original purpose and use have been discontinued for more than five years, or that is in such a state of disrepair that using it to obtain ground water is impractical or a health hazard.
ANNULAR SPACE. The space between the exterior of the well casing and the natural formation in a drilled well.
AQUIFER. Any underground geologic formation (consolidated or unconsolidated) that has the ability to receive, store, and transmit water in amounts sufficient of the satisfaction of any beneficial use.
BENTONITE. Clay material composed predominantly of sodium montmorillonite which meets American Petroleum Institute specifications standard 13-A (1985).
BENTONITE SLURRY. A mixture, made according to manufacturer specifications, of water and commercial grouting or plugging bentonite which contains high concentrations of solids. The term does not include solid concentration or which are designed for drilling fluid purposes.
BOARD OF HEALTH. The Whitley County Board of Health.
BRIDGE. A barrier created by any unwanted object or material which prevents the introduction of grouting materials in the borehole or well.
CASING. A pipe installed to prevent unwanted solids, liquids, or gases from entering the interior of a well.
COARSE GRADE CRUSHED BENTONITE. Natural bentonite crushed to an average size range of three-eighths to three-fourths inches.
COMMISSION. The Natural Resources Commission established under I.C. 14-3-3-3.
CONTAMINATION. The degradation of natural water quality as a result of human activities.
COUNTY. Those unincorporated areas which are under the jurisdiction of the County Health Officer and not incorporated cities or towns, except as provided for under authority of I.C. 16-20.
DEWATERING WELL. A temporary well that:
(1) Is used as part of a construction project to remove water from a surface or subsurface area; and
(2) Ceases to be used upon completion of the construction project or shortly after completion of the project.
DISINFECTION. The process of destroying pathogenic microorganisms such as coliform bacteria.
DIVISION. The Division of Water of the Department of Natural Resources.
GROUNDWATER. Water beneath the earth’s surface between saturated soil and rock that supplies wells and springs.
GROUT PIPE. A length of hose or pipe positioned in the annular space of a well, between the well casing and the borehole, used for the introduction of grouting materials.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT. The Whitley County Health Department.
HEALTH OFFICER. The Whitley County Health Officer or a duly authorized representative.
MEDIUM GRADE CRUSHED BENTONITE. Natural bentonite crushed to an average size range of one-fourth to three-eighths inch.
MONITORING WELL. A well installed to obtain hydro geological information or to monitor the quality or quantity of ground water.
NEAT CEMENT. A mixture of 94 pounds of cement and no more than six gallons of clean water. Additives designed to increase fluidity may not exceed 5% of the total mixture.
PERSON. An individual firm, corporation, partnership, or association.
TOWN. The incorporated Town of South Whitley, Whitley County, Indiana.
WATER WELLS. Any and every water well that is dug, driven, and/or drilled, and obtains groundwater. Including those serving geothermal heat pump systems, constructed to provide water for residential, commercial, agriculture and/or public usage. Also to encompass any WATER WELL used for agricultural purposes, including water wells used for purposes of irrigation. Among those wells specifically included in this definition are those which serve commercial or public needs, including “test wells”, which are drilled to find and locate a water source. Monitoring water wells that are drilled for the purpose of monitoring groundwater and aquifer tables, are also included. Also included in this definition are all wells constructed, installed, maintained, operated, and owned by a municipality or a taxing district established for the purpose of providing water. Finally, all dewatering water wells are also included in this definition.
(Ord. 98-3-1, passed - -1998)