For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings ascribed to them.
ABANDON or ABANDONMENT. When applied to a well, shall mean to cease maintenance or use of the well for a period of one year.
CONTAMINATION. The impairment of the quality of water to a degree which creates, or may create a hazard, to the public health through poisoning or through spread of disease.
DESTROY or DESTRUCTION. When applied to a well, shall mean any action which causes the well to no longer produce or act as a conduit for the interchange of water.
EMERGENCY. A circumstance which: (1) causes an imminent threat of or actual contamination or pollution of the city's groundwater; or (2) jeopardizes the health or safety of the people of this city; or (3) is likely to cause a substantial and immediate loss of property.
PERSON. Any individual, firm, partnership, general corporation, association, or governmental entity.
POLLUTION. The alteration of the quality of water, in full or part, which affects or may affect such water for beneficial uses. POLLUTION may include CONTAMINATION.
PUBLIC NUISANCE. When applied to a well, shall mean any action or omission which threatens to or which in fact contaminates or pollutes the groundwater or otherwise jeopardizes the health, safety and welfare of the public.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR. The Public Works Director of the city or his/her duly authorized representatives.
WELL. Any artificial excavation for the purpose of extracting water from, or injecting water into, the ground, or for providing cathodic protection, or for making tests or observations of underground conditions, or for any other similar purpose. This definition shall not include: (1) oil, gas, or geothermal wells; or (2) wells used for the purpose of (a) dewatering excavation during construction; or (b) stabilizing hillsides or earth embankments.
(Ord. 18-11, passed 12-11-2018)