Well Plugging Steps

Introduction

• Key steps to plugging an abandoned well

• Importance of the steps

• Who to contact when plugging a well

• Common misconceptions

• Conclusion

Why is this important?

• An abandoned well that is not properly plugged could allow contaminants to reach the groundwater and could cause a serious risk of someone becoming trapped inside

• Each step must be followed to make sure the well is properly plugged

Key Steps to Plug an Abandoned Well

1. Measure the dimensions of the well.

2. Remove all obstructions from the well.

3. Disinfect the well by adding household bleach.

4. Remove as much casing as possible.

5. Fill the well with plugging materials.

6. Complete the plugging report.

Step One

• Measure the dimensions of the well.

– This information is used to determine the volume of material needed to plug the well and the quantity of standing water in the well.

Step Two

• Remove all obstructions from the well.

– This will prevent the plugging materials from reaching the bottom of the well and having the well properly plugged.

Step Three

• Disinfect the well by adding household bleach.

– The household bleach will kill any microorganisms that have fallen into the well while it was open.

Step Four

• Remove as much casing as possible.

– Removing the casing assists in destroying direct conduit t the groundwater.

Step Five

• Fill the well with plugging materials.

– The plugging materials restrict the mater movement from the soil surface to the groundwater. These materials need to be clean to prevent contamination of the groundwater and prevent bridging as the materials enter the well.

Step Six

• Complete the plugging report.

– The plugging report provides documentation that the well has been properly plugged. This material needs to be sent to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and local groundwater districts.

Importance of Plugging Steps

• Why is each step of the plugging process important?

Importance of Plugging Steps

• Determine the size of the well.– Allows accurate estimation of plugging

materials needed to fill the well and quantity of disinfectant for disinfection of standing water.

• Remove debris from the well.– Prevents plugging materials from bridging,

thus not allowing the casing to be completely filled.

Importance of Plugging Steps

• Disinfect the well by adding household bleach.– The household bleach will kill any

microorganisms that have fallen into the well while it was open.

• Remove as much casing as possible.– Removes the conduit for carrying

contaminants down to groundwater.

Importance of Plugging Steps

• Fill the well with plugging materials.– Water can not go down through the hole

because it is filled with slowly permeable material.

• Completing and filing a plugging report.– Informs regulatory agencies of the properly

closed well.

Who should you contact when considering plugging a well?

• State and local groundwater districts.

• Licensed well driller in the area.

What are some of the common misconceptions when plugging a

well?• Just dump materials into the well until it is

full.

• You can fill the well with trash.

Conclusion

• When considering plugging a well, you should contact you local groundwater conservation district and local licensed well driller.

• Before starting the plugging procedure you should have an understanding of the geology of the are and the type of well to be plugged.

Conclusion

• The six key steps in the well plugging process:

1. Determine the size of the well.

2. Remove debris from the well.

3. Disinfect the well.

4. Remove as much casing as possible.

5. Fill the will with plugging materials.

6. Complete and file the state plugging form.