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Edwards Aquifer Authority Abandoned Well Program.pdf

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Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts
Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts

Presented at June 6-7 Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts Business Meeting

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Mariah Bonham, Senior Regulatory Inspector Richard Gonzalez, Regulatory Inspector II Roger Andrade, P.G. Groundwater Regulation Manager The EAA Abandoned Well Program
County Groundwater Initiative 2 • The EAA aims to ensure that the Edwards Aquifer is protected from contaminants & unauthorized water withdrawals • There are over 16,500 wells in the EAA’s database, approximately 11,800 wells either are sourced by the Edwards or transect through the Edwards • The EAA continually works on improving the accuracy of well data within its jurisdiction by cataloging Edwards wells, wells drilled through the Edwards, plugged wells, destroyed wells and some shallower non-Edwards wells in areas where Edwards wells are prevalent.
How Does our Water Wells Team Contribute? 3 Our Team does this by ensuring Edwards Aquifer (Aquifer) wells: • Are properly registered • Accurately plotted and documented • Are making beneficial withdrawals • Are not utilized in a wasteful manner • Are constructed to regulatory standards • Metered and permitted (if applicable)
What Is An Abandoned Well? http://tgpc.state.tx.us/water-wells/#3 4 • An abandoned well is defined as: 1. A well not physically and/or legally capable of making withdrawals. 2. Is a deteriorated well. • It is the responsibility of the landowner to address an abandoned well by: 1. Bringing a well back into service either as an exempt well or by properly permitting or metering a non-exempt well. 2. Obtaining plugging or capping permits.
Mechanism for How Abandoned Wells Can Contribute to Groundwater Contamination 5 Abandoned or deteriorated wells pose a potential risk to groundwater quality. Deteriorated wells can serve as conduits or channels for contaminants to reach groundwater thus posing a threat to water quality and public safety Improperly constructed wells can endanger the Aquifer. • Wells must be properly cased and annular space sealed from top of the Aquifer to surface. • Proper grouting of Aquifer wells ensures against comingling with shallower water sources.
• Cement deteriorates over time • Potential leaks of near surface contaminates can occur when cement shrinks, develops cracks or channels Grout Deterioration Over Time 6 Surface view View from below surface pad
Proper cement placement between the well casing and the formation is essential. The EAA works with water well contractors, well owners and other local/state water regulatory agencies to make sure that Edwards water wells (and wells that are drilled through the Edwards) are properly sealed. 7 Grout Deterioration Over Time
Deteriorated Casing 8
Water Quality Issues (Contamination) 9 • Over time, a turbine pump can leak lubricant into the water well’s pump column and well casing, causing unwanted contamination.
Water Quality Issues (Contamination) 10 Suspected oil source • Contaminants from overlying rock units can potentially infiltrate the Edwards through compromised well casing.
Water Quality Issues (Contamination) 11 Suspected oil source • Contaminants from overlying rock units can potentially infiltrate the Edwards through compromised well casing.
How do we become aware of abandoned wells? • Calls from citizens • Registration efforts • Staff field work (“boots on the ground”) • Other agencies • Water Pollution Abatement Plans (TCEQ) • Water well contractor inquiries • Real estate agents • Consultants • Others 12
Risk Based Assessment: Categorizing and Prioritizing Abandoned Wells • Identify Abandoned Well Risk Criteria 1) *Threat to the Aquifer* Abandoned Well Condition Proximity of Well to Contaminants 2) Feasibility of Plugging Wells Cost Time-Sensitivity • Utilize GIS Mapping 1) Cumulation of risk criteria 2) Rank abandoned wells 13
14 Risk Criteria Assessment
371 known Abandoned Edwards Aquifer Wells 15 Question 1: Which wellspose the greatest threat to the Aquifer? Criteria: •Abandoned Well Conditions •Abandoned Well Proximity to Contaminants Ranking of wells that pose the greatest threat to the Aquifer (Highest-ranking 20) Question 2: Which wellscan then most effectively be plugged? Criteria: • Cost • Time-Sensitivity Prioritized list of Abandoned Wells for Plugging
GIS TOOL TO PRIORITIZE ABANDONED WELL EFFORTS 16 https://arcg.is/0rSCrq
Other qualitative considerations To fulfil our missionto Manage, Enhance, & Protect the Edwards Aquifer many wells should be additionally prioritizedfor plugging to: • Preventinstances of waste or neglect • Preventpotential litigation • Demonstrate “Proactive”rather than “Reactive” environmental stewardship 17
Resolving Abandoned Wells • EAA staff works with well owners and their contractor to bring Abandoned Wells into compliance • Well is ultimately the owner’s responsibility • Priority is to ensure the well is brought back into compliance by a) restoring the well in such a way that it can make withdrawals legally for beneficial use (Exempt, Limited Production, Permitted) b) ensuring well is sealed sufficiently so that it is unlikely that contaminants can enter the Edwards Aquifer (e.g. Plugging or Capping) 18
19 Our Services
Restoring an abandoned well: • A well may need to be repaired, modified or investigated to ensure it is compliant • Following rehabilitation, requires registration and final inspection • Well may qualify for “Exempt” or “Limited Production” Status • Each abandoned well has unique circumstances Solutions: Putting the Well Back in Service 20
Capping an abandoned well: • Temporary solution • Capping Permit valid for 5 years • Requires renewal and reassessment every 5 years • Well cannot be used unless EAA is notified of intentions to bring well into use • Capped Status can change if development occurs in a way that it poses a potential risk to the integrity of the well Solutions: Well Capping 21
Plugging an abandoned well: • Long and challenging process • A well may be obstructed • Access to the well has to be established • Can be costly • Each abandoned well has unique circumstances Solutions: Well Plugging 22
Plugging an abandoned well: • Long and challenging process • A well may be obstructed • Access to the well has to be established • Can be costly • Each abandoned well has unique circumstances Solutions: Well Plugging 23
900 E. Quincy Street San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 222-2204 www.edwardsaquifer.org QUESTIONS?

More Related Content

Edwards Aquifer Authority Abandoned Well Program.pdf

  • 1. Mariah Bonham, Senior Regulatory Inspector Richard Gonzalez, Regulatory Inspector II Roger Andrade, P.G. Groundwater Regulation Manager The EAA Abandoned Well Program
  • 2. County Groundwater Initiative 2 • The EAA aims to ensure that the Edwards Aquifer is protected from contaminants & unauthorized water withdrawals • There are over 16,500 wells in the EAA’s database, approximately 11,800 wells either are sourced by the Edwards or transect through the Edwards • The EAA continually works on improving the accuracy of well data within its jurisdiction by cataloging Edwards wells, wells drilled through the Edwards, plugged wells, destroyed wells and some shallower non-Edwards wells in areas where Edwards wells are prevalent.
  • 3. How Does our Water Wells Team Contribute? 3 Our Team does this by ensuring Edwards Aquifer (Aquifer) wells: • Are properly registered • Accurately plotted and documented • Are making beneficial withdrawals • Are not utilized in a wasteful manner • Are constructed to regulatory standards • Metered and permitted (if applicable)
  • 4. What Is An Abandoned Well? http://tgpc.state.tx.us/water-wells/#3 4 • An abandoned well is defined as: 1. A well not physically and/or legally capable of making withdrawals. 2. Is a deteriorated well. • It is the responsibility of the landowner to address an abandoned well by: 1. Bringing a well back into service either as an exempt well or by properly permitting or metering a non-exempt well. 2. Obtaining plugging or capping permits.
  • 5. Mechanism for How Abandoned Wells Can Contribute to Groundwater Contamination 5 Abandoned or deteriorated wells pose a potential risk to groundwater quality. Deteriorated wells can serve as conduits or channels for contaminants to reach groundwater thus posing a threat to water quality and public safety Improperly constructed wells can endanger the Aquifer. • Wells must be properly cased and annular space sealed from top of the Aquifer to surface. • Proper grouting of Aquifer wells ensures against comingling with shallower water sources.
  • 6. • Cement deteriorates over time • Potential leaks of near surface contaminates can occur when cement shrinks, develops cracks or channels Grout Deterioration Over Time 6 Surface view View from below surface pad
  • 7. Proper cement placement between the well casing and the formation is essential. The EAA works with water well contractors, well owners and other local/state water regulatory agencies to make sure that Edwards water wells (and wells that are drilled through the Edwards) are properly sealed. 7 Grout Deterioration Over Time
  • 9. Water Quality Issues (Contamination) 9 • Over time, a turbine pump can leak lubricant into the water well’s pump column and well casing, causing unwanted contamination.
  • 10. Water Quality Issues (Contamination) 10 Suspected oil source • Contaminants from overlying rock units can potentially infiltrate the Edwards through compromised well casing.
  • 11. Water Quality Issues (Contamination) 11 Suspected oil source • Contaminants from overlying rock units can potentially infiltrate the Edwards through compromised well casing.
  • 12. How do we become aware of abandoned wells? • Calls from citizens • Registration efforts • Staff field work (“boots on the ground”) • Other agencies • Water Pollution Abatement Plans (TCEQ) • Water well contractor inquiries • Real estate agents • Consultants • Others 12
  • 13. Risk Based Assessment: Categorizing and Prioritizing Abandoned Wells • Identify Abandoned Well Risk Criteria 1) *Threat to the Aquifer* Abandoned Well Condition Proximity of Well to Contaminants 2) Feasibility of Plugging Wells Cost Time-Sensitivity • Utilize GIS Mapping 1) Cumulation of risk criteria 2) Rank abandoned wells 13
  • 15. 371 known Abandoned Edwards Aquifer Wells 15 Question 1: Which wellspose the greatest threat to the Aquifer? Criteria: •Abandoned Well Conditions •Abandoned Well Proximity to Contaminants Ranking of wells that pose the greatest threat to the Aquifer (Highest-ranking 20) Question 2: Which wellscan then most effectively be plugged? Criteria: • Cost • Time-Sensitivity Prioritized list of Abandoned Wells for Plugging
  • 16. GIS TOOL TO PRIORITIZE ABANDONED WELL EFFORTS 16 https://arcg.is/0rSCrq
  • 17. Other qualitative considerations To fulfil our missionto Manage, Enhance, & Protect the Edwards Aquifer many wells should be additionally prioritizedfor plugging to: • Preventinstances of waste or neglect • Preventpotential litigation • Demonstrate “Proactive”rather than “Reactive” environmental stewardship 17
  • 18. Resolving Abandoned Wells • EAA staff works with well owners and their contractor to bring Abandoned Wells into compliance • Well is ultimately the owner’s responsibility • Priority is to ensure the well is brought back into compliance by a) restoring the well in such a way that it can make withdrawals legally for beneficial use (Exempt, Limited Production, Permitted) b) ensuring well is sealed sufficiently so that it is unlikely that contaminants can enter the Edwards Aquifer (e.g. Plugging or Capping) 18
  • 20. Restoring an abandoned well: • A well may need to be repaired, modified or investigated to ensure it is compliant • Following rehabilitation, requires registration and final inspection • Well may qualify for “Exempt” or “Limited Production” Status • Each abandoned well has unique circumstances Solutions: Putting the Well Back in Service 20
  • 21. Capping an abandoned well: • Temporary solution • Capping Permit valid for 5 years • Requires renewal and reassessment every 5 years • Well cannot be used unless EAA is notified of intentions to bring well into use • Capped Status can change if development occurs in a way that it poses a potential risk to the integrity of the well Solutions: Well Capping 21
  • 22. Plugging an abandoned well: • Long and challenging process • A well may be obstructed • Access to the well has to be established • Can be costly • Each abandoned well has unique circumstances Solutions: Well Plugging 22
  • 23. Plugging an abandoned well: • Long and challenging process • A well may be obstructed • Access to the well has to be established • Can be costly • Each abandoned well has unique circumstances Solutions: Well Plugging 23
  • 24. 900 E. Quincy Street San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 222-2204 www.edwardsaquifer.org QUESTIONS?