Should an owner or operator have a borehole or an improperly constructed or unused

well at his or her facility, the well or borehole should be decommissioned in accordance with

specific guidelines. Aller et al. (1989) provide comprehensive guidance on performing well

decommissioning that can be applied to boreholes. This guidance should be consulted prior

to decommissioning monitoring wells, piezometers, or boreholes. Lamb and Kinney (1989)

also provide information on decommissioning ground water monitoring wells.

Many states require that specific procedures be followed and certain paperwork be

filed when decommissioning water supply wells. In some states, similar regulations may

apply to the decommissioning of monitoring wells and boreholes. The EPA and other

involved regulatory agencies, as well as experienced geologists, geotechnical engineers, and

drillers, should be consulted prior to decommissioning a well or borehole to ensure that

decommissioning is appropriately performed and to ensure compliance with state law. If a

well to be decommissioned is contaminated, the safe removal and proper disposal of the well

materials should be ensured by the owner/operator. Appropriate measures should be taken to

protect the health and safety of individuals when decommissioning a well or borehole.

November 1992

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