OAR 690-210-0030: Placement of Water Supply Wells

(1) No person shall construct a water supply well: (a) Within 50 feet of any septic tank; or (b) Within 100 feet of a septic drainline or sewage disposal structure or facility; or (c) Within 50 feet of a closed sewage or storm drainage system (except those in or underneath a building); or (d) Within 50 feet of a confined animal feeding or holding area; or (e) Within 50 feet of any animal waste holding area such as a pond or lagoon; or (f) Within 100 feet of any sewage sludge disposal area; or (g) Within 5 feet from a permanent structure or the roof, eaves or overhangs of a permanent structure. This includes decks or other additions to the structure that may hinder the ability of a drilling machine to get over the well. This does not include pump houses or other outbuildings that are easily moved; or (h) Within 500 feet of a hazardous waste storage, disposal or treatment facility without written permission of the Director; or (i) Within 25 feet of an underground or aboveground petroleum storage tank that is used for residential purposes; or (j) Within 50 feet of an underground or aboveground petroleum storage tank that is used for commercial purposes. (2) A new water supply well may be constructed at the site of an abandoned septic tank or drain field one year after the septic tank or drain field is taken out of use. The abandoned septic tank shall be pumped by a DEQ licensed sewage disposal business to remove all contents. Following pumping, the tank shall be filled with reject sand, bar run gravel or other material approved by the on site sub-surface sewage permitting agent. The delivery line between the building and the tank shall be permanently capped or filled with cement grout. A water supply well shall not be constructed through an abandoned septic tank or septic drain line. The new water supply well shall be located to meet other setbacks as directed in section (1) of this rule. (3) Rain water gutter downspouts and drains are exempt from the setback requirements. (4) The constructor should consider whether greater setback distances are required for the protection of the groundwater depending on the topography and local geology. (5) To enable drilling equipment future access to the water supply well for alteration, repair, or abandonment, the property owner should maintain a minimum twenty-foot separation distance between the well and any power pole. (6) Additional Oregon Health Authority setback standards apply to wells used for public water systems. See OAR 333-061-0050(2) or contact the Oregon Health Authority for more information.