HomeMy WebLinkAboutRe: well Z
IN E S O T A
MENToFHEAITH
Protecting, maintaining and improving the health of all Minnesotans
May 22, 2003
Refer to: License Number 27172 (TN 2921)
Mr. Mark Stodola Mr. Bob Pieper
Don Stodola Well Drilling Company, Inc. 4753 North Shore Drive
3841 North Main Street Orono, Minnesota 55364
St. Bonifacius, Minnesota 55375
Dear Mr. Stodola and Mr. Pieper:
Subject: Request for a Variance from Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4725, to Construct a
Water-Supply Well, Minnesota Unique Well Number 688985, on the Bob Pieper
Property at 4753 North Shore Drive, Orono, Located in Township 117 North,.
Range 23 West, Section 7, Hennepin County, Minnesota
This letter is in response to your request for a variance from Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4725, to
construct the subject water-supply well 30 feet from an untested buried sewer located on the
subject property. Minnesota Rules, part 4725.4450, subpart 1, item E (12) requires that a
water-supply well must be located at least 50 feet from a buried sewer, including a collector
or municipal sewer. Minnesota Rules, part 4725.4450, subpart 1, item F (5) does allow a well
to be located a minimum of 20 feet from a buried sewer that is pressurized and serves one
single-family residence or is a gravity sewer which is not a collector or municipal sewer, and that
is constructed of cast-iron or plastic pipe that meets the materials and pressure testing
specifications of Minnesota Rules, parts 4715.0530 and 4715.2820 (Minnesota Plumbing Code).
Mr. Douglas Edson of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) St. Paul district office
inspected the subject property on May 7, 2003, with Mr. Bob Pieper, and Mr. Rick Stodola of
Don Stodola Well Co.. Mr. Pieper reported that a new home is planned for construction after the
existing house is demolished. The existing well will be sealed since it is located where a new
driveway is planned. Mr. Pieper indicated that the existing sewer extending north from the house
to the city sewer main will be replaced, except for the portion under North Shore Drive. He
added that the new sewers under the house will be constructed of approved materials and will be
air tested.
Mr. Edson reported that, because of the narrow lot, the existing municipal sewer under North
Shore Drive and on neighboring properties, there is no accessible location on the subject property
to construct a new well which would satisfy all isolation requirements of Minnesota Rules,
Chapter 4725. Mr. Edson and Mr. Rick Stodola identified an accessible location which
maximizes the isolation from known sources of contamination, located 30 feet from an untested
buried sewer under North Shore Drive. The location is in excess of 50 feet from the municipal
sewer under North Shore Drive.
General Information: (651) 215-5800 ■ TDD/TTY: (651) 215-8980 ■ Minnesota Relay Service: (800) 627-3529 • www.health.state.mn.us
For directions to any of the MDH locations,call(651)215-5800 0 An equal opportunity employer
Mr. Mark Stodola
Mr. Bob Pieper
Page 2
May 22, 2003
Based on Mr. Edson's inspection,information provided by you and in the variance request, and
in accordance with Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4725, your request for a variance is granted to
construct the subject well 30 feet from an untested buried sewer line located north of the
proposed home under North Shore Drive. The variance is granted because there is no location
for a well on the subject property which complies with all required isolation distances. The
proposed well location appears to provide the greatest available separation between the well and
known contamination sources.
Because the isolation distance between the proposed well and the existing buried sewer is less
than required in rule, additional construction methods and precautions are required in order to
reduce the potential for contamination of the well and groundwater. Adherence to the following
list of additional conditions and requirements should provide the necessary additional protection
for the well and groundwater.
The variance is granted with the following conditions:
1. The existing well on the subject property must be permanently sealed by a licensed well
contractor or licensed well sealing contractor within 30 days of completion of the new well,
in accordance with Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4725.
2. The casing for the subject well must extend to a depth of at least 100 feet.
3. If the subject well is constructed using a method which creates an open annular space, the
annular space between the casing and the bore hole wall from a depth of at least 100 feet up to
the ground surface or base of the pitless connection must be filled with neat-cement grout as
defined in Minnesota Rules,part 4725.0100 or high-solids bentonite grout that is NSF
approved and marketed as a well sealant. High-solids bentonite grout must be mixed to the
manufacturer's specifications, or must meet the minimum requirements of 15 percent by
weight bentonite as specified in Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4725, whichever is heavier. Grout
must be inserted through the casing or through a tremie pipe. Any annular space surrounding
the casing below 100 feet in unconsolidated materials may be filled with drill cuttings taken
from the well, or neat-cement or high-solids bentonite grout.
4. All new buried sewers located between 20 and 50 feet from the well must be constructed of
cast-iron or plastic pipe in accordance with the materials and pressure testing requirements of
Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4715 (Minnesota Plumbing Code).
5. All other provisions of Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4725, are in effect.
Mr. Mark Stodola
Mr. Bob Pieper
Page 3
May 22, 2003
Alternative measures or conditions attached to a variance have the force of law and effect of
applicable rule. If a party violates the alternative measures or conditions attached to the variance,
the parry is subject to enforcement actions and penalties provided in the applicable law or rule.
This variance is conditioned upon the applicable acceptance of.and compliance with the
conditions of the variance. Failure by the applicant to comply with the conditions prescribed in
the variance will result in the immediate expiration of the variance
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Edson at 651/643-2109 or Mr. Ed Schneider at
651/215-0827.
Sincerely,
Daniel A. Wilson,Manager
Well Management Section
Environmental Health Division
P.O. Box 64975
St. Paul,Minnesota 55164-0975
DAW:DSE:dg
cc: Orono Building and Zoning Department
Minnetonka Custom Homes