[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” css=”.vc_custom_1711554694073{padding-top: 100px !important;padding-bottom: 100px !important;background-image: url(https://deptest.nj.gov/watersupply/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/christine-sandu-9fomlwpzw2u-unsplash-scaled.jpg?id=4855) !important;}”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Well Permits & Program Information” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50px|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_custom_heading text=”” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1713548279955{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column][breadcrumb-shortcode][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1648226330151{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]

The Well Permitting Section is part of the Bureau of Water Allocation and Well Permitting, which is in the Division of Water Supply and Geoscience. The Well Permitting Section consists of two units: the Well Permitting Unit and the Technical Assistance & Licensing Unit.

The Well Permitting Unit reviews electronically submitted well permit applications, which are submitted by New Jersey licensed well drillers. After careful review of the permits, this Unit issues well permits for the construction and installation of residential, public, commercial, industrial, geothermal, and monitoring and remediation wells. The Well Permitting Unit also reviews submitted Individual Well Search Questionnaires and conducts in-depth searches of our database for documentation of wells.

The Technical Assistance & Licensing Unit provides technical assistance to the Well Permitting Unit for construction deviations requested by well drillers. This Unit reviews electronically submitted well records, well decommissioning reports, and conducts site inspections of well drilling operations. This Unit, in conjunction with the New Jersey State Well Drillers & Pump Installers Examining and Advisory Board, oversees the licensing of well drillers and pump installers throughout the State. This Unit also acts as the CEP manager for well drillers and pump installers.

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Staff Information” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23244f71″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”800″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Well Permitting Unit Staff” tab_id=”well-permitting-unit-staff”][vc_column_text css=””]Michael Schumacher, Unit Supervisor – Michael.Schumacher@deptest.nj.gov

Imani McGowan – Imani.McGowan@deptest.nj.gov

Rebecca Troiano – Rebecca.Troiano@deptest.nj.gov

Michelle Herbert – Michelle.Herbert@deptest.nj.gov[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”800″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Technical Assistance & Licensing Unit Staff” tab_id=”technical-assistance-and-licensing-unit”][vc_column_text css=””]Mark Miller, Unit Supervisor – Mark.Miller@deptest.nj.gov

Mark Ortega, Supervisor – Mark.Ortega@deptest.nj.gov

Jeremy Wick – Jeremy.Wick@deptest.nj.gov

Steve Vargo – Steven.Vargo@deptest.nj.gov

Jillian Walker – Jillian.Walker@deptest.nj.gov

Renato Mendez – Renato.Mendez@deptest.nj.gov

Michael Morris – Michael.Morris@deptest.nj.gov[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”800″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Administrative Staff & Management” tab_id=”administrative-staff-and-management”][vc_column_text css=””]Steve Domber, State Geologist/Assistant Director

Kat Burkhard, Bureau of Water Allocation and Well Permitting Chief

Steve Reya, Well Permitting Section Chief – Steven.Reya@deptest.nj.gov

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4856″ img_size=”600×500″ alignment=”center” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” disable_element=”yes”][vc_column width=”1/3″][info-box-shortcode title=”Well Permitting Unit Staff”]Lynn Stout – Administrative Analyst 4

Imani McGowan – Information Technology Specialist

Rebecca McCullic – Agency Services Representative[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][info-box-shortcode title=”Technical Assistance and Licensing Unit Staff”]Steve Reya – Environmental Specialist 3

Michael Schumacher – Environmental Specialist 3

Mark Ortega – Environmental Specialist 2

Jeremy Wick – Environmental Specialist 2

Steve Vargo – Environmental Specialist 1

Jillian Walker – Environmental Services Trainee (Hourly)[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][info-box-shortcode title=”Administrative Staff and Management”]

Joe Mattle – Section Chief

Michelle Herbert – Clerk

[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1643308482677{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Well Permits

[/vc_column_text][info-box-shortcode]

A “well” is a hole or excavation larger than four inches in diameter or a hole or excavation deeper than 10 feet in depth that is drilled, bored, cored, driven, jetted, dug, or otherwise constructed for the purposes of removal or emplacement of, or investigation of, or exploration for, fluids, water, oil, gas, minerals, soil, or rock, or for the installation of an elevator shaft. If the definition of a well is met then a well permit will need to be obtained by a New Jersey licensed well driller of the proper class before construction of the well occurs.

Approximately 20,000 new permits to drill wells in New Jersey are issued and tracked per year. Once a well is constructed, the driller is required to submit a well record, which is the as-built description of the well. Well drillers also submit a well decommissioning report whenever a well has been decommissioned.

There are approximately 530 licensed well drillers and 150 licensed pump installers in New Jersey; only properly licensed individuals are permitted to install, service and decommission wells and pumps. General provisions for each license type can be found in N.J.A.C. 7:9D-1.7. A list of general provisions, by license type, can also be found on Well Permitting’s Licensing and Exams page.

Well Permitting has construction standards for eight different categories of wells. These categories account for approximately 40 different well uses.

[/info-box-shortcode][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”9″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Category 1: Potable Water Supply Wells” tab_id=”potable-water-supply-wells”][info-box-shortcode]Includes wells which are used to provide potable water to people. Some examples of well uses include:

  • Public Community
  • Public Non-Community
  • Domestic
  • Non-Public
  • Aquifer Storage and Recovery (potable)

[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Category 2: Non-Potable Water Wells” tab_id=”non-potable-water-wells”][info-box-shortcode]Includes all wells that are used for water withdrawal, injection, or recharge, which are not for potable use. Some examples of well uses include:

  • Irrigation
  • Agricultural
  • Fire Protection
  • Industrial
  • Livestock
  • Open Loop (Standing Column) Geothermal

[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Category 3: Cased Environmental Resource & Geotechnical Wells” tab_id=”cased-environmental-resource”][info-box-shortcode]

Cased Environmental Resource and Geotechnical Well

Includes all cased non-water supply wells that are used for environmental engineering and remediation, or geotechnical investigation. Some examples of well uses include:

  • Monitoring
  • Air Sparge
  • Soil Vapor Extraction
  • Cathodic Protection
  • Inclinometer
  • Piezometer

[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Category 4: Uncased Environmental Resource & Geotechnical Borings” tab_id=”uncased-environmental-resource”][info-box-shortcode]Includes all uncased non-water supply wells that are used for environmental engineering and remediation, or geotechnical investigations. Some well uses include:

  • Soil Borings
  • Borros Anchors
  • Wick Drains

[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Category 5: Closed-loop Geothermal Wells” tab_id=”closed-loop-geothermal-wells”][info-box-shortcode]Closed-loop geothermal wells are wells which a continuous closed loop of pipe is inserted for the purpose of non-contact thermal energy transfer from a fluid in the loop to or from the earth.[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Category 6: Dewatering Wells” tab_id=”dewatering-wells”][info-box-shortcode]A dewatering well, or dewatering wellpoint, is a well or wellpoint installed for the removal of groundwater with the intent of temporarily lowering the water table or aquifer level during construction operations.[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Category 7: Elevator Boreholes” tab_id=”elevator-boreholes”][info-box-shortcode]Includes boreholes or jackholes drilled for the installation of elevator shafts.[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Category 8: Oil and Gas Exploration Wells” tab_id=”oil-and-gas-exploration-wells”][info-box-shortcode]Includes wells drilled for the purposes of oil or gas exploration.[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1643307853627{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Well Searches

[/vc_column_text][info-box-shortcode]The Department manages millions of well permits, well records, and well abandonment reports for wells throughout the State. If you are looking for documentation for a well on a property, there is a process to follow to see if we have that information on file. An Individual Well Search Questionnaire can be completed and submitted to wellpermitting@deptest.nj.gov so a member of our staff can search the documentation. Alternatively, you can visit the DEP DataMiner, found in the Information Tools at the top of the page, and conduct a search yourself by using one of several reports. Instructions for using the DEP DataMiner tools can be found below.

If we have the documentation on file, we will provide you with what we have. If you are conducting a well search via the DEP DataMiner and discover a well permit number that begins with a number (for example – 990001234), then it is likely that you will need to request this information be sent to you by filling out the Individual Well Search Questionnaire. The DEP DataMiner will only display the finalized documents for well permits, well records, and well abandonment reports which have been submitted electronically via the ePermitting system and approved by Well Permitting staff.

Use the links below to access the Well Search Questionnaire and Well Search Instructions and Prodecures.[/info-box-shortcode][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” c_icon=”chevron” active_section=”1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Well Search Links” tab_id=”1643306760100-249c6cdb-234e”][info-box-shortcode buttontitle=”Well Search Questionnaire” buttonlink=”https://deptest.nj.gov/watersupply/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/bwawp-documents/well_questionnaire.pdf” targetlink=”true”][/info-box-shortcode][info-box-shortcode buttontitle=”Well Search Procedure” buttonlink=”https://deptest.nj.gov/watersupply/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/bwawp-documents/well_instructions.pdf” targetlink=”true”][/info-box-shortcode][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Lost/Destroyed Wells

[/vc_column_text][info-box-shortcode]Property owners are responsible for the wells located on their property and for the decommissioning of the well at the end of its life (N.J.S.A. 58:4A-4.1) by a NJ licensed well driller of the proper class. Occasionally, a property owner is unable to find a well that is located on their property. Current regulations require a well driller to use a GPS unit to report the location after the well has been constructed, which makes them easier to locate if they become buried or damaged. However, older methods used to report the well location were often vague and do not help you find the well.

While not guaranteed, it is possible for the Department to accept that a well has been lost or destroyed if it is unable to decommissioned by a NJ licensed well driller of the proper class. Use the Guidance for Damaged, Destroyed, or Lost Wells to aid you in providing the necessary information to the Well Permitting Section. After the case has been reviewed, the Well Permitting Section will either issue a letter agreeing with the findings or will ask for additional information/work to be completed. The well is not considered lost or destroyed until you receive a letter saying that the Department agrees with the findings.[/info-box-shortcode][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” c_icon=”chevron” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section title=”Lost/Destroyed Wells” tab_id=”1643306986337-0f69aae0-1cb6″][info-box-shortcode buttontitle=”Guidance for Damaged, Lost & Destroyed Wells” buttonlink=”https://deptest.nj.gov/watersupply/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/bwawp-documents/wells-lostdestroy.pdf” targetlink=”true”][/info-box-shortcode][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1643308800331{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Well Searches

[/vc_column_text][info-box-shortcode]The Department manages millions of well permits, well records, and well decommissioning reports for wells throughout the State. If you are looking for documentation for a well on a property, there is a process to follow to see if we have that information on file.

Option 1: Complete an Individual Well Search Questionnaire and email it to wellpermitting@deptest.nj.gov so a member of our staff can search for the documentation. Review the Individual Well Search Procedures for instructions to complete the form.

Option 2: You can visit the DEP DataMiner and conduct a search independently by using one of several reports under the WS Well Permits header. Instructions for using the DEP DataMiner tools can be found below.

If we have the documentation on file, we will provide you with what we have. If you are conducting a well search via the DEP DataMiner and discover a well permit number that begins with a number (for example – 9900012345), then it is likely that you will need to request this information be sent to you by filling out the Individual Well Search Questionnaire. The DEP DataMiner will only display the finalized documents for well permits, well records, and well decommissioning reports which have been submitted electronically via the ePermitting system and approved by Well Permitting staff.

Individuals looking to conduct an Aerial Receptor Evaluation Search can use the reports under the WS Well Radial Search header.[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Lost/Destroyed Wells

[/vc_column_text][info-box-shortcode]Property owners are responsible for the wells located on their property and for the decommissioning of the well at the end of its life (N.J.S.A. 58:4A-4.1) by a NJ licensed well driller of the proper class. Occasionally, a property owner is unable to find a well that is located on their property. Current regulations require a well driller to use a GPS unit to report the location after the well has been constructed, which makes them easier to locate if they become buried or damaged. However, older methods used to report the well location were often vague and do not help you find the well.

While not guaranteed, it is possible for the Department to accept that a well has been lost or destroyed if it is unable to decommissioned by a NJ licensed well driller of the proper class. Use the Guidance for Preventing and Addressing Damaged, Lost and Destroyed Wells to aid you in providing the necessary information to the Well Permitting Section. After the case has been reviewed, the Well Permitting Section will either issue a letter agreeing with the findings or will ask for additional information/work to be completed. The well is not considered lost or destroyed until you receive a letter saying that the Department agrees with the findings.

Additional information regarding lost and destroyed wells geared towards Licensed Site Remediation Professionals can be found in the Wells and Remediation article.[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Important Links and Topics for Well Drillers and Pump Installers

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1638299267960{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1608127523366{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][info-box-shortcode icon=”fas fa-phone” title=”New Jersey One Call” buttonlink=”https://www.nj1-call.org/” targetlink=”true”]Know What’s Below – Call Before You Dig

Contact New Jersey One Call at 811 or 800-272-1000 any time, day or night, before you drill.[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1607111734945{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][info-box-shortcode iconclassinput=”text-primary” title=”Register for Electronic Permitting”]To register the electronic permitting system:

A staff member will assist you in setting up your account.[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1607111813329{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][info-box-shortcode iconclassinput=”text-primary” title=”Updating Contact Information”]To update your contact information:

Note: Update driller profile on NJDEP Online separately, as services are not linked.

Importance: Ensures receipt of pertinent information for licensees.[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1648571958032{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][info-box-shortcode iconclassinput=”text-primary” title=”Submitting Continuing Education Information” buttontitle=”Learn More” buttonlink=”https://deptest.nj.gov/watersupply/wells/licensing-exams-continuing-education/” targetlink=”true”]To submit certificates from approved courses:

Email: wellpermitting@deptest.nj.gov

Review: Conducted by the Technical Assistance and Licensing Unit.

For more information on licensing, exams, and continuing education, visit the Licensing page.[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1643741867638{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″][info-box-shortcode icon=”fab fa-wpforms” iconclassinput=”text-primary” title=”Well Construction Deviation Form” buttontitle=”Learn More” buttonlink=”https://deptest.nj.gov/watersupply/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/bwawp-documents/well-permitting/construction_deviation.pdf” targetlink=”true”]A well driller may request a deviation from construction standards of N.J.A.C. 7:9D by completing this form and submitting it to wellpermitting@deptest.nj.gov with the necessary attachments.[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][info-box-shortcode icon=”fa fa-solid fa-house-medical” iconclassinput=”text-primary” title=”County Health Departments” buttontitle=”Learn More” buttonlink=”https://www.nj.gov/health/lh/community/index.shtml#1″ targetlink=”true”][/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][info-box-shortcode icon=”fas fa-exclamation” iconclassinput=”text-primary” title=”Appeals” buttontitle=”Learn More” buttonlink=”https://deptest.nj.gov/watersupply/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/bwawp-documents/bwa-hearing-app.pdf” targetlink=”true”]Use this form to appeal a well permit denial, special conditions assigned to a permit, license suspension, license revocation, or enforcement orders.[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][info-box-shortcode icon=”fa fa-solid fa-file-lines” iconclassinput=”text-primary” title=”Alternative Materials, Methods, and Technologies” buttontitle=”Learn More” buttonlink=”https://deptest.nj.gov/watersupply/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/bwawp-documents/well-permitting/alt_mats_meth_tech_2921.pdf” targetlink=”true”]As alternative materials, technologies, and installation methods are approved or revoked by the Department, the information will be added here. All materials, technologies, and installation methods that were approved prior to N.J.A.C. 7:9D being published on January 2, 2018 are located in Appendix A of N.J.A.C. 7:9D .[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1643741867638{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″][info-box-shortcode iconclassinput=”text-primary” title=”Compliance Advisories” buttontitle=”Learn More” buttonlink=”https://deptest.nj.gov/watersupply/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/bwawp-documents/well-permitting/construction_deviation.pdf” targetlink=”true”]

[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row]