EPA REGION VII IRC 160956 xvEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency Air and Radiation (6202J) EPA 430-B-97-028 September 1997 Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Reviewed and approved by ------- ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Contents Introduction i Background i Regulatory Overview iii Organization of This Document iv Section I Vertical Closed Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues Page I - 1 Introduction Page I - 1 System Description Page I - 1 Key Environmental Concerns Page I 1 Overview of Regulatory Approaches Page I - 1 Installation Issues Page 1 3 1. Sediment and Storm Water Runoff From the Site Page 1-3 2. Surface Contaminant Infiltration Along the Borehole Page 1-4 3. Inter-aquifer Flow Page 1 5 4. Loop Placement Page 1-6 5. Grouting Page 1-7 Operation Issues Page I - 10 1. Antifreeze Solutions Page I - 10 Decommissioning Issues Page 1-13 Section II Horizontal Closed Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues Page II 1 Introduction Page II - 1 System Description Page II 1 Key Environmental Issues Page II 1 Overview of Regulatory Approaches Page II 1 Installation Issues Page II 3 1. Sediment and Storm Water Runoff From the Site Page II 3 2. Backfilling the Horizontal Loop Trench Page II 4 3. Loop Placement Page II 5 Operation Issues Page II - 6 Decommissioning Issues Page II - 7 ------- Table of Contents Section III Open Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues Page III - 1 Introduction Page III - 1 System Description Page III 1 Key Environmental Concerns Page III - 1 Overview of Regulatory Approaches Page III - 1 Installation Issues Page III 4 1. Sediment and Storm Water Runoff From the Site Page III - 4 2. Surface Contaminant Infiltration Along the Borehole Page III 5 3. Inter-aquifer Flow Page III - 6 4. Borehole Placement Page III 7 Operation Issues Page III 9 1. Water Withdrawal Page III - 9 2. Water Disposal Page III - 10 3. Thermally Altered Water Discharge Page III - 13 Decommissioning Issues Page III 15 References Page R - 1 Appendix A Introduction to Geothermal Heat Pumps Page A - 1 Appendix B State Contacts Page B - 1 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Introduction ------- ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Introduction This document highlights the environmental issues which are relevant to three broad categories of geot- hermal heat pump (GHP) systems: vertical closed loop systems; horizontal closed loop systems; and open loop systems. Based on available information, the document suggests regulatory options and best management practices for addressing those environmental issues. This Manual is intended to provide regulators and GHP professionals with a greater understanding of the key environmental issues as they relate to GHP system type and life cycle phase. It will assist these parties by providing a common lan- guage about GHP systems and an awareness of best practices for installing, operating, and decommis- sioning in an environmentally responsible manner. This document was developed by the EPA because regulators and GHP professionals requested EPA to provide guidance on some of these issues. It has been reviewed and accepted by the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) as well. This manual is not intended to be the last word in GHP system reg- ulation or best management practices. EPA expects that as regulators and GHP system professionals gain further experience, certain recommendations may be modified to reflect that experience. In that sense, this is a living document. Background Geothermal heat pump systems are often referred to as geothermal, earth-coupled, water coupled, groundwater, ground-coupled, closed-loop, coiled, Slinky, GeoExchangeMI, open, and water-source heat pump systems. Regardless of what they are called, GHP systems all rely on energy stored in the ground (or groundwater) to provide heating and cooling to buildings. A more comprehensive discussion on GHPs can be found in Appendix A. GHP systems are an important alternative to conventional heating and cooling systems. GHP systems can significantly reduce the consumption of fossil fuels by using existing energy within the ground. Hence, GHP systems can be a source of clean energy, with only minimal risk of environmental conta- mination resulting from their use. The United States General Accounting Office report, Geothermal Energy: Outlook Limited for Some Uses but Promising for Geothermal Heat Pumps states that "Geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-effi- cient means of heating and cooling buildings in most areas of the United States." Use of GHP systems in place of traditional systems will result in significant reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases, as well as reductions in emissions of SOX and NOX. Accordingly, the Energy Policy Act of 1992 contains provisions to encourage the use of geothermal systems as alternative energy sources. In a 1993 EPA report, Space Conditioning: The Next Frontier, a comparison of energy efficient technol- ogy for residential dwellings was performed. In this study, geothermal heat pumps were identified as one of the most energy efficient technologies available. Based on this study, EPA initiated activities to aggressively promote this technology. In 1995, EPA established the ENERGY STARฎ HVAC Equipment Labeling Program. This program is designed to identify and promote energy efficient residential HVAC technologies including geothermal heat pump systems. Page i ------- Introduction Although the potential for energy savings and greenhouse gas reduction with GHP systems is great, their use in homes is not widespread in the United States. Two key, interrelated factors have influenced I his situation: Lack of awareness of the benefits of GHP systems on the part of home builders and home buyers; and Lack of knowledge about the technology on the part of regulatoiy officials coupled with the lack of clear and consistent regulations on the technology. Many home builders and home buyers are unfamiliar with the GHP systems, how they work, and their benefits. Hence, home buyers generally do not ask for a GHP system on their own, and home builders do not specify GHP systems for installation. This lack of information about GHP systems is beginning to be addressed through various marketing efforts by local utilities and associations promoting use of GHP systems. Information provided through these efforts typically includes a discussion about the potential environmental and economic benefits compared to traditional systems, and descriptions of how GHP systems work. While there is a growing awareness of GHP systems on the part of state and local regulators and per- mitting agencies, this technology is not well understood in most of the regulatory arena. Consequently, regulatory officials often times avoid addressing GHP specific regulations. Since many GHP systems require drilling holes in the ground that are similar to water wells, state and local environmental regu- lators have tended to regulate GHP systems using the same tools and rationales as for water wells. In part, this approach is justified. However, these regulatory approaches can be improved to better address the unique needs of GHP systems. It is important to note that the lack of regulation in many states should not be interpreted as a lack of risk. On the contrary, most states have been slow to react unless and until a significant contamination issue has come to their attention. In addition, legislators are often slow to draft legislation to deal with prob- lems they do not fully understand. Conversely, the number of concerns highlighted in this document should not suggest that this method of space conditioning is necessarily environmentally risky. As shown in this document, relatively simple precautions will ensure that any environmental impact is negligible. There are three basic types of GHP systems: 1. Vertical Closed Loop Systems; 2. Horizontal Closed Loop Systems; and 3. Open Loop Systems. EPA has identified a number of environmental concerns that may affect GHP systems. Each of these concerns is addressed in this document to the extent that information about them exists and is available. The environmental concerns identified are: 1. Near surface disturbances, including sediment and storm water runoff, and surface contami- nant infiltration along the borehole; 2. Inter-aquifer water flow; 3. Placement of ground loops; Page ii ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems 4. Backfilling trenches; 5. Antifree/e solutions; 6. Water withdrawal; 7. Thermally altered discharge water; and 8. Decommissioning procedures, including sealing ground loops to eliminate physical hazards and potential migration of surface contaminants. The relevant environmental issues vary by GHP system type. For example, water withdrawal is only an issue with open loop GHP systems. From a regulatory perspective, each type of GHP system has a life cycle consisting of three phases: 1. Installation; 2. Operation; and 3. Decommissioning. The relevant environmental issues also vary by GHP life cycle phase. For example, near surface phys- ical disturbances are only an issue during the installation phase of the system life cycle. Regulatory Overview States and local jurisdictions generally rely on one of three different regulatory approaches to address GHP systems: 1) Regulate GHP systems specifically; 2) Apply existing regulations (e.g., drinking water well regs) to GHP systems; or 3) Apply no regulations, so that GHP systems are essentially unregulated. In addition, the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) and the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) have developed installation standards for GHP systems. These standards are designed to ensure that all new GHP systems are installed in ways that minimize the potential (or environmental harm. ICSHPA also has a contractor certification program that is intended to guarantee that personnel involved in the installation of GHP systems are aware of proper procedures and capable of performing the work correctly. In states without GHP-specific regulations, the IGSHPA standards ensure that each system is properly installed by a qualified individual. Generally, the IGSH- PA standards are consistent with the GHP-specific regulations of those states that have developed them, as well as the best management practices identified throughout this document. Training programs are also available through the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC). These programs include best management practices for GHP installations. Table 1 below was created to provide a rough summary assessment of state regulatory approaches for GHP systems. It represents the authors' subjective assessment of data collected by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). FPA recognizes that regulations are changing and being revised constantly and that the information presented in this table may become outdated. Page iii ------- Introduction Organization of This Document This document is divided into three sections that correspond to the three GHP system types. Each sec- tion is further subdivided into a description of the GHP system and the three GHP system life cycle phases (i.e., installation, operation, and decommissioning). Relevant environmental issues are dis- cussed under the appropriate life cycle phase. Three states, Delaware, New Jersey and Missouri, were used as examples throughout the document to help clarify particular points. These three states were selected because they represent a range of different approaches for addressing GHP management and regulation. While the approaches used by these three states to regulate and manage GHPs is illustrative, other states are likely to develop their own unique approaches to managing GHPs based on the specifics of their regulatory and geologic circumstances. This document focuses primarily on the environmental issues and requirements associated with resi- dential GHP systems, and does not attempt to address commercial systems in detail. The concept and technology behind the two types of systems are similar, although commercial systems are usually much larger in scale. A draft report1 that addresses the thermal effects of a large commercial GHP system on aquifer microbiota and surface biota is available through EPA's Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Division distribution center at (202) 775-6650. In addition to the body of the text, there are two appendices: Appendix A Introduction to Geothermal Heat Pumps; and Appendix B State Contacts. Appendix A provides an overview on the fundamentals of geothermal heat pumps. Appendix B provides a list of state contacts where more information on geothermal heat pumps may be obtained. 1 Preliminary Studies on the Thermal Effects of the Stockton College Geothermal Heat Pump Installation on Aquifer Microbiota and Surface Biota, EPA Project ID Number X824245-01-1, August 1996. Page iv ------- Table 1 Summary of Federal and State Regulations for Geothermal Heat Pump Systems State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massacllusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Closed Systems Installation Horiz. Trench Vertical Specific to Heat Xchngr Systems Systems Grouting Construction Operation Heat Transfer DX Fluids Systems O o o o o o o O 0 0 0 O 0 0 0 o o o o o o o o o o o o O 0 0 0 o o o o 0 o o Open (t Closed Systems Installation Well Driller Pump Inst'lr Licensing Licensing O o o o 0 0 0 o o o o 0 o o o o o o o o o 0 o 0 O o o O 0 O 0 o Open Systems Installation Water Well Inject. Well Construction Construction 0 0 Operation Surface Water Discharge 0 o o o o o O 0 o O 0 o o o o 0 O O 0 o o o o O 0 o o 0 0 o o o o O 0 O 0 0 O o o 0 o o o o o o o 0 o o o 0 0 o o o o o o o o TJ Q) CD December 1996 Symbol Legend: O Existing water well regulations are applied Specific GHP regulations are applied ------- Table 1 (cont.) Summary of Federal and State Regulations for Geothermal Heat Pump Systems State Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Closed Systems Installation j Operation Horiz. Trench Vertical Specific to Heat Xchngr Heat Transfer DX Systems Systems Grouting Construction Fluids Systems o 0 o o 0 0 0 0 0 o o 0 0 0 0 0 0 o o o o o o o o o o o Open & Closed Systems Installation Well Driller Pump Inst'lr Licensing Licensing O 0 0 0 0 0 o o o 0 0 o 0 0 o O 0 O 0 o o O 0 o o O 0 O 0 o o o o Open Systems Installation Water Well Inject. Well Construction Construction 0 0 Operation Surface Water Discharge O o 0 0 o o o o o o 0 0 o 0 o o o o o 0 O o o o 0 o o o o o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 o o o o o o 0 0 0 0 o o 0 0 o o o TJ HI CD (D December 1996 Symbol Legend: O Existing water well regulations are applied Specific CHP regulations are applied ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems I Vertical Closed Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues ------- ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Section I Vertical Closed Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues Introduction System Description Closed loop GHP systems rely on the contained circulation of fluids through an underground loop of pipes, which act as a heat exchanger by transporting heat to or from the ground. Vertical loops are most often installed in boreholes drilled into the ground. The pipes in which the heat exchange fluid circu- lates are typically installed to depths up to 400 feet. The horizontal spacing between boreholes typi- cally is between 10 and 25 feet. The distance between boreholes is selected to optimize system effi- ciency and the long and short term ability of the ground to retain or give off heat. The heat exchange fluid used in such systems is water. In many cases, antifreeze is added to the water to protect the fluid from freezing conditions, and to extend the operating range of the GHP system. [PA GSHP Manual, pp 2-4, 3-7, 3.6.2] Key Environmental Concerns The key environmental concern associated with vertical closed loop GHP systems is groundwater con- tamination resulting from: Antifreeze leaks that could migrate to the groundwater; or Improperly constructed boreholes that could potentially serve as channels of contamination from the surface to the subsurface, or from one aquifer to another. Because of these potential problems, care should be taken during installation, operation and decom- missioning of GHP systems to avoid unnecessary environmental risks. [PA GSHP Manual, pg 5-1] Exhibit 1-1 provides an overview of the regulations and best management practices associated with the environmental issues relevant to each life cycle phase. Overview of Regulatory Approaches There are differing views on how to regulate vertical closed loop GHP systems. State regulatory approach- es for vertical closed loop GHP systems range from specific GHP regulations, to treating the GHP systems as drinking water wells, to having no regulations at all. Some opinions liken the installation of vertical closed loop GHP systems to decommissioning an abandoned well: they both have holes in the ground which are sealed to prevent any environmental contamination. The various opinions on regulations and best management practices for vertical closed loop GHP systems are presented in this section. It is also highly recommended that one refer to the NGWA's Guidelines for the Construction of Vertical Boreholes for Closed Loop Heat Pump Systems for more detailed best practices. Page 1-1 ------- Section I Vertical Closed Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues Exhibit 1-1 Overview of Environmental Concerns, Corresponding Regulations and Best Management Practices That Apply to Vertical Closed Loop GHP Systems Environmental Issue Regulations Best Management Practices Installation Sediment and storm water runoff Surface contaminant infiltration along the borehole Inter-aquifer flow Loop placement Grouting Generally exempt from regulations. Most state regulations address grout- ing and precautions to prevent cont- amination at the surface from enter- ing the borehole. Regulations apply to borehole diam- eter and length, and grout materials and methods. Installers may also be responsible for the integrity of the annular seal for a specified period of time. Regulations generally do not specify distances necessary between heat pump loop and existing or potential pollution sources. State regulations generally exist for the grouting material and method. Ensure that disturbed soil is seeded to reduce risk of runoff. During construction, the area surrounding the well should be maintained in a clean condition and sur- face drainage should be diverted away from the well. The top of the borehole should be sealed with suit- able grout. [Refer to IGSHPA's Grouting Procedures Jor Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems.} * There are differing views from full length grouting ol the borehole using the grout pipe (tremie) method to grouting at least 10 feet above and below the affect- ed aquifers. [Refer to IGSHPA's Grouting Procedures for Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems for grouting methods, and also NGWA's Guidelines for the Construction of Vertical Boreholes for Closed Loop Heat Pump Systems.] * In addition, refer to your state and local require- ments that apply to drinking water wells or specifi- cally to GHP systems. Follow drinking water well placement requirements. There are differing views on the best grouting mate- rials and placement methods. In general, full length grouting of the borehole using the tremie method and a proper grout can help maximize thermal perfor- mance and environmental safety. [Refer to IGSHPA's Grouting Procedures for Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems for more information.] Operation Antifreeze solutions Regulations range from very specific listings of acceptable antifreezes and the properties they must possess, to no regulations at all. Choose antifreeze for low toxicity, high heat trans- fer, and low viscosity. The greatest risk of exposure comes from handling antifreeze solutionsuse masks and protective clothes during installation or maintenance. To reduce potential for leaks in the system, follow the pipe manufacturer's installation and testing procedures. Decommissioning Physical hazard of the well and pathway for migration of cont- aminants Regulations generally require all abandoned wells to be decommis- sioned so that they will not produce water or act as a conduit for mixing poor quality waters with good quality water, or present a hazard to the safety and well being of people and animals. Pump out the heat transfer fluid. Clear the borehole of any obstructions. Seal the borehole with grout. Page 1-2 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Installation Issues There are five environmental issues related to installation of vertical closed loop GHP systems: 1. Sediment and storm water runoff from the site; 2. Surface contaminant infiltration along the borehole; 3. Inter-aquifer flow; 4. Loop placement; and 5. Grouting. 1. Sediment and Storm Water Runoff From the Site Installation of vertical closed loop GHP systems requires that boreholes be drilled, resulting in removal of soil and rock chips from the boreholes. This soil may be left adjacent to the borehole and regraded, or removed from the site. If the soil is left on-site, use care to ensure that the soil doesn't migrate to near- by surface waters or sewers. Why should I be concerned about sediment and storm water runoff from the site during vertical closed loop GHP system installation? Eroded soil migrating offsite can temporarily foul streams, and clog sewers. Proper soil containment can minimize soil erosion and potential impacts on streams and sewers, reduce potential for citizen or government complaints, as well as improve project aesthetics before, during and after development. \VA Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook, pg 1-1] What are the best practices to minimize the potential for sediment and storm water runoff from the site during vertical closed loop GHP system installation? There are two basic requirements that a best practice must satisfy. First, it must meet state and local regulatory and permit requirements. Second, it must prevent erosion, especially water erosion, of exposed soil. Typically construction sites require that exposed soil be covered or that a runoff control barrier be erected. However, most residential GHP installations result in little soil disturbance and the soil that is disturbed is usually exposed for only a very short period of time (i.e., one or two days). Hence, the best management practice under these circumstances is to seed the disturbed soil upon com- pletion of the installation. If the disturbed soil will be exposed for a lengthy period of time, then anoth- er measure may need to be implemented. For example, at Fort Polk, where over 8,000 vertical loops were recently installed, the Louisiana environmental agency had the drillers use large holding tanks for the drilling mud in order to avoid problems associated with erosion and runoff. What regulations do I need to know that apply to sediment and storm water runoff from the site during vertical closed loop GHP system installation? In general, existing single family residences are exempt from sediment and storm water regulations when small areas of land are disturbed. The State of Missouri, for example, excludes single family res- idences and heat pump wells from the State's storm water operating permit program under the Missouri Clean Water Law; and in addition, exempts from sediment and storm water controls all projects dis- Page 1-3 ------- Section I Vertical Closed Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues turbing less than five acres and trenches two feet in width or less. The States of New Jersey and Delaware have similar regulatory exemptions for storm water runoff from residential property. How do I find out what laws in my state apply to sediment and storm water runoff from the site during vertical closed loop GHP system installation? State laws and regulations are evolving constantly. You should, therefore, contact appropriate officials in your state, as identified in Appendix B. The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) or the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) can also provide a list of state officials that oversee implementation of relevant laws and regulations in each state. 2. Surface Contaminant Infiltration Along the Borehole Aquifer contamination can occur when vertical GHP heat exchanger boreholes are drilled in an uncon- fined water table aquifer. Downward leakage from the surface can occur along ungrouted or uncased boreholes, polluting the water table aquifer with surface contaminants. [Grouting Procedures for Ground- Source Heat Pump Systems, pg 2] Why should I be concerned about infiltration of surface contaminants along the borehole? Infiltration of surface contaminants can directly or indirectly contaminate the groundwater, depending on the depth of the water and local hydrogeological conditions. Groundwater is often a source for drink- ing water and, if contaminated, may be rendered unfit to drink. Further, in some states you may be legal- ly and economically liable for potential damage to the aquifer. What are the best practices to prevent infiltration of surface contaminants along the borehole? To minimize the risks of infiltration along the borehole, care should be taken to maintain a clean site while drilling the hole, and afterwards, the well should be completed according to local regulations, or following IGSHPA or NGWA practices.2 In general, the well water community and many states consid- er sealing the top of the borehole to be the preferential method of segregating surface contamination from groundwater. What regulations do I need to know that apply to infiltration of surface contaminants along the borehole? It is very important that contamination from the surface be prevented from polluting groundwater resources. Many states require that boreholes be drilled only by licensed water well drillers. Regulations addressing methods for preventing surface contamination of boreholes vary significantly by state and even local jurisdiction. In general, the preferred method in states with regulations is to seal the top of the borehole so that surface contamination will not reach groundwater via the borehole. Because many types of grouts and placement methods exist, it is best to determine the specific require- ments for acceptable types of grout and application methods in your state. If there are no GHP specific 2 Detailed information on proper grouting procedures can be found in IGSHPA's Grouting Procedures for Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems and NGWA's Manual for Water Well Construction Practices (EPA 570/9/75/001). Page 1-4 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems regulations that address this issue, follow state regulations that apply to water well construction. Although Missouri, New Jersey and Delaware do not address requirements for preventing infiltration along the borehole in the context of GHP systems, they do recommend highly, and in some cases require, that bore- holes be grouted. [Refer to IGSHPA's Grouting Procedures for Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems.] How do I find out what laws in my state apply to infiltration of surface contaminants along the borehole? (see response Installation Issues, subsection 1) 3. Inter-aquifer Flow While drilling boreholes for the installation of vertical loop geothermal heat exchangers, it is possible to penetrate one or more aquifers. When two aquifers are penetrated, a potential path exists for the waters of the two to mix. If one of the aquifers is contaminated or contains non-potable water, the other aquifer could also potentially become contaminated. Why should I be concerned about inter-aquifer flow? Uncontaminated groundwater is one of our most precious natural resources. Preventing inter-aquifer flow is essential to preserving the purity of uncontaminated aquifers and sealing off formations that are known to be contaminated. Moreover, most states have regulations that apply to this issue; thus owners and oper- ators of boreholes may be liable for civil or criminal penalties if they ignore regulatory requirements. What are the best practices to prevent inter-aquifer flow? There are differing views on the preferred method of preventing inter-aquifer flow. One perspective is that full length grouting of the borehole using the grout pipe (tremie) method is best.:i Another is that grouting at least 10 feet above and below the affected aquifers is sufficient. Other methods, such as sleeves, packers, and other devices, are also employed to prevent inter-aquifer flow. In any case, the formations which yield polluted water or water of an undesirable quality must be adequately sealed off to prevent pollution or contamination of the overlying or underlying water-bearing zones. What regulations do I need to know that apply to inter-aquifer flow? With regard to the issue of inter-aquifer flow, GHP system boreholes are no different than water wells, hence most states apply their water well drilling regulations to GHP system boreholes. Regulations addressing methods for preventing inter-aquifer flows vary by state and even local jurisdiction. GHP system installers should follow state and local regulations that apply to grouting water wells (or those regulations that pertain specifically to GHP systems). For example, the State of Missouri addresses inter-aquifer flow through both GHP and non-GHP spe- cific regulations. It is aggressive in developing GHP-specific regulations, but also relies on water well regulations on this issue. Missouri requires that all wells be watertight to the depth necessary to exclude Detailed information on proper grouting procedures can be found in IGSHPA's Grouting Procedures for Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems and NGWA's Manual for Water Well Construction Practices (EPA 570/9/75/001). Page 1-5 ------- Section I Vertical Closed Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues contaminants. For GHP systems, Missouri requires full-length grout in some cases, while only recom- mending it in other cases. Only three types of grout are permitted for use in vertical heat pump wells in Missouri: 1) bentonite slurry, 2) non-slurry bentonite, and 3) other grout if advance approval is grant- ed. Further information on these grouts and grouting procedures can be found in Section 3 of Grouting Procedures for Ground-Source. Heat Pump Systems, International Ground Source Heat Pump Association, 1991. GHP system installers are specifically held responsible for proper system con- struction and installation. The States of Delaware and New Jersey apply existing water well construction regulations to GHP sys- tem installations. These regulations address well construction methods and require specific types of grouts for different geologic formations, and prescribe grouting methods that depend on whether or not the well penetrates an aquifer. New Jersey requires cement grout in consolidated geologic formations and bentonite in non-consolidated formations. In Delaware, the only approved grouting materials are also cement and bentonite clay, although there is no indication of specific requirements to use one or the other in different geologic formations. How do I find out what laws in my state apply to inter-aquifer flow? (see response Installation Issues, subsection 1) 4. Loop Placement Boreholes should not be sited near (next to, on top of, or underneath) sources of pollution or contami- nation, and the site selected should have good surface drainage. Why should I be concerned about loop placement? As indicated in the discussions on infiltration and inter-aquifer flow, boreholes in vertical loop systems could act as potential conduits for contaminant migration into groundwater. Potential sources of conta- mination include commercial fertilizers or chemicals, landfills, lagoons, underground storage tanks, and septic systems. In addition, other opinions suggest that if the borehole is not situated on a site with good surface drainage, contaminated standing water could seep down along the borehole and affect the under- lying groundwater. What are best practices for siting the loop system? Boreholes should not be located near sources of pollution or contamination. The appropriate distances vaiy depending on the hydrogeology of the site and the potential pollutants or contaminants. It may be beneficial, however, to locate the loop system upgradient from the pollution source if installation of the sys- tem near such an area is unavoidable. Other opinions also recommend that the borehole be sited at a loca- tion with good surface drainage, away from low-lying areas where water may pool. [Missouri Code of State Regulations, 10 GSR 23-5.040] In general, if GHP specific regulations do not exist, the best solution to siting the loop system is to follow the same guidance and requirements as for drinking water wells. It is very important to note that the horizontal portion of a vertical loop requires the same degree of care as the placement of a horizontal loop. For more information on practices for placing horizontal loops, see Section II of this document. Page 1-6 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems What are the regulations that I need to know that affect siting of the loop system? Regulations to address the siting of closed loop GHP systems (or any GHP system) vaiy significantly by state. In addition, local regulations and permit conditions may also apply. Some states, such as Missouri, require that GHP system loops be located a specified minimum distance from certain sources of potential contaminants. Other states have no regulatory requirements that apply to GHP system sit- ing. States without requirements that apply specifically to GHP system siting may default to the siting requirements for drinking water wells. The State of Missouri very specifically defines the minimum distance requirements between GHP bore- holes and sources of pollution. These distances vary depending on contaminant. For example, GHP systems must be sited at least 300 feet from storage areas for fertilizers or chemicals, landfills, lagoons, and underground storage tanks; at least 100 feet from below-grade manure storage areas and cesspools; and at least 50 feet from an existing operating well or buried sewer. How do I find out what laws in my state apply to siting a closed loop GHP system? (see response Installation Issues, subsection 1) 5. Grouting Grouting of the borehole simply refers to the refilling of the hole which surrounds the well pipe after it is inserted into the vertical hole. The grout can be the cuttings which were removed from the borehole during drilling, or it can be another material such as sand, cement or bentonite. Depending on the mate- rial, the grout can be placed back into the hole in one of two basic methods: top-down, or bottom-up. Each method and grouting material has its own advantages and disadvantages, including degree of envi- ronmental protection, effect on system's thermal performance, and cost. Why should I be concerned about grouting? In addition to eliminating the physical hazard of the boreholes, there are two reasons to grout boreholes. First, grouting can provide environmental protection. Grouting can prevent surface contamination from infiltrating the aquifer, and also prevent cross-aquifer contamination. Cross-aquifer contamination could result if the borehole penetrates more than one aquifer, and contaminated water from one aquifer flows along the borehole and mixes with clean water from another. Second, grouting can affect the GHP system's thermal efficiency. Certain grouting methods can be more prone to creating air voids around the piping and the grout itself could create voids due to shrinkage as it dries. These pockets of air can decrease the thermal connection between the ground and the heat exchanger. In addition, the thermal conductivity of the grout itself has an effect on the system's efficiency. Is full-length grouting always necessary? Several grouts and methods of grouting exist, and they all have tradeoffs in terms of environmental pro- tection, system performance and cost. The decision of which grout to use and how to grout a borehole will be based primarily on local conditions. Because the cost of full-length (top-to-bottom) grouting may affect the overall cost-effectiveness of the decision to install a GHP, it makes sense to know when it is and is not necessary. Page 1-7 ------- Section I Vertical Closed Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues From an environmental viewpoint, full length grouting will most likely be necessary when more than one aquifer is penetrated by the borehole, so that both surface and cross-aquifer contamination will be pre- vented. In contrast, if only one aquifer is penetrated it may only be necessary to grout the top of the borehole to exclude surface contamination. In general, grouting should be performed to the extent dic- tated by local geologic conditions. From a technical heat transfer viewpoint, full length grouting using proper grouting materials and placed with the tremie method (bottom-up) will ensure optimal thermal performance of the GHP system. Other methods may be environmentally sound, but could leave air voids around the piping, thus reducing the effectiveness of the ground heat exchanger. In addition, the thermal conductivity of the grout will have important effects on the overall performance of the system. Some grouts have been found to be insulators, which can negatively affect the perfor- mance of the heat pump by preventing an efficient exchange of heat between the ground loop and the soil. A condition called "hot loops" can occur when the ground loop is unable to dissipate heat fast enough to satisfy the cooling load. As a result, grout manufacturers have been working to develop grouts with higher rates of thermal conductivity than the standard bentonite clay grout frequently used. One brand, Thermal Grout 85, is a mixture of bentonite clay and sand that has twice the thermal conductiv- ity of conventional grout, and can reduce the required loop length by 20 to 30 percent and save approx- imately $200 per ton in installation cost [Energy Design Update, pp. 8-9, November 1996]. Other developments with regard to more conductive grouts are also ongoing. In essence, the decision of full-length grouting will be based primarily on local conditions. Where full- length grouting is unnecessary for environmental reasons, it may make sense to grout only the top of the borehole. However, the system's thermal performance may improve by full-length grouting using a proper grout. The bottom line is that the cost and performance issues discussed above should be weighed relative to other factors on a site-specific basis. What are the best practices for grouting? The practice of shoveling (top-down) drill cuttings, sand, or pea gravel into the borehole has been con- sidered by some to be adequate grouting. However, cuttings replaced in the borehole could function as proper grout only if they have been compacted to their original density and placed at the same level and over the same interval from which they had been removed. That is, sand cuttings would have to be returned to the interval in the borehole where the sand originally was drilled, clay returned to the clay layers, etc. Even if this exact replacement of cuttings could be achieved, it would be difficult to ensure that bridging of the cuttings does not occur somewhere in the borehole. Bridging occurs when the cut- tings wedge together and form a horizontal layer, or bridge, in the borehole before the space below it is completely filled. This results in potentially large air voids around the piping, and can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the heat transfer. Another method of grouting is that of placing or leaving drilling mud in the borehole. This method has also been practiced under the mistaken impression that it was a proper grouting technique. Drilling mud is a low solids mixture. It has been shown that the small amount of solids in the mixture will settle to the bottom of the borehole, leaving only water and mud in the upper part of the hole. This water can even- tually be lost to the permeable zones of the borehole, resulting in air voids around the piping. Therefore, this method also has the potential to significantly reduce the effectiveness of the heat transfer. Page 1-8 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems A third method of grouting involves the placement of proper grouting materials using the grout pipe or tremie method (bottom-up). The grout can be made of low permeability cement, bentonite or other mix- ture. A proper grout for vertical closed loop systems will have the following properties: high thermal conductivity to allow heat transfer; low viscosity to allow the grout to wrap around the pipe, leaving no voids; and low shrinkage volume to ensure that the grout will not pull away from the pipe. [PA GSHP Manual, p 3-8] Using this method will ensure environmental protection as well as maximize the thermal connection between the ground and the heat exchanger. More information on grouting can be found from the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association's (IGSHPA) manual Grouting Procedures for Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems and NGWA's Guidelines for the Construction of Vertical Boreholes for Closed Loop Heat Pump Systems. What regulations do I need to know that apply to grouting? Most states will likely have some sort of regulations regarding grouting. Thermal performance and cost effectiveness issues are usually not addressed in these regulations. The State of Missouri, for example, has a list of approved grout materials which are permitted for use. The State also recommends full length grouting, and may require it in certain circumstances. The State of Minnesota also has a list of approved grout materials and requires all boreholes to be sealed with the tremie pipe (bottom-up) method. How do I find out what laws in my state apply to siting a closed loop GHP system? (see response Installation Issues, subsection 1) Page 1-9 ------- Section I Vertical Closed Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues Operation Issues Closed loop systems use water as the heat exchanging circulating fluid in the outside loop. Antifreeze is sometimes added to protect the fluid from freezing conditions and to extend the operating range of the GHP system. The primary environmental concern related to operation of vertical closed loop GHP sys- tems is potential groundwater contamination resulting from an antifreeze leak in the loop. 1. Antifreeze Solutions The types of heat exchange solutions used in closed loops vaiy with designer and contractor preference, local climate conditions, and state and local regulation, but are typically composed of one of the following: water; potassium acetate and water; sodium chloride and water; calcium chloride and water; ethanol and water; methanol and water; ethylene glycol and water; or propylene glycol and water. Should I be concerned about the antifreeze used in GHP systems? The potential environmental impact resulting from a leak in the outside GHP loop is primarily depen- dent on the toxicity and volume of antifreeze released into the environment. Exhibit 1-2 presents a sum- mary comparison of commonly used GHP antifreeze solutions. The comparison covers the following four characteristics of antifreeze solutions: Toxicity. The relative ranking of the antifreezes is based on their environmental fate and transport characteristics and (oxicity; Heat transfer. The relative ranking is based on the effectiveness of the antifreeze solution in transferring a given unit of heat; Pump energy. The relative ranking is based on the energy required to maintain system cir- culation, based on the viscosity of the antifreeze solution; and Cost. The relative ranking is based on the cost of the solutions. Using this exhibit, it is possible to assess the relative trade offs among toxicity, performance and cost. The comparisons are expressed as a percentage of the highest value in each categoiy. Thus, the lower the num- ber, the better. For example, propylene glycol is the least toxic, while methanol is the most toxic. Similarly, calcium chloride has the best heat transfer characteristics, while propylene glycol has the worst. Page 1-1 O ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Exhibit 1-2 Relative Comparison of GHP Antifreeze Solutions Antifreeze Solution Organic Compounds Propvlene Glycol Ethanol Methanol Ethylene Glycol Inorganic Compounds Potassium Acetate (KOAc) Potassium Carbonate (K2CO,) Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Calcium Chloride (Cacy Toxicity " 0.1 (least toxic) 0.8 1.0 (most toxic) 0.9 0.3 0.5 0.4 0.6 Heat Transfer 1.0 (worst) 0.9 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.6 0.6 0.6 (hest) Pump Energy 1.0 0.8 0.7 (least energy) 0.9 0.8 0.9 0.9 1.0 (most energy) Cost 1.0 (highest cost) 0.4 0.1 (lowest cost) 0.6 0.8 0.9 0.2 0.3 Sources: Fogg, [1997J and Caneta Research Inc. [1995]. While Exhibit 1-2 presents a relative comparison of CHP antifreeze solutions, the reader should remem- ber that not all GHP systems use antifreeze. In addition, some of the organic antifree/es biodegrade in a matter of days. Even in a worst case scenario, the risk of antifreeze used in GHPs is not likely to be greater than that posed by a septic tank. [Fogg, pg 41] More information on the risks of GHP antifreezes and their properties, including corrosivity and flammability, can be found in the following three docu- ments: Fogg [1997], Heinonen, Tapscott, Wildin and Beall [1997], and Caneta Research Inc. [1995]. How much ant/freeze will be lost if a leak occurs and how much damage will it cause? After assembly, the heat exchange loop is normally tested for leaks. This is typically done hydrostati- cally at a pressure of 100 psi, for four hours system pressure under normal operating conditions is usually 20 to 30 psi. If a leak is detected, the defect should be removed and replaced. This ensures the integrity of the loop before being placed into the ground. Once the system is properly installed and operating, the chance of a leak is small to none. If, however, a leak did occur, the amount of antifreeze lost would be minimal. For example, a GHP sys- tem with a cooling capacity of 5 tons has approximately 60 gallons of fluid in the loop heat exchanger. If ethanol were used as the antifreeze, 15 gallons (25%) would be required to produce a 14 F freeze pro- tection. Leakage will typically cause a drop in pressure in the loop, cavitation at the circulating pump, 4 Based on Fogg [19971. Page 1-1 1 ------- Section I Vertical Closed Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues and system shutdown, resulting in reduced circulation of the fluid. In this circumstance, very little fluid would leak out of the system (e.g., less than 10%). In a more unlikely scenario, a rupture to the pipe (e.g., due to being hit by a backhoe) could result in a moderate to major loss of fluid. The amount of fluid lost would be dependent on where the cut occurs, and whether the loop is horizontal or vertical. The environmental and human health risks associated with these scenarios are dependent on a variety of factors and are evaluated in Fogg [1997]. What are the best practices to minimize potential exposure to antifreeze and minimize potential groundwater contamination? Many antifreeze agents are harmful to people in vaiying degrees. However, with proper handling meth- ods, the risks of exposure can be reduced or eliminated. Factors affecting the risks associated with expo- sure to antifreeze include degree of toxicity, nature of toxic effects, and likelihood and duration of expo- sure. The most common pathway for exposure to antifreeze solution is during the installation or main- tenance of the system. Workers may inhale antifreeze-contaminated dust or vapors, or the antifreeze may come into contact with a worker's skin or eyes. Using protective measures such as masks and pro- tective clothing will virtually eliminate these dangers. A leak in the heat exchanger piping will allow the antifreeze to escape into the ground. Human expo- sure may result if the antifreeze enters the groundwater and migrates to wells and lakes. Following the pipe manufacturer's installation and testing procedures will minimize the possibility of leaks. In the unlikely event that a leak develops, use of an approved antifreeze will limit toxicity concerns. More detailed information on the immediate, long-term, and environmental concerns of exposure to antifreeze solutions can be found in the Commercial/Institutional Ground-Source Heat Pump Engineering Manual, Appendix B, Assessment of Anti-Freeze Solutions for Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems, and Fogg [1997]. In general, the safest approach for the environment and from a liability perspective is to use the least toxic antifreeze available that will do the job. What regulations do I need to know that apply to use of antifreeze in vertical closed loop GHP systems? Regulations on use of antifreezes in GHP systems range from very specific listings of acceptable antifreezes and their required properties to no regulations at all. Performance and toxicity trade-offs are not addressed in these regulations. For example, the State of Missouri allows only pure glycerin solution, food grade propylene glycol, dipotassium phosphate, sodium chloride, potassium acetate, methanol or ethanol to be used. The State of New Jersey regulates antifreeze use through its permit program, and has approved six types of antifreezes. The State of Minnesota, however, does not generally regulate residential GHP systems, although for commercial systems, the only acceptable antifreeze solution is food grade propylene gly- col. On the other end of the spectrum, some states do not regulate antifreezes in GHP systems, except implicitly through penalties for groundwater contamination. How do I find out what laws in my state apply to use of antifreeze in vertical closed loop GHP systems? (see response Installation Issues, subsection 1) Page 1-12 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Decommissioning Issues Unsealed or improperly sealed boreholes may threaten public health and safety, and the quality of groundwater resources. Therefore, the proper abandonment (decommissioning) of boreholes is a criti- cal final step in their service life. [PA, 7.1\ Proper GHP abandonment accomplishes the following: 1) eliminates the physical hazard of the well (the hole in the ground), 2) eliminates a pathway for migration of contamination, and 3) prevents hydrolog- ic changes in the aquifer system, such as the changes in hydraulic head and the mixing of water between aquifers. The proper decommissioning method will depend on both the reason for abandonment and the condition and construction details of the borehole or well. Why should I be concerned about decommissioning vertical closed loop GHP systems? Most states regulate procedures for abandoning wells. In addition, many states make it the respon- sibility of a well owner to properly seal an abandoned well. Improperly decommissioned or aban- doned wells may result in future groundwater contamination and create physical hazards. Most states do not specifically regulate the decommissioning of GHP systems, instead applying water well regulations. What are best practices for decommissioning vertical closed loop GHP systems? Based on Missouri well construction rules [Miscellaneous Publication No. 50], the basic decommis- sioning procedure of GHP wells involves two steps: 1) Pump out the heat transfer fluid (antifreeze); and 2) Seal the borehole with grout, or other approved material. What regulations do I need to know that apply to decommissioning vertical closed loop GHP systems? Most states regulate the decommissioning of drinking water and other wells. Hence, most states have applied the requirements for water well decommissioning to GHP decommissioning when they have addressed the GHP issue. The State of Delaware requires that all abandoned wells be fitted so that they will not produce water, act as a conduit for the interchange of good and poor quality water, or present a hazard to the safety and well being of people and animals. Delaware does not specifically address decommissioning GHP sys- tems, and it is unclear whether they would be affected by existing statutes and regulations. The State of New Jersey is very specific and aggressive in addressing decommissioning of wells. New Jersey is also in the process of promulgating new regulations that specifically address GHP systems, so it is like- ly that decommissioning of GHP systems will be addressed after the proposed rule becomes final. The State of Missouri regulates decommissioning of GHP systems and requires that heat transfer fluid be pumped out of the system and the borehole be sealed. It is important to note that the tops of boreholes will not be dug up as part of decommissioning; rather, the bores are properly sealed when originally Page 1-13 ------- Section I Vertical Closed Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues installed. In addition, the process of "pumping out" antifreeze actually is accomplished by water dis- placement. Because this is a rapidly evolving field, however, state authorities should be consulted on the proper regulatory requirements for decommissioning. How do I find out what the laws in my state apply to decommissioning vertical closed loop GHP systems? (see response Installation Issues, subsection 1) Page 1-14 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Section II Horizontal Closed Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues ------- ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Section II Horizontal Closed Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues Introduction System Description Closed loop GHP systems rely on the contained circulation oi fluids through an underground loop of pipes, which act as a heat exchanger by transporting heat to or from the ground. Horizontal loops are typically installed in narrow trenches, about 5 feet deep, and up to several thousand feet long. Trenches should be located sufficiently far away from the house so that any freezing surrounding the pipe does not affect the foundation. The heat exchange fluid used is water. Antifreeze is often added to the water to enable the system to function at temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. [PA GSHP Manual, pp 2-4 & 3-3] Key Environmental Issues The primary environmental concern associated with horizontal closed loop systems is groundwater con- tamination resulting from antifreeze leaks that could migrate to the groundwater. Because of the poten- tial for groundwater contamination, care should be taken at each stage of the GHP system life cycle installation, operation and decommissioning to avoid unnecessary environmental risks. Exhibit 2-1 provides an overview of the regulations and best management practices associated with the environ- mental issues relevant to each life cycle phase. Overview of Regulatory Approaches There are very few regulations that apply to horizontal closed loop GHP systems. The various opinions on regulations and best management practices for horizontal closed loop GHP systems are presented in this section. Page 11-1 ------- Section II Horizontal Closed Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues Exhibit 2-1 Overview of Environmental Concerns, Corresponding Regulations and Best Management Practices That Apply to Horizontal Closed Loop GHP Systems Environmental Issue Regulations Best Management Practices Installation Sediment and storm water runoff from the site Backfilling the trench Loop placement Generally exempt from regulations. No regulations exist currently. Regulations generally specify dis- tances necessary between heat pump loop and areas of existing and potential pollution including septic fields. In addition, distances are specified when loop intersects other underground piping. Ensure that disturbed soil is seeded to reduce risk of runoff. Ensure that no sharp rocks are in contact with the pipe, and ensure that the backfill is compacted so that it contains no air voids. Refer to your state and local requirements for placement of drinking water wells. In addition, locate loop at least 2 feet from any other intersect- ing underground piping. See page II-5 for further explanation of loop placement concerns. Operation Antifreeze solutions Regulations range from very specific listings of acceptable antifreezes and the properties they must possess, to no regulations at all. Choose antifreeze for low toxicity, high heat transfer, and low viscosity. By far, the greatest risk of expo- sure comes from handling antifreeze solutions use masks and protective clothes during installation or maintenance of the system. To reduce potential for leaks in the system, follow the pipe manufacturer's installation and testing procedures. Decommissioning Potential for ground contamination While regulations exist for the decommissioning of vertical closed loop heat pump wells, no regulations currently exist for horizontal closed loop heat pump systems. Pump out the heat transfer fluid and ensure loop location is labeled. Page 11-2 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Installation Issues There are three environmental issues that are related to the installation of horizontal closed loop sys- tems. They are: 1. Sediment and storm water runoff from the site; 2. Backfilling the trench; and 3. Loop placement. 1. Sediment and Storm Water Runoff From the Site Installation of horizontal closed loop GHP systems requires that temporary trenches be dug, resulting in temporary removal of soil from the trenches. This soil may be left adjacent to the trench and regraded, or removed from the site. If the soil is left on-site, use care to ensure that the soil doesn't migrate to near- by surface waters or sewers. Why should I be concerned about sediment and storm water runoff from the site during hori- zontal closed loop GHP system installation? Eroded soil migrating offsite can temporarily foul streams, and clog storm sewers. Proper soil contain- ment can minimize soil erosion and potential impacts on streams and sewers, reduce potential for citi- zen or government complaints, as well as improve project aesthetics during and after development. [VA Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook, pg 1-1] What are the best management practices to minimize the potential for sediment and storm water runoff during horizontal closed loop GHP system installation? There are two basic requirements that a best practice must satisfy. First, it must meet state and local regulatory and permit requirements. Second, it must prevent erosion, especially water erosion, of exposed soil. Typically construction sites require that exposed soil be covered or that a runoff control barrier be erected. However, most residential GHP installations result in little soil disturbance and the soil that is disturbed is usually exposed for only a very short period of time (i.e., less than 24 hours). Hence, the best management practice under these circumstances is to seed the disturbed soil upon com- pletion of the installation. What regulations do I need to know that apply to sediment and storm water runoff from the site during horizontal closed loop GHP system installation? In general, single family residences are exempt from sediment and storm water regulations when small areas of land are disturbed. It is prudent, however, to check state and local permit conditions. The State of Missouri, for example, excludes single family residences and heat pump wells from the State's storm water operating permit program under the Missouri Clean Water Law, and also exempts from sediment and storm water controls all projects disturbing less than five acres and trenches two feet in width or less. The States of New Jersey and Delaware have similar regulatory exemptions for storm water runoff from residential property. Page 11-3 ------- Section II Horizontal Closed Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues How do I find out what laws in my state apply to sediment and storm water runoff during hori- zontal closed loop GHP system installation? State laws and regulations are evolving constantly. You should, therefore, contact appropriate officials in your state, as identified in Appendix B. The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) or the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) can also provide a list of state officials that oversee implementation of relevant laws and regulations in each state. 2. Backfilling the Horizontal Loop Trench After the horizontal ground loop system has been installed, tested, and charged, the trench is backfilled (filled in), usually with the soil that was removed from the trench originally. If the soil is not replaced properly, heat transfer may be poor (thus reducing the efficiency of the system), or the pipe could be broken or otherwise damaged, thereby creating the potential for environmental contamination due to leaking antifreeze. Why should I be concerned about backfilling the horizontal loop trench? The soil must be backfilled into the trench carefully so that it has good contact with the loop system to ensure effective heat transfer. However, if sharp rocks are present in the soil, they may puncture or oth- erwise damage the pipe. Ensuring that the trench is backfilled carefully and effectively is a critical step in horizontal GHP system installation, and must be done properly to ensure that the GHP system real- izes the technical and economic efficiency for which it was designed. What are best practices for backfilling the horizontal loop trench? When backfilling a horizontal loop, the installer should ensure that no sharp rocks come into contact with the pipe. The contractor may need to place a bed of sand or limestone "crackerdust" at the bot- tom of the trench to insulate the pipe from rocky soil while providing a conductive medium. Sand also may be required to surround the entire pipe before the native soil is returned to the trench. Compaction machinery may be necessary to develop good contact between the soil and the pipe. [PA, pg 3.8.1] A new approach in some states (e.g., Pennsylvania) is to use flowable backfill that surrounds the pipe in the trench. Flowable backfill has the advantage of complete contact of a highly conductive material with the pipe. The backfill material typically consists of water, sand, and cement. Virginia Power has been using this approach for the past few years, incorporating the accumulated fly ash from its facilities. In addition, a tracer wire should be buried at a 6 inch depth for easy location of the horizontal loop with a metal detector. The end of the wire should be brought through the foundation wall and terminated. The tracer wire also serves as a warning to future backhoe digging which can help prevent catastroph- ic leaks from the system. [Manual of Acceptable Practices for Installation of Residential Earth-Coupled Heat Pump Systems, pg 18] What regulations do I need to know that apply to backfilling a horizontal loop trench? There are currently no Federal regulations addressing the issue of acceptable backfilling approaches. State and local laws, regulations and permit conditions may vary, and should be reviewed prior to backfilling. Page 11-4 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems How do I find out what laws in my state apply to backfilling the horizontal loop trench? (see response Installation Issues, subsection 1) 3. Loop Placement Horizontal loop systems need enough uninterrupted horizontal space to enable effective heat transfer to take place. Beyond this generic requirement, the most important factor in horizontal loop placement is to avoid locating it near (next to, on top of, or underneath) sources of pollution or contamination, or other underground pipes. In addition, the loop system should be located a sufficient distance from houses so that any freezing surrounding the pipe does not affect their foundations. Why should I be concerned about placement of horizontal closed loops? Horizontal trenches with gravel bases could act as potential conduits for contamination migration. Potential sources of contamination include commercial fertilizers or chemicals, landfills, lagoons, under- ground storage tanks, and septic systems. In addition to acting as a potential conduit for sewage, disturb- ing the soil underneath a septic bed can lead to inadequate treatment of sewage. Also, heat from the pipes can increase biological growth in the septic tanks, which could lead to costly septic system repairs. Moreover, repair of sewer pipes or the septic system would require excavation of the horizontal loop sys- tem; alternatively, repair of the horizontal loop system would require excavation of the sewer or septic sys- tem, thus increasing dramatically the cost of repairs for either system. [PA, pg 3.10.1] Finally, a horizon- tal GHP loop located too close to another underground pipe could result in the freezing and potentially bursting of that pipe. What are best practices for placement of a horizontal closed loop GHP system? While the potential for a trench to act as a conduit for contamination is typically not a major concern, it could be if the trench intersects groundwater or leads to a sensitive area. It is best to avoid bringing potential sources of contamination into the installation area and locate the trenches far enough away from potential sources of contamination so as to avoid this threat. Horizontal GHP loops should never be locat- ed underneath a septic bed and should be at least two feet above or below any other intersecting under- ground piping or wiring (except for a soaker pipe which may be used in conjunction with the system to keep the soil moisture constant.) If placement of a horizontal loop GHP near a source of pollution is unavoidable, it should be located a certain distance away upgradient from the contamination source. What regulations do I need to know that apply to placement of a horizontal closed loop GHP system? While some states regulate the distances GHP loops need to be from potential areas of contamination, others do not. In addition, local regulations and permit conditions may apply. For example, the State of Missouri regulates the distance between a horizontal GHP loop and any other intersecting pipes. While the State of Pennsylvania does not generally regulate residential GHP sys- tems, they do produce a guidance document which recommends keeping GHP loops away from septic fields and other sources of potential contamination. The State of Delaware has no regulations that apply to placement of horizontal GHP systems. The State of New Jersey is considering comprehensive GHP regulations that may regulate placement of horizontal GHP systems when the rule becomes final. How do I find out what laws in my state apply to placement of a horizontal closed loop GHP system? (see response Installation Issues, subsection 1) Page 11-5 ------- Section II Horizontal Closed Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues Operation Issues Horizontal and vertical closed loop systems are virtually identical with respect to their operations. They therefore share the same primary environmental concern, namely the potential for groundwater conta- mination resulting from an antifreeze leak in the loop. See Operation Issues in Section I, for a full dis- cussion of antifreeze related issues. Page 11-6 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Decommissioning Issues An unused and undrained horizontal loop may deteriorate and eventually leak antifreeze and ultimate- ly contaminate grounclwater. Even more importantly, the loop location may be lost over time and future construction could rupture the loop, resulting in a total leak of antifreeze solution. This potential for leakage poses a threat to the environment, especially the quality of grounclwater resources, that is at worst comparable to that of a "lost" septic system. More detailed information on the immediate, long- term, and environmental concerns of exposure to antifreeze solutions can be found in the Commercial/ Institution Ground-Source Heat Pump Engineering Manual, Appendix 5, Assessment of Anti-Freeze Solutions for Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems, and Fogg [1997]. Therefore, the proper abandonment (decommissioning) of a horizontal system is a critical final step in its service life. [PA, pg 7.1] Why should I be concerned about decommissioning horizontal closed loop GHP systems? While little is written about the decommissioning of horizontal loop systems, it is prudent to remove all loop fluid when shutting down the system. Even in a system not in use, the potential exists for a leak or rupture to occur that would allow the antifreeze to escape. If pollution occurs, the system owner may be liable for cleanup of the soil and/or aquifer. What are best practices for decommissioning a horizontal closed loop GHP systems? Pump out the antifreeze solution from the system and either reuse it in a different system, recycle it, or dispose of it properly. What regulations do I need to know that apply to decommissioning a horizontal closed loop GHP systems? Most states and local jurisdictions do not appear to regulate decommissioning of horizontal closed loop GHP systems. Check with state and local authorities to determine whether any requirements apply. The State of Missouri regulates decommissioning of GHP systems and requires that antifreeze solutions be removed from the system. New Jersey and Delaware currently do not regulate decommissioning of hor- izontal GHP systems. How do I find out what laws in my state apply to decommissioning a horizontal closed loop GHP systems? (see response Installation Issues, subsection f) Page 11-7 ------- ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Section III Open Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues ------- ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Section III Open Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues Introduction System Description Open loop GHP systems, also known as groundwater heat pump systems, typically depend upon ground- water as a source or sink of heat. Unlike closed loop systems, open systems do not confine the heat exchange fluid to a loop of pipes. Rather, open systems pump water from a well, pass it through the heat pump, and then discharge it. Although surface water can be used, most open systems rely on ground- water. The used water is discharged to surface waters, discharged to a buried drain field, or reinjected into the aquifer. The water supply well must yield enough water to transport the required amount of heat, and the discharge medium must be of sufficient size to accept the discharged water. [PA GSHP Manual, pg 4-1] Because the boreholes for open loop systems function like wells, the term "well" is used interchange- ably with "borehole" in this section. Key Environmental Concerns The key environmental concerns associated with vertical open loop systems are: Improperly constructed wells or boreholes could serve as channels of contamination from the surface to the subsurface, or from one aquifer to another; The rate at which water is pulled from the aquifer may affect a groundwater supply; and Environmental problems resulting from the rate at which water is discharged (e.g., runoff, ero- sion, thermal impacts). Because of these potential problems, care should be taken at each stage of the GHP system life cycle installation, operation and decommissioning to avoid unnecessary environmental risks. [PA GSHP Manual, pg 5-1] Overview of Regulatory Approaches While there are differing views on how to regulate vertical open loop GHP systems, the prevalent view is to treat GHP systems as drinking water wells. When water is reinjected into the aquifer, most states require that the injection wells be inventoried through their UIC regulations. Therefore, the appropri- ate state UIC representative should be contacted. A list of state UIC representatives can be found in Appendix B. The various opinions on regulations and best management practices for vertical open loop GHP systems are presented in this section. Page 111-1 ------- Section III Open Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues Exhibit 3-1 Overview of Environmental Concerns, Corresponding Regulations and Best Management Practices That Apply to Open Loop Systems Environmental Issue Regulations Best Management Practices Installation Sediment and storm water runoff from the site Surface contaminant infiltration along the borehole Inter-aquifer flow Borehole placement Generally exempt from regulations. Sealing the top of the borehole and other precautions to prevent contam- ination on the surface from entering the borehole are usually regulated. Regulations apply to borehole diam- eter and length, and grout materials and methods. Installers may also be responsible for the integrity of the annular seal for a specified period of time. Regulations generally specify distances necessary between water well location and areas of existing and potential pollution including septic fields. Ensure that disturbed soil is seeded to reduce risk of runoff. During construction, the area surrounding the well should be maintained in a clean condition and sur- face drainage should be diverted away from the well. The top of the well casing should be sealed. [For more information, see Manual of Water Well Construction Practices, EPA 570/9-75-001, pg 77.] Refer to your state and local requirements that apply to drinking water wells or specifically to GHP systems. Refer to your state and local requirements for placement of drinking water wells. Operation Water withdrawal Water disposal Regulations vary in dealing with water withdrawal, but generally do not regulate the small volumes that are associated with residential GHP systems. Surface disposal may be regulated if the drainage leaves the landowner's property, and may require a NPDES permit if discharge enters surface waters. Disposal to sanitary sewers may be prohibited by local ordi- nances. Subsurface disposal may be regulat- ed under the UIC program, though GHPs are considered a very small risk and usually not regulated. Most states, however, do require that injection wells be inventoried through their UIC regulations. Therefore, the appropriate state UIC representative should be contacted (see Appendix B). The yield of the aquifer should be assessed and an assessment of use should be made to avoid prob- lems associated with aquifer draw down. For surface disposal, ensure drainage occurs in a manner that does not result in soil erosion. Also, the disposal method must be compatible with the volume of water that will be discharged and be able to handle extreme weather conditions (i.e., freezing). For vertical and horizontal subsurface disposal, ensure the well/drain is of sufficient diameter and depth to accept the maximum discharge from a sys- tem. In addition, horizontal subsurface drains must be deep enough to avoid freezing in the winter. Page 111-2 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Environmental Issue Operation (cont.) Thermally altered discharge water Regulations For surface disposal, heat is catego- rized as a pollutant under NPDES. However, states either do not regu- late GHP systems or the volumes and temperatures generated by resi- dential systems are less than what is regulated. Best Management Practices Well must be of sufficient diameter and depth to accept the maximum discharge from a system (pre- vents eventual clogging due to the precipitation of minerals resulting from the temperature change). For subsurface disposal, large GHP systems could introduce a thermal plume that could affect another well. The potential for this should be assessed dur- ing the design of a large system. Decommissioning Physical hazard of the well and pathway for migration of cont- amination Regulations generally state that all abandoned wells shall be fitted in such a way that they will not pro- duce water or act as a conduit for the interchange of waters of undesir- able quality with those whose quali- ty is desirable, or present a hazard to the safety and well being of peo- ple and animals. Often, it is the responsibility of the well owner to properly seal an abandoned well. Follow state and local regulations for decommis- sioning drinking water wells, but generally clear the borehole of any obstructions. Seal the borehole with grout. Page 111-3 ------- Section III Open Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues Installation Issues Much of this section parallels information from Section I. It is repeated here for the reader's conve- nience. There are four environmental issues related to the installation of a open loop GHP systems: 1. Sediment and storm water runoff from the site; 2. Surface contaminant infiltration along the borehole; 3. Inter-aquifer flow; and 4. Borehole placement. 1. Sediment and Storm Water Runoff From the Site Installation of open loop GHP systems requires that a well be drilled, resulting in removal of soil or rock from the hole. This soil may be left adjacent to the borehole and regraded, or removed from the site. If the soil is left on-site, use care to ensure that the soil doesn't migrate to nearby surface waters or sewers. Why should I be concerned about sediment and storm water runoff from the site during installa- tion of open loop GHP systems? Eroded soil migrating offsite can temporarily foul streams, and clog sewers. Proper soil containment can minimize soil erosion and potential impacts on streams and sewers, reduce potential for citizen or government complaints, as well as improve project aesthetics before, during, and after development. [VA Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook, pg I-f ] What are the best practices to minimize the potential for sediment and storm water runoff from the site during installation of open loop GHP systems? There are two basic requirements that a best practice must satisfy. First, it must meet state and local regulatory and permit requirements. Second, it must prevent erosion, especially water erosion, of exposed soil. Typically construction sites require that exposed soil be covered or that a runoff control barrier be erected. However, most residential GHP installations result in little soil disturbance and the soil that is disturbed is usually exposed for only a veiy short period of time (i.e., one or two days). Hence, the best management practice under these circumstances is to seed the disturbed soil upon com- pletion of the installation. If the disturbed soil will be exposed for a lengthy period of time, then anoth- er measure may need to be implemented. For example, at Fort Polk, where over 8,000 bore holes were recently installed, the Louisiana environmental agency had the drillers use large holding tanks for the drilling mud in order to avoid problems associated with erosion and runoff. What regulations do I need to know that apply to sediment and storm water runoff from the site during installation of open loop GHP systems? In general, existing single family residences are exempt from sediment and storm water regulations when small areas of land are disturbed. The State of Missouri, for example, excludes single family res- idences and heat pump wells from the State's storm water operating permit program under the Missouri Clean Water Law, and also exempts from sediment and storm water controls all projects disturbing less than five acres and trenches two feet in width or less. The States of New Jersey and Delaware have sim- ilar regulatory exemptions for storm water runoff from residential property. Page 111-4 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems How do I find out what laws in my state apply to sediment and storm water runoff from the site during installation of open loop GHP systems? State laws and regulations are evolving constantly. You should, therefore, contact appropriate officials in your state, as identified in Appendix B. The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) or the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) can also provide a list of state officials that oversee implementation of relevant laws and regulations in each state. 2. Surface Contaminant Infiltration Along the Borehole Aquifer contamination can occur when boreholes are drilled in an unconfined water table aquifer. As with any well, downward leakage from the surface can occur along ungrouted or uncased boreholes, pol- luting the water table aquifer with surface contaminants. [Grouting Procedures for Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems, pg 2] Why should I be concerned about infiltration of surface contaminants along the borehole? Infiltration of surface contaminants can directly or indirectly contaminate the groundwater, depending on the depth of the water and local hydrogeologic conditions. Groundwater is often a source for drink- ing water and, if contaminated, may be rendered unfit to drink. Further, in some states owners of wells or other boreholes may be legally and economically liable for potential damage to the aquifer. What are the best practices to prevent infiltration of surface contaminants along the borehole? To minimize the risks of infiltration along the borehole, care should be taken to maintain a clean site while drilling the hole, and afterwards, the well should be completed according to local regulations, or following IGSHPA or NGWA practices.5 In general, the well water community and many states consider sealing the top ol the borehole to be the preferential method of segregating surface contamination from groundwater. What regulations do I need to know that apply to infiltration of surface contaminants along the borehole? Many states require that drinking water wells be drilled only by licensed water well drillers. Because open loop GHP systems are veiy similar to drinking water wells, they are often regulated under the same rules. Regulations addressing methods for preventing surface contamination of boreholes vary signifi- cantly by state and even local jurisdiction. In general, the preferred method in states with regulations is to seal the top oi the borehole. Because many types of grouts and placement methods exist, it is best to determine the specific require- ments for acceptable types of grout and application methods in your state. If there are no GHP specif- ic regulations that address this, follow state regulations that apply to water well construction. Although Missouri, New Jersey and Delaware do not address requirements for preventing infiltration along the borehole in the context of GHP systems, they do recommend highly, and in some cases require, that boreholes be grouted. Detailed information on proper grouting procedures can be found in ICSHPA's Grouting Procedures for Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems and NGWA's Manual for Water Well Construction Practices (EPA 570/9/75/001). Page 111-5 ------- Section III Open Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues How do I find out what laws in my state apply to infiltration of surface contaminants along the borehole? (see response Installation Issues, subsection 1) 3. Inter-aquifer Flow While drilling boreholes for the installation of open loop geothermal heat exchangers, it is possible to penetrate one or more aquifers. When two aquifers are penetrated, a path exists for the waters of the two to mix. If one of the aquifers is contaminated or contains non-potable water, the other aquifer will also become contaminated. Why should I be concerned about inter-aquifer flow? Uncontaminated groundwater is one of our most precious natural resources. Preventing inter-aquifer flow is essential to preserving the purity of uncontaminated aquifers and sealing off formations that are known to be contaminated. Moreover, in most states there are regulations that apply to this issue; thus owners and operators of boreholes may be liable for civil or criminal penalties if they ignore regulatory requirements. What are the best practices to prevent inter-aquifer flow? The formations which yield polluted water or water of an undesirable quality must be adequately sealed off to prevent pollution or contamination of the overlying or underlying water-bearing zones. There are several ways to prevent inter-aquifer flow, and practices vary regionally. One practice is to grouting the full length of the borehole using the grout pipe (tremie) method6. Another is that grouting at least 10 feet above and below the affected aquifers is sufficient. Other methods, such as sleeves, packers, and other devices, are also employed to prevent inter-aquifer flow. What regulations do I need to know that apply to inter-aquifer flow? Open loop GHP system boreholes are essentially the same as potable water wells, hence most states apply their water well drilling regulations to GHP system boreholes. Regulations addressing methods for preventing inter-aquifer flow vary by state and even local jurisdiction. GHP system installers should follow state and local regulations that apply to grouting water wells (or those regulations that pertain specifically to GHP systems). For example, the State of Missouri addresses inter-aquifer flow through its domestic water well stan- dards. The standards require casing for permanent wells and states that all wells be watertight to the depth necessaiy to exclude contaminants. This protection is achieved through grouting and four types of grout are permitted for use: 1) neat cement grout, 2) bentonite grout, 3) bentonite slurry grout, and 4) other grout if advance approval is granted. GHP system installers are specifically held responsible for proper system construction and installation. The States of Delaware and New Jersey also apply existing water well construction regulations to GHP system installations. These regulations address well construction methods and require specific types of Detailed information on proper grouting procedures can be found in IGSHPA's "Grouting Procedures for Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems and NGWA's Manual for Water Well Construction Practices " (EPA 570/9/75/001). Page 111-6 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems grouts for different geologic formations, and prescribe grouting methods that depend on whether or not the well penetrates an aquifer. New Jersey requires cement grout in consolidated geologic formations and bentonite in non-consolidated formations. In Delaware, the only approved grouting materials are also cement and bentonite clay, although there is no indication of specific requirements to use one or the other in different geologic formations. How do I find out what laws in my state apply to inter-aquifer flow? (see response Installation Issues, subsection 1) 4. Borehole Placement Boreholes should not be sited near (next to, on top of, or underneath) sources of pollution or contami- nation, and the site selected should have good surface drainage. Why should I be concerned about borehole placement in open loop GHP systems? As indicated in the discussions on infiltration and inter-aquifer flow, boreholes in vertical open loop sys- tems could act as potential conduits for contaminant migration into groundwater. Potential sources of con- tamination include commercial fertilizers or chemicals, landfills, lagoons, underground storage tanks, and septic systems. In addition, if the borehole is not situated on a site with good surface drainage, con- taminated standing water could seep down along the borehole and affect the underlying groundwater. What are best practices for siting the borehole in an open loop GHP system? A borehole should be sited at a location with good surface drainage, away from low-lying areas where water may pool. In addition, wells should not be located near sources of pollution or contamination. The appropriate distances vaiy depending on the hydrogeology of the site and the type of potential pollutants or contaminants. It may be beneficial, however, to locate the loop system upgradient from the pollution source if installation of the system near such an area is unavoidable. In general, the best solution to sit- ing an open loop system is to follow the same guidance and requirements as for drinking water wells. What regulations do I need to know that apply to borehole placement in an open loop GHP system? Open loop GHP system supply boreholes are no different from drinking water wells, hence most states apply their water well drilling regulations to the placement of GHP system boreholes. Note that dis- charge wells are different from water wells, but similar. The regulations vary significantly by state. In addition, local regulations and permit conditions may also apply. Some states, such as Missouri, have regulations that apply to GHP system siting that provide for minimum distances from specific sources of potential contaminants. Other states have no regulatory requirements that apply to GHP system sit- ing. States that do not have requirements that apply specifically to GHP system siting usually default to the siting requirements for drinking water wells. The State of Missouri veiy specifically defines the minimum distance requirements between GHP wells and sources of pollution. These distances vary depending on contaminant. For example, GHP systems must be sited at least 300 feet from storage areas for fertilizers or chemicals, landfills, lagoons, and underground storage tanks; at least 1.00 feet from below-grade manure storage areas and cesspools; and at least 50 feet from an existing operating well or buried sewer. The Stale of Delaware requires that Page 111-7 ------- Section III Open Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues water withdrawn from an aquifer for an open loop GHP system be reinjected back into the same aquifer, and that reinjection (recharge) wells be constructed at least 50 feet from any source of pollution, includ- ing septic tanks, tile fields, and manure piles. How do I find out what laws in my state apply to borehole placement in an open loop GHP system? (see response Installation Issues, subsection 1) How do I know when grouting of the borehole is necessary? The primary reason to grout boreholes is to provide environmental protection. Grouting prevents sur- face contamination from infiltrating the aquifer, and also prevents cross-aquifer contamination. This could result if the borehole penetrates more than one aquifer, and contaminated water from one aquifer flows along the borehole and mixes with clean water from another. Site-specific factors will determine when and what type of grouting will be most appropriate. Because the cost of full-length (top-to-bottom) grouting may affect the overall cost-effectiveness of the decision to install a heat pump, it makes sense to know when it is and is not necessary. Full length grouting will most likely be necessary when more than one aquifer is penetrated by the borehole, so that both surface and cross-aquifer contamination will be prevented. In contrast, if only one aquifer is penetrated, it may only be necessary to grout the top of the borehole to exclude surface contamination. In general, grout- ing should be performed to the extent dictated by local geologic conditions. Page 111-8 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Operation Issues There are three environmental issues related to the operation of vertical open loop GHP systems. They are: 1. Water withdrawal; 2. Water disposal; and 3. Thermally altered discharge water. 1. Water Withdrawal Open loop GHP systems usually withdraw water from underground aquifers to use as a heat transfer fluid. This water is then either reinjected into the aquifer or discharged to the surface. Why should I be concerned about water withdrawal? Legal and environmental considerations on water withdrawal may have an effect on homeowners using open loop GHP systems. Legally, homeowner rights to withdraw groundwater differ considerably among states and local jurisdictions. Perhaps the most significant difference is between jurisdictions in the rel- atively wet eastern half of the United States and jurisdictions in the relatively arid western half of the United States. Even within the wet portion of the country, homeowner water withdrawal rights may dif- fer significantly between states and local jurisdictions. In addition to legal considerations, there are environmental considerations related to the issue of the recharge capacity of the local aquifer. If water is withdrawn from the aquifer at a faster rate than it can be replenished, the level of water in the aquifer will begin to diminish. Should this occur, some wells may experience reduced water flows, which, if severe enough may render the open loop GHP system much less efficient or inoperable. What are best practices for water withdrawal? A hydrogeological investigation of the site should be performed by a qualified professional, such as a hydrogeologist, to assess the groundwater resource. \Caneta Research Inc., pp 2-3] Depending on the climate and hydrogeology of the region, aquifer recharge rates may be very slow or quite rapid. Common sense dictates that in areas with relatively slow recharge rates, water should be withdrawn at a slower rate; and in areas with more rapid recharge rates, water may be withdrawn at a faster rate. For more information please refer to Caneta Research Inc.'s Commercial/Institutional Ground-Source Heat Pump Engineering Manual. What regulations do I need to know that apply to water withdrawn for open loop GHP systems? Most states do not regulate the small volumes of water withdrawn in residential open loop GHP systems. Western states may be more likely to regulate water withdrawal because of generally arid conditions. Because open loop GHP systems operate like drinking water wells, the same state and local regulations will most likely be applied. The State of Missouri does not regulate water withdrawal for residential GHP systems. New Jersey does not require water withdrawal permits unless the well owner exceeds, has permitted capacity to exceed, Page 111-9 ------- Section III Open Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues or claims a right to exceed withdrawal of 100,000 gallons or more per day. The State of Delaware does not regulate water withdrawal for GHP systems that use less than 50,000 gallons per day. By compar- ison, it is unlikely that any residential GHP system would withdraw more than 20,000 gallons per day, even under the most extreme circumstances. How do I find out what laws in my state apply to water withdrawn for open loop GHP systems? (see response Installation Issues, subsection 1) 2. Water Disposal Water withdrawn for circulation through open loop GHP systems is disposed of through one of two methods: I) Surface Disposal; or II) Subsurface Disposal. Because of the expense involved in the construction of a second (return) well, the installer may prefer sur- face or near surface disposal methods. However, many situations will not allow these methods. [PA, 4.4] I. Surface Disposal Surface disposal (or discharge) is generally the easiest method for disposing of the groundwater that has passed through an open loop GHP system. The disposal locations typically include on-site or off-site ponds, streams, or other bodies of water. Each disposal method poses its own environmental and oper- ational advantages and disadvantages. [PA, 4.4.1] Why should I be concerned about surface disposal of water from open loop GHP systems? Water from open loop GHP systems may be discharged to a public surface water body, such as a lake or stream; depending on state requirements, however, this action may require a permit under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for the discharge. The method of con- veyance from point of discharge to the receiving body of water must be secure to avoid problems with erosion and sedimentation, which can impact the stream or lake. Additional problems may occur in the winter because of freezing conditions. For example, if the lake or stream is frozen over, discharge water may flood nearby areas. Further, as discussed above, long-term impacts to groundwater levels are pos- sible if the rate of water withdrawal from an aquifer exceeds its rate of recharge. Water may be channeled to a private, on-site collection basin where it infiltrates into the ground. This type of disposal is generally successful only where the basin bottom is composed of highly permeable sands and gravels. Otherwise, infiltration tends to be too slow. Along with silting, microbial and bac- terial plugging are the chief causes of permeability reduction, and periodic maintenance must be done to clean the basin. Basins also require large areas of property, although disposal to a private basin would not require a permit. [PA, 4.4.1] Disposal to sanitaiy sewers is often prohibited by local ordinances. Such discharges can lower a sewage treatment plant's efficiency, thereby raising operating costs. [PA, 4.4.1] It is very important to understand that surface disposal may not be advisable in areas where groundwa- ter depletion may occur. In such situations, aquifer recharge should be seriously considered. Local Page 111-10 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems knowledgeable professionals, such as hydrogeologists, should be consulted on the advisability of water withdrawal and discharge. What are best practices for surface disposal of water from open loop GHP systems? Discharge to surface waters in a manner that does not cause erosion is perhaps the best method for off- site surface disposal of water from open loop GHP systems. However, it is very important to understand that surface disposal may not be advisable in areas where groundwater depletion may occur. What regulations do I need to know that apply to surface disposal of water from open loop GHP systems? For systems that discharge to surface waters, discharge water temperatures must be consistent with existing regulations, and a NPDES permit may be required. Other state and local regulations and per- mit conditions may also apply. How do I find out what laws in my state apply to surface disposal of water from open loop GHP systems? (see response Installation Issues, subsection 1) II. Subsurface Disposal Some GHP systems dispose of water through subsurface methods. [PA, 4.4.2] These methods include: Vertical injection wells (a two-well system). Most subsurface water disposal methods return water to the aquifer using a vertical injection well. One well is used to withdraw water from the aquifer, while another well is used to reinject the warmed or cooled water back into the aquifer. This method conserves groundwater and tends to limit environmental problems. When water is returned to the same aquifer, groundwater quality and quantity are generally maintained. Standing column well (a one-well system for both supply and discharge). A well used for both supply and discharge is known as a standing column system. For this technique, a pipe with the bottom portion screened is placed down the well. Groundwater is pulled through the screen using a submersible pump, located near the bottom of the well. After the water circu- lates past the heat pump, it is then returned to the well using a drop pipe at the top of the well, below the standing water level. The water flows down the outside of the pipe and cools or warms, depending on how the water had been used. [PA, 4.4.2.1] There are many varia- tions on this method; various regions have used similar methods to achieve similar results. Horizontal drains or a subsurface drain field. This method is similar to a drain field that accompanies a septic system. Why should I be concerned about subsurface water disposal from open loop GHP systems? Horizontal drains or subsurface drain fields must have the capacity to accept the volume of flow from an open loop GHP system; and they must also be constructed deep enough to avoid freezing during the winter. [PA, 4.4.2] Page 111-11 ------- Section III Open Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues Vertical injection wells must have enough capacity to accept the volume of flow from the open loop GHP system. Experience has shown that few contractors test the return capacity of their subsurface dispos- al system. The relative capacity of a drain field and the ability of a well to accept water in a discharge mode should be thoroughly established prior to system installation. Failure to do so has been the most frequent failing of system installations to date. With both vertical injection wells and turbulent wells, some chemical changes can occur when the groundwater is injected because of changes in water temperature and pressure. These changes can lead to eventual clogging of the return well. For example, return wells can be clogged because of changes in pressure and carbon dioxide concentrations which lead to precipitation of minerals, development of iron oxides caused by aeration of the water, or precipitation of iron as a result of bacterial growth. Suspended sediment can also block openings in the well. [PA, 4.4.2] What are best practices for subsurface disposal of water from open loop GHP systems? The return well must have adequate capacity to accommodate the volume of water that passes through the open loop GHP system. Aquifer characteristics such as the permeability of the area surrounding the well should be considered. Hydrogeological characteristics can be estimated based on the geology of the well area. [PA, 4.4.2.2] In choosing whether or not to install a subsurface water disposal system or in choosing between the var- ious subsurface water disposal systems, installers should consider a number of additional factors, including: 1) distance from existing wells, 2) volume of discharge water, 3) length of the well available for injection of the water, 4) design of the well screen (if used), 5) local water quality, and 6) local and state well construction codes. [PA, 4.4.2.2] Return well siting. The return well must be adequately isolated to allow the discharge water to reach the ambient temperature of the aquifer before being withdrawn again. The wells typically should be iso- lated at distances greater than 100 feet (horizontal distances). Larger capacity wells or wells in thin or poorly transmissive aquifers should have greater isolation distances. [PA, 4.4.2.2] Return well construction. The construction of the return well is critical to the effectiveness of this type of water disposal. A well that is not constructed properly can at some point cause the entire system to fail. The most common problem is well clogging or slowing because of poor construction or development of mineral precipitate. [PA, 4.4.2.2] It is veiy important to properly seal the return well with grout. Water in the return well is forced back into the aquifer by the pressure created by the column of water in the well. If the pressure resisting flow back into the aquifer is significant, there is a chance that rapid flow into the return well could cause a rupture of the casing seal. Grouting the borehole will help prevent such ruptures. Water injection tests should be performed prior to installation to see how the well reacts. Preventing mineral precipitation. Several actions can help prevent mineral precipitation, although results cannot be guaranteed. First, most precipitation can be avoided by ensuring that the waters do not free fall back into a return well (e.g., through the use of a simple dip tube). Second, wells must be of suf- ficient diameter and depth to accept the maximum discharge from an open loop GHP system. The screened or open rock portion should be greater than that of the supply well. A return well constructed in rock typically requires twice the capacity of the supply well. Third, aeration of the water to be returned should be avoided, as aeration accelerates mineral precipitation, particularly precipitation of iron. In particular, if a storage tank is used, it should be a diaphragm type, and the discharge should be below standing water level. Fourth, the use of a backvalve can help to prevent pressure differences that could Page 111-12 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems result in precipitation of minerals. An extended pumping test (12-24 hours) is recommended to help determine hydraulic characteristics of the return well. [PA, 4.4.2.2] Fifth, and finally, all wells or bore- holes should be disinfected to prevent the proliferation of bacteria (most commonly iron bacteria). Proper return well development. Return wells should be properly developed to remove fines and stabilize the borehole so that they do not collapse (e.g., install a borehole casing) or clog. Mechanical surging and some types of chemical treatment can promote a stable well, or successfully treat a clogged well. [PA, 4.4.2.2] What regulations do I need to know that apply to subsurface disposal of water from open loop GHP systems? Return wells for GHP systems are classified as Class V injection wells by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Such wells have been determined not to pose a significant threat to the envi- ronment. However, EPA requires that owners and operators of injection wells, including those for GHPs, report at least the following (40 CFR Section 144.26): facility name and location name and address of legal contact ownership of the facility nature and type of injection well operating status of injection well This information is requested by EPA on the national form, Inventory of Injection Wells, OMB No. 158- R0170. [PA, 1.3.l\ The appropriate state UIC representative, found in Appendix B, should be con- tacted for further assistance on this reporting. While most states require that injection wells be inventoried through their UIC regulations, other GHP subsurface discharge regulations vary by state. The State of Missouri exempts all residential GHP sys- tems from permit regulations with regard to thermally altered water discharges. In New Jersey reinjec- tion wells for residential GHP systems are regulated as Class V wells and are permitted by rule. The State of Delaware does not address thermally altered water discharges in the context of GHP systems. How do I find out what laws in my state apply to subsurface discharge of water from open loop GHP systems? (see response Installation Issues, subsection 1) 3. Thermally Altered Water Discharge Water used in open loop GHP systems and returned to the ground (reinjected or percolating from a drain field) or surface waters will either be warmer or cooler than when it was originally withdrawn. For open loop GHP systems, the temperature change is usually less than ten degrees Fahrenheit. Whether or not the temperature difference of the discharged water will have an impact on the aquifer or surface water depends on various factors such as the volume discharged, or the temperature and flow of the receiving water. If water used in GHP systems is returned to the same aquifer throughout the year, temperature contrasts may be neutralized. For surface disposal, heat is categorized as a pollutant under NPDES. [PA, 4.6.1] Page 111-13 ------- Section III Open Loop Systems and Related Environmental Issues Why should I be concerned about thermally altered water discharged from open loop GHP systems? Temperature changes in water may cause subsequent chemical changes that affect not only equipment like reinjection wells, but also the local ecology that receives the discharged water. For example, as dis- cussed earlier, changes in pressure and carbon dioxide concentrations could lead to the precipitation of minerals and the eventual clogging of return wells. Temperature changes can affect microorganisms and minerals in the groundwater and surface waters, as well as surface water vegetation, algae, and fish. In addition, open loop systems should not be exposed to air to aid cooling, because aeration can lead to mineral precipitation and clogging. EPA supported research work at The Richard Stockton College of NJ that investigated the thermal effects on microbiota resulting from the use of underground geothermal heat pump systems. A draft report from this research was completed in the fall of 1996 and is available from EPA's Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Division distribution center at (202) 775-6650. What are best practices for minimizing the effect of thermally altered water discharges from open loop GHP systems? Preventing mineral precipitation. See Preventing mineral precipitation in Subsection 2.ii of Section III, Operation Issues. Proper return well development. Return wells should be properly developed to remove fines and stabilize the borehole. Mechanical surging and some types of chemical treatment can promote a stable well, or successfully treat a clogged well. [PA, 4.4.2.2] No long term thermal imbalance occurs when the heating and cooling loads to the heat exchanger are about the same. Depending on the building type, the regional climate, and whether the cooling or heat- ing cycle will dominate, a GHP system will either cool or warm the subsurface until an equilibrium is reached. Consequences (thermal, chemical, or biological) of this long-term heat gain or loss may need to be considered when nearby users could be affected. [PA, 5.2.1.2] What regulations do I need to know that apply to thermally altered water discharged from open loop GHP systems? Federal law and regulation requires every state to have an approved Underground Injection Control (UIC) program. Currently there are few if any criteria or standards for Class V injection wells. This class of wells generally presents a much smaller risk to drinking water as compared to Class IIV wells. As a result, residential GHPs usually are not regulated under the UIC program. Every state is also required to enforce the minimum standards set forth in the NPDES program. Most states do not regulate residential GHP injection wells. Missouri sets forth temperature criteria, but the small volumes and small temperature gradations generated by residential systems should not pose a problem and will likely go unregulated. How do I find out what laws in my state apply to thermally altered water discharged from open loop GHP systems? (see response Installation Issues, subsection 1) Page 111-14 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Decommissioning Issues Unsealed or improperly sealed wells may threaten public health and safety, and the quality of ground- water resources. Therefore, proper abandonment (decommissioning) of a well is a critical final step in its service life. [PA, 7.1] Why should I be concerned about decommissioning open loop GHP systems? Many states regulate procedures for abandoning wells. In addition, many states make it the responsi- bility of a well owner to properly seal an abandoned well. Open loop GHP systems are very similar to wells and are, therefore, likely to be regulated like wells with the same decommissioning requirements. Further, improperly decommissioned wells may result in future groundwater contamination and create physical hazards (e.g., falling into holes). What are best practices for decommissioning open loop GHP systems? Proper well abandonment accomplishes the following: 1) eliminates the physical hazard of the well (the hole in the ground), 2) eliminates a pathway for migration of contamination, and 3) prevents hydrolog- ic changes in the aquifer system, such as the changes in hydraulic head and the mixing of water between aquifers. Although the basic decommissioning procedure involves sealing the borehole with cement or approved grout, the proper decommissioning method will depend on both the reason for abandonment and the condition and construction details of the borehole or well. What regulations do I need to know that apply to decommissioning open loop GHP systems? Open loop GHP systems are nearly identical to drinking water wells. Hence, most states apply the requirements for water well decommissioning to GHP system decommissioning. How do I find out what laws in my state apply to decommissioning open loop GHP systems? (see response Installation Issues, subsection 1) Page 111-15 ------- ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems ------- ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems References Caneta Research Inc. Commercial/Institutional Ground-Source Heat Pump Engineering Manual. ASHRAE, 1995. Electric Power Research Institute. State and Federal Vertical Borehole Grouting Regulations. EPRI RP 3881-01, July 1996. Fogg, Thomas. Semi-Quantitative Evaluation of Consequences of Antifreeze Spills from Geothermal Heat Pumps. Unpublished, 1997. Available from EPA's Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Division dis- tribution center, Washington, DC (202) 775-6650. Gaber, Michael S. and Fisher, Brant 0. Michigan Water Well Grouting Manual: A Guide for the Contractor. Lansing: Michigan Department of Public Health, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health, Division of Water Supply, Groundwater Quality Control Section, January 1988. 83 pp. Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC) regulations home page, http://www.uidaho.edu/ghpc/ Heinonen, Everett W, Tapscott, Robert E., Wildin, Maurice W, and Beall, Andrew N. Assessment of Anti-Freeze Solutions for Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems. ASHRAE Report 908RP February 1997. 203 pp. Available from GHPC at (202) 508-5500, document #RP-010. International Ground Source Heat Pump Association. Closed-Loop/Ground Source Heat Pump Systems Installation Guide. Oklahoma State University, 1988. 236 pp. International Ground Source Heat Pump Association. Ground Source Systems Design and Installation Standards. Oklahoma State University, [n.d.]. 9 pp. International Ground Source Heat Pump Association. Grouting Procedures for Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems. Oklahoma State University, 1991. 45 pp. International Ground Source Heat Pump Association. Soil and Rock Classification for the Design of Ground-Coupled Heat Pump Systems. Oklahoma State University, 1988. 55 pp. Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Division of Geology and Land Survey. Miscellaneous Publications No. 50, Missouri Private Water Well, Heat Pump System, Pump Installation and Monitoring Well Construction Rules. Division of Geology and Land Survey, Department of Natural Resources, March 1995. National Ground Water Association. Manual of Water Well Construction Practices. EPA, 1975. Document Number 570/9-75-001. National Ground Water Association. Guidelines for the Construction of Vertical Boreholes for Closed Loop Heat Pump Systems. NGWA, 1997. New York State Energy Research and Development Authority; and Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation. A Technical Guide to Ground-Source Heat Pumps, [n.p.], [n.d.]. 21 pp. Page R-1 ------- References Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation. Manual of Acceptable Practices for Installation of Residential Earth-Coupled Heat Pump Systems. Prepared by W.S. Flemming and Associates, Inc., Syracuse: [n.p.], 1986. 33 pp. Ontario Provincial Standard Specification. OPSS 514, Construction Specification for Trenching, Backfilling and Compacting. Ottawa. ON: Ontario Provincial Standard Specification, October 1989. 4 pp. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; Bureau of Water Supply Management; Division of Drinking Water Management. Ground Source Heat Pump Manual, [n.p.], Revised January, 1996. Publication Number: 3610-BK-DEP1562 Division of Drinking Water Management Bureau of Water Supply Management Department of Environmental Protection RO. Box 8467 Harrisburg, PA 17105-8467 (717) 787-1421 (Central Office) http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/DEPUTATE/Watermgt/WC/WC_WQAS/GENERA L/SOURCE/gshpttoc.htm Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. Preliminary Studies on the Thermal Effects of the Stockton College Geothermal Heat Pump Installation on Aquifer Microbiota and Surface Biota. EPA Project ID Number X824245-01-1, August 1996. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Soil and Water Conservation. Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook, [n.p.], 1992, Third Edition. 203 Governor St., Suite 206 Richmond, VA 23219-2094 (804) 786-2064 Page R-2 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Appendix A Introduction to Geothermal Heat Pumps from Ground-Source Heat Pump Manual by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Supply Management ------- ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Appendix A Introduction to Geothermal Heat Pumps from Ground Source Heat Pump Manual by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Supply Management The technique of applying a heat pump to a subsurface energy source has existed for over 50 years, and the technology of the heat pump has existed for over a hundred years. Before the 1970s, geothermal heat pump (GHP) systems were few in number. However, many types of energy systems grew in popularity and prominence as a result of the oil shortages in the 1970s. Contractors and homebuilders developed sub- stantial interest in the heat pump. Although the promotion of energy alternatives slowed in the 1980s, the development of GHP systems expanded. Closed-loop systems emerged in the early 1980s. Even in regions of abundant groundwater, these sys- tems are now being installed. Significant improvements in technology such as fused joints, polyethyl- ene pipe, and more efficient heat pumps have made these systems competitive with conventional heat- ing and cooling systems. A wide variety of GHP systems are now available for the consumer. Continued improvements in technology and efficiency have increased energy savings and lowered installation and maintenance costs. The United States General Accounting Office report Geothermal Energy: Outlook Limited for Some Uses but Promising for Geothermal Heat Pumps states that "Geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-effi- cient means of heating and cooling buildings in most areas of the United States." The Energy Policy Act of 1992 contained provisions to encourage the use of geothermal systems as alternative energy sources. In response to the President's Climate Change Action Plan, the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium in cooperation with the U.S. EPA and the Department of Energy is working to reduce green- house gases and increase GHP unit sales to 400,000 annually by the year 2000. PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION GHPs take advantage of the natural heat stored underground. Using the same technology as does a refrigerator, a heat pump can move heat taken from the ground and apply it to a building. The process can also be reversed and the subsurface can be used as a drain for a building's excess heat. The basic working principle of the heat pump (Figure 1) is that evaporation is a cooling process. When a substance evaporates (changes from a liquid to a gas), heat is absorbed into the gas. A common exam- ple is the evaporation of moisture from your skin. Heat is absorbed into the air which cools your body. Page A-1 ------- Appendix A Introduction to Geothermal Heat Pumps from the Pennsylvania Ground Source Heat Pump Manual blower compressor heat exchanger (condenser) warm or cool air to the air distribution loop expansion device reversing valve heat exchanger (evaporator) to ground from ground Figure 1: Basic components of a heat pump The main heat pump components are the refrigerant, evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion valve. To heat or cool a building, a heat pump uses a liquid refrigerant such as R-22, which has a very low evaporation point: -40 degrees E When heating a home, for example, the cold liquid refrigerant absorbs heat and evaporates as it passes next to warmer antifreeze solution or groundwater in the evap- orator (heat exchanger). The refrigerant gas travels through a compressor where it is squeezed and heat- ed further to about 180 degrees E The refrigerant then moves to the condenser where heat is released to surrounding cooler air (forced air system) or to circulating water (hydronic system). In forced air systems, a blower transports the warmed air around the building through a duct network. The venting is usually composed of insulated metal pipes, diffusers and grilles. The ducts carry the heated air, which usually has a temperature between 85-110 degrees E This is much lower than tem- peratures produced by conventional furnaces. Therefore, the volume of air that must be moved to sup- ply the same amount of heat is much greater the duct system and blower must be larger than those for conventional heating and cooling. A hydronic system uses a pump to circulate the heated or cooled water through a series of radiators in the building. As the refrigerant loses heat to the air or water, it condenses back to a liquid under high pressure. It then passes through an expansion device where the pressure is lowered and the refrigerant cools fur- ther. Finally, the refrigerant returns to the evaporator to repeat the cycle. To provide cooling to a home in the summer, the process would be reversed by changing the direction of the reversing valve on the refrigerant loop. The roles of the condenser and the evaporator are reversed during the cooling cycle. Heat from the home would be absorbed by the refrigerant (at the air distrib- ution loop) and then transferred to the water or antifreeze at the ground loop, which in turn carries the heat to the subsuriace. An additional device known as a desuperheater can be used in either the heating or cooling mode to apply existing compressor heat to heat water. The desuperheater is attached directly after the compressor. Page A-2 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems TYPES OF SYSTEMS There are two main types of GHP systems: 1) closed-loop systems, and 2) open systems. Variations of closed-loop systems are based on the configuration of the pipe, the type of antifreeze solution, and the amount of heating and cooling required. Open systems vary according to the use and disposal of groundwater. The selection of the type of system (closed-loop or open) will depend on many factors. They include availability of groundwater, soil type, energy requirements, size of lot, and the experience of the local contractor. For example, a rocky soil may prevent trenching. In that case, the contractor could use bore- holes to install a vertical loop system. A small lot may allow only a vertical loop system. Some home- owners could take advantage of a pond or lake, or a well that has a sufficient supply of groundwater. Closed Loop Systems The typical closed-loop GHP system consists of three types of loops: a subsurface loop, a refrigerant loop, and the cooling/heating distribution loop. The subsurface loop typically consists of polyethylene or polybutylene pipe, which is placed horizontally in a trench or vertically in a borehole or well. This thin-walled pipe acts as a heat exchanger, which transfers heat from or to the ground. Antifreeze fluids inside the pipe are circulated to the heat exchanger of an indoor heat pump where it releases heat to the refrigerant. The refrigerant loop typically consists of copper pipes that contain a refrigerant. The last loop of the system consists of the forced air or hydronic system to distribute the heated or cooled air throughout the building. Configuration of the subsurface loops can be almost any shape (Figure 2). Typical patterns include long trenches, parallel shorter trenches, radiating, coiled or slinky, and vertical boreholes. The loop can cir- cle the building or be placed in a nearby water body, such as a pond. The pipe can be placed in either series or in parallel if more than one trench or borehole is used. In series form, only one flow path is made; in parallel form more than one flow path is maintained using headers that branch off from the main supply or return pipe. Headers can be placed in a common area to allow individual flow paths to be checked for leaks without excavating a large area. Series setups usu- ally require less fused joints, but larger diameter pipes than parallel configurations. Another type of closed-loop system is the direct exchange (DX) heat pump system. In a DX system, the underground loop contains the refrigerant. This loop combines the refrigerant and underground loops. Although this method can be very efficient, the disadvantages are potentially significant. A DX system requires several times the amount of refrigerant normally used, and any holes in the copper tubing would cause a loss of the refrigerant. Typically 10 to 20 pounds of refrigerant are used for domestic sys- tems. The copper pipes can be susceptible to corrosion in acidic soils. This type of system therefore poses a greater threat to the environment than other closed-loop GHP systems. Heat from the pipes can bake fine-grained soils that surround a horizontal underground loop. This can reduce the efficiency of heat transfer and thus the performance of the system. Moist sandy soils are more suitable for the operation of DX systems. Page A-3 ------- Appendix A Introduction to Geothermal Heat Pumps from the Pennsylvania Ground Source Heat Pump Manual r 1. Slinky coil horizontal loop. 1 | V1 2. Pond loop 3. Horizontal loop in trench. 4. Vertical loop Figure 2. Series loop configurations Open Loop Systems Open GHP systems, also known as groundwater heat pump (GWHP) systems, typically depend upon groundwater to supply or accept heat. Open systems do not confine fluid to a loop of pipes; they use a pumping well to move water through the heat pump. Although surface water could possibly be used, most open systems rely on groundwater. The water is disposed of by a surface or subsurface method. The water supply well must yield enough water to transport the required amount of heat. During the winter heating cycle, the GWHP system operates by extracting heat from the groundwater and transferring it to the building. During the summer cooling cycle, heat is transferred away from the building by the groundwater. A typical GWHP system is shown in Figure 3. Groundwater is piped from the ground to the tubes of a heat exchanger (evaporator). The refrigerant, contained in tubing, surrounds the water pipes. The exchange of heat then occurs by the same process as described above with closed loop systems. Meanwhile, the groundwater exits the heat exchanger and proceeds to the disposal area. The selection of the size of the groundwater pump is an important deci- sion. The pump must be large enough to overcome the friction in the piping and to supply enough water for the heat pump and other uses. On the other hand, the pump must be small enough to be efficient in energy usage and water supply. Variations of GWHP systems are generally based on the arrangement of wells and the disposal method. Typically homeowners and commercial systems use a two-well system one for supply and one for dis- charge. A supply well can also be used for discharge; this is known as a turbulent system. Several other disposal methods are possible including surface disposal (e.g., to a body of water), and subsurface dis- posal through horizontal drains. GWHP systems also may need different sized wells based on the amount of groundwater required. Page A-4 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems water table supply weH return well Figure 3. Groundwater heat pump system Page A-5 ------- ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Appendix B ------- ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Appendix B State Contacts This list of state contacts was compiled in 1996 and was obtained from the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium's home page at http://www.uidaho.edu/ghpc/. Readers should be aware that some of the information presented here may be out of date. EPA recommends that you check the GHPC website for the most current information if you find any of the information here to be inaccurate. Alabama Alaska Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) R.C. Mills Department of Revenue PO Box 327550 Montgomery, AL 36132-7550 334-242-9610, fax 334-242-0770 Water Well Construction Standards Doug Cook Department of Environmental Management PO Box 301463 Montgomery, AL 36130-1463 334-271-7773, fax 334-279-3051 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Lynn Ford Department of Environmental Management PO Box 301463 Montgomeiy, AL 36130-1463 334-271-7862, fax 334-279-3051 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Jimmy Coles Department of Environmental Management PO Box 301463 Montgomery, AL 36130-1463 334-271-7936, fax 334-279-3051 Closed System Boreholes No state regulations were found although there may be local ordinances at the regional, county and/or city level. Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) No state regulations were found although there may be local ordinances at the regional, county and/or city level. Water Well Construction Standards Stan Justice Potable Water Program of Environmental Conservation 610 University Ave. Fairbanks, AK 99709-3643 907-451-2138, fax 907-451-2187 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Jonathan Williams U.S. EPA Region 5 1200 6th Ave. Seattle, WA 98101 206-553-1369, fax 206-553-0165 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Pete McGee Industrial Operations Sec. Environ. Conservation 610 University Ave. Fairbanks, AK 99709-3643 907-451-2101, fax 907-451-2187 Closed System Boreholes No state regulations were found although there may be local ordinances at the regional, county and/or city level. Page B-1 ------- Appendix B State Contacts Arizona Arkansas Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Mike Ball Op. Division/Tech Support Unit, Water Resources 500 N 3rd St. Phoenix, AZ 85004 602-417-2470, fax 602-417-2401 Water Well Construction Standards Mike Ball see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Chou Chein Aquifer Protection Program Environmental Quality 3033 N Central ADEG Phoenix, AZ 85012 602-207-4573, fax 602-207-4674 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Joe Stewart Surface Water, Water Resources 500 N 3rd St. Phoenix, AZ 85004 602-417-2470, fax 602-407-2401 Closed System boreholes Mike Ball see Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) above Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Kenneth Acklin Arkansas Water Well Construction Commission One Capital Mall, Suite 2C Little Rock, AR 72201 501-682-1025 Water Well Construction Standards Kenneth Acklin see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Kenneth Acklin see above Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Kenneth Acklin see above Closed System Boreholes Kenneth Acklin see above Page B-2 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems California Colorado Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Ken Harris CA Environmental Protection Agency Division of Water Quality PO Box 844213-2130 Sacramento, CA 84244-2130 916-657-0876, fax 916-657-1011 Water Well Construction Standards Karl Hauge Department of Natural Resources RO. Box 942836 Sacramento, CA 94236-0001 916-327-8861 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Doris Betuel US EPA Region 9 UIC Section DWB (w-6-2) 25 Hawthorne St. San Francisco, CA 94105 415-744.1835, fax 415-744-1235 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Archie Matthews Division of Water Quality PO Box 844213 Sacramento CA 84244-2130 916-657-0523, fax 916-657-2388 Closed System Boreholes Jay Guettler CA Energy Commission Energy Technology Development Division 1516 9th St., MS-43 Sacramento, CA 95814-5512 916-654-4663, fax 916-653-6010 Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Office of the State Engineer 1313 Sherman St., Rm 818 Denver, CO 80203 Water Well Construction Standards Division of Water Resources: Records 1313 Sherman St., Rm 821 Denver, CO 80203 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Office of the State Engineer 1313 Sherman St., Rm 818 Denver, CO 80203 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Colorado Health Department Water Quality Control 4300 Cherry Creek Dr., South Denver, CO 80222 303-692-3500, fax 303-782-0390 Closed System Boreholes Office of the State Engineer 1313 Sherman St., Rm 818 Denver, CO 80203 Page B-3 ------- Appendix B State Contacts Connecticut Delaware Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Richard Hurlburt Department of Consumer Protection 165 Capital Ave. Hartford, CT 06106 203-566-3290, fax 203-566-7630 Water Well Construction Standards James Okrongly Department of Public Health, Water Supply Sec. 150 Washington St. Hartford, CT 06106 203-240-0962, fax 203-566-1710 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Oswald Inglese Department of Environmental Protection Water Management Bureau 79 Elm St. Hartford, CT 06106-5127 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Don Gonyea Department of Environmental Protection Water Management Bureau 79 Elm St. Hartford, CT 06106-5127 203-424-3827, fax 203-566-8650 Closed System Boreholes James Okrongly Department of Public Health, Water Supply Section 150 Washington St. Hartford, CT 06106 203-240-0962, fax 203-566-1710 Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Harry Hudson Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Division of Water Resources PO. Box 1401, 89 Kings Hwy. Dover, DE 19903 302-739-3665, fax 302-739-2296 Water Well Construction Standards Rick Rios Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Division of Water Resources, Water Supply Section RO. Box 1401, 89 Kings Hwy. Dover, DE 19903 302-739-4403, fax 302-739-2296 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Rick Rios see above Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Chuck Schadel Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Division of Water Resources, Surface Water Discharge Section RO. Box 1401, 89 Kings Hwy. Dover, DE 19903 Closed System Boreholes Rick Rios see Water Well Construction Standards above Page B-4 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Florida Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) No state regulations were found although there may be local ordinances at the regional, county and/or city level. Water Well Construction Standards Peter Wilkens Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater Resources Water Management Section 2600 Blair Stone Rd. Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400 904-487-1762, fax 904-921-5655 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Rich Deuerling Department of Environmental Protection Water Facilities Division, UIC Sec 2600 Blair Stone Rd. Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400 904-921-9430, fax 904-921-5655 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Richard Drew Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Water Facilities, NPDES 2600 Blair Stone Rd. Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400 904-487-0563, fax 904-921-5655 Closed System Boreholes Jim Frazee Department of Environmental Protection St. John's River Water Management District 618 East South St. Orlando, FL 32801 407-897-4349, fax 407-897-4354 Georgia Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Tony McCook Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division 19 Martin Luther King Dr. SW, Rm 400 Atlanta, GA 30334 404-656-3214, fax 404-657-8379 Water Well Construction Standards Tony McCook see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Bruce O'Connor Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW 4th Floor Atlanta, GA 30334 404-656-3214, fax 404-657-8379 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Joe Kane Department of Natural Resources Water Protection Branch 205 Butler St. SE Floyd Towers East Atlanta, GA 30334 404-656-4887, fax 404-657-7379 Closed System Boreholes Tony McCook see Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) above Page B-5 ------- Appendix B State Contacts Hawaii Idaho Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Noe Noe Tom Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Licensing Branch HO. Box 3469 Honolulu, HI 96801 808-586-2690 Water Well Construction Standards Edwin Sakota Department of Land and Natural Resources Resource Management Commission P.O. Box 621 Honolulu, HI 96809 808-587-0225 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Chauncy Hew Department of Health Safe Drinking Water Branch 919 Ala Moana Blvd Rm. 308 Honolulu, HI 96814 808-586-4258, fax 808-586-4370 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Chauncy Hew see above Closed System Boreholes Chauncy Hew see above Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Mark Slifka Department of Water Resources Division of Water Management PO Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720 208-327-7887, fax 208-327-7866 Water Well Construction Standards Mark Slifka see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Helen Thornton Department of Water Resources Division of Water Management PO Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720 208-327-7887, fax 208-327-7866 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Dick Rogers Department of Health and Welfare Division of Environmental Quality 1410 N.Hilton Boise, ID 83706 208-334-5898, fax 208-334-0417 Closed System Boreholes Mark Slifka see Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) above Page B-6 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Illinois Indiana Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Jerry Dalsin Department of Health Division of Engineering and Sanitation 525 West Jefferson St. Springfield, IL 62761 217-782-5830, fax 217-785-0253 Water Well Construction Standards Jerry Dalsin see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Ron Stewart Illinois EPA Bureau of Land P.O. Box 19276 Springfield, IL 62794-9276 217-782-6762, fax 217-524-3291 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Jerry Dalsin see Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) above Closed System Boreholes Rick Pinneo Illinois EPA Water Permit Section RO. Box 19276 Springfield, IL 62794-9276 217-782-0610, fax 217-524-3291 Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Mark Basch Department of Natural Resources Division of Water, Groundwater Section 402 W. Washington St. Rm W264 Indianapolis, IN 46204-2212 317-232-1106, fax 317-233-4579 Water Well Construction Standards Bill Herring Department of Natural Resources Division of Water, Groundwater Sec 402 W. Washington St. Rm W264 Indianapolis, IN 46204-2212 317-232-1106, fax 317-233-4579 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Nathan Wiser U.S. EPA, Region V UIC Section 77 W. Jackson Boulevard Chicago, IL 60604 312-353-9569, fax 312-886-1502 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Kathern Hess Department of Environmental Management Office of Water Management, Municipal Permit Section RO. Box 6015 Indianapolis, IN 46206-6015 317-232-8704, fax 317-232-8406 Closed System Boreholes Bill Herring see Water Well Construction Standards above Page B-7 ------- Appendix B State Contacts Iowa Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Irene Ray Department of Natural Resources Licensing Bureau 900 E. Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 515-281-5972, fax 515-281-8895 Water Well Construction Standards Mike Anderson Department of Natural Resources Water Quality Bureau, Water Supply Sec 900 E. Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 515-281-6599, fax 515-281-8895 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Kurt Hildebrandt U.S. EPA, Region 7, UIC Sec 726 Minnesota Ave. Kansas City, KS 66101 913-551-7413, fax 913-551-7765 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Steve Williams Department of Natural Resources Water Quality Bureau, Waste Water Sec. 900 E. Grande Ave. Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 515-281-8884, fax 515-281-8895 Closed System Boreholes Mike Anderson see Water Well Construction Standards above Kansas Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Don Taylor Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Water Forbes Field Bldg. 283 Topeka, KS 66620-0001 913-296-5522, fax 913-296-5509 Water Well Construction Standards Don Taylor see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Susan Lidel Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Water Forbes Field Bldg. 283 Topeka, KS 66620-0001 913-296-5554, fax 913-296-5509 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Ed Dillingham Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Water Forbes Field Bldg. 283 Topeka, KS 66620-0001 913-296-5522, fax 913-296-5509 Closed System Boreholes Don Taylor see Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) above Page B-8 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Kentucky Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Chester Bojanowski Department for Environmental Protection Division of Water 14 Reilly Road Frankfort, KY 40601 502-564-3410, fax 502-564-4245 Water Well Construction Standards Chester Bojanowski see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Scott Hoskins US EPA Region IV UIC Sec 345 Courtland St. NE Atlanta GA 30365 Louisiana Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Zahir "Bo" Bolourchi Department of Transportation and Development Water Resources Section PO Box 94245 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9245 504-379-1434 Water Well Construction Standards Zahir "Bo" Bolourchi see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Bill Waller Department of Natural Resources Office of Conservation PO Box 94275 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4275 504-342-5562 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Doug Allgeier Department for Environmental Protection KPDES Branch 14 Reilly Road Frankfort, KY 40601 502-564-6716, fax 502-564-4245 Closed System Boreholes Beverly Oliver Department for Environmental Protection KPDES Branch 14 Reilly Road Frankfort, KY 40601 502-564-3410, fax 502-564-4245 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Suzanne Gardner Department of Environmental Quality Office of Water Resources PO Box 82215 Baton Rouge, LA 70884-2215 504-765-0634 Closed System Boreholes Zahir "Bo" Bolourchi see Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) above Page B-9 ------- Appendix B State Contacts Maine Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Sandy Welton Department of Human Services Water Well Drilling Commission 10 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0110 207-287-5699 Water Well Construction Standards Mark Loiselle Department of Conservation Geological Survey 22 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0022 207-287-2801, fax 207-287-2353 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Kim Sargeant Department of Environmental Protection Division of Water Resource Regulation Bureau of Land and Water Quality 17 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0022 207-287-6108, fax 207-287-7826 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Dennis Merrill Department of Environmental Protection Division of Water Resource Regulation Bureau of Land and Water Quality 17 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0022 207-287-7788, fax 207-287-7826 Closed System Boreholes No state regulations were found although there may be local ordinances at the regional, county and/or city level. Maryland Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Willie Everett Department of the Environment Maryland Board of Well Drillers 2500 Broening Hwy. Baltimore, MD 21224 410-631-3000, fax 410-631-3168 Water Well Construction Standards Eric Dougherty Department of the Environment Groundwater Protection Division Individual Septic and Wells Program 2500 Broening Hwy. Baltimore, MD 21224 410-631-3000, fax 410-631-3093 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Roger Simon Department of the Environment Groundwater Permits Division, Water Management Administration 2500 Broening Hwy. Baltimore, MD 21224 410-631-3323, fax 410-631-4894 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Eric Dougherty see Water Well Construction Standards above Closed System Boreholes Eric Dougherty see Water Well Construction Standards above Page B-10 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Massachusetts Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Tom Klock Department of Environmental Management Office of Water Resources 100 Cambridge St. Boston, MA 02202 617-727-3267, fax 617-727-9402 Water Well Construction Standards Local Health Boards Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Jacob Moss Department of Environmental Protection Division of Water Supply 1 Winter St. Boston, MA 02108 617-556-1165, fax 617-556-1049 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Paul Hogan Department of Environmental Protection Office of Watershed Management Surface Water Permits Program 40 Institute Rd. North Grafton, MA 01536 508-792-7470, fax 508-839-3469 Closed System Boreholes Local Health Boards Michigan Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Mike Gaber Department of Public Health Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health Division of Water Supply PO Box 30195 Lansing, MI 48909 517-335-8304, fax 517-335-9434 Water Well Construction Standards Ronald Holben Department of Public Health Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health Division of Water PO Box 30195 Lansing, MI 48909 517-335-8329, fax 517-335-9434 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Ross Micham U.S. EPA, Region 5 UIC Sec 77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60604-3590 312-886-4237, fax 312-886-4235 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Bill Shaw Department of Natural Resources Water Quality Division PO Box 30273 Lansing, MI 48909 517-335-4118, fax 517-378-9958 Closed System Boreholes Rodger Whitener Department of Natural Resources Geological Survey PO Box 30256 Lansing, MI 48909 517-334-6976, fax 517-334-6038 Page B-1 1 ------- Appendix B State Contacts Minnesota Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Mike Convery Department of Health Division of Environmental Health, Well Management Unit PO Box 64975 St. Paul, MN 55164-0975 612-215-0827, fax 612-215-0978 Water Well Construction Standards Ed Schneider Department of Health Division of Environmental Health, Well Management Unit PO Box 64975 St. Paul, MN 55164-0975 612-215-0827, fax 612-215-0978 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Gretchen Sabel Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Water Quality Division 520 Lafayette Rd. St. Paul, MN 55155-4198 612-697-7574, fax 612-282-66247 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Douglas Hall Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Division of Water Quality 520 Lafayette Rd. St. Paul, MN 55155 612-297-1832, fax 612-297-8683 Closed System Boreholes Ed Schneider see Water Well Construction Standards above Mississippi Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Johnnie Biggert Department of Environmental Quality Office of Land and Water Resources PO Box 10631 Jackson, MS 39289 601-961-5210, fax 601-354-6938 Water Well Construction Standards Johnnie Biggert see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Jamie Crawford Department of Environmental Quality Office of Pollution Control, Groundwater Division PO Box 10385 Jackson, MS 39289-0385 601-961-5354 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) David Bailey Department of Environmental Quality Office of Pollution Control, Groundwater Division PO Box 10385 Jackson, MS 39289-0385 601-961-5208 Closed System Boreholes Charlie Smith Department of Environmental Quality Office of Pollution Control, Groundwater Division PO Box 10385 Jackson, MS 39289-0385 601-961-5395 Page B-12 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Missouri Montana Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Michelle Widener Department of Natural Resources Division of Geology and Land Survey PO Box 250 Rolla, MO 65402 314-268-2165, fax 314-368-2317 Water Well Construction Standards Bruce W. Netzler Department of Natural Resources Division of Geology and Land Survey PO Box 250 Rolla, MO 65402 314-268-2165, fax 314-368-2317 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Evan Kifer Department of Natural Resources Division of Geology and Land Survey PO Box 250 Rolla, MO 65402 314-368-2170, fax 314-368-2317 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Tim Stallman Department of Environmental Quality Water Pollution Control Program Permit Section, NPDES Permit Unit PO Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 314-751-7625 Closed System Boreholes Michael Gawedzinski Department of Natural Resources Division of Geology and Land Survey PO Box 250 Rolla, MO 65402 314-268-2165, fax 314-368-2317 Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Bob Rudio Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Board of Water Well Contractors 1520 East 6th Avenue Helena, MT 59620 406-444-6643 Water Well Construction Standards Bob Rudio see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Ron Zdyb, UIC Coordinator EPA Region 8 Drinking Water Branch 999 18th Street, Suite 500 Denver, CO 80202-2466 303-293-1429, fax 303-293-1234 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Joe Strasko Department of Health and Environmental Sciences Water Quality Division PO Box 200901 Helena, MT 59620-1374 406-444-2783, fax 406-444-1374 Closed System Boreholes No state regulations were found although there may be local ordinances at the regional, county and/or city level. Page B-13 ------- Appendix B State Contacts Nebraska Nevada Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Rod Tremblay Department of Health Division of Drinking Water and Environmental Sanitation PO Box 95007 Lincoln, NE 68509-5007 402-471-2541 Water Well Construction Standards Rod Tremblay see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Rod Tremblay see above Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Steve Walker Department of Environmental Quality Surface Water Sec PO Box 98922 Lincoln, NE 68509 402-471-4227 Closed System Boreholes Rod Tremblay see Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) above Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Diana Lefler Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Division of Water Resources Office of the State Engineer Capitol Complex, 333 W Nye Lane Carson City, NV 89710 702-687-4381 Water Well Construction Standards Diana Lefler see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Marcia Greybeck Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Protection Bureau of Water Pollution Control Capitol Complex 333 W Nye Lane Carson City, NV 89710 702-687-4670 ext 3146, fax 702-687-5856 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) John Nelson Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Protection Capitol Complex, 333 W Nye Lane Carson City, NV 89710 702-687-4670 ext 3145, fax 702-687-5856 Closed System Boreholes No state regulations were found although there may be local ordinances at the regional, county and/or city level. Page B-14 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems New Hampshire Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Rick Schofield Department of Environmental Services New Hampshire Water Well Board 64 N. Main St., PO Box 2008 Concord, NH 03301-2008 603-271-3406, fax 603-271-7894 Water Well Construction Standards Rick Schofield see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Micheal Walker Department of Environmental Services Water Supply & Pollution Control Division 6 Hazen Drive, PO Box 95 Concord, NH 03302-0095 603-271-3644, fax 603-271-2181 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Jeff Andrews Department of Environmental Services Water Supply and Pollution Control Division 6 Hazen Drive, PO Box 95 Concord, NH 03302-0095 603-271-2457, fax 603-271-7894 Closed System Boreholes Rick Schofield see Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) above New Jersey Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Dennis Schwab Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Water Allocation CN-426 Trenton, NJ 08625 609-292-2957 Water Well Construction Standards Mike Miller Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Water Allocation CN-426 Trenton, NJ 08625 609-292-2957 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Ennice Szkoda Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Operation Ground Permits CN-029 Trenton, NJ 08625 609-292-0407, fax 609-984-7938 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Ben Manhas Department of Environmental Protection Division of Water Quality CN-029 Trenton, NJ 08625 609-292-4860, fax 609-984-7938 Closed System Boreholes No state regulations were found although there may be local ordinances at the regional, county and/or city level. Page B-1 5 ------- Appendix B State Contacts New Mexico New York Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Tom Morrison State Engineer's Office Special Projects Division PO Box 25102 Santa Fe, NM 87504-5102 505-827-6135, fax 505-827-6188 Water Well Construction Standards Tom Morrison see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Eric Rounds Ground Water Protection and Remediation Bureau PO Box 26110 Santa Fe, NM 87502 505-827-0652, fax 505-827-2965 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Eric Rounds see above Closed System Boreholes Eric Rounds see above Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) No state regulations were found although there may be local ordinances at the regional, county and/or city level. Water Well Construction Standards Paul Kolakowski Department of Environmental Conservation Bureau of Water Facilities Design 50 WolfRd. Rm. 318 Albany, NY 12233-3505 518-457-1632, fax 518-485-7786 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Paul Kolakowski see above Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Paul Kolakowski see above Closed System Boreholes Paul Kolakowski see above Page B-16 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems North Carolina North Dakota Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Karen Harmon Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Management PO Box 29535 Raleigh, NC 27626-0535 919-733-3221 ext 431, iax 919-715-0588 Water Well Construction Standards Karen Harmon see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Karen Harmon see above Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Michael Allen Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Management, Groundwater Section PO Box 29535 Raleigh, NC 27626-0535 919-733-3221 ext 547, fax 919-715-0588 Closed System Boreholes Karen Harmon see Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) above Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Milton Lindvig State Water Commission Board of Well Water Contractors 900 E. Boulevard Ave. Bismarck, ND 58501 701-328-2750, fax 701-328-3696 Water Well Construction Standards Robert Biek North Dakota Geological Survey 600 E. Boulevard Ave. Bismarck, ND 58505-0840 701-328-4109, fax 701-328-3682 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Ed Murphy North Dakota Geological Survey 600 E. Boulevard Ave. Bismarck, ND 58505-0840 701-328-4109, fax 701-328-3682 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Robert Biek North Dakota Geological Survey 600 E. Boulevard Ave. Bismarck, ND 58505-0840 701-328-4109, fax 701-328-3682 Closed System Boreholes Robert Biek see above Page B-17 ------- Appendix B State Contacts Ohio Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Russel Smith Department of Health Division of Environment POBox 118 Columbus, OH 43266-0118 614-466-1390, fax 614-644-1909 Water Well Construction Standards James M. Raab Department of Natural Resources Division of Water 1939 Fountain Square Court Columbus, OH 43224-9971 614-265-6747, fax 614-447-9503 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Valerie Orr Ohio EPA Division of Drinking and Groundwater UIC Program, PO Box 1049 Columbus, OH 43216-1049 614-644-3125, fax 614-664-2909 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Mark Enoch Ohio EPA, Division of Surface Water NPDES Program, PO Box 1049 Columbus, OH 43216-1049 614-644-2032, fax 614-644-2329 Closed System Boreholes No state regulations were found although there may be local ordinances at the regional, county and/or city level. Oklahoma Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Gary Glove Water Resources Board Water Management Division PO Box 150 Oklahoma City, OK 73101-0150 405-525-4736 Water Well Construction Standards Gary Glove see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Rod Harden Department of Environmental Quality Waste Management Division 1000 NE 10th Oklahoma City, OK 73117 405-281-1342 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Gaiy Glove see Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) above Closed System Boreholes Gaiy Glove see Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) above Page B-18 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Oregon Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Juno Trump Water Resources Department Field Operations Division 158 12th St. NE Salem, OR 97310 503-378-8455 ext 218, fax 503-378-8130 Water Well Construction Standards Rob Cartel- Water Resources Department Field Operations Division 290 N. Central St. Coquille, OR 97423 503-396-3121 ext 254, fax 503-396-6233 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Oregon Department of Environmental Quality 811 SW6th Portland, OR 97204 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Rob Carter see Water Well Construction Standards above Pennsylvania Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Stuart Reese Department of Environmental Resources Bureau of Water Quality Management PO Box 8465 Harrisburg, PA 17105 717-787-9633, fax 717-772-5156 Water Well Construction Standards Stuart Reese see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Stuart Reese see above Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stuart Reese see above Closed System Boreholes Stuart Reese see above Closed System Boreholes Rob Carter see Water Well Construction Standards above Page B-19 ------- Appendix B State Contacts Rhode Island South Carolina Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Susan Kiernan Department of Environmental Management Division of Ground Water 291 Promenade Providence, RI 02908 401-277-2234, fax 401-521-4230 Water Well Construction Standards Susan Kiernan see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Terry Simpson Department of Environmental Management Division of Ground Water 291 Promenade Providence, RI 02908 401-277-2234, fax 401-521-4230 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Alisa Richardson Department of Environmental Management Division of Water Resources 291 Promenade Providence, RI 02908 401-277-6519, fax 401-521-4230 Closed System Boreholes Susan Kiernan see Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) above Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Bill Moore Department of Labor and Licensing Environmental Certification Board 2221 Divine St. Suite 320 Columbia, SC 29205 803-734-9140, fax 803-734-9137 Water Well Construction Standards Jim Hesf Department of Health and Environmental Control Bureau of Drinking Water Program 2600 Bull St. Columbia, SC 29201 803-734-5329, fax 803-734-3604 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Rob Devlin Department of Health and Environmental Control Bureau of Drinking Water Program 2600 Bull St. Columbia, SC 29201 803-734-4672, fax 803-734-3604 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Jason Gillespie Department of Health and Environmental Control Bureau of Water Pollution Control 2600 Bull St. Columbia, SC 29201 803-734-5239, fax 803-734-5593 Closed System Boreholes Jim Hesf see Water Well Construction Standards above Page B-20 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems South Dakota Tennessee Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Ken Buhler Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Rights Joe Foss Bldg. 523 E. Capitol Pierre, SD 57501 605-773-3352, fax 605-773-6035 Water Well Construction Standards Ken Buhler see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Sheldon Hamann Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Rights Joe Foss Bldg. 523 E. Capitol Pierre, SD 57501 605-773-3296, fax 605-773-6035 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Kent Woodmansey Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Rights Joe Foss Bldg. 523 E. Capitol Pierre, SD 57501 605-773-3351, fax 605-773-6035 Closed System Boreholes Ken Buhler see Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) above Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Luke Ewing Department of Environment and Conservation Division of Water Supply 401 Church St. L&C Tower 6th Floor Nashville, TN 37243-1549 615-532-0176, fax 615-532-0503 Water Well Construction Standards Robert Hall Department of Environment and Conservation Division of Water Supply 401 Church St. L&C Tower 6th Floor Nashville, TN 37243-1549 615-532-7198, fax 615-532-0503 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Robin Bell Department of Environment and Conservation Division of Water Control 401 Church St. L&C Tower 6th Floor Nashville, TN 37243-1549 615-532-0169, fax 615-532-0503 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Robby Baker Department of Environment and Conservation Division of Water Pollution Control 401 Church St. L&C Tower 6th Floor Nashville, TN 37243-1549 615-532-0625, fax 615-532-0046 Closed System Boreholes Scotty Sorrells Division of Water Control, Environment & Conservation 401 Church St, 6th floor L&C Tower Nashville, TN 37243 615-532-0671, fax 615-532-0120 Page B-21 ------- Appendix B State Contacts Texas Utah Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Texas Water Commission Texas Water Well Drillers Board PO Box 13087, Capitol Station Austin, TX 78711 Water Well Construction Standards Rick Wilder Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission PO Box 13087 Austin, TX 78711-3087 512-239-0503, fax 512-239-0533 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Bob Traylor Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission PO Box 13087 Austin, TX 78711-3087 512-239-0520, fax 512-239-1003 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Lewis Heerin Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission PO Box 13087 Austin, TX 78711-3087 512-239-4552, fax 512-239-4430 Closed System Boreholes Bob Traylor see Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) above Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Jerry Bronicel Department of Natural Resources 1636 W N. Temple Suite 220 Salt Lake, UT 84116-3156 801-538-7382, fax 801-538-7467 Water Well Construction Standards Jerry Bronicel see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Jerry Jackson Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Quality PO Box 144870 288 N 1460 W Salt Lake, UT 84114-4870 801-538-6023, fax 801-538-6016 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Donald Hilden Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Quality PO Box 144870 288 N.1460 W Salt Lake, UT 84114-4870 801-538-4870, fax 801-538-6016 Closed System Boreholes Jerry Bronicel see Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) above Page B-22 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Vermont Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Jim Ashley Department of Environmental Conservation Water Supply Division 103 S. Main The Old Pantry Waterbury, VT 05671-0403 802-241-3400, fax 802-241-3284 Water Well Construction Standards Jim Ashley see above Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Elizabeth Hansberger Department of Environmental Conservation Water Supply Division 103 S. Main The Old Pantry Waterbury, VT 05671-0403 802-241-3409, fax 802-241-3284 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Brian Kooiker Department of Environmental Conservation Waste Water Management 103S. Main The Old Pantry Waterbuiy, VT 05671-0403 802-241-3822, fax 802-244-5141 Closed System Boreholes Jim Ashley see Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) above Virginia Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Patricia Mealy Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation Boards of Contractors 3600 W Broad St. Richmond, VA 23230 804-367-8511, fax 804-367-2474 Water Well Construction Standards Gary Hagy Department of Health Division of Onsite Sewage and Water Services PO Box 2448 Suite 117 Richmond, VA 23218 804-786-1750, fax 804-225-4003 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Mark Nelson U.S. EPA, Region 3 UIC Sec 841 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19107 215-257-2783, fax 215-597-8541 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) David Mashaw Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Permits 287 Pembroke Office Park Suite 310 Bldg. #2 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 804-552-1125 Closed System Boreholes Don Alexander Department of Health Division of Onsite Sewage and Water Services PO Box 2448 Suite 117 Richmond, VA 23218 804-786-1750, fax 804-225-4003 Page B-23 ------- Appendix B State Contacts Washington Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Department of Ecology PO Box 47600 Olympia, WA 98504 206-407-6420, fax 206-407-6426 Water Well Construction Standards Richard Zmarek Department of Ecology Division of Water Resources PO Box 47600 Olympia, WA 98504 206-407-6648 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Michael Hepp Department of Ecology Water Quality Program PO Box 47600 Olympia, WA 98504-7600 206-407-6420, fax 206-407-6426 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Gary Bailey Department of Ecology Water Quality Program PO Box 47600 Olympia, WA 98504-7600 206-407-6433, fax 206-407-6426 Closed System Boreholes No state regulations were found although there may be local ordinances at the regional, county and/or city level. West Virginia Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Gary Viola Department of Health Office of Environmental Engineering 815 Quarrier St. Suite 418 Charleston, WV 25301 304-558-2981 Water Well Construction Standards Secretary of State Bldg. 1, Suite 157K 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E Charleston, WV 25305-0770 304-558-6000, fax 304-558-0900 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Secretary of State see above Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Jerry Ray Department of Commerce Office of Water Resources 1201 Green Brier St. Charleston, WV 25311 304-558-0375, fax 304-558-5903 Closed System Boreholes David R Watkins Department of Commerce, Labor, and Environmental Resources Office of Water Resources 1201 Green Brier St. Charleston, WV 25311 304-558-2108, fax 304-558-5905 Page B-24 ------- Manual on Environmental Issues Related to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Wisconsin Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) Bill Rock Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Water Supply PO Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707 608-267-7649, fax 608-267-7650 Water Well Construction Standards James E Scarce Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Water Supply PO Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707 608-267-7652, fax 608-267-7650 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) No state regulations were found although there may be local ordinances at the regional, county and/or city level. Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Larry Benson Department of Natural Resources State Waste Water Bureau PO Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707 608-266-8229, fax 608-267-7664 Closed System Boreholes James E Scarce see Water Well Construction Standards Wyoming Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (Registration) No state regulations were found although there may be local ordinances at the regional, county and/or city level. Water Well Construction Standards Ray Murphy Department of Environmental Quality Water Quality Division Herschler Bldg. 122 West 25th St. Cheyenne, WY 82002 307-777-6150, fax 307-777-5451 Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) Robert Lucht Department of Environmental Quality Water Quality Division Herschler Bldg. 122 West 25th St. Cheyenne, WY 82002 307-777-7095, fax 307-777-5973 Surface Water Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) John Wagoneer Department of Environmental Quality Water Quality Division Herschler Bldg. 122 West 25th St. Cheyenne, WY 82002 307-777-7082, fax 307-777-5973 Closed System Boreholes Robert Lucht see Injection (Recharge) Wells Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) above Page B-25 U.S. Government Printing Office: 1997 - 514-003/60605 ------- ------- ------- ------- |