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Permit Handbook -> Water Resource Permits -> Well Construction and Operator's License

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Well Construction and Operator's License

What is the Purpose of this License?

A Well Operator's License is required for all construction and decommissioning activities for these categories of wells:

  • Water wells.
  • Monitoring wells.
  • Geotech soil borings.
  • Environmental investigation wells.
  • Geothermal heat pump borings.
  • Dewatering systems.
There are two situations that do not require this license:
  1. When drilling a water well on your own property for your own consumptive use no more than once every two years. The well must meet all well construction regulation standards and be constructed by the actual property owner. There is no exemption for decommissioning wells. A property owner must hire a licensed Washington state well driller.
  2. When drilling is conducted by a licensed engineer, architect, or land surveyor registered in Washington State, provided state construction and decommissioning regulations are met and the engineer, architect or land surveyor is on site during construction and decommissioning activities.
There are various ways to qualify for a license. See the Guide to Washington's Well Operator Program publication for specific requirements. The applicant must meet the requirements outlined in the Guide to Washington's Well Operator Program and pass a written and possible on-site exam.
Who issues this License?

Department of Ecology

What Activities Require this License?

A drilling license is required for all drilling activities for all types of wells including:

  • Water wells.
  • Monitoring wells.
  • Geotech soil borings.
  • Environmental investigations wells.
  • Geothermal heat pump borings.
  • Dewatering systems.
How Much Will this License Cost?

New applicants $75 for each type of license.

To renew a license $75 for each type of license.

Where Can I Get the Application for this License?

The application which is called 'Well Construction Operator's License Application', is online and can be downloaded at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/ecy050121a.html.

Do I Need to Include Anything with my Application?

To apply for a new well operator license, applicants must pass a written exam and possibly an on-site field exam.

Is the Decision on my License Dependent on Anything Besides the Information in my Application?

License dependencies vary. Please contact Mary Lynum in Water Resources at 360-407-6650 for more information.

How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?
License applications are reviewed and a written response to the applicant is made within two weeks of receipt.
Where do I Submit my Application?

Applications must be mailed to:

Cashiering Unit
Department of Ecology
PO Box 46711
Olympia WA 98504-7611

How Long is my License Valid?

Licenses must be renewed every 2 years prior to the renewal date. If a well operator license is not renewed by the renewal date, the license is expired and you may not construct or decommission wells. Trainee licenses are not renewable, but may receive a one-time extension of up to 24 months.

What is the Appeal Process for the License?

An applicant or any interested party may appeal a decision by Ecology to issue or deny a permit to the Pollution Control Hearings Board.

Notes / Comments:
None.
Legal Authority:
Links:
Statewide Contact:
Department of Ecology
Water Resources Program
Headquarters
300 Desmond Drive
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA  98504-7600
Telephone: (360) 407-6872
Fax: (360) 407-7162
Website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/wrhome.html

* Permit information last updated 12/12/2012.

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