§ 9.80.120. Abandoned wells—Method of filling and plugging.

For the purpose of this chapter, an abandoned well is (a) a defective well which, in the judgment of the superintendent, cannot be corrected to comply with the requirements of this chapter, or (b) any well which has been continuously out of use for a period of two years, or longer. Whenever any well has not been in active use for more than two years, the owner or operator of the same shall report such fact to the superintendent. Every abandoned well shall be filled and plugged with such materials and in such manner as, in the judgment of such superintendent, will prevent the pollution and contamination of the city's water supply. Such filling and plugging shall be done under the supervision of such superintendent, and at the expense of the owner of such well. Whenever the superintendent shall receive notice from any source, of the existence of an abandoned well which has not been plugged and filled in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, he shall notify the owner or agent in charge of such well or of the property upon which it is situate that such well is abandoned and shall instruct him to fill and plug such well in accordance with this chapter, and the owner or operator of such well shall comply with such order within sixty days after the date of same. Should he fail to so comply within such period or if after using reasonable diligence, should the superintendent fail to locate the owner or agent in charge of such well or of the property upon which the well is situate, the superintendent shall go on the land or property upon which the well is situate and fill and plug the same in the manner required by this chapter. Whenever it becomes necessary for the superintendent to fill and plug any abandoned well the owner thereof shall be liable to the city for the cost of doing such work.

(Prior code § 23-28)