Assessment Associates, Inc. Environmental Consultants

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What are DRYWELLS and how can they impact my property transaction?

Examples of Underground Injection Devices (UICs) include drywells, french drains, bioswales, infiltration galleries/trenches, large residential and commercial property septic systems, or any dug hole, blasted or drilled hole, excavated or bored shaft used to discharge fluids (e.g., stormwater) to the subsurface.

How do I know if a UIC is located on my property?

• Site knowledge (such as site plans, permits on file at local government agency, employee recollections)
• Video survey of the facility’s stormwater lines
• Reviewing the on-line Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) UIC Database

To continue to operate your drywell you must:

• Be registered with DEQ (DEQ registration fees range from $100 to $300 per UIC)
• Achieve “Rule Authorized” status from DEQ

To meet Rule Authorization status, the UIC must meet all of the following criteria:

1. No other waste or discharge (e.g., septic, garage floor drain) is mixed with the stormwater.
2. Stormwater runoff is minimized (e.g., roof runoff is put through a planter), and connection to municipal stormwater utility is not available.
3. Water supply wells (domestic, irrigation, or industrial) are not present within 500 feet of the UIC.
4. Public drinking water supply wells are not present within 500 feet, or within the delineated 2-year time-of-travel, which ever is more protective.
5. Soil or groundwater contamination is not present on the property or in the vicinity of the UIC (generally the UIC must be more than 50 feet from contamination).
6. The injection system is not deeper than 100 feet, does not discharge into groundwater, and the bottom of the UIC is above the highest seasonal groundwater level (i.e, 10 feet for UICs, 5 feet for roof drains).
7. A confinement barrier or filtration medium must be present, or pre-treatment, such as a filter vault, must be used to prevent or treat stormwater contamination.
8. An emergency shutoff valve for the injection system is installed.

Email us today or call (503) 233-8565 for a free consultation regarding your stormwater compliance needs.

We provide environmental services to governments, property investors, developers, lenders, and industrial clients.