§817.412. Plugging and Sealing of Drill Holes

All drill holes, including exploration borings that are not converted into monitoring wells, monitoring wells that are no longer necessary to the operation of the site, and other holes that may cause or facilitate contamination of groundwater shall be sealed in accordance with the following standards:

 

a)         If not sealed or plugged immediately, the drill hole shall be covered to prevent injury to people or animals.

 

b)         All drill holes no longer intended for use shall be back-filled with materials that are compatible with the geochemistry of the site and with the leachate in sufficient quantities and in such a way as to prevent the creation of a pathway for contaminants to migrate.

 

c)         For drill holes in gravels and other permeable strata where a watertight seal is not necessary to prevent the creation of pathway, drill cuttings and other earthen materials may be utilized as backfill.

 

d)         All excess drilling mud, oil, drill cuttings, and any other contaminated materials uncovered during or created by drilling shall be disposed of in accordance with the requirements of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 700 through 749, 807, and 809 through 815.

 

e)         The operator shall restore the area around the drill hole to its original condition.