The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) does not issue water well permits for private homes, Type III public, irrigation, industrial, heat pump, or test wells. However, the MDEQ, Water Bureau is responsible to oversee the local health departments that have authority to implement Part 127, Water Supply and Sewer Systems, Public Health Code, 1978 PA 368, as amended, and Administrative Rules promulgated thereby, referred to as the Groundwater Quality Control Rules, (State Well Code). Local health departments also administer the Safe Drinking Water Act, 1976 PA 399, as amended for Type III public water supplies.

A. NAME OF PERMIT OR APPROVAL:

Water well construction permit.

B. STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

Part 127, Water Supply and Sewer Systems, Public Health Code, 1978 PA 368, as amended , and Safe Drinking Water Act, 1976 PA 399, as amended

C. APPLICABLE REGULATION:

Part 127 Administrative Rules referred to as the Groundwater Quality Control Rules (State Well Code), R 325.1601 to R 325.1781,

Safe Drinking Water Act administrative rules,

D. MICHIGAN BUSINESS ONE STOP:

The Michigan Business One Stop (One Stop) www.michigan.gov/business is a tool designed to allow businesses to interact with the State of Michigan. The tool offers:

• a set of screening questions based upon your business sector to identify permits, licenses and registrations that may be required to do business in Michigan.
• an option to pay fees online. For many programs, you can pay your business license fee in One Stop through use of an online form and shopping cart.
• many online permit applications and renewals. When starting a new business and registering in One Stop, you will need to identify a business sector (also known as a NAICS Code). You can find your code at www.naics.com, select "Code Search."  After entering this code in One Stop and answering some screening questions, links to relevant permit applications will automatically be available in your newly created workspace. One benefit of accessing applications through One Stop is that you will receive status messages throughout the application process.

Using the One Stop provides many benefits to businesses in Michigan. By conducting your business through One Stop you can organize your State of Michigan transactions in one place. If you ever need assistance with One Stop, then you can contact the Customer Assistance Center at 877-766-1779; they are open from 7 am to 6 pm. One Stop is a valuable tool that offers many benefits to business. We hope you give it a try.

E. SUMMARY OF PERMIT/APPROVAL PROCESS:

 1.  Applicability (activities that require the permit)

Construction of a new water well or extensive changes or repairs made to existing water wells require a permit through the local (county or district) health department (LHD). Extensive changes include: replacing the entire casing, removing a casing from the ground, or changing aquifers. LHDs also have the authority, through their local ordinances, to have more stringent construction and permitting requirements than the State Well Code.

 2.  Pre-Application Requirements

LHDs each have their own permit requirements based on locally-adopted ordinances, that must be met prior to a water well permit being issued. Water quality and quantity problems in certain areas of the state may result in additional permitting requirements.

 3.  Application Submission Requirements

LHDs each have their own permit form and permitting process. Most permit applications ask for the proposed well location, owner information, along with a detailed site plan. Some LHDs use the MDEQwell permit form (EQP 2024 (4/01)) for permitting Type III public water supplies.

 4.  Procedures and Time-Frame for Obtaining Permit or Approval

The applicant submits a water well permit application to the LHD. The LHD reviews the application and may make a visit to the well site. Upon a determination that an application has met all the requirements, the LHD issues the permit. In general, the permit must be obtained prior to well construction, unless the LHD issues an approval to begin construction prior to permit issuance.

In rare cases, the well permit may be denied based on local groundwater conditions such as known sources of groundwater contamination or the inability to obtain water for the intended use.

 5.  Operational Requirements

The applicant and his/her contractor must comply with all applicable rules and regulations and any stipulations set forth on the permit. Any changes in permit requirements (deviations or otherwise) should be approved by the LHD prior to the work being performed.

The LHD is responsible for the implementation of the permit, field inspections, and final approval of the well construction activities.

 6.  Fees

The LHDs independently set fees for permits and other well construction activities within their jurisdiction. LHDs receive funding from the state of Michigan to help support their water well permitting program.

 7.  Appeal Process

As stated in their local sanitary codes, appeals are made directly to the LHDs.

F. ADMINISTERING AGENCY:

Local Health Departments

• Environmental Assistance Center: 1-800-662-9278, e-mail: deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov

Creation/Revision Date:

October 2010