Groundwater Monitoring Well Guide

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Groundwater Monitoring wells

Groundwater monitoring wells (GMW) are principally used for observing groundwater levels and flow conditions, obtaining samples for determining groundwater quality, and for evaluating hydraulic properties of water-bearing strata. Monitoring wells are sometimes referred to as “observation wells.”

This guide will provide the premits and the requirements necessary for installaiton, observation, and removal of longterm monitoring wells within the public right-of-way (ROW).

It is preferred that monitoring wells be kept on private property if possible.  Per TMC 2.19 monitoring wells are exempt from a permit when installed on private property.

Permits required for ROW installation

Permits are required as a provision of Tacoma Municipal Code (TMC). TMC 9.08 Right-of-Way Occupancies and TMC 10.22 Rights-of-Way:

• Right-of-Way Occupancy (ROCC)

This permit type reviews the long-term impacts of a proposed use or occupancy of the ROW and establishes ownership and liability.

• • • Insurance Required

The Certificate of Insurance (COI) for the ROCC permit is not required with the initial submittal but is required prior to routing the agreement for signatures.  It should be noted that the ROCC permit, insurance, and GMW bond(s) should be in the name of the same Responsible Party.  *Please make sure the permit number is listed in the Description of Operations section of the Certificate:

• • • • Certificate of Insurance Requirements
      • Example of Certificate of Insurance
      • Example of Commercial General Liability
      • Example of Primary Non-Contributory & Waiver of Subrogation
      • Example of Additional Insured

• • • GWM Performance Bond Required

Each monitoring well requires a specific $10,000 GMW Performance Bond or Assignment-in-Lieu per well (or one for the total amount if multiple wells).  The Bond(s) is not required with the initial submittal but is required prior to routing the agreement for signatures. It should be noted that the ROCC permit, insurance, and GMW bond(s) should be in the name of the same Responsible Party.

• • • • GMW Supplemental App(please include this form with your initial submittal)
      • GMW Bond
      • GMW Assignment-in-Lieu-of-Bond

• • • Agreement to be recorded with Pierce County
      • Upon staff approval we will draft an agreement, route for signatures, invoice a recording feeand confirm insurance and bonding has been submitted.
      • Once signed by all parties and recording fees paid, we will record the agreement and consider the permit Active.  This is the point when the Right-of-Way Construction (RCON) or Work Order (WO) can be issued.
      • Annual use fees will be invoiced separately to the responsible party.  Fees, insurance, and bonding must remain in place until the wells are removed or decommissioned.
      • Example Groundwater Monitoring Well Agreement.

• Right-of-Way Construction (RCON) – Typical | Work Order (WO) – Complex

These permit types are used for the construction and inspection activity associated with the installation or removal of monitoring wells.

• • • • Although general placement of the well(s) is confirmed and approved through the ROCC permit review, the inspector will confirm final placement of the well(s) in the field through the construction permit.  If any major changes are required, an updated site plan man be necessary to add to the ROCC record.
      • ROW Bond Required
      • Contractor License Required
      • City of Tacoma Business License Required

• Right-of-Way Use and Barricading (RUSE)

This permit type is associated with monitoring activities after the initial installation has been completed.  Used to review the Trafic Control Plan (TCP) associated with ROW use and barricade.

• • • • ROW Bond Required
      • Contractor License Required
      • City of Tacoma Business License Required

The RCON, WO and RUSE permits require that the contractor have the following in place prior to permit issuance:

• City of Tacoma ROW Bond: Right-of-way and Performance Bonds
• City of Tacoma Business License: Business Licenses
• Licensing and bonding through L&I: Register as a Contractor.

When wells are due to be removed or decommissioned, an additional RCON or WO will be required for that scope of work.  An approved inspection is required prior to Releasing the ROCC permit and associated bonds.  An additional recording fee will be charged at that time to record the Release with Pierce County.