Description

Within the United States, each of the states has regulations that specifically apply (or are made to apply) to open-loop ground-source heat pump systems (GSHPs). While all of these regulations are based on the need to preserve groundwater and aquifer quality, the list of restrictions and construction requirements varies greatly from state to state, among those that have specific requirements. In addition, the responsibility for water appropriation (water rights) and specifics of discharge disposal also must be determined before a system can be installed. The regulations that apply to supply wells for open-loop GSHP systems typically evolved from water well regula-tions. The resulting rules may or may not be sensible. The status of the regulations has been determined for all of the states. For example, in seventeen states, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has jurisdiction under “injection well” regulations. In the other states, the responsibility for regulations and enforcement has been delegated to the states by the EPA. In addition, heat is specifically included as a pollutant for surface discharge by the EPA, and states must, at a minimum, require a permit before such discharge can occur.

In some states, underground reinjection is the preferred method of supply water disposal, whereas underground disposal is not permitted in other states. Water rights permitting requirements also vary from state to state.

An overview of the regulations is presented, along with a summary of the states’ concerns.

Units: I-P

Citation: Symposium Papers, Atlantic City, 2002

Product Details

Published:

2002

Number of Pages:

6

File Size:

1 file , 67 KB

Product Code(s):

D-7027