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Committee approves revised well construction standards, eases low‑temperature geothermal requirements
Summary
Updated well construction rules lower regulatory barriers for some low‑temperature geothermal wells and clarify casing, seal and waiver procedures; industry witnesses said the changes will reduce costs.
The Idaho Senate Resources and Environment Committee approved revised well construction standards (docket 3703092401) that clarify minimum construction standards, well‑seal requirements and waivers, and that allow certain low‑temperature geothermal wells to be built to cold‑water well standards.
Eric Boe, Water Compliance Bureau Chief and rules regulation officer, told the committee the chapter updates definitions (for example, casing and geotechnical borings), aligns language with other IDWR rules and the Department of Environmental Quality’s public‑drinking‑water rules, and clarifies well‑seal requirements. The department said it did not change fee amounts in the chapter and that the pending rule reduces the chapter by about 777 words (roughly a 6% reduction) and trims restrictive language.
In response to drilling‑industry comments, the rules were revised so that low‑temperature geothermal wells with a bottom‑hole temperature below 140 degrees Fahrenheit that do not flow at land surface may be constructed to cold‑water well standards rather than more stringent geothermal standards. Roger Batt, representing the Idaho Groundwater Association (an association of well drillers and well‑construction companies), told the committee the change reduces construction burdens such as eliminating a required second string of casing in many cases and estimated the rule change could reduce a typical homeowner geothermal well cost from about $50,000 to about $30,000.
Senator Harris asked about new waiver language allowing the director to request comments from DEQ or local health districts when considering waivers related to separation between wells and septic systems; the department said that language was newly added to the document to strengthen interagency review.
Senator Guthrie moved to approve docket 3703092401; Senator Harris seconded. The motion carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition and the committee approved the rules.
The department published the proposed chapter Oct. 2, 2024, and the pending rule without modification on Dec. 4, 2024.
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