256.628. Obligation to plug abandoned well, notification--information to be filed, form--inspection, injunction, penalty.
Obligation to plug abandoned well, notification--information to befiled, form--inspection, injunction, penalty.
256.628. 1. A public water supplier subject to theprovisions of chapter 640, RSMo, which connects to any structureor location previously served by any well which is not that ofanother public water supplier shall notify the well owner of hisobligation to plug any abandoned well pursuant to therequirements of sections 256.600 to 256.640. The public watersupplier shall not connect any person to the public water systemuntil the person submits information which identifies thelocation of wells and attests that:
(1) Known abandoned wells on the property have beenplugged; or
(2) There are no known abandoned wells on the property; or
(3) Existing wells will remain in use and will be properlyplugged when no longer used; or
(4) Any abandoned wells will be plugged within ninety days.
2. The public water supplier shall submit a copy ofinformation so received to the division on forms provided by thedivision, along with sufficient information to enable thedivision to locate existing and abandoned wells. The divisionshall, within a reasonable time, inspect any well identified insubdivision (4) of subsection 1 of this section. If the divisiondetermines that an abandoned well has not been plugged, it shallorder the owner to have it plugged by a permitted water wellinstallation contractor within thirty days. The division shallimmediately seek injunctive relief through the office of theprosecuting attorney of the county wherein the alleged violationoccurred to enforce its order and shall notify the appropriatepublic water supplier who shall terminate water service to theproperty thirty days after receipt of notice if the well has notbeen plugged. Any person who fails to plug an abandoned wellpursuant to the provisions of this subsection shall, uponconviction, be subject to the penalties specified in section256.637.
(L. 1991 S.B. 221)