Wells are a potential source of groundwater contamination. The number of public wells listed on your report is from
a database of drilled public wells. Not all of the wells are currently used but even if they are not used,
they represent a conduit to groundwater. Wells owned by the military are not reported.
There are a large number of private wells used for drinking water, irrigation, groundwater monitoring and oil and
gas, especially in certain regions of Missouri. Knowing the location of these wells is important in managing
environmental risk.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) requires the following well setback distances:
- 300 feet - Land application of manure
- 300 feet - Storage areas for commercial fertilizers or chemicals
- 300 feet - Earthen, concrete or other manure storage structure or lagoons
- 300 feet - Uncovered animal composters
- 100 feet - Enclosed composters with concrete floor and roof
- 100 feet - Dry litter storage in poultry building during normal operation
Additional separation distances from wells can be found at
Reducing the Risk of Groundwater Contamination by
Improving Drinking-Water Well Conditions.
Some private wells are no longer used. These abandoned wells still constitute a conduit through which contaminants
can reach groundwater. The Wellhead Protection Section
of MDNR's Geological Survey program contains information on reducing risk of these wells by closing them in the publication,
Eliminating An Unnecessary Risk: Abandoned Wells and Cisterns (PDF).
[ CLOSE ]
|
