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76 <br /> undertaken by the U.S. Geological Survey. The study <br /> is scheduled for completion by the end of the year. <br /> Until the study is completed, there is no definitive <br /> data. However, the Environmental Health Division <br /> Staff has indicated that when current standards <br /> governing separation of wells from homes, septic <br /> systems, property lines, and other wells are met, <br /> few problems associated with well failures have been <br /> encountered. Where such situations have occurred, <br /> they have resulted from failing septic systems. <br /> Brown expressed concern that there was no way to <br /> determine problems such as wells going dry. She <br /> noted that "we really don't know what our <br /> groundwater situation is" . Stancil responded that <br /> information by watershed would be determined, but he <br /> did not know whether it could be determined by <br /> subdivision lots. Brown continued, expressing <br /> concern that the groundwater usage is not known. <br /> She stated that her concern was, with such a dense <br /> concentration of wells- being proposed, who would be <br /> responsible if the water supply fails and who would <br /> provide water. Collins responded that the Utilities <br /> Service Area Task Force is working on this issue to <br /> • define service areas. It is hoped that the report <br /> will be completed this year. <br /> Walters responded to the concern voiced by Brown <br /> regarding wells going dry. She noted that a permit <br /> is required by Environmental Health before drilling <br /> another well and Stancil noted that a permit is also <br /> required for abandoning a well. <br /> Jobsis stated that she has never been an automatic <br /> supporter of open space because of clustering. She <br /> noted also, that she does not have as much concern <br /> as others do regarding the traditional method of <br /> development of homes in Orange County. She noted <br /> also that she felt clustering would create more <br /> problems with wells and septic tanks. <br /> Price asked if it would be incumbent upon the <br /> developer to verify water supply. Collins responded <br /> that subdivision lots can be platted and recorded. <br /> The availability of sufficient water is determined <br /> lot by lot. If a well permit cannot be obtained, <br /> then there can be no building on the lot. <br /> Price asked for clarification for clustering and <br /> whether an individual property owner or the <br /> developer would be responsible for wells. Waddell <br /> emphasized that availability of a well site must be <br /> determined prior to issuance of a building permit. <br /> Discussion indicated that the Planning Board must be <br />