Orange County NC Website
33 <br /> f 2 <br /> L40-41 - <br /> 1 , <br /> t <br /> C.J. Corvette explained that with proper casing depth (typically 50+ feet), wells shouldn't <br /> directly affect surface streams. Springs fed by groundwater could potentially be affected by <br /> upgradient wells, but deep crystalline rock wells are very likely not going to have a strong impact <br /> on the stream nearby. <br /> Vice-Chair Hamilton asked if there are wells that are fed from streams underground. <br /> C.J. Corvette said yes. He said if there's a site where the groundwater is feeding the <br /> stream or is a spring and the water is tapped into uphill, it might remove the water from the system. <br /> However, if the water is downhill and the water is already out on the surface, it may not. He <br /> clarified that community wells are less likely to have an impact on a nearby stream than, for <br /> example, a spring that someone puts in on their private residence. <br /> Using the whiteboard, C.J. Corvette illustrated the concept of the cone depression, <br /> showing how pumping creates a cone-shaped area of reduced water pressure around the well. <br /> In confined aquifers, this represents pressure reduction rather than actual dewatering of the <br /> formation. <br /> Commissioner Fowler asked the presenter to confirm if deep wells are less likely to affect <br /> the water table and groundwater. <br /> C.J. Cornette said that is true if they are constructed well. <br /> Commissioner McKee said his takeaway is that with all the variables, it is nearly impossible <br /> to say whether one well will impact another well. <br /> C.J. Cornette said if a second well is within a 500 ft. radius, they could test one while doing <br /> a drawdown test in the other, and that is the internal guidance in his company. <br />