WAC 173-160-106. How do I apply for a variance on a water well?

(1) When strict compliance with the requirements and standards of this chapter are impractical, any person may request a variance to the department from a regulation or regulations. The application for variance must propose a comparable alternative specification that will provide equal or greater human health and resource protection than the minimum standards. Application for a variance shall be made in writing and approved prior to the construction or decommissioning of the well. (2) The variance application shall contain at least the following information: (a) Name, address, and phone number of the person requesting the variance; (b) Address of well site; (c) 1/4, 1/4, section, township, range; (d) The specific regulation(s) that cannot be followed; (e) The comparable alternative specification; (f) Justification for the request. (3) At the department’s discretion, the proponent may be required to provide additional technical information justifying the variance. (4) The variance application will be evaluated, and a response will be given within fourteen days. In a public health emergency or other exceptional circumstance, verbal notification for a variance may be given. An emergency usually consists of a well failure resulting in a dry well or an unusable well. Driller convenience does not constitute an emergency. (5) The emergency variance recipient must immediately follow up with a written notification to the department so that a permanent record is made of the variance. (6) Local health districts or counties with delegated authority may grant variances under the provision chapter 18.104 delegated authority.