Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §550-B, sub-§1, ¶B, as enacted by PL 1987, c. 509, is repealed.

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §550-B, sub-§1, ¶C is enacted to read:

C.__"Well drilling company" means a person, firm, partnership or corporation that owns or otherwise operates any mechanical equipment used to drill, drive or bore water wells.

Sec. 3. 12 MRSA §550-B, sub-§3, ¶A, as amended by PL 1999, c. 556, §16, is further amended to read:

A. Within 180 30 days after completion of any well or dry hole, or the enlarging or deepening of an existing well, a well contractor drilling company shall submit a report to the Bureau of Geology and Natural Areas, on forms designed and provided by the Bureau of Geology and Natural Areas. The report must contain information as may be required by the Bureau of Geology and Natural Areas, including, but not limited to, location, construction and well yield.

Sec. 4. 12 MRSA §550-B, sub-§3, ¶B, as enacted by PL 1987, c. 509, is amended to read:

B. Any well contractor who drilling company that has engaged in the construction of water wells, but who has not submitted well completion reports on a timely basis as required by this chapter, shall be is in violation of this chapter.

Sec. 5. 12 MRSA §550-B, sub-§5, as enacted by PL 1987, c. 509, is amended to read:

5. Penalties. Any person, company, firm, partnership or corporation, who A well drilling company that violates any standard or provision of this chapter, commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not more than $500 may be adjudged. In addition to other civil remedies, the court may issue an injunction.

SUMMARY

This bill makes the definition of the entity responsible for submitting water well information to the State consistent with other laws. The bill reduces the time allowed for the company to submit the information from 6 months to 30 days, which is consistent with the time required by the Maine Water Well Commission.