This framework provides guidance and example language for creating a permitting process and ensuring proper siting, installation, maintenance, and closure of a geothermal energy system. The language provided can be modified to become part of a municipality's drilling or well regulations, part of the General Codes, or part of the zoning ordinance. Since a handful of municipalities have placed their geothermal well regulations in their zoning ordinance, this framework has been formatted around the organizational structure of a typical a zoning ordinance. However, while including geothermal regulations in your zoning ordinance can be effective, it may not be the best place for this type of regulation, because geothermal wells are not truly a "use" to be regulated by zoning or land development. Note: The language provided in this framework is not intended to be wholly adopted. Please consult with your municipal solicitor.
Resources
Spring Creek Watershed Association (SCWA) Model Ordinance for Borehole and Well Drilling: The SCWA, located in State College, Pennsylvania, has developed two (draft) versions of well and borehole regulations. One draft Generic PMC [0.1 MB doc] can be used in conjunction with the Property Maintenance Code implemented by municipalities with in-house code inspection services. A second draft Ordinance [0.1 MB doc] can be adopted as a stand-alone ordinance by those municipalities that do not have a Property Maintenance Code in effect.
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR): Water Well Drilling and Abandonment