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NGWA NJ Regulations - VCLG Drilling License
Certification EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS
AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE
THIS YEAR-JUST RELEASED
POINT-FORM SUMMARY – EXAM COVERAGE (NGWA / NJ VCLG DRILLING LICENSE)
Based on NJDEP Regulations (N.J.A.C. 7:9D) & NGWA Standards
1. Regulatory Framework & Licensing (N.J.A.C. 7:9D)
• Primary purpose: Protect public health, safety, and the environment
• NJDEP as the issuing authority for well drilling licenses
• VCLG = Vertical Closed Loop Geothermal (specialized category)
• Eight license types: Master, Journeyman, ERG, Dewatering, VCLG, Elevator Borehole, Pump
Installer
• Licensing renewal: Every two years with Continuing Education Points (CEPs)
• CEP requirements: 21 total points per 3-year cycle (minimum 10 technical + 4 safety)
2. Well Construction & Siting (Category 1 & 2 Wells)
• Minimum casing extension: 12 inches above grade
• Pitless adapters required (exceptions: turbine pumps, irrigation wells)
• No wells in basements or cellars
• Minimum setback from septic tank: 50 feet
• Minimum casing depth in unconsolidated formations: 20 feet or until bedrock
• Minimum grout seal thickness: 3 inches annular space
• Borehole diameter: Minimum 4 inches greater than casing ID for oversized boreholes
3. Drilling Methods & Equipment
• Air rotary drilling for deep municipal wells in unconsolidated formations
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• Licensed driller on-site supervision required for each drilling rig
• Clean, potable water for drilling operations
• Drive shoe required on driven casing with bentonite seal
• Equipment maintained clean to prevent contamination
4. Grouting & Annular Seals
• Annular space sealing within 24 hours of casing setting
• Bentonite grout for annular seals (minimum 3-inch thickness)
• Tremie pipe placement for grouting under pressure
• Sealing requirements for all annular spaces between casings
5. Well Completion & Development
• Well screen sizing: Produce sand/silt ≤5 ppm for domestic wells
• Disinfection required after installation, redevelopment, maintenance, or repair
• Well Record Report mandatory for ALL wells drilled in NJ
• Low water level cut-off device required for wells yielding <5 gpm
6. Pump Installation Requirements
• Pressure relief device required on all pumping systems
• Foot valve or check valve required on each pump
• Pressure sensing device (switch, transducer, or relay) per manufacturer specs
• Pump controls housed outside casing in secured location
7. Well Decommissioning & Abandonment
• Proper abandonment: Seal with approved grout from bottom to top
• Prevents contamination conduits to aquifers
• Documentation required for decommissioning records
8. Materials Standards
• Steel casing: ASTM A53/A53M or API specifications
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• Plastic casing: ASTM F480, NSF Standard 14, limited to unconsolidated formations
• NSF/AWWA/ASTM approval required for all casing materials
9. Safety & Environmental Protection
• Maximum fine: Up to $5,000 per violation
• Hazardous waste handling per N.J.A.C 7:26G
• Potable water quality for drilling fluids
• Casing vent: Down-facing, screened, minimum 12 inches above grade
10. Professional Responsibilities
• Continuing education mandatory for license renewal
• Apprentice supervision by licensed master or journeyman driller
• Inspection and compliance reports for audits
• Clear client communication and ethical conduct
Question 1: You are applying for a VCLG drilling license in New Jersey. Which state agency has the
authority to issue this license after you pass the required exams?
A) New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
B) New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)
C) National Ground Water Association (NGWA)
D) New Jersey Department of Health
Correct answer: B (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection). The NJDEP oversees well
drilling licensing through the Division of Water Supply and Geoscience, in consultation with the State
Well Drillers and Pump Installers Examining and Advisory Board .
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Question 2: A homeowner asks you to drill a new potable water well but wants it located inside their
basement for easy access during winter. Under N.J.A.C. 7:9D, is this permitted?
A) Yes, if the basement has a drain and sump pump
B) Yes, but only with a special variance from NJDEP
C) No, new wells cannot be located or enclosed in a basement or cellar
D) No, unless the well is deeper than 200 feet
*Correct answer: C (No, new wells cannot be located or enclosed in a basement or cellar). N.J.A.C. 7:9D-
2.3(b)(1) explicitly prohibits locating new Category 1 or 2 wells in basements or cellars to prevent
contamination and ensure access for maintenance .*
Question 3: While drilling a VCLG borehole in unconsolidated sand, you complete the borehole to 300
feet. Your casing has a 6-inch inner diameter. What minimum borehole diameter is required for this
oversized borehole installation under NJ regulations?
A) 8 inches
B) 10 inches
C) 12 inches
D) 14 inches
NGWA NJ Regulations - VCLG Drilling License
Certification EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS
AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE
THIS YEAR-JUST RELEASED
POINT-FORM SUMMARY – EXAM COVERAGE (NGWA / NJ VCLG DRILLING LICENSE)
Based on NJDEP Regulations (N.J.A.C. 7:9D) & NGWA Standards
1. Regulatory Framework & Licensing (N.J.A.C. 7:9D)
• Primary purpose: Protect public health, safety, and the environment
• NJDEP as the issuing authority for well drilling licenses
• VCLG = Vertical Closed Loop Geothermal (specialized category)
• Eight license types: Master, Journeyman, ERG, Dewatering, VCLG, Elevator Borehole, Pump
Installer
• Licensing renewal: Every two years with Continuing Education Points (CEPs)
• CEP requirements: 21 total points per 3-year cycle (minimum 10 technical + 4 safety)
2. Well Construction & Siting (Category 1 & 2 Wells)
• Minimum casing extension: 12 inches above grade
• Pitless adapters required (exceptions: turbine pumps, irrigation wells)
• No wells in basements or cellars
• Minimum setback from septic tank: 50 feet
• Minimum casing depth in unconsolidated formations: 20 feet or until bedrock
• Minimum grout seal thickness: 3 inches annular space
• Borehole diameter: Minimum 4 inches greater than casing ID for oversized boreholes
3. Drilling Methods & Equipment
• Air rotary drilling for deep municipal wells in unconsolidated formations
, Page 2 of 116
• Licensed driller on-site supervision required for each drilling rig
• Clean, potable water for drilling operations
• Drive shoe required on driven casing with bentonite seal
• Equipment maintained clean to prevent contamination
4. Grouting & Annular Seals
• Annular space sealing within 24 hours of casing setting
• Bentonite grout for annular seals (minimum 3-inch thickness)
• Tremie pipe placement for grouting under pressure
• Sealing requirements for all annular spaces between casings
5. Well Completion & Development
• Well screen sizing: Produce sand/silt ≤5 ppm for domestic wells
• Disinfection required after installation, redevelopment, maintenance, or repair
• Well Record Report mandatory for ALL wells drilled in NJ
• Low water level cut-off device required for wells yielding <5 gpm
6. Pump Installation Requirements
• Pressure relief device required on all pumping systems
• Foot valve or check valve required on each pump
• Pressure sensing device (switch, transducer, or relay) per manufacturer specs
• Pump controls housed outside casing in secured location
7. Well Decommissioning & Abandonment
• Proper abandonment: Seal with approved grout from bottom to top
• Prevents contamination conduits to aquifers
• Documentation required for decommissioning records
8. Materials Standards
• Steel casing: ASTM A53/A53M or API specifications
, Page 3 of 116
• Plastic casing: ASTM F480, NSF Standard 14, limited to unconsolidated formations
• NSF/AWWA/ASTM approval required for all casing materials
9. Safety & Environmental Protection
• Maximum fine: Up to $5,000 per violation
• Hazardous waste handling per N.J.A.C 7:26G
• Potable water quality for drilling fluids
• Casing vent: Down-facing, screened, minimum 12 inches above grade
10. Professional Responsibilities
• Continuing education mandatory for license renewal
• Apprentice supervision by licensed master or journeyman driller
• Inspection and compliance reports for audits
• Clear client communication and ethical conduct
Question 1: You are applying for a VCLG drilling license in New Jersey. Which state agency has the
authority to issue this license after you pass the required exams?
A) New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
B) New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)
C) National Ground Water Association (NGWA)
D) New Jersey Department of Health
Correct answer: B (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection). The NJDEP oversees well
drilling licensing through the Division of Water Supply and Geoscience, in consultation with the State
Well Drillers and Pump Installers Examining and Advisory Board .
, Page 4 of 116
Question 2: A homeowner asks you to drill a new potable water well but wants it located inside their
basement for easy access during winter. Under N.J.A.C. 7:9D, is this permitted?
A) Yes, if the basement has a drain and sump pump
B) Yes, but only with a special variance from NJDEP
C) No, new wells cannot be located or enclosed in a basement or cellar
D) No, unless the well is deeper than 200 feet
*Correct answer: C (No, new wells cannot be located or enclosed in a basement or cellar). N.J.A.C. 7:9D-
2.3(b)(1) explicitly prohibits locating new Category 1 or 2 wells in basements or cellars to prevent
contamination and ensure access for maintenance .*
Question 3: While drilling a VCLG borehole in unconsolidated sand, you complete the borehole to 300
feet. Your casing has a 6-inch inner diameter. What minimum borehole diameter is required for this
oversized borehole installation under NJ regulations?
A) 8 inches
B) 10 inches
C) 12 inches
D) 14 inches
