Environmental Drilling Permits FAQ

Environmental drilling is used in subsurface investigations to analyze, monitor and remediate soil, rock and groundwater contamination. It enables environmental professionals to collect samples, install monitoring wells and assess subsurface conditions for site characterization related to a contamination release.

Generally, yes, but some exceptions may apply.

Not all drilling permits applications are processed by Environmental Health. Before submitting your application, please review the following information:

The permit application must be signed (wet signature or adobe digitally certified signature) the C-57 licensed contractor. Permit applications must include access agreements or encroachment permits for all offsite work, a work plan, a site safety plan, a plot map and the appropriate fee.

Additionally, for Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) lead sites, a copy of a concurrence letter for the proposed work is required. See fee schedule for current fees. 

An Attachment 3 is an exemption from the Sonoma County Well Ordinance for wells proposed within setbacks from a sewage disposal system. If you check "Yes" on the permit application for monitoring wells being constructed within 100 ft. of a septic tank or leach field, 50 ft. of any sanitary sewer line, or 25 ft. of any private sanitary sewer line, then an Attachment 3 form must be submitted with the permit application.

Attachment 3 form (PDF: 33.8 Kb) » 

Yes. Complete the Drilling Permit Application (PDF: 132 Kb). Please note that a wet signature or adobe digitally certified signature is required on the permit.

It is our goal to issue permits within 2-3 weeks. Permit issuance may be delayed if initial submittal is missing the required information. Please ensure application submissions are accurate and complete to minimize delays.

There is no present mechanism for expediting permits. See above for estimated turnaround time.

The approved permit will be emailed to the consultant upon approval. To check permit issuance status, please contact the Environmental Health front office at 707-565-6565.

You are required to notify this office at least 48 hours in advance of the work in preparation for grout inspection.

For Regional Board lead sites or environmental assessments, contact the Environmental Health front office at (707) 565-6565.

Refer to the fee schedule.

"Step-out" borings may be constructed with verbal or written concurrence from the overseeing agency and this program. A new permit application must be submitted within 7 days of the work, and the additional boring fee will be charged. "Step-out" monitoring wells will require a new permit with the full permit fee paid.

A copy of a current workers compensation certificate endorsed to Sonoma County, and a copy of a current C-57 license must be on file with Environmental Health or be submitted with the permit application.

The permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance. However, prior to the permit's expiration, an extension may be granted if requested within the six first month from the issuance date.

Yes. A new application and permit alteration fee is required.

If the Regional Water Quality Control Board, the City of Santa Rosa, DTSC or any other regulatory agency does not direct the environmental investigation, the proposed work is classified as an Environmental Assessment.

Normally Permit Sonoma (formerly PRMD) issues these permits. If, however, the borings combine an environmental investigation or are being proposed in an area near known contamination, Environmental Health will issue those permits.

The required method for destroying a well is over-drilling and tremie grouting. Should there be a health and safety risk to over-drilling, contact the Environmental Drilling staff. Be prepared to provide documentation as to the health and safety risk.

Yes. You must have a valid site address. If no specific site address is available, contact the EH front office at (707) 565-6565.

Yes. All hand augured borings and wells require a permit signed by a C-57 licensed driller.

All soil vapor probes require a permit, regardless of depth.

Borings and wells deeper than 5 feet require a permit from Environmental Health.

Yes. All soil vapor wells require a permit.

Long term soil vapor wells are 30 days or greater and require a separate permit for destruction.

Short term soil vapor wells (<30 days) do not require a separate destruction permit.

Follow the Department of Toxic Substances Control guidelines on SVP destruction  procedure: Active Soil Gas Advisory

No.