Chinquapin NatureBridge Campus Water Wells - Phase II

The existing Chinquapin water system currently uses one well as a water source to provide water service to the Chinquapin Restroom, the Chinquapin Residence, and the NatureBridge National Environmental Science Center (NESC) Campus and Henness Ridge. The existing well has seen a substantial decrease in productivity; the initial capacity test in 2006 indicated the well produced water at a rate of 27-29 gallons per minute (gpm) while the most recent capacity test performed in July of 2017 indicated that the well production has decreased to about 4.5 gpm. This current rate is insufficient for the system's water demand needs. In 2018, an effort to secure a replacement water source for the Chinquapin area water system was unsuccessful, and several test wells were drilled with limited results (See PEPC 67690). This project builds upon the 2018 drilling efforts and seeks to find another well water source in the general vicinity of the water system. If sufficient water is found, the project will formalize a well at the preferred well site, make improvements around the well, and connect to the existing water system with a priority to secure enough water to open the NatureBridge campus.

The scope of this project includes drilling two 8.25" diameter hard rock wells up to 1,500 feet deep. An air-lift flow test followed by a 10-day capacity test will be performed for each well. If it becomes apparent that the first well has enough flow capacity to meet system demands the subsequent well drilling may be canceled. Access to each location shall be made possible by the contractor via tree falling, brushing, and grading. Approximately 12 trees may be removed to clear the drill sites. Equipment used will include a well drilling rig and air compressor, along with excavation equipment for clearing and preparing the drill site. Drilling is expected to last at least 7 hours for each site.