AT-84-06-1 -- Findings of the Maryland Commission on Groundwater Heat Pumps PDF

To meet its stated goals, the Maryland Commission on Groundwater Heat Pumps spent: the first part of its term evaluating the generic technical considerations of groundwater heat pump usage in relation to Maryland geology, hydrology, and the state regulatory framework. The major technical concerns dealt with the adequacy of the groundwater flow and the need to reinject the waters used back to the aquifer from which they were obtained. Groundwater energy systems for domestic use were the focus, as it was felt that streamlining of the permit process was more appropriate here than for large industrial users.

The issues addressed included the necessity for requiring yield tests for all supply wells, disposal options and restrictions, incentives to stimulate use of groundwater heat pumps, educational efforts to inform all those concerned in the process of manufacturing, distributing, consuming, and regulating groundwater heat pumps, and the need for uniform regulations throughout the state.

Recommendations included (1) encouragement for the use of groundwater energy systems, (2) a streamlining of the discharge permitting process through the adoption of a DHMH General Discharge Permit, (3) adjustment of the existing process to include a review of all systems prior to installation, including now exempt domestic use systems, (4) passing of legislation to prohibit more restrictive local regulations and ensure that regulations would be uniform throughout the state, (5) inclusion of groundwater energy systems in all legislation designed to stimulate alternative energy systems, conservation, and the development of indigenous resources, (h) inclusion of these systems in information dissemination programs, and (7) an adequate review of groundwater energy systems in five years or sooner. During the 1982 General Assembly, a bill was passed clarifying the role of the Department of Natural Resources in the permit process. A General Permit has been passed and is in place, and the regulatory system has been streamlined to process applications in one to two weeks.