In the midst of a serious California drought, water concerns have brought with it a rise in well drilling.  Today, the California Contractors State License Board sent out a timely reminder that C-57 well drilling licensees in the Central Valley must register portable internal combustion engines of 50 horsepower or greater used to power drilling equipment with either the state or San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. The reminder is that for Central Valley work, C-57 licensees must abide by air rules, meaning that certain portable engines require registration to power well drilling. It is also important to note that even though the C-57 specifically relates to water well drilling and related activities, any well or core drilling may have to be performed by a C-57 licensed driller if a local entity or agency requires such qualifications due in part to the proximity of any source of water.  Owners and contractors must remember to check all local requirements, for example, San Francisco, here.

See the California Contractors State License Board Industry Bulletin, here.

By: Tamara Boeck and Parissa Ebrahimzadeh