Circular No. 22/2024/TT-BTNMT issues National Technical Regulations on Plugging Unused Wells, detailing the plugging of unused wells to protect water resources and the environment. This document applies to well owners and relevant state management agencies.
Scope of application
Well owners, state management agencies authorized for water resources
Key points
- Owners of unused wells must plug their wells according to the provisions of National Technical Regulation QCVN 83:2024/BTNMT (Article 1).
- In cases where notification of well plugging has been submitted according to Circular No. 72/2017/TT-BTNMT, implementation shall continue under the old regulations until the new Circular takes effect (Article 2).
- This Circular takes effect from May 26, 2025, and replaces Circular No. 72/2017/TT-BTNMT.
- The Water Resources Management Department is responsible for disseminating and supervising the implementation of this Circular (Article 4).
- This Circular details regulations on plugging unused wells to protect the environment and water resources.
🌐 Social impact of this document
- To help protect underground water sources and prevent environmental pollution caused by unused wells.
- Increases the time and cost burden on well owners in implementing well plugging.
- State management agencies have additional responsibilities in monitoring and inspecting implementation.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What must owners of unused wells do?
They must plug their wells according to the provisions of National Technical Regulation QCVN 83:2024/BTNMT.
When does this Circular take effect?
This Circular takes effect from May 26, 2025.
Are there any transitional provisions?
In cases where notification has been submitted according to Circular No. 72/2017/TT-BTNMT, implementation shall continue under the old regulations until the new Circular takes effect.
Who is responsible for disseminating and supervising the implementation?
The Water Resources Management Department is responsible for disseminating and supervising the implementation of this Circular.
Full text
CIRCULAR
Issuing National Technical Regulations on Sealing Unused Wells
Pursuant to the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations dated June 29, 2006;
Pursuant to the Law on Water Resources dated November 27, 2023;
Pursuant to Decree No. 127/2007/NĐ-CP dated August 1, 2007 of the Government detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations; Decree No. 67/2009/NĐ-CP dated August 3, 2009 of the Government amending certain provisions of Decree No. 127/2007/NĐ-CP dated August 1, 2007 of the Government detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations and Decree No. 132/2008/NĐ-CP dated December 31, 2008 of the Government detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Product Quality; Decree No. 78/2018/NĐ-CP dated May 16, 2018 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 127/2007/NĐ-CP dated August 1, 2007 of the Government detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations;
Pursuant to Decree No. 53/2024/NĐ-CP dated May 16, 2024 of the Government detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Water Resources;
Pursuant to Decree No. 68/2022/NĐ-CP dated September 22, 2022 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment;
At the proposal of the Director of the Water Resources Management Department, the Deputy Minister of Science and Technology;
The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment issues this Circular issuing National Technical Regulations on Sealing Unused Wells.
Article 1. Attached to this Circular are National Technical Regulations on Sealing Unused Wells, code QCVN 83:2024/BTNMT.
Article 2. Transitional provisions
In cases where the well owner has submitted a written notice regarding the list, time, and location for sealing unused wells to the competent state agency in accordance with Circular No. 72/2017/TT-BTNMT dated December 29, 2017 of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment on the handling and sealing of unused wells, they shall continue to implement in accordance with the provisions of Circular No. 72/2017/TT-BTNMT.
Article 3. Effectiveness
1. This Circular takes effect from May 26, 2025.
2. Circular No. 72/2017/TT-BTNMT dated December 29, 2017 of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment on the handling and sealing of unused wells shall cease to be effective from the date this Circular takes effect.
Article 4. Responsibilities for Implementation
Clause 1. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, provincial People's Committees, centrally governed cities, and related organizations and individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular.
2. The Director of the Water Resources Management Department is responsible for organizing the dissemination and inspection of the implementation of this Circular.
3. During implementation, if there are any difficulties, agencies, organizations, and individuals are requested to promptly report to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for consideration and decision.
DEPUTY MINISTER
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