The Stearns Conservation District (SCD) can provide financial assistance (“Cost-share”) to offset the cost of sealing unused or abandoned wells. Wells must meet a minimum of one well sealing priority characteristic to be considered for cost-share. 

Please note: 

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• The Stearns Conservation District requires a minimum of two estimates from Type A licensed well contractors. See list below. 

• Eligibility and approval of financial assistance is not guaranteed. 

• Cost-share rate depends on project location and funding availability and can vary from 50% to 100% (up to maximum amounts) based on priority areas. Once you have sent copies of two estimates, the SCD will prepare a Cost-Share Assistance Contract for your signature which will identify total amount that will be funded based on eligibility and availability. 

• The SCD does not cover the State Permit Fee of $125 and associated filing costs. 

• Wells cannot be sealed until funding has been approved by the SCD Board of Supervisors and other contingent approvals are secured (such as the North Fork Crow River CWMP Partnership Technical Advisory Committee, if applicable). If the well is sealed before a contract is fully approved, it is not eligible for cost share. 

When the project is completed, a copy of the final invoice along with the Well and Boring Sealing Record from the contractor must be submitted to the SCD for final payment approval. A check will be mailed after approval by the SCD Board of Supervisors.