If equipment is moved off site before completion of plugging, how many demerit points are assessed?

When equipment is moved off-site before the completion of plugging a water well, it indicates a violation of the proper procedures required to ensure that the well is securely and safely plugged. This action can lead to environmental risks, such as groundwater contamination or the potential for hazardous conditions resulting from an improperly abandoned well.

In the context of this practice exam question, the assessment of 75 demerit points reflects the seriousness of the infraction. The allocation of this specific number of points signifies a recognition that moving equipment prematurely undermines the integrity of the plugging process, which is critical to protecting water resources and complying with regulatory standards associated with water well abandonment.

The specific demerit point total serves as a deterrent against neglecting best practices, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established protocols in the well-plugging procedure before any equipment is removed from the site. This ensures that all operators understand the consequences of not completing the required steps for safe well closure.