June 11, 2007:
There are two key options involved in managing well pits. If the well is no longer used, the best option is to decommission both the well and the well pit, first by removing the well casing, if possible, and then filling the well bore from bottom to top with an impervious material such as bentonite. The well pit can then be filled in with a clay type material.
If the well is to be retained, the best option is to extend the well casing above the surface and install a pitless adaptor, a device which allows the pump to be removed from the well for servicing but will keep the piping below the frost line to prevent freezing. The well pit should then be filled in with clay type material.