MN HF2710

Adds "bored geothermal heat exchanger" as a defined term meaning a sealed closed-loop piping system installed in ground borings to transfer heat with no discharge, effective July 1, 2012.

Modifies well regulation statutes to replace "vertical" with "bored geothermal" heat exchangers throughout Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103I, including licensing, permitting, and contractor requirements.

Establishes permit fees for bored geothermal heat exchangers: $235 for less than 10 tons capacity, $475 for 10-50 tons capacity, and $700 for greater than 50 tons capacity.

Requires limited well/boring contractors to be licensed for constructing, repairing, and sealing bored geothermal heat exchangers, with a $10,000 surety bond requirement.

Adds liability protections for well owners and licensed contractors after wells or borings are properly sealed and reported to the commissioner of health, and prohibits the commissioner from ordering resealing of compliant work.