Environmental
A Washington seller's disclosure form asks about the presence of a well on the property. The seller failed to disclose an abandoned well in the backyard. Under Washington law, undisclosed abandoned wells:
AAre not a material disclosure item
BMust be disclosed and may require decommissioning according to Department of Ecology regulations✓ Correct
CAre the buyer's responsibility to discover independently
DAre only relevant if the well is within 100 feet of a septic system
Explanation
Abandoned wells must be disclosed as a known condition on the property. Washington DOE regulations require abandoned wells to be properly decommissioned (sealed) to prevent groundwater contamination. Failure to disclose an abandoned well is a material misrepresentation.
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