Carbon County is beginning to address a well that was found to be contaminated at the animal shelter last year.

On Thursday, the board of commissioners voted to approve a proposal from Cook Geologic LLC of Covington Township to assist with the permitting process of well 2 as a community water supply. The current estimate for the service is $11,200 plus $85 per hour.

The county will also be responsible for contracting with a well driller and water testing service provider in order to complete the permitting process.

According to the proposal, Cook Geologic, a professional geologist, completed the permitting process with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, including the preparation of an aquifer testing plan and technical specifications for the testing to solicit bids.

The well in question is a 495-foot-deep well that was drilled in 1993 with the purpose of supplying water at the Carbon County Correctional Facility, Emergency Management Agency and Animal Shelter.

A problem with the well was discovered last July after the shelter director noticed that the water was discolored.

Sample tests showed that there was iron in the water, and the supply was shut off for the dogs’ safety.

The county then brought tankers to supply fresh water and also brought in companies to try to get a new system in place on the artesian well to filter out the iron.

In November, officials completed a project to run a pipeline from the prison water line over to the shelter to again supply usable water.