United States Office of
Environmental Protection Water
Agency
EPA 570/9-87-007
September 1987
Water
Executive Summary
of the Report to Congress
"Class V Injection Wells
• Current Inventory
• Effects on Ground Water
• Technical Recommendations'
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EPA 570/9-87-007
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE REPORT
CLASS V INJECTION WELLS
0 CURRENT INVENTORY
0 EFFECTS ON GROUND WATER
0 TECHNICAL RECOMMENDATIONS
PREPARED FOR THE
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF WATER
OFFICE OF DRINKING WATER
STATE PROGRAMS DIVISION
CLASS V TASK FORCE
by
Engineering Enterprises, Inc.
NORMAN, OKLAHOMA
EPA Project Officer
Roger Anzzolin
EPA Task Manager
L. Lawrence Graham
September 1987
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CONTENTS
Page
I NTRODUCTION . 1
BPCKGROUND 1
HYDROGEOLOGIC CONSIDERATIONS 9
CLASS V INJECTION WELL INVENTORY 1.1
CONTAMINATION POTENTIAL ASSESSMENTS 12
CONTENT OF REPORT 13
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INTRODUCTION
The 1986 AmendmentS to the Safe Drinking Water Act recuire
the USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) to
prepare and submit to ConQress a report on Class v injection
wells no later than september 1987. The purpose of the report
is to summarize State Class v inventory and assessment reports
in order to present a national overview of Class v injection
practices in the United States. In accordance with the
Amendments, the report to Congress must address the current
inventory of Class v injection practices, the potential of
these practices to adversely affect ground water, and State
recommendations for sitinq, operation, and management.
The information and data contained in this Executive
Summary have been summarized frorñ the final report entitled
“Class V Injection wells —— Current Inventory; Effects Ofl Ground
water; and Technical Recommendations.” This report was prepared
for the USEPA, Office of Water, Office of Drinking Water, by
Erigineeriflq Enterprises, Inc. The report may be obtained from
the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Technical Information
Service (NTIS), 5285 Port Royal Road, springfield, Virginia
22161 (703—487—4650 or Toll Free 800—336—4700). Please indicate
the following EPA Document Number 570/9—87—006.
BACKGROUND
On December 16, 1974, Congress enacted the Safe Drinking
Water Act (PL 93—523) to protect the public health and welfare
of persons and to protect existing and future underground
sources of drinking water (USDW). In Part C of the Act, Congress
directed the USEPA to develop regulations for the protection of
underground source(s) of drinking water from contamination by
the subsurface injection or emplacement of fluids. In 1980,
USEPA promulgated these regulations under 40 CFB Parts 144
through 146 and Part 124. The regulations specify minimum
standards arid technical- requirements for the proper siting,
construction, operation, monitoring, and plugging and abandonment
of injection wells. In addition, the regulations specify that
all underground injection is unlawful and subject to penalties
unless authorized by a permit or rule.
The Act also mandated the development of a Federally
approved Underground Injection control (UIC) program for each
State, PossessiOn, and Territory. approval of a particular
orogram is based on a finding that the program meets minimum
standards and technical requirements of SDWA Section 1422 or
Section 1425 and the applicable provisions set forth in 40 CFR
Parts 124, 144 and 146. States whose programs were submitted
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to and approved by USEPA are known as Pri n.wy States. These
States have primary enforcement responsibility for the regulation
of injection wells in their States. In those instances where a
State has opted not 1:0 submit a program for approval or where
the submitted program does not meet the minimum standards
and technical requirements. the program is promulgated and
administered by USEPA. States with Federally administered
programs are known as Direct Implementation (DI) States and are
subject to the regulations set forth in 40 CFR Parts 124 and
144 through 146. CurrentLy, there are 22 DI States, Possessions,
and Territories.
The UIC regulations define and establish five classes or
categories of injection wells. Class I wells inject hazardous
and non—hazardous waste beneath the lowermost formation
containing an USDW, within one-quarter mile of the well bore.
Class II wells are used in conjunction with u.i1 .rit1 gas
production. Class III injection we1l are used in conjunction
with the solution mining of minerals. Class IV wells are used
to inj ct hazardous or radioactive wastes into or above a
formation which is within one—quarter miLe of USDW. (Class IV
wells are prohibited by 40 CFR 144.13.) Class V wells include
any wells that do not fall under Classes I through IV. TypicalLy,
Class V wells are used to inject non—hazardous fluids into or
above underground sources of drinking water.
In 1980, USEPA chose to defer establishing technical
requirements for Class V wells. trmstead, these wells are
authorized by rule. That is, injection into Class V wells is
authorized until further requirements under future regulations
are promulgated by USEP . However, Class V wells are prohibited
from contaminating any USDW or adversely affecting public
health. Therefore, wells which are found to be violating this
prohibition are subject to enforcement or . i.o3ure. Some Primacy
States require injection well permits while others currently
implement authorization by rule or law.
The Agency has not established specific requirements for
Cla.3s V wells for several reasons. By definition, the category
of Class V encompasses a variety of well types ranging in
complexity from radioactive waste disposal wells to storm water
drainage wells. At the time of the original promulgatiOn,
little was known about the operation of these wells. The Agency
reasoned that due to the large number and types of Class V
wells in exist :i. , the variability of injection fluids and
volumes, the lack of knowledge concerning the extent of
environmental damage caused by these wells, and the lack of
knowledge concerning the conse4JI nCeS of bringing them under
regulation, technical requiremeriis could not be established that
effectively would assure that operations of all Class V wells
would not endanger U3DW. Therefore, the Agency concluded thdt
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it was necessary to develop an assessment of Class V injection
well activities prior to regulatory development.
Under 40 CFR 146.52(a), USEPPk requires owners ani operators
of Class V injection wells to notify the Director of the State
or the Direct Impl.emefltatiOfl UIC program of the existence of
all Class V wells u!Irler their control and to submit pertinent
inventory information (as required under 40 CFR 144.26(a)).
The Directors then are required, under 40 CFR 146.52(b), to
complete and submit to USEPA a re nr .‘o:iLaifling the following:
1. Information on the construction features of Class V
wells and the nature and volume of injected fluids;
2. An assessment of the contamination potential of Class
V wells using hydrogeolOgiCal data available to the
State;
3. An assessment of the available corrective alternatives
.ihere appropriate and their envtroriulerlt .1l and economic
c nsequenceS; and
4. Recommendations both for the most appropriate regulatory
approaches and for remedial actions where appropriate.
The reports ace required to be submitted no later than three
years after the effective date of the State’s uic program
approval. Reports Ofl the Class V programs in the DI states and
recommendations were prepared iiri,1 r the direction of the
“Director” of that State program, i.e., the USEPA Regional
Administrator.
As noted in the Introduction Section of this Executive
‘3i.m ary, the 1986 Amendments to th - Safe Drinking Water Act
r -4uire USEPA to prepare and submit to Congress a report on
Class V injection. The report is to summarize the results of
the State reports and to note State recommendations for the
design, siting, construction, operation, and monitoring of
each Class V well type that has the potential to contaminate
ground water. SpeciC .ctl-ly 1 Section 1426(b) of the Act states:
The AdIninist.r. ttOr shall submit a report to Congress, no
later than September 1987, summarizing the results of State
surveys required by the Administrator under this section.
The report shall include each o€ the following items of
information:
1. The number of categories of Class V wells which
discharge nonhazardoU 4 ‘i.i te into or above an
under ro 1!1l - ur’:e of drinking water.
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2. The primary contamination problems associated with
different categories of these disposal wells.
3. RecommendatiOflS for minimum design, construction,
installation, and siting requirements that should
be applied to protect underground sources of
drinking water from such contamination wherever
necessary.
While the intent of Section 1426 is clear, it should be noted
that the definition of Class V does not limit injection to only
“into or above USDW” and does not limit Class V wells to only
“disposal wells.” Class V spent brine return flow wells,
inventoried to date, and Class V radioactive waste disposal
wells are examples of wells which inject below the lowermost
USDW. Aquifer recharge wells and mineral and fossil fuel
recovery wells are examples of wells which are not used for
disposal purposes. A list of Class V injection practices
recognized by USEPA for the purpose of this report is presented
in Table 1.
Although included in Table 1 as Class V injection wells,
air scrubber waste and water softener regeneration brine disposal
wells (well codes 5X17 and 5X18) are not included in the inventory
and assessment portion of the report. At the time the State
Class V injection well reports were written, air scrubber
waste and water softener regeneration brine disposal wells are
categorized as Class V injection wells. However, IJSEPA later
determined that these well types, in certain situations, may
fall under the Class II category rather than Class V. This
was determined to be the case with those 5X17 and 5X18 wells
inventoried in the State reports.
As can be seen in Table I, the Class V injection well
category is large and diverse. This is due to the broad
definition of Class V wells. If a well does not fit into one of
the first four classes and meets the definition of an injection
well, it is considered a Class V well.
Class V injection wells can be divided into two general
types of wells based on construction. “Low—tech” wells 1) have
no casing designs or have simple casing designs and well head
equipment and 2) inject into shallow formations by gravity flow
or low volume pumps. In contrast, “high—tech” wells typically
1) have multiple casing strings; 2) have sophisticated well
equipment to control and measure pressure and volume of injected
fluid; and 3) inject high volumes into deep formations.
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TABLE i
CLASS V [ NJEcrIoN WELL TYPES
WELL
CODE NAME OF WELL TYPE AND DESCRIPTION
DRAINAGE WELLS (a.k.a. DRY WELLS)
5Fl Agricultural Drainage Wells — receive irrigation
taiiw. ters, other field drainage, aniTuirti yard, feedlot,
or dairy runoff, etc.
5D2 Storm Water Drainage Wells — receive storm water runoff
from paved areas, including parking lots, streets,
re i l’ i L. sftdivisions, building roofs, highways,
etc.
5D3 Improved Sinkholes — receive storm water runoff from
developments located in karst topographic areas.
5D4 Industrial Drainage Wells - include wells located in
industrial areas which primarily receive storm water
runoff but are susceptible to spills, leaks, or other
chemical discharges.
5G30 Special Drainage Wells — ar .i’ ed for disposing water
from sources other than direct precipitation. Examples
of this well type include: landslide control drainage
wells, potable water tank overflow drainage wells,
swimming pooi drainaje wells, and lake level control
drainage wells.
GEOTHERMAL REINJECTION WELLS
5A5 Electric power Reinjection Wells — reinject geothermal
fluids used to gen rt - - i.uctric power — deep wells.
5A6 Direct heat Reinjection Wells — reinject geothermal
fluids used to provide heat for large buildings or
developments - deep wells.
5A7 Heat Pump/Air ConJJtioning Return Flow Wells — reinject
groundwater used to heat or cool a building in a heat
pump system - shallow wells.
5A8 Ground—water A uauulture Return Flow Wells — reinject
grouniwrtL- r or geothermal fluids used to support
aquaculture. Non—geothermal aquaculture disposal wells
are also included in this category (e.g. Marine
aquariiin in Iawaii used relatively cool sea water).
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TABLE I
CLASS V INJECTION WELL TYPES
WELL
CODE NAME OF WELL TYPE AND DESCRIPTION
DOMESTIC WASTEWATER I)LSPOSAL WELLS
5W9 Untreated Sewage Waste Disposal Wells — receive raw
sewage wastes from pumping trucks or other vehicles
which collect such wastes from single or multiple
sources. (No treatment)
5W10 Cesspools — include multiple dwelling, community, or
regional cesspools, or other devices that receive
wastes and which must have an open bottom and so netime.s
have perEor. ted sides. Must serve greater than 20
persons per day if receiving solely sanitary wastes.
(Settling of solids)
5W11 Septic Systems (Undifferentiated disposal method) —
are used to inject the waste or effluent from a
multiple dwelling, business establishment, community,
or regional business establishment septic tank. Must
serve greater than 20 per5ons per day if receiving
solely sanitary wastes. (Primary Treatment)
5W31 Septic Systems (Well Disposal Method) — are used to
inject the waste or effluent from a multiple dwelling,
business est ib1.i.shment, community, or regiori iL business
establishment septic tank. Examples of wells include
actual wells, seepage pits, cavitettes, etc. The
largest surf ice 1i±nension is less than or equal to the
depth dimension. Must serve greater than 20 persons per
day if receiving solely sanitary wastes. (Less
treatment per square area than 5w32)
5W32 Septic Systems (Dcain ie1 r1 Disposal Method) — are used
to inject tii waste or effluent from a multiple
dwelling, business establishment, community, or
regional business establishment septic tank. Examples
of drairifields include drain or tile lines, and
trenches. Must serve more than 20 persons per day if
receiving solely sanitary wastes. (More treatment per
square area than 5W31)
5W12 Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent Disposal
Wells — dispose of treated sewage domestic effluent
from facilities ranging from small package plants up to
large municipal treatment plant.;. ( e. ndary or further
treatment)
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TABLE I
CLASS V INJECTION WELL TYPES
WELL
CODE NAME OF WELL TYPE AND DESCRIPTION
MINERAL AND FOSS(I 3iJ L RECOVERY RELATED WELLS
5X 13 Mining, Sand, or Other Backfill Wells — are used to
inject a mixture of fluid and sand, mill, tailings, and
other solids irito ini.i l out portions of subsurCace inirie
whether what is injected is a radioactive waste or
not. Also includes special wells used to control mine
fires and acid mine drainage wells.
5Xl4 Solu cio t lizii. .rtg Wells — are used for i.n—s it i ;1 ut ion
mining in conventional mines, such as stopes leaching.
5X15 In—situ Fossil Fuel Recovery Wells — are used for in—
situ recovery of co U, lijriite, oil shale, and tar
sands.
5X 16 Sp nt-T3rir1e Return Flow Wells — are used to reinject
spent brine into the same formation from which it was
withdrawn after extraction of halogens or their saLt .
OIL ‘ [ ? .‘ l) PKOI)IJCTION WASTE DISPOSAL WELLS
5Xl7 Air Scrubber Waste Disposal Wells — inject wastes from
air scrubbers used to remove sulfur from crude oil
which is burned in steam gerier tLii.i or thermal oil
recovery projects. (If ifljeci .FI directly for
enhanced recovery and not just disposal it is a Class
II well.)
5X18 Water Softener Regeneration Brine Disposal Well; -
inject regenerat .i .t’ t s from water softeners whic i
are used to i nprove the quality of brines used for
enhanced recovery. (If injection is used directly for
enhanced recovery and riot just disposal it is a Class
II well.)
INDlJSTRI L/COMMERCIAL/UTIL1TY I)ISPOSAL WEL].JS
5Al9 Cooling Water Return Flow Wells — are used to inject
water which was used in a cooling process, boUt open
arid closed loop processes.
U.S. EPA Headquarters Ubrary
Mail code 3201
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Wathington DC 20460
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TABLE I
CLASS V INJECTION WELL TYPES
WELL
CODE NAME OF WELL TYPE 1 ND DESCRIPTION
5W20 Industrial Process Wat: r vv1 Waste Disposal Wells — are
used to dispose of a wide variety of wastes and waste—
waters from industrial, commercial, or utility
processes. Iruj iI rieS include refineries, chemical
plants, smelters, pharmaceutical plants, laundromats
and dry cleaners, tanneries, laboratories, petroleum
storage facili J. s, • lectric power generation plants,
car washes, elc Fr,plating industries, etc.
5X28 Automobile Service Station Disposal Wells — inject
wastes from repair bay drains at service stations,
garages, car deal.erships, etc.
RECHARGE WELLS
5R21 Aquifer Recharge Wells — are used to recharge depleted
aquifers and may inject fluids from a variety of
sources such as lalces, streams, domestic wastewater
treatment plants, oth ’ a j i€ec , etc.
5B22 Saline Water Intrusion Barrier Wells — are used to
inject water into fresh water aquifers to prevent
intrusion of ‘ a1J waLec into fresh water aquifers.
5S23 Subsidence Cont.rol.. Wells — are used to inject fluids
into a non—oil or gas producing zone to reduce or
eliminate subsidence associated with overdraft of fresh
w?tter and not used for the purpose ot oil or natural
gas production.
MISCELLANEOUS WELLS
5N24 Radioactive Waste Disposal Wells — include all
radioactive waste disposal wells other than Class IV
wells.
5X25 Experimental Technology Wells — include wells used in
experimental or unproven technologies such as pilot
scale in—situ solution mining wells in previously
unmined areas.
5X26 Aquifer Remediation Related Wells — include wells used
to prevent, control, or remediate aquifer pollution,
including but not limited to Superfund sites.
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TABLE I
CLASS V INJECTION WELL TYPES
WELL
CODE
NAME OF WELL TYPE AND
5X29
Abandoned Drinking Water Wells — include those
abandoned water wells which are used for disposal
waste.
of
5X27
Other Wells — include any other
wells.
unspecified Class
V
Low—tech well types include agricultural drainage wells
(5F1), storm water and industrial drainage wells (5D2, 5D4),
improved sinkholes (5D3), heat pump/air conditioning return
flow wells (5A7), some aquaculture return flow wells (5A8), raw
sewage disposal wells and cesspools (5w9, 5W10), septic systems
(5W11, 5W31, 5W32) , some mine backfill wells (5X13), some
cooling water return flow wells (5A19), some industrial process
water and waste disposal wells (5W20), automobile service
station waste disposal wells (5X28) and abandoned water wells
(5x29).
High—tech well types include geothermal wells used for
electric power or for direct heat (5A5, 5A6), someaquaculture
return flow wells (5A8), domestic wastewater treatment disposal
wells (5Wl2), mining, sand or other backfill wells (5Xl3),
solution mining wells (5X14), in—situ fossil fuel recovery
wells (5X15), spent brine return flow wells (5A16), some cooling
water return flow wells (5A19), some industrial process water
and waste disposal wells (5W20), some aquifer recharge wells
(5R2l), salt water intrusion barrier wells (5B22), subsidence
control wells (5S23), radioactive waste disposal wells (5N24),
experimental technology wells (5X25), and aquifer remediatiOn
wells (5X26).
HYDROGEOLOGIC CONSIDERATIONS
Half of the population of the United States currently is
served by ground water, and studies show that demand for this
resource is increasing at a rate of 25 percent per decade. The
use of ground water is increasing at a faster rate than is the
use of surface water. The degree to which each State depends
upon ground water varies from less than one percent of total
water withdrawals (District of Columbia) to 85 percent (Kansas).
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The largest single use for ground water is irrigation, and
the major areas of usrige are the southwestern, midwestern, a i
southern states. The nd Largest use for ground water in
the United States is as a drinking water supply. Forty—eight
percent of the population relies on ground water as a drinking
water supply. Roughly two—thirds re v their drinking water
through public supplies, and the remainder are supplied through
domestic wells.
Ground water aquifers are of two primary Lype’, unconfined
and confined. Unconfined, or water table, at 1 titfers are the
most common. Under unconfined conditions, the water table is
exposed to the atmosphere such that the upper surface of the
saturated zone is fre. to rise arid decline through openings in
the soil matrix. Available data suggest that most Class V
injection is into or above unconfined aquifers. Confined, or
artesian, aquifers .ire isolated from the atmosphere at the
point of discharge by impermeable strata. The confined aquifer
is subject to higher hydraulic pressure than atmospheric pressure,
and certain high—tech Class V wnl1 s inject into these aquifers.
Waste disposal or other fluid emplacement through injection
wells are potential causes of contamination to USDW. The
distribution of contamin’tflts within an aquifer can occur as
discrete bodies, or “slugs,” resulting from low volume or short
term incidents of waste disposal/fluid injection. Cumulative
effects of numerous slugs, or coftLir1’.H1 disposal of highly
concentrated waste/injection fluid, or large volumes of
waste/injection fluid from a single facility can cause widespread
contamination. The degree of contamination ranges from slight
deterioration in natural quality to the presence of toxic levels
of heavy metals, organic compounds, inorganic contaminants, and
radioactive materiaLs.
Gen - rctlly, Class V injection is into or above USDW. An
USDW is defined as an aquifer or its portion which supplies any
public water system or contains a sufficient quantity of ground
water to supply a public water system and currently supplies
drinking water for human consumption and contains fewer than
10,000 mg/l total dissolved solids and is not an exempted
aquifer. Certain special Class V facilities are L. irij Ct
fluids below USDW. Potential for contamination to USDW varies
and is dependent upon where injection occurs relative to USDW,
well construction, design, and operation, injectate quality,
and injection volumes. Class V injection practices which
discharge directly into USDW are potentially more harmful to
USDW than Class V injection above or below USDW because scu’iu
protection of USDW may he provided by injection above or below
US DW.
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CLASS V INJECTION WELL INVENTORY
As defined in the report, there are seven general categories
of Class V injection wells containing a total of 30 well types.
Based on State inventories, it is estimated that there are
173,159 Class V wells in the United States and its associated
Territories and Possessions. About 94 percent of all Class V
wells belong to four main categories: drainage wells (58%),
sewage related wells (25%), geothermal wells (6%), and mineral
and fossil fuel recovery related wells (5%).
The numbers of Class V wells broken down by USEPA Regions
are as follows:
Region IX: =64,214 =37%
(CA, NV, AZ, GU, HI)
Region X: =29,826 =17%
(WA, OR, ID, AK)
Region IV: =27,911 =16%
(KY, TN, NC, SC, GA, AL,
MS, FL)
Region V; =17,772 =10%
(MN, WI, MI, OH, IN, IL)
Region VIII: = 9,015 = 5%
(MT, ND, SD, WY, UT, co)
Region II: = 8,950 = 5%
(NY, NJ, PR, VI)
Region VII: = 6,675 = 4%
(NE, KS, IA, MO)
Region III: = 4,589 = 3%
(PA, MD, DE, WV, VA, DC)
Region VI: = 3,843 = 2%
(NM, TX, LA, AR, OK)
Region I: = 364
(ME, VT, NH, MA, RI, CT)
It should be noted that these numbers can be misleading,
however. Because inventories were not conducted with consistent
levels of resources and guidance, there is a high probability
that the distribution of wells and the resulting conclusions
are not entirely accurate.
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CONTAMINATION POTENTIAL ASSESSMENTS
Contamination potential has been assessed for each well
type in the report, using all available data. Because inventory
databases varied widely for different well types, a unified
system was needed with which to assess each well type equivalently.
The assessment incorporates the following parameters:
1. Identification and potential usability of IJSDW;
2. Typical construction, operation, and maintenance
procedures;
3. Chemical and physical characterization of
injection fluid; and
4. Typical injected volumes.
Based upon this rating scheme, well types have been assessed
qualitatively for contamination potential as high, moderate, or
low. Certain Class V well types exhibit such variation in
design and injectate quality that a spectrum of ratings (e.g.,
moderate to low, high to moderate, high to low) resulted. A
few well types have an unknown potential for contamination due
to extremely limited inventory databases. Contamination
potentials for Class V wells currently are assessed as follows:
High Contamination Potential
— Agricultural drainage wells, SF1;
- Improved sinkholes, 5D3 (high to moderate);
— Raw sewage waste disposal wells, 5W9, and cesspools,
5WlO;
— Septic systems, 5W11, 5W31, 5W32;
— Domestic wastewater treatment plant disposal wells,
5W12 (high to low);
- Industrial process water and waste disposal wells, 5W20;
— Automobile service station waste disposal wells, 5X28;
and
— Aquifer recharge wells, 5R21 (high to low).
Moderate Contamination potential
— Storm water drainage, 5D2, and industrial drainage wells,
5D4;
— Improved sinkholes, 5D3 (high to moderate);
— Special drainage wells, 5G30 (moderate to low);
— Electric power, 5A5, and direct heat reinjection wells,
5A6
— Aquaculture return flow wells, 5A8;
— Dome tic wastewater treatment plant disposal wells,
5W12 (high to low);
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— Mining, sand, or other backfill wells, 5X13;
— In—situ fossil fuel recovery wells, 5X15;
— Cooling water return flow wells, 5A19 (moderate to low);
— Aquifer recharge wells, 5R21 (high to low);
— Experimental technology wells, 5X25 (moderate to low);
and
— Abandoned drinking water/waste disposal wells, 5X29.
Low Contamination Potential
— Special drainage wells, 5G30 (moderate to low);
— Heat pump/air conditioning return flow wells, 5A7;
— Domestic wastewater treatment plant disposal wells,
5W12 (high to low);
— Solution mining wells, 5X14;
— Spent brine return flow wells, 5X16;
— Cooling water return flow wells, 5Al9 (moderate to
low);
— Aquifer recharge wells, 5R21 (high to low);
— Saline water intrusion barrier wells, 5B22;
- Subsidence control welld, 5S23; and
— Experimental technology wells, 5X25 (moderate to low).
Unknown Contamination Potential
— Radioactive waste disposal wells, 5N24; and
— Aquifer remediation wells, 5X26 (including hydrocarbon
recovery injection wells).
Additional study is necessary in a number of areas. A
primary concern of many States is that the existing inventory
database is incomplete. It is recommended by many States that
efforts continue to locate univentoried Class V facilities and
to upgrade the existing database of technical data for inven-
toried facilities. Also, hydrogeologic studies on both local
and regional scales, may need to be conducted for areas con-
taining sensitive aquifers in order to define the potential
impact of the various types of Class V injection practices.
Table 2 presents a summary of available inventory data, types
of fluids injected, and State recommendations.
CONTENT OF THE REPORT TO CONGRESS
Section One of the report is an introduction and summary
of the findings of the report.
Section Two of the report is an overview of the ground
water resource and current and projected use of the resource.
Several hydrogeologic considerations, important when examining
injection well practices, are discussed to provide the reader
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2
a’ a v n& rrai iee -
1 gricul tural Drainage
Wells (SF1)
Netiorwide: 1.338 wells
Ne. YOrk: 150 wells
Pt rto Rico: no nurbers
West Virginia: no nurbera
Florida: no rnl±ers
Georgia: 43 wells
Kentucky: no niabers
Illinois: 6 wells
Iziliana: 72 wells
Mithigan: 15 wells
Minrweota: 54 wells
aclax na: no nurbers
I cas: 108 wells
Ia : 230 wells
Missairi: no nw ez-s
Nebraska: 5 wells
1orido: no nurbers
tbrth Daidta: 1 well
Idalx,: 572 wells
Ore n: 16 wells
Washington: 66 wells
Petantially many tines
this figure in areas
typified by irrigetion.
Varies due to differing farming
practices aid soil types; poten-
ti l agricultural contanuxwits
include sedisent, nutrients,
pesricides, orgerucs. salts.
ITetals. aid patbogens in ease
cases.
New York — SPDES Permit
Florida - Permit
Georgia - Banr
Illinois — Rule
Okiabona - Rule
Irwa - Diversion Permit
Missairi — I ie
Nebraska — Rule
Utah - Rule
Arizona — Permit
Idath — Pemut if deager than
18 feet
Washington - Urdecidid
- lsprovasent of inventory efforts
is essential. (PR. GA. IN. t.U.
,v. ). OR)
- L ate aid properly plug all aban-
donid wells near Agricultural
Drainage Wells. (IA)
— Close surface inlets to al lo.j
infiltration through soil. (14))
- Raise the inlets above maxinun
porrling levels. (TA)
— Rnguire that in ectiai fluids
neat all or saie drinking water
stardards. (NE. OR)
- R uire irrigation tajiwater
recovery aid pui ack. (OR)
— Use only necessary se ints of
irrigetion water aid applied
cheiucals. (C
- R uire frngt nt ncnitoring of
drinking water wells in &urroure3-
mi areas.
- Raguire detailed map with all
well lecaticais. (NE)
- Rnguire diagran of in)ection well
castniction. (NE)
— Raquire siting of wells at least
2.000 ft. away fran any stcck.
nsjnicipal. or daiestic well. (NE)
- Discourage use air) encourage
elimination of agricultural
drainage wells by developing
alternate netbods. (IA)
‘IYPE a’
= nu ria i W L.
W TI 1 & PLP
U ’ a’
l tflAl. LC TIU4
‘i a’
D&irusw
D-W i ( i)
llI
?OI I ’ThL
Sl E RE LM
siia.s..- iuas.
P Iea ATIUS -
DrainageWefls
High
U.s. t1 A Headquarters Ubrary
Mail code 3201
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington DC 20460
-------
?MtioTawide: 80,000—100,000
wells rq,atth for 39
States
)Mtiom.aide: 3.802 wells
reported for 23 States.
Herbicides, pesticides, fart!-
lizers. deicing salts, asj&ial-
tic sedinents, gasoline, grease
oil, tar aid residues fr an roofs
aid paving. ntber particulatea,
liquid wastes aid ithustrial
solvents, heavy setals aid
colifoun bacteria.
Similar ca’tstitue’its to tbose
fciiid in Stornwster Drainage
Wells, tiough generally present
in higher concentrations.
Heavy retain such as lead,
iron. aid rangenese.
Organic carpczirds.
Infonustia , l ies to both 502
aid 5D4 unless otherwise specified.
s ticut-Pentut (SD ?)
Massachusat ts—Elcanpt (502)
ta .Jersey-NYPDEZ Permit
Isi York—Permit if injected vol ave
eceeds 1.000 GPO
Naiylaid—PenT%it (504)
Alabama—Permit (502)
Florida-Permit
Georgia—Bant
Kaitucky—t.oral (502), Peniu.t (504)
South Carolina-Permit (5D2)
‘Fainessee—Pecnit (SD ?)
Illinois—Rule
Wiscaisiri-) ie (502) Rule (504)
Loitsieta-Class II Regulations
(504). Registration of Class V
wells not reguired
New )tcico—Rsgistration
Ocla)xna-Rule
N t hraska—Tkile
Paitana—pernit (502)
Utah-Rule
Wyciung-Pennit (502)
Arizona—Ragistration
california—Rule
Hawaii—Persu C
Qisin—Penmit (502)
Alaska—Permit (SD?)
Idalo-Permit if dasper then 18
feet (502)
Washington-Hens
Apply to both stone water aid irthas-
trial drainage wells:
- New wells should be investigated
aid added to FURS. (KY. t7F, WA)
— istructia , of new iidustrial
drainage wells sinild be limited
or discoiraged: storm water sewers. -
detention ponds, or vegetative
basins are preferred. (OR. fl . ICY,
Th. 1719.
- Said aid gravel filters should be
aided to wells. (KY. Th)
- Staid pipes slnild be constructed
at the nings of wells. (ICY. Th)
- t.uiut future constnaction to resi-
dential areas. ( IL)
- All spills should be dsvenei away
fra n irdustnal drainage wells
(OR. tiP. WA)
- Hew construction of wells in areas
served by storm water sewers sluild
be prohibited. ( . PP .)
- Drainage wells stolId not be con-
stnicted within 200 ft. of water
supply wells wtich tap lo.er
water-bearing aquifers. (Ca)
- Deep wells slnald be plugged or
carented to avoid mixing betwwwa
aquifers. (KY, Th)
- Depth to water data sloild be trade
available to well drillers.
(A Z)
— i t ional studies including use of
uonitori.ng wells sloild be conducted
to study possible pollution soircss
aid prolonged effect of industrial
drainage wells on ground water.
(FL. WI, KS)
- An assesarent of the effects of
storm drainage wells sI-aild be
conducted prior to ccrplet:ng an
inventory because the inventory
‘mild be trire-consuning and costly.
(Mr. OR)
- Sedinents attracted fran drainage
wells, catch basins, or sedinent
traps s)oild be disposed in an
appropriate landfill. (A Z)
- A pibi ic awareness program should
be inpleteited. (AZ)
- All drainage wells should be idsaiti-
tied a id plugged. (WV)
i. orm Water Drainage
Sells (SD?)
R E 2 • oaatimaai
nw aa v na rria taz. n no
1
‘WPE LV I
uur104 wnz.
to czai & MI
(P ieis
IO aIAL Lc iTZQl
2YP LV
m j
oias ( )
CflOIO8 TIø4
IU IItfl.
Sfl IflLMU
bnssnwfl
IeWIT IO
- dustrial Drainage
I i lls (504)
I’ erste
I
-------
&..E 2 • ca itisajed
cV a .,A V uu ria waz. I .m isa
L rIal S
r
1FThL I tTI
cF wi’
Du i
&4 ( )
FJl lrIsL
5 17 1E
a n e snuai
ipr ed Sinkholes Natierwide: 479 wells
(5D3) Naw Hanpshire: 3 wells
Puerto Rico: 10 wells
Kentucky: 76 wells
Riooff. fran paved areas. cvn-
tauung lead aid pecroleun
products fran autaickiiies, pea-
tic das fr an )crticul Lure aid
High to Ikxierate
Puerto Rico-Permit
Florida-Permit
Georgia—Banned
Kencucky-L.cral
-
Training should be r iir& for -
engineers aid drillers in the proper
construction of wells with spect
e!phasiS on sanitary sealing and
Tennessee: 5 wells
Indiana: 26 wells
lawn care, nitrates fran ferti-
lizers, aid fecal waterial fran
Tennessee-Permit
Iid.iana- ie
protection against corrosion.
Training should be slanted taiard
Michigan: 103 wells
wild ad dorestic anmials;
Michigan-l bme
construction in Karat or lurestaie
Minn ta: 6 wells
normal fallout fran air pollu-
M inn e aota-
fonnations. (PR)
Missouri: 250 wells
Virginia, West Virginia.
Florida, aid Cèuo: nurber
not yst confirnid.
tents uiay also be present.
thio— b n e
Hissourx-
-
Careful d ,e trace studies shculd
be run on any aicisting or inproiie
sinkhole drainage systems, aid
orcasional rronitoring of both
Potentially in all areas
with limestone aid dolomite
lirhologies at relatively
entering aid aicitirig fluids should
be run after the system is in
operation. (! O)
shallag depths.
pecial Drainage Natiorwide: 1.557 wells
¶iel le (5G30) Florida: 1 • 385 wells
Lo.usiana: 1 well
Highly variable, depending on
system desiga; for landslide
control. ground weter is gene;’-
Mderate to I.
Florida-Permit/Rule
Louisiana—Class Xl Regelations.
Registration of Class V wells
not
-
Random sampling aid analysis of
awimning pool westeweter for
possible itaninants should be
itana: 55 wells
Hawaii: 1 well
ally used; awumtu g pool
drainage fluid say contain
required
Nabraska-Rule
required. (FL)
Idaho: 7 wells
lithiun h porhlorite, calcium
?a itana-Pennit
I
Washington: 108 wells.
hypcchlorice. sidiwn bicar-
Hawaii-Permit
Potentially present in
bonnie, chlorine, bromine.
Idaho—Permit if deeper than 18
I
all Regions.
iodine. cyanuric acid, alu—
nunun sulfate, algaecides.
feet.
fungicides, aid ntlriatic
,
acid.
I;
1.
-------
Electric Pcwer
Reifl)ectiOn Wells
(SAS )
Direct Reat Reiri)ec—
non Wells (SM)
Nation,ide: 89 wells
Teass: nurbers out
California: 65 wells
Ne ade: 16 wells
lda)x,: 4 wells
Maska: 4 wells
! tion,,ide: 21 wells
Wew York: so nu rs
? w ) rico: 2 wells
Texas: 1 well
(blorado: 2 wells
California: 1 well
le ada: 6 wells
IdaI : 2 wells
Or i: 6 wells
Utah: 1 well
Vapos—Daiunat& Resource
heavy netale (arsenic. boron.
seleru zn), sulfates. ard
dissolved solids.
bt wan er-Daiunated Resource
heavy setâls (arsenic, bormi,
aeleru zn ( • chlorides, dissolved
solids. ard acidic pH.
Arsenic, boron, fluoride,
dissolved Golids, sulfates,
chloride.
Texas—Peniut
N ra 5ka—Ibde
Utab-Pennit
cal i fornia—Peniuc
Newada—Penni t
labo—Permit
) w c.ico—Permjt
Te,cas-Persut
Nthra ska—Rule/Permat
U tah-Pennit
Cal ifornia-Perrut
Nevada—Permit
IdaJ —Pen7u.t
e ’i—Peniu t if uijected voluis
e&s 5.000 GPO
Pçply to both electric pr arsi
direct hear reinjection wells:
- Detailed study on the types of ! ‘F
available for geothermal zysteiis
ard the resolut ion of each net1 .
( W)
— Initial analysis of in)ecnare ard
1n eCt1on zone water corducted
prior to full-scale ui3CCtion
o eranious; paraneters of con-
cen are taiierature. Inorganic
ccnstituents of Priniary aid Sectri-
dary Drinki .rig Water Ra i1ations,
alkalinity, hardness, silica
boron. aid am ua nitrogen.
(o . t’Til)
— Inlectzon Into rx ,—thennsl reser-
voirs it the thenna] rn3ectlon
ulutd seer drinking water require-
sante or if the receiving fluids
are of equal or lesser quality. ( )
2 • itun
JePJ a V IliJ IQ W L WiTh AN) e 1 A2’IO
I? lTGl WIlL
1LJ TIQ1 & ?LP
cF 1QI.5 c
Rfl ffIAL LO S I
1YP cw WB
Th. ii
D-WM l f )
iiue s ’ia
9PM
C.aotherniaj Reinlect ion
Wells
tderate
) erate
-------
t tias ide: 10.028 wells.
Fotanual]y presan in all
regrars: e expected in
areas characterized by
clin tic extreass. R rted
In all States ept the
follosing: Maine. 5lu e
Islan3. Veni t. Puerto
Rico. Virgin Islaids, Weat
Virginia. Alabsea. Arkansas.
Hawaii. krerican Sai a. WI.
G 080.
Prinrarily t) l1y altered
groird waten itIves de—
signed to Lthibit scaling.
corrosion aid lacrustaticn
en water high in setals aid
salts, or uurraung high
or la ral. Is used.
viecticut—Permit
MassacbesettB—Peonit if injected
volure is greater than 15.000 Gl
Maw .lersej—P i ilelPewiic
t ’ York-Peirni t
Delawere—Peurut
Maryla i d—Fennit
Florida—Permit
Gewg ia-D ern
lbrth carol ina—Fe it
Sarth Caxolina- ale
Illa noie— ile
Mireweota—Per mit
Wisconsin-Rule
L rlsiana—Feirtit
t ?kauco-ftegist.zatian
0tlahara-I ale
1 ’eiias—Ru1e
Misuarri—Ragiscration
Nebraska-Rule
tana-tøW
Ibrth DeJ ta—Rals
Utab-Pennit
Arizosa- I
cal ifoxnia—Pererit
A.laaka—Peo rilt
Idabe-Pezinit
e -Pennlt if injected voirire
is greater than 5.000 OlD
Mash lngta,—Fermlt
- Wire research is needed ai the
theoretical effects
of bear pups. ( IC. AZ. SC)
— Autberization by rule as rq riate
for prcperly xpaced aid cperaced
sysrans. (SC)
- We regulatory progress ild be
directed at large-scale systets
rather than at syslens for single—
fanily deellinge. (LA. (IC. 1K)
— Records eluald be maintained by
ca rties aid periaiacally up—l
to State databases in order to
u riror well isities. (10.)
- ‘lie State permitting agancy cI i1d
set construct Ion staidards ass)
insure that wells are constnrted
aid cçeratid preperly. ( FL. 1(5.
IC. PE. SC. frD )
— Fermi ts for camercaai deve1 enta
siziuld includa requiru!u cs for
water quality characterizations
of beth sairce aid receiving
water. (lv .)
- Return walls dv i1d be cased
thi igh t of injection zore. (IA)
- Aresilar ce el ald be cerented
or araitsi. (l.A. KS. E . Th)
- quate ac :ng be .ean pridir-
tion wells alizald be practiced.
(KS. PE. SC)
- Dischange a ) i1d be into or abore
the si ly aquifer. (IA. IA. KS. SC)
- Closed loc systens alrzald be re-
quired. ((IF. ml
- Discharge dinuld b to the surface
rather than to an ifl3ectIOfl well.
(LA)
— fle waste prulirt ah ld contain
no idi tives or only ro id
e ithtives (IA. KS. 1€)
- ‘iultires aid terperucures of injec-
nor fluids should be ao ltor&. (PC)
- Analyses of receiving fluids slixild
be co,di tid peri ically. (KS. WA)
- . licezised water well driller
sl ild be eiployed no install.
rei.ork. aid/or plug aid seal the
well. (LA. 11.)
- New well Installation in Imcwn or
suspected cssiraslnated aquifers
- -- sP ild be prchibitid. (WA)
Ibe , . 1 Pi uip/Air
( tionIng
Haturn Plo. Wells
( A7 )
5Wl 1.
2 • tiaed
IS9JW a? aa V DU ’X f I L - Nil
-
IYW a?
UIJICTICR L
LWff 109 & MJ
(I ? WELS CR
IC1 *L 1 I0I
CR PW1
Dsjec i
QIXiL*-WM (t )
il7 Mfl TI04
jy
A2
se e
-
i ta
-------
Th&Z 2 • wit ia
a aa V nc ’naa iez nm
‘IYW cr
c
10ar1a4 & o
I*ZZS 01
flP FWII
f l
o-wa i)
ThD 1C IQI
nt
RiME JflW
s nai E
ØGhfl0
C’tuxd-s.ater Aqua-
cilture Return
I2;w Wells (SM)
(lewais: 7 active walls
3 stardby wells
iS proposed wells
Ratential ly f curd wherever
irarine or fresh water
organiara are cultured
in large quantities.
Large vo2Ares of iestewater
ccnixs& of essaitially salt
water with raitrients,
bacteriological growth,
perished animals, aid animal
dew ous. Effluent twically
CUit4iflS nitrates. nitrites,
asannia. high E D. aid
ort1 ioSiate.
Ptderate
i raska-Rule
Utah—Permit
Hawaii-Permit
Oregon-Peaiu c if injected volise
exceeds 5.000 CR3
- Regular saspl ing aid analysis of
injection fluid aid injection zone
f uid should be required teens-
annually) - (10)
- Water to be disposed sinild be
filtered and eppropnately treated
prior to injection. (HI]
- Return waters al-culd be carefully
sore tored at a point before aid
after treatsent to ensure the
ruasurea being enployed are suEt i—
cient to allow the water to be
injected. (HI)
£.irestic westewater
Di n gosal Walls
Raw Sewage Di poeal
We] 1 5 (5W9)
Natiorwide: 960 wells
Puerto Rico: 5 wells
Pennsylvania: no asters
Illinois: 916 walls
Irdiana: 22 wells
Michigan: 11 wells
Minrasota: 10 wells
Texas: 10 walls
Hawaii: 3 welle
Alaska: 3 wells
Gereral ly p quality, srclu-
ding high f i s a ) volatiles, ED.
an, Iu . nitrogen (organic,
aid free anionsa( • chloride,
alkalinity aid cease.
High
Illinois—Banned
Nthraska-Rule
tJtah-Bam I
Hawan-Persu.t
te#ada-eerined
Alaska-Peniut or Rule
Oregon-Rule
Ho reccareidations correrning raw
sewage disposal wel is aid ceispools
were provided in State rsports.
However, the use of such disposal
netlods has bean banned in several
States.
Cesegwls (SWiG) NatIonwide: 6.622 walls
New Jersey: 1 well
New York: to nuters
Puerto Rico: 67 wells
Indiana: 22 wells
Michigan: 18 wells
Minsseota: 25 walls
tka Mexico: 14 wells
‘(‘eras: 16 wells
Nahraska: no matters
W .aiung: 3 wells
Arizona: 17 wells
California: 46 wells
Hawaii: 57 wells
Alaska: ) 79 walls
Oregun: 6.257 wells
Sass as for Raw Sewage Disposal
Wells.
High
.
New Jersey-NJPDES Permit
New York-Permit if injected volime
exceeds 1.000 CR3
New Nexico—Banne)
terse—Rule
Nthreska—Rule
Utah-Banned
Wycznsng—Pennir
Arizona—’enru
Calif orn ia-Bann i d
Hawaii-Permit
tad B arW 3
Alaska-Penrur or Rule
Oregon—Rule
-------
SWll: 26,769 inventoried
walls in 31 States
5W3l 4.435 wells in 13 States
5.132: 3.783 wells in 8 States
Varies with type of system
fluids typically 99.9% water
(by weight) aid .03 zspeided
solids; ma)or tititnts
uclude nitrates. düorides,
sulfates. saiiwi . calcir. aid
fecal coisfonu.
,necticut—Penni : if volute
injected exceeds 5.000 GPO
f4assaclsasetts-Pensit if voltme
injected exceeda 15.000 GPO
New Jersey-MJPO Penni t
New York-Peinut if vain
injected exceeds 1 • 000 CR)
Marylazd—Pexnu t (51.131)
Alabana-Pennit
florida-Pennit
Kentucky—mile (51431)
South Cerolina—Pennat (5W32)
Minnesota-Rule
Wisconsin-Rule (51131)
L a n sians—Rule
New ltcico-Ragsetration
aua)nna-male
l wcas—Laal
Miesouri-Penitit
Nthraska-Rule
iC itana—Peni it
tbrth Dakota—mile
Utab-Penrut
Wyuiung—Pexnit
Arizcna—Pennit
Cal i ornia-Pennst
Hawais—Peonit (51431)
Nevada—Barred 15W31), Penrut (51432)
a lI- !a ie
Alaska-Pernit or Rule
Ida}t—Pennit if deeper than 18
feet
Oregen—Peniut if injected
volure exceSs 5.000 GPO (5W32)
Washuiqtcm-Pennst/mile
- Further study is recaeeidal.
Ut. 14I OR)
- Pr er construction aid instal Ia-
tiou guidelines slusid be devel-
oped. D C)
- Cigning trainv prograic for
sanitarians is recower d; nald
include bydrogeology. ground—water
fla.i, tbeory of septic systen
ration. aid peteitial risks to
hmnian bealth. U’R, V, 19.1)
- Siting stcuid be cvndtrted no as
rct to endanger water wells. (KS.
- All systens s lnild be sited aid
designed iidividually. (13( 1
- Laai planning groups Said be
encouraged to eatabl iah septic tank
density limits. (NE)
- Sewage thepoeal wells for private
facilities elnaJ.d be $,ased out
aid replaced by alternate uetlxds
of treaument aid daspesal. ( l It)
- Well constructions staid be xrwea-
tigated. (KS)
- Statewide utcring syetens should
be established arc) s)cuid include
inventory irettnlology aid database
updates. (la)
ithWk Systess
(51411, 5.131. 5432)
• t 2 • tun
sn n’ a’ aa v ntirnw a.t — NC R I W.flC1E
-tLL
.
a’
i*i±nai lfl
•jflui
wcwrxo & n
a’ maz.S a’
EOlfllflAIa 3 fla’
wPw a’
nsJn J
n-WA!øl ( )
WQ&flCl
KY1 YIPL
gpat
snwsuare
t
i
CAij l E
.
High
NE))
-------
TA E 2 • caitin
nmn r aa v nva’na Ca. __ MC
a’
fl L
WtYd’IQ’l & 1O
at at
ICIUWThL (O Th
a ’
DuC
_iJ ’ urn ,)
aniweua’xai
FQl l ?L
I
e lnt
ssncnao
I nsstic Wastetate
‘Th’earzrent Plant
Effluent Disposal
Wells (5W12)
Potentially present in all
Regions. 1.099 wells
inventoried naticnvide
in 19 States.
Iruected fluid, after secoitary
or tertiary waste treansent,
believed to be generally can-
patible with receiving forma-
non; sisy contain high nitrates
aid fecal col if omit if isprtp-
erly treated.
High to l.oi
Massachusetts-Permit if injected
volise exceeds 15,000 CR)
New York—Peniut
piorto Itico-Pezsiit
florida-Permit
Eaiuacky-El inu.riate
Illinois—mile
Irdiana-Permit
Michigan-Permit
‘Poras-Ru].e/Pennit
P traaka—mile
Utab-Peniut
Arizona—Permit
Cal if ornia-Pennit
Hawsii—Pemut
Nevada-Banned
Alaska-Permit or Thile
Idalo-Rule
Washington-PixIe
- C ention shaild ensure that
injection is restricted to rates
aid pressures dictated by sire-
specific hydrcgeologic cordir ions
(sluild involve nonitoring).
(WY. AL. El).
- Alternative iretheds of disposal
aid feasibility of upgrading
ousting plants s)nild be evalu-
ated. (VA)
- In sate cases, wells sFnild be
ph ged. (XV)
Mineral aid Ftssi]
Fuel Recovery
Reiat& Wells
Mining. Said or
Other Backfill
Wells (51(13)
Natiorwide: 6.500 wells
Msrylard: 1 well
Pennsylvania: 811 wells
West Virginia: 258 wells
Alabama: no nurbers
Ranrucky: 61 wells
Tennessee: no rs itiers
Illinois: 5 wells
New Itaco: 11 wells
Texas: 65 wells
Missairi: 4.326 wells
Colorado: 2 wells
Mantana: 10 wells
Pbrth Dalota: 300 wells
Wyaning: 74 wells
Nevada: 1 well
Idaho: 575 wells
Hydraulic or prsmiatic slurries
— Solid portion of slurries
sty be said, gravel, cetent.
mill tailings/refuse, or fly
ash.
- Slurry weters stay be acid
mine water or ore extraction
precese wasteweter.
terate
Msrylard—Pernit
Pennsylvania-Mine operation
West Virginia—Mine ration
Alabama-Pennit
Kentucky-Peniut
Illinois—Rule
Pa, Pttico-Un)mQ’.n
‘l’eras-Rule
Miesmiri
N5brask&-Rtile
())lor i do-Iaile
Ic itana-Peniut
Pbrth Dakota- mile
Utah-Ru le
Wy iinmgPenutit
IdaltPiule
— Siting, design, construction, aid
oçeration sPould be specified in
permit requireients. (IL)
- Slurry injection voluties should
be nesutored aid caipared to
calculated mine volure to prevent
catastr nc failure. (WV)
- Craird-weter ronitoring in areas
containing potable water. (t’O)
— Site—specific study is necessary
to d5teriltine the nature aid
extent of degradation fra n mine
backfill wells. IMP)
- Authorization of mine backfill
wells wxt)nit permits Sculd con-
tinue where tailings ai-e injected
into formations that are effect-
ively isolated fran U2 . (ml
-------
l Ticyl & MP
LS a
lrIAL l Txal
Netiorwids: 2.025 wells
New York: 48 wells
Michigan: 15 we] s
f Mexico: 1.07 wells
Wyaiung: 14 wells
Arizona: 870 wells
California: 5 wells
Potentially in other
mirung districts.
..E 2 • ca tirn
cr a V I u rxcz W 1. D& A U
Weak acid solutions (sul furie
and hydrcchloric)
MrOiu n carbonate
Scxliun eathoriate/bicarbona te
Ferric cyanide
Q Xn )
New York-Permit
New ? cico—Periiut
Nebraska-pernu t
Utah-Permit
ng-Pemn r t
Arizona—permit
Cal if orTua-Pexmlt
R Q6
- Nec rk of injection wells should
nor extend beyorx surface projec-
tion of ore bcxiy. (CA)
- New types of irechanical integrity
tests for iiiplalencation with this
well type should be studied, (AZ)
- Hydrologic nonitoring should be
caxiucred to derernune a weter
bodget. (AZ)
Spent Brine Return
Flag Wells C51a6)
Nationwide: 121 wells
M ci.. York: no nuthers
West Virginia: 2 wells
Indiana: 8 wells
Michigan: 33 wells
Arkansas: 70 wells
C2claixxra: 7 wells
Nerth Dakota: 1 well
Potentially in Regions
naving carnrerciall’ reca-
enable hal n dep.is cs.
Linuced to brines fran which
halogens or salts have bean
extracted;
Potential for eddition of other
urnief med constituents into
waste streen,
New York-Permit
Arkansas-Permit
c c.1ataua-Pole
Nebraska—Pole
Utah-Pole
— Technical requirmrents specified in
permits should be similar to those
for oilfield brine injection wells
or solution mining wells. (W. AR)
— C ristruction requirerents should
be developed based upon well oper-
ating perasetera, (AR)
- Mechanical integrity rests should
be required, (AR)
- Seni-anj,ual caiprehensive saspling
and analysis of fluid and capar-
isa, of prohred vs. injected
fluid should be required. (AR)
WPE c
D rIrzl w
Solution Mimip
Wells (5X14:
¶YP Z cP }WI1
In Situ
Fossil Fuel
Miticxa ,ide: 66 wells
Urniergrourd coal
Recowery
(5Xl5)
Wells
lorado: 23 wells
Indiana: 1 well
Mlthigan: 1 well
Wyaning: 41 wells
Potentially in other
areas wtih relatively
thaI law, organic rich
sth strata,
- air. acygeri, steen, weter.
igniting agents Bich as
amoniur nitrate-fuel oil
(A 8’Ol or pr ne,
In Situ oil shale retorting:
- air. acygen, steen. water.
sand, explosives, igniting
agents (genera] ly propane)
Pur se in both cases is to
initiate and Iraintain cathus-
non. cathusticzi prcducts
include polynuclear aroniatics,
cyrudes, nitrates, phenols.
? rate
Texas—Permit
Nebraska-Rule
1or io-pe le
Utah-Permit
Wyaiu. n g-Pennjt
-
-
niuct caTplece geologic and
hydrogeologic i.zvesriga ions prior
to syston mplexentataa,, (WY)
Rerediate zone fluids to minimize
future caitaninarion, (WY)
-------
• &Z 2 • tiiI
ii ‘ V nwrrzc L
2g1 wells uwent ied
net iora idei potantially
marty turcs this gsvber.
aed would be loceted i.n
all Ragione.
Depen ent iwi type of systen.
type of additives, arid telçcr—
ature of waters open pipe
systete may ei se ground water
to accidental intrcdtrc ion of
surface contasu.nants. iixlustrial
spills, or wiautherizecl d sponal
of wastes.
Massactlusetts—Pexnut if m ecrion
‘olt.ma e, eeds 2.000 G
t .lersey-NJP S Fermi
Alabatra—Persut
Florida-Permit
Georgia—Permit
South Caniluia—Rule
Ill inoi.s—Rule
Wiscons i.n-Rule
Arkansas—?
Waw Wexico—Regist.ration
Io.ia—Pertnit
t ra ska-Rule
Utah—Penzut
Geli fox na—Permit
Hawaii—Permit
Alaska—Permit
ldabe—Penn. it
egon—Penrat if ln)ected voluras
exceed 5.000 GPO
Washisigton .-Pe r mit
- Mirunurn locatir raguiretenta for
the n)ection wall relative to any
nearby nunicipa.l supply wells
sheuld be established. (NE. SC)
- Wells aluild be groutad frQn at
least 20 feet bela., land surface
to lard surface or to the water
cable. (NE)
— Wells should be cased fran surface
to the top of the upperrost supply
arid .n)ection zone. (AR)
- Canatnted arsiulus fran surface to
supoly/in ection za . (AR)
- Require miriutun of 2 wells: supply
well arid return well. (AR, SC)
- Wells s ld be ca,atxucted such
that spent fluids are irijecte
u to source aquifer. (AR)
- Cpen loop return flcw wells should
be prthiblt&. (El.. AR. NE. UI’)
- Wells should be plugged with cetent
upon abai zrent. (AR)
- Permit cificatjons needed:
Detailed map a1 ing all area wells.
Diagran of inlectron well design.
Diagram of entire system.
Type arid voltare of trijeccate. (AR.
NE)
Deolirç Water Rao.irn
Fla. Wells (51U9)
IYPE
D L
L0 ) .TI l &
A.S
Y1 ftU
i en a’ PW
D
i -ien ( )
iW4
L
9 1E
sn nj a s
R D4 Q
lTidusrria /Caiirercial
Utility Disposal
Wells (5A.19)
P erate to 1 .0. 1
-------
5D4 )
I 1at
High
cormecticut—permit
Nassadsiset ts—Permi t
New Jersey—NJPDES Permit
New York-Permit
Marylaixi—Pennit
Perinsylvan i a—Permit
Alabaina—Pennj.t
Florida-Permit
Loath carol ina—Pernut
Illir iois—Ib aie
W iSCQ u i—pex i n it
T cas-Qass I Regulations
Nshraska—Ru le
Utah-Banned
Wyaiung—Permit
Arizona—Permit
cal i formua-Pezmnit
Hawaii—Pernut
Alaska-Pennit
Idaho-Permit if deqier than 18
feet
e - P e r mnit
- Inventory efforts should continue —
with high priority on identifying
irdustrial disposal facilities.
(PR, fl . WI, AK, WY)
- Assume all irdustr-ial waste
disposal has a deleteriojs effect
on U vJ, werrant ing nsiiediate
action. (PA)
- E ctensive grourd-water evaluation
snadies should be oneducted to
identify areas which would be
vulnerable to contaninat ion by
irdustrial weste disposal. (PR, AL)
- Drainage areas surrourthng irdus-
trial facilities sluild be studied
arid all possible pollution sources
noted. (KS)
— Inspection of these facilities
s} xild be niaridatory. arid cothucted
by teens hacked by chanical or
irdustrial engineers. (PR)
- f . utoring progress s) ld be
required arid sampling specifica-
tions should be tightened. (PR,
C, F1, KS)
— Ground-water nnnitoring should
be conducted using a minumun of
one upgradient arid — .ingradient
wells. (JiZ)
— Practice of injecting industrial
proress weter arid waste should be
discouraged, and wastes routed
to on—site treacsenc facilities
or mnarucipal sanitary sewer
systems. (FL .)
- Discharge of industrial proress
wastes to septic systems should
be discouraged. (PR. NE)
- These wells should be permitted
only when injection is into ground
i.ster containing greater than
ten-tloasarid mg/I ‘lOS. (FL.I
a
at s at
R7l ’IAL. LGC 2Th
1.989 inventoried wells
in 33 States.
..E 2 •
at a V 3 rI waj.. sa - - .sa xac
HYPEQr
insluscrial Pzxx ess
Wat er arid Waste
Disposal Wells (5W20)
,lYP at FWI
Potentially any fluid disposed
by various irdustries; can have
high dissolved solids. susperm-
dad solids, alkalinity,
chloride, phosphate, sulfate.
total volatiles,
-------
ThflE 2 • itirn
snam’ a’ Q.A V Uuanaq waz. flkTh Am
1 T1Q & PO
qyw a’ a’ w zs a
DU QI W&.!. KY1 nAIJ LOa.TIQl
a’ nvus
Bu ,
(u i)
cu wmana
IUtflWIAL
smm jau.aiu
UiflKflUlCt
R * 2WflG€
Autaithile Service Nationwide: 99 wells
Station Wean Connecticut: 1 well
Disposal Wells R1 S IslamI: 3 wells
(5 )28 1 Venront: 10 wells
New .lersey: 18 wells
New York: 3 wells
Virginia: 1 well
Florida: no nurbets
Illinois: 5 welh
lidiana: 2 wells
Mithigan: 27 walls
New !tnco: no nuters
Ic.a: 1 well
Miascaari: S wells
Utah: 2 wells
Nevada: no nisters
Idah3: 21 wells
Waste oil. antifreeze.
floor washings (irtluding
detergents, organic, art!
ixcrgaruc sedurent) aid
other petroletsi pr i ducts.
.
High
inecticut-Penut
I.lew Jersey—NJPtES Permit
New York-Permit
F lorida-Permit
Illinois- mile
Nthraska-Rule
Utah—Banned
Idakn-Rule
- Inventory update is vital.
Cuidel tries for ct structici,
operation, aid oQeral I regulation
of these wells need to be estab-
lished. (NY. PR)
- Permits slxiuld slicw construction
features, a plan to utilize
separators art! biding tanks. aid
a plan to sample aid analyze
injected fluids. (IA)
- Urdergroruxl bIding tanks sbnild
be r uireS. ( I /F)
- L al building t e aid sewer
pretreatneit inspection stould
identify areas where discharge
to aewers is prdiibitai. (I/F)
Recharge Wel ls
Aquifer Racha
Wells (SIG1)
Natiorwide: 3.558 wells
New Hampshire: 1 well
New York: 3.000 wells
florida: 349 wells
Illinois: 1 well
Minnesota: 1 well
New tttzco: 30 wells
Texas: 44 wells
Kansas: 4 wells
Nsraska: 4 wells
W cning: 32 wells
Arizona; 51 wells
California: 52 wells
Idato: 7 wells
Washington: 7 wells
Ibtentially faird in
areas characterized by
large witldrawals for
drinking water or
irrigation far in recess
of recharge.
Dq,erdent tq,on sairce; water
quality changes noted include
adsorption, son achange. pra—
precipitation aid dssaoluticri.
chemical oddation. biological
nitnfscatiai art! denitrifica-
non. ae:thic or anaerttic
degradation. nechanical dis-
persion. art! filtration.
High to Loa
New Jersey—Rule/Permit
florida-Permit
Ill inois-Jhile
F lew tcico-Ragsstrstiai
Texas-Pennit
Nthraska—Rule
Utah—Rule/Permit
W y ru.ng-Pe ut
Arizona-Permit
calitonia-Peimit
Idalts-Permit if deeper than
is feet
- Injection fluid slaild be of
generally aluivalent or better
quality than injection zone
fluid. U )
- Staidatts for injactate quality
stat be on a case by case basis.
(AZ )
- Regular injeccate sampling elnild
be corducted. (tC)
- Use of proper design, constnrtion
aid operation is essential. ( a. FE)
-------
2 • orxtirsjed
quU
- cl Is
Dii P
n1ec
(5X26
&M 1 L’ cW V m ria W L ii , iwrrci
‘IY
nimrria %‘ L
WCATI 1 & PLJ?
Rll ll’1M. I CAS’IQ
‘IY a
D -zw
(u i)
I I 4fl j ’ IQ
IV l lTAL
J1
nwjuic. e
Cl I
—
Saline .ater
Intrusion Barrier
Wells (5 2)
Calif ornia: 155 wells
FlOrida: 2 we.ls
Potentially fo.rsl in coastal
areas typified by aburdarit
fresh water withorawals for
irrigation and/or drinking
water.
Varies .ith type of source;
exasples incltx e advanced
treated sewage, surface urban
arid agricultural ruref f • and
inçorted surface waters.
La
New Jersey—Rule/Permit
FlOrida-Periiut
Nebraska—Rule
Utah-Rule/Permit
Cal if orn.ia—Pemnit
Washington-Permit
- Pilot studies to define ]ithologi
and hydrogeologic per seters
influencing salt water intrusion
ShOuld be conducted on Si Ce-
specific basis. (C ? .)
- tharacterization of interaction of
injectate arid formation fluids is
necessary. (C?.)
Subs ioerce Cantrol
Wells (5 3)
4 walls inventoried for
WisC 5in fran state r rts;
it is bel iee& inventory is
incaiplete; potentially
present in desert air) coastal
areas typified by large.
long-term ground—water with—
drawals; areas having
carbonate aquifers are par-
ticularly susceptible to
subsidence.
See ‘?qu.L fer Recharge Wells
Lo
Wis onsin-Pernu t
Nebraska-Rule
Utah—Rule/Permit
- ln)ectate quality should be noni-
tored. (CA) I
- Prcper wall design, operation,
and construction practices sbeuld
be inplairented. (CA) -—-
- For additional recameridations,
see ‘?quifer Recharge Wells’
‘
Miscellaneous Wells
Radioactive waste
Disposal wells
(5 4)
Uriknoan nuther, but existence
conf irnexi for Tennessee. New
Nexico. Idaho, and Washington
in State reports.
Variety of radioactive eater—
ials, including Beryll nan 7 •
Tritiun, Strontiizn 90, Cesusn
237 • Rutassiinn 40. balt 60.
beta particles, Piutcmiun,
Mericitnn, Uraniun, arid
radior iucl ides.
Unknom
Illinois-Rule
! ‘Wecico-Banned
Cklabeina-Rule
Nebraska-Rule
Utah-Rule/Permit
Idaho-Permit if deeper than 18
feet
Washington—Permit
- Discharges sluild satisfy all
)o n. available, reasonable
treatirent arid control nethods. (l.&)
- Discharge to cribs arid french
drains st ild be pretreated prior
to disposal. ( (‘a)
- Permits, permit caTpliance, arid
enforceTent actions should be
negotiated annually i.ith EPA
through the State/EPA greesant
Program._(Wli)
Dcper inentai
Technology Wells
(5 1Q5)
225 wells in State reports;
Potentially located in every
Region.
Wide variety of Ln)ected
constituents: highly acidic
or basic ccspounds for solu-
t ion mining: iest ic waste—
water containing high total
suspended solids, fecal
colifont. asironia, 5 ( 1 ). pH;
air is used in certain water
reca .,ery pro )ects. -.
Neiderate to Lo .
Alabama-Permit
Florida-Permit
Mississippi—Rule
Nerth Carolina—Permit
Illinois-Rule
New Ruxico-Permit
Nebraska-Rule
Utah—Rule/Permit
Wyanirig-Permit
Arizona-Permit
Caiifornio-Pe rmit
Hawaii—Permit
Nevada—Permit
- Wells sh ld r r be sited
operated so as to permit in)ection
into Class XI S aquifers. (CA)
- Detailed h idrogeoiogical studies
should be conducted prior to any
proposed in ect ion. (C?.)
- Crieiucal analysis of waste stream
r .ericdical]y. (CA)
- ‘cichanical integrity tests s ild..
D. developed and conducted regularly.
(CA, AZ)
-------
2 •
.P 1W W QA V nUEIna k ,L . DR ID
iyi i
I L
l TIQl ?LP
wwg ci
I fTl iWiTlOl
.lYP CV ium
flUWlE
aG, ! -’ l ft il
TR 1I
i lFiAL
LM W
S1 IURE
RIxKY rIaG
k iI fer Rated i at son
Wells Clas Iuding
Oil Recovery
In)ecr.ion Wells)
( 5X26)
‘
hat ionw de: 355 we! is
Rl e Isla,d: 2 wells
P . ersey: 9 wells
Puerto Rico: 1 well
Alabama: 1 well
brth Carollriai 12 wells
Irrliana: 4 wells
Michigan: 59 wellp
Minnesota: 7 wells
Wzscvnsin 1’? wells
t w t’atcicV: SO wells
Cklahara: 60 we]l
7 as : 37 wells
Kansas: 15 wells
Missouri: no nuthers
) raskai no nuthers
O,loracb: 81 wells
t)e ,Eient i hydrogeol ogie
regisen, parateters of the
cananiriation phne. an design
of the ret diatson prcigran; for
refinery projects, typtcaj
injectate c aitituents are
oil/grease, pi aol a, toluene.
benzene. leail. iron.
Unios n
New Jerse -tUivrS Peniu t
Mabains-Pennit
l brth Carol rna-Psniut
Wisconsin-Rule
Ok jahc ,na-Ru)e
N t hz-aska-Peniut
Utah-Ru] e/Perni I
Ca l iforn la-Peruut
- Isp! crentat ion of rep ster i rig arri
norutOring prc ’glau iS. ( KS !
- Crnstnieticxi rtardards should be
iriiilar to tivse talilishci ( for
.iischargc wells. ICE)
cased frau surface thrcucih cue icc
of the inj cc C ion zone. (CE I
Screened intervals throigh sarris
arc) gravels. (CE)
t,nnulus sheuld he greuted. (CE)
- Injected fluid quality shaild he
better than that of the fluid in
the ccrttanin ted aquifer but not
necessarily of drinking water
ttandards. (IL)
ahardona! Dr inking
WaterP aste Disposal
Wells (5X29)
3.050 wells inventor led.
Potentially present in all
areas having shallew fresh
water arpilters.
Potential] y any kied of fluid.
particularly brackish or saline
water. hazenk,us thatucals arc)
sewage; doraresytatita, of
nitrate anti collfonr Contair-
ion d iiuented in Nthraska
iflrner sri! Spalding. 1905!,
Dansstic sewage disp sal via
these wells manced for 75
hoses in Mirriesota; also dccu-
sentatmcn for disposal of
çesticides within agricultural
runoff (Jones. l973 bater aed
Spalding. 1985).
Miziera re
Utah-Banned
The follcwirig states have plugging
arc! aara3or,renc regulations for
water wells:
Blode lalarc). New ersey,
Puerto Rico. Delaware.
llarylaed. Fersisylvania.
Virginia. West Virginia,
Alabama. Florida. Georgia.
brth Carol ma. Tennessee.
Illinois. Michigan, Minnesota.
Ctiio. Wisconsin. Arkansas.
j,u ,s ama. C1clal ya. T( cai,.
Kansas. Missouri. ilebraska.
Colorado, !brth Dakota.
South Dakota. Wyauung, Arizona.
California. Nevada. Alaska.
ldaha. Oregon. arm] Washington
- fejet estabi i eb a better i rr.tcntor
of wells. IPR . I II. M I, Ill)
- Wells ehaild be prq erly plugged
using cesent. (Mi)
-------
—14—
with an appropriate background. A general understanding of our
ground—water resource is essential, considering that over 95
percent of Class V injection wells discharge directly into,
above, or between USDW.
The inventory information submitted by the State UIC
programs is presented and summarized in Section Three of the
report. Inventory numbers are given by well type arid by USEPA
Regions and States. The sources of the inventory data are
primarily State reports; however, inventory information also
was obtained from personal interviews, the FURS database (Federal
UIC Reporting System), reports other than the State Class V
reports, and published literature.
Section Four of the report is presented in two parts. The
first part is a discussion of methods and criteria used to determine
ground—water contamination potential important in assessing
each individual well type. The second part of Section Four
consists of the individual well type assessments for the Class V
wells listed in Table 1. Each assessment addresses well purpose;
inventory and location; construction, siting, and operation;
nature of injected fluids and injection zone interactions;
hydrogeology and water usage; contamination potential of well
type; curtent regulatory approach; and State recommendations
for siting, construction, operation, and corrective or remedial
actions. As with the inventory information, most data used in
the well type assessments came from State’s Class V reports.
Additional data were gathered from published literature,
unpublished reports, inspection and investigation programs,
and personal interviews.
The Summary and Conclusions Section, Section Five, provides
an overview of the preceding sections on inventory and assessment
and contains a summary table for quick reference. Section Six
of the report presents recommendations both for the inventory
database and for each Class V well type assessed in the report.
The recommendations are a summary of those given by the State
reports. The recommendations include consideration of the
technical aspects of Class V injection, such as siting,
construction and operation.
Appendix A consists of State Report Summaries for each of
the State Class V reports received. Appendices B and C contain
the glossary and list of acronyms and abbreviations used,
respectively. Appendix D consists of a general bibliography
and other well—type specific bibliographies. Appendix E is a
listing of supporting data, mainly case studies, used (to
augment State report data) in assessing well types.
------- |