Protecting Drinking Water
Through Underground
Injection Control
4>EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
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Office of Water (4606 M)
EPA816-K-10-004
March 2012
http://wat.er.epa.gov/drinW
Printed on Recycled Paper
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Contents
Importance of Drinking Water 1
Safe Drinking Water Act (UIC Related
Sections) 3
Key Concepts 5
SDWAUIC Program Principles 6
EPA Injection Well Classification
System 7
UIC Historical Timeline 9
The Five Pathways of Contamination 11
Class I Wells 13
Class II Wells 17
Class III Wells 19
Class IV Wells.... ...21
Class V Wells 22
Class VI Wells 25
EPA UIC Strategic Program Priorities 27
UIC Program Implementation
Milestones 28
Importance of UIC Program to Source
Water and Other Watershed Activities... 29
Did You Know? 30
Glossary 31
Agencies Responsible for
Implementing the UIC Program 35
Contacts.... ...36
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/
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Importance of Drinking Water
Water is one of our most vital resources;
it is essential for life. Over 80 percent
of the earth is covered by water. Most
water fit for drinking is frozen in glaciers.
The remaining fresh water is largely
found below our feet in aquifers. More
than 90 percent of all public drinking
water systems rely on water found in
aquifers to supply the population with
drinking water. Aquifers also supply
water for agriculture, feed our lakes and
provide recharge to our streams and
rivers. In addition, millions of Americans
living in rural areas rely on private wells.
Distribution of Water on Earth
* Lakes and Rivers
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Protecting this resource from source to tap is essential to the health of the public and
the economic health of communities.
At the same time, Americans generate large amounts of waste fluids. These fluids may
come from industries, municipalities and small businesses. Other fluids are used for pri-
mary or secondary extraction of mineral resources. Each year more than 750 billion gallons
of hazardous and non-hazardous fluids are disposed of through underground injection.
EPA's Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program ensures that these fluids are injected
safely and cost effectively while fulfilling the mission to protect underground sources of
drinking water (USDWs) from contamination by regulating the location, construction,
operation and closure of injection wells. This booklet summarizes UIC Program basics
and the minimum federal requirements for an effective UIC Program.
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/
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Safe Drinking Water Act (UIC Related Sections)
Sections of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) require EPA to provide safeguards so
that injection wells do not endanger current and future USDWs.
Section Description
1421 Identifies what state regulations must include—Sets out the framework for
the minimum federal requirements that states must meet in order to have
primary enforcement responsibility (primacy) for the UIC Program. State
regulations must contain minimum requirements for effective programs
(e.g., inspection, monitoring and recordkeeping) to prevent underground
injection that endangers USDWs.
1422 Outlines the process for state primacy applications, including timelines and
public participation requirements. If a state does not obtain primacy, EPA
will assume direct implementation responsibility. This section also allows
tribes to obtain primacy.
1423 Sets forth enforcement of the program—Civil and criminal actions are
described, including the amount of any penalty levied.
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Section Description
1425 Describes optional demonstrations a state may make for the portion of
the UIC Program relating to oil and natural gas operations—Allows EPA
approval of existing state oil and gas programs if the state can demonstrate
that the program meets the requirements of 1421 and represents an ef-
fective program to prevent underground injection that endangers drinking
water resources.
1426 Requires the Administrator to determine the applicability of monitoring
methods and calls for EPA to submit a Report to Congress for Class V wells.
The Report to Congress included information on Class V inventory, well
types, design and construction recommendations and risk associated with
wastes discharged. (See pages 22-24 for more information.)
1431 Authorizes emergency powers for EPA to take action in a state if there is an
imminent and substantial endangerment.
1442 Addresses EPA's authority to conduct research, studies, training and dem-
onstrations, specifically looking at improved methods for protecting USDWs.
1443 Establishes grants for primacy programs.
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/
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Key Concepts
Aquifer: An underground geologic formation, or group of formations, containing usable
amounts of ground water that can supply drinking water wells or springs.
Geologic sequestration (GS) of carbon dioxide (CO2): The long-term containment of a
gaseous, liquid or supercritical C02 stream in subsurface geologic formations.
Underground source of drinking water (USDW): An aquifer or portion of an aquifer that:
1. Supplies any public water system, or
2. Contains a quantity of ground water sufficient to supply a public water system, and
• Currently supplies drinking water for human consumption, or
• Contains fewer than 10,000 mg/L total dissolved solids (IDS) and is not an exempted
aquifer.
Well:
• A bored, drilled or driven shaft whose depth is greater than the largest surface di-
mension, or
• A dug hole whose depth is greater than the largest surface dimension, or
• An improved sinkhole, or
• A subsurface fluid distribution system.
Well injection: Subsurface emplacement of fluids through a well.
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SDWA UIC Program Principles
Non-endangerment: SDWA prohibits injection that endangers USDWs. Underground
injection is considered to endanger drinking water sources if such injection may result in
the presence of any contaminant in underground water that supplies, or can reasonably
be expected to supply, any public water system, and if the presence of the contaminant
may result in the system's not complying with any national primary drinking water regula-
tion or otherwise adversely affect the health of persons.
Primacy: EPA is directed to establish minimum federal requirements for state and tribal
UIC programs. States and tribes then apply to EPA to obtain primary enforcement re-
sponsibility, or primacy, to administer the UIC Program. Primacy programs must meet
the minimum federal requirements and may have more stringent requirements. To date,
33 states, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico
have obtained primacy for all classes of injection wells. Seven states and two tribes
share primacy with EPA. For the remaining states, tribes, the District of Columbia, the
Virgin Islands, and American Samoa, EPA is directly implementing UIC programs. (See
map on page 35.)
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/ 6
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EPA Injection Well Classification System
Approximate
Well Class Injection Well Description Inventory
Class I - Inject hazardous wastes beneath the lowermost USDW. 650
- Inject industrial non-hazardous fluids beneath the lower-
most USDW.
- Inject municipal wastewater beneath the lowermost
USDW.
- Inject radioactive waste beneath the lowermost USDW.
Class II - Inject fluids which are brought to the surface in 150,851
connection with oil or natural gas production and some
natural gas storage operations.
- Inject fluids for enhanced oil or natural gas recovery.
- Inject liquid hydrocarbons for storage.
Class III Inject fluids for the extraction of minerals. 21,368
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Well Class Injection Well Description
Class V
Wells not included in the other classes.
Approximate
Inventory
Class IV Inject hazardous or radioactive waste into or above a 24 sites
USDW. This activity is currently banned unless it is part of
an authorized cleanup.
400,000 to
650,000
Class VI - Wells that are not experimental in nature that are used
for GS of C02 beneath the lowermost formation containing
a USDW.
- Wells used for GS of C02 that have been granted a waiver
of the injection depth requirements pursuant to require-
ments at 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 146.95.
- Wells used for GS of C02 that have received an expan-
sion to the areal extent of an existing Class II enhanced
oil recovery or enhanced gas recovery aquifer exemption
pursuant to 40 CFR 146.4 and 144.7(d).
This guide was published in 2012; there were no Class VI wells as of publication.
N/A*
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/
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UIC Historical Timeline
EPA
Established
Safe
Drinking
Water Act
a § a
Firs,
Federal
UIC
Regulations
ID 00 O
r-- r-- oo
Majority of
State Programs
approved and
codified —
State and
Tribal Direct
Implementation
Programs
Codified
1982-1984
IN ^t
00 00
Report to Report to
Congress Congress
on Injection on Class V
of Hazardous
Waste
Class 1 Hazardous
Wells Regulatory
Revision — Land
Band Petition
00 00
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UIC Historical Timeline, continued
Administrative
Order for
Class V Motor
Vehicle Waste
Disposal Well
Closures
,
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/
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11
The Five Pathways of Contamination
The UIC Program prevents contamination via the pathways described below through
regulations that prohibit movement of fluid into USDWs (40 CFR 144.12).
Pathway
Owner/Operator Must
Demonstrate
UIC Program Requirements
1. Faulty Well Construc-
tion: Leaks in well casing
or fluid escaping between
well's outer casing and
well bore.
No significant leaks orfluid
movement in well bore (me-
chanical integrity).
Permits; Mechanical integrity
tests (MIT); Inspections; File
reviews; Corrective action
(CA) on wells with MIT failure;
Enforcement; Closures.
2. Nearby Wells: Fluids
from pressurized area in
injection zone may escape
through wells in injection
Properly construct or plug wells
that penetrate injection zone.
Submit plans for plugging and
abandonment with permit ap-
plications. Submit plugging and
abandonment (P&A) reports
prior to closing any well.
Permits; File reviews; CA on
problem wells in area of review
(AoR); Inspections; Enforce-
ment; Closures.
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Pathway
Owner/Operator Must
Demonstrate
UIC Program Requirements
3. Faults or Fractures in
Confining Strata: Fluids
may leak out of pressur-
ized area through faults/
fractures in confining
beds.
Wells are sited to inject below
an unfractured confining bed.
Monitor injection pressure to
prevent fractures in injection
zone or in confining bed.
Permits; File reviews; MITs;
Inspections; Monitoring record
reviews; CA on wells with MIT
failure; Enforcement; Closures.
4. Direct Injection: Inject
fluids into or above US-
DWs.
Fluids do not endanger. Must
submit inventory prior to injec-
tion.
Permits; Outreach and compli-
ance assistance; Inspections;
Enforcement; Closures; Inven-
tory.
5. Displacement: Fluid
may be displaced from in-
jection zone into hydrauli-
cally connected USDWs.
Proximity of injection wells to
USDWs so permitting authority
can confirm proper siting. Con-
trol injection pressure; conduct
monitoring and testing to track
future fluid migration.
Permits; MITs; CA on wells
with MIT failure; Inspections;
Enforcement; Closures.
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/
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13
Class I Wells—Isolate hazardous, industrial and municipal
wastes through deep injection.
Purpose: Regulate and manage safe injection of hazardous,
industrial or municipal waste beneath the lowermost USDW;
prohibit movement of fluid into USDWs.
Examples of Fluids:
• Manufacturing and mining wastewater.
• Hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA).
• Treated municipal effluent.
• Radioactive waste.
Protective Requirements:
Construction and siting
• Cased and cemented to prevent movement of fluids into
USDWs.
• Tubing and packer appropriate for injected wastewater.
• Sited in geologically stable areas.
• Determine impact of placing a new well close to existing
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wells. Minimum AoR radius is 2 miles for hazardous waste
wells and % mile for non-hazardous waste wells.
Monitoring and Testing
• Hazardous waste wells: internal MIT every year, external
MIT every 5 years.
• Non-hazardous waste wells: internal and external MIT
every 5 years.
• Yearly monitoring required of injection operation.
• Monitoring wells to supplement ambient monitoring are
authorized.
Recordkeeping and Reporting
• Plan for safe plugging and abandoning of wells, including
demonstrating of financial responsibility.
Regulatory Citations:
• 40 CFR 144 Subparts A-F
• 40CFR 146SubpartA
• 40 CFR 146.11-146.14, 146.61-146.73
• 40 CFR 148 (all) for hazardous waste wells
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/
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Class I Municipal Disposal Wells in Florida
Regulations for Class I Municipal Disposal Wells
For more than 20 years, some municipalities in Florida have been using underground injection
as an alternative to surf ace disposal of treated domestic wastewater. In November 2005, EPA
published an amendment to the federal UIC regulations for Class I municipal disposal wells in
certain counties of Florida. This updated requirement offers owners and operators of these
municipal disposal wells the ability to continue to operate their wells, provided they meet
additional wastewater treatment requirements.
The updated requirement addresses evidence suggesting that, at several wells, the injected
fluids were migrating into USDWs. Because the UIC Program prohibits the operation of
Class I wells with fluid movement into a USDW, the associated treatment facilities would
need to cease injection and adopt an alternative method to manage their wastewater,
which could increase environmental risks to surface water and coastal environments.
Requirements for USDW Protection
This updated requirement involves rigorous control of the quality of the fluids by requiring
these facilities to treat their municipal wastewater with pretreatment, secondary treatment
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and high-level disinfection beforethey are injected. Underthis approach,
the movement of fluids into USDWs, whether known or suspected, should
not endanger the USDWs because the quality of the wastewater has
been treated to a level that is no longer a threat to USDWs. This action
shifts the endangerment protection strategy used for Class I municipal
disposal wells in certain counties of Florida from the no fluid movement
standard to an alternate approach that relies on treatment of wastewater
before it is injected.
This modification, however, does not undercutthe protection of USDWs
or weaken the U 1C Program requirements. Facility owners and operators
in the designated counties must comply with all other applicable UIC
requirements to ensure that their injection wells do not endanger USDWs.
Regulatory Citations:
40CFR 144SubpartsA-E
40CFR 146Subpart A
40 CFR 146.11-146.14
40 CFR 146.IB and 146.16
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/
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Class II Wells—Injection wells associated with oil and gas
production.
Purpose: Regulate and manage safe injection (1) of fluid
brought to the surface in connection with oil and gas pro-
duction and some natural gas storage operations, (2) for en-
hanced recovery of oil or natural gas, or (3) for hydrocarbon
storage operations. Prohibit movement of fluids into USDWs.
Examples of Fluids:
• Produced high salinity brine.
• Crude oil (for storage).
• Polymers and vicosifiers for enhanced recovery wells.
• Drilling fluids and muds.
Protective Requirements:
Construction and siting
• Cased and cemented to prevent movement of fluids
into USDWs.
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• Construction and design of well (casing, tubing and
packer) varies.
Monitoring and Testing
• Internal/external MIT.
• Periodic monitoring and reporting.
Recordkeeping and Reporting
• Plan for safe plugging and abandoning of wells, includ-
ing demonstration of financial responsibility.
Regulatory Citations:
• 40CFR144SubpartsA-E
• 40CFR146SubpartsAandC
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/
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Class III Wells—Minimize environmental impacts from solu-
tion mining operations.
Purpose: Regulate and manage safe injection of fluids or
leaching agents to dissolve specific salts/minerals for extrac-
tion and recovery; prohibit movement of fluid into USDWs.
Examples of Fluids:
• Fresh water to extract rock salt (NaCI).
• Sodium bicarbonate to extract uranium salts.
• Steam to extract sulfur.
• Proprietary solutions to extract other minerals and
metals.
Protective Requirements:
Construction and siting
• Cased and cemented to prevent movement of fluids
into USDWs.
• Tubing and packer appropriate for injected fluids.
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Monitoring and Testing
• Nature of injected fluid.
• Injection pressure or injectate rate or volume.
• Internal/external MIT.
• Frequent testing of fluids in the injection zone.
• Monitoring wells in adjacent USDWs.
Record keeping and Reporting
• Plan for safe plugging and abandoning of wells, includ-
ing demonstration of financial responsibility.
Regulatory Citations:
• 40CFR144SubpartsA-E
• 40CFR146SubpartsAand D
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/
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Class IV Wells—Prevent ground water contamination by pro-
hibiting the injection of hazardous or radioactive waste above
the lowermost USDW except as part of authorized cleanup
activities.
Class IV wells were created for the injection of hazardous or
radioactive wastes into or above USDWs. The use of Class
IV wells to dispose of waste was banned in 1984. However,
these wells are authorized when operated to inject treated
contaminated ground water back into the original aquifer
as part of a clean-up effort and may only be operated with
federal or state approval under the RCRA or Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
(CERCLAorSuperfund) programs. Owners and operators of
Class IV wells must still meet all UIC Program requirements.
Regulatory Citation: 40 CFR 144.13
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Class V Wells—Injection wells not included in Classes I, II, III,
IV or VI.
Purpose: Regulate and manage injection of wells not covered by regulations for the other
well classes. Typically, Class V wells are used for safe injection of non-hazardous fluids
through on-site disposal systems such as dry wells, septic systems, leach fields and similar
types of drainage wells, and deeper wells.
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/
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Examples of Class V Wells:
• Wastewater disposal: wells for the injection of cooling water, car wash water, food
processing wastes, drainage from agricultural activities or treated sanitary wastes (see
note on page 24); wells used to drain surface fluids into a subsurface formation.
• Mining and energy: wells for mine backfill, geothermal energy production activities or
brine return from mineral recovery and energy production.
• Other purposes: wells for aquifer remediation, aquifer recharge, aquifer storage and
recovery, subsidence control or saline intrusion barriers; experimental technology wells.
Protective Requirements:
• Cannot endanger USDWs (40 CFR 144.12, which prohibits the movement of fluids with
contaminants into USDWs, applies to Class V wells).
• Submit inventory information to the UIC Program Director.
• Specific additional information is required for certain types of wells listed in
40 CFR 144.83(a)(2)(ii).
• Large capacity cesspools and motor vehicle waste disposal wells permanently phased
out by the Class V Rule (1999).
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Permits and Monitoring:
• Most Class V wells are authorized by rule.
• States and EPA can require any well owner or operator to obtain an individual per-
mit, monitor injectate or close the well if there is a potential to endanger USDWs.
Regulatory Citations:
• 40CFR144SubpartsA-EandG
• 40CFR146SubpartA
Note: The UIC Program does not regu-
late individual residential septic sys-
tems, nor does it regulate nonresidential
septic systems with the capacity to serve
fewer than 20 persons per day and that
are used solely for sanitary waste.
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/
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Class VI Wells
25
In 2010, EPA finalized the Federal Requirements Under the Under-
ground Injection Control (UIC) Program for Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Geologic Sequestration (GS) Wells (FR Vol. 75, No. 237, pp. 77230-
77303), known as the Class VI Rule. The Class VI Rule establishes
minimum federal standards for a new class of injection wells for
GS of C02.
Geologic Sequestration
Geologic sequestration wells are used for the long-term contain-
ment of a gaseous, liquid or supercritical C02 stream in subsurface
geologic formations.
Protective Requirements Unique to Class VI
The elements of the Class VI Rule build upon the existing UIC
regulatory framework, with modifications tailored to the unique
nature of C02 injection for GS. These requirements are listed on
the following page.
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Construction and Siting
• Comprehensive geologic site characterization.
• Specific, enhanced requirements for well construction and operation.
• Periodic reevaluation of the AoR.
Monitoring and Testing
• Rigorous testing and monitoring, including internal/external MIT.
• Extended post-injection monitoring and site care.
Recordkeeping and Reporting
• Electronic reporting directly to EPA Headquarters.
• Requirements for the development, implementation and
periodic amendment of a series of site-specific project plans.
Other Aspects of the Class VI Rule
• Clarified and expanded financial responsibility requirements.
• An alternative approach to the injection depth requirements
on a site-specific basis.
• Considerations for permitting wells that are transitioning from
Class II enhanced recovery to Class VI GS.
Regulatory Citations:
• 40 CFR 144 Subparts A-B and D-E
40 CFR 146 Subparts A and H
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/
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EPA UIC Strategic Program Priorities
Base Program: Classes I-IV
• Maintain and improve the core program.
• Establish a meaningful and useful data management system.
Class V
• Develop a comprehensive inventory.
Class VI
• Provide owners or operators flexibility in requirements for GS of C02.
• Monitor early commercial projects closely with cooperation from other federal and
state co-regulators and partners.
All Classes
• Protect USDWs.
• Better integrate the UIC Program with SDWA and other programs (i.e., Clean Water
Act, RCRA and CERCLA/Superfund).
• Expand outreach and education.
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UIC Program Implementation Milestones
Well Class
Class 1 Hazardous
Class 1 Municipal
Class II
Class V
Class VI
Date
March 2001
Spring 2003
Nov. 2005
June 2004
April 2000
April 2005
April 2000-
Jan. 2008
March 2007
July 2008
Dec. 2010
Activity
Study of the Risks Associated with Class 1 Underground
Injection Wells published
South Florida Wastewater Study published
Class 1 Municipal Well Final Rule
Coalbed Methane Hydraulic Fracturing Study published
New large capacity cesspools and motor vehicle waste
disposal wells banned
Existing large capacity cesspools closed
Existing motor vehicle waste disposal wells closed or
obtained a permit in regulated areas
Class V GS Experimental Technology Well Guidance released
Class VI Proposed Rule
Class VI Final Rule
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/
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Importance of U 1C Program to Source Water and Other
Watershed Activities
Underground Injection Control is one of many activities that help ensure tap water is safe
to drink. A variety of safeguards, from the drinking water source to the consumer's tap,
form multiple barriers against contamination. The UIC Program works to protect USDWs
from contamination by regulating the construction, operation and closure of injection wells.
Other protective barriers include:
• Assessing the vulnerability of drinking water sources to contamination.
• Adoptingcommunitydrinkingwaterprogramstoprotectwellsand collection systems.
• Making sure water is treated by qualified operators.
• Ensuring the integrity of distribution systems.
• Setting regulations to control the level of contaminants in tap water.
• Making information available to the public on drinking water quality.
EPA, states, tribes, drinking water utilities, communities and citizens share the responsibility
of protecting America's drinking water.
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Did You Know?
• Eighty-nine percent of the hazardous waste that is land disposed in the United
States is disposed of through Class I wells.
• More than 700 million gallons of fluids are injected into Class II wells each year.
• Typically, in North American oil fields, 10 gallons of brine are produced for
each gallon of oil.
• More than 50 percent of the salt and 80 percent of the uranium extraction in
the United States involves the use of Class III wells.
• The majority of Class V well owners are small businesses and municipalities.
• The two most numerous types of Class V wells are storm water drainage wells
and large capacity septic systems.
• Ninety-five percent of the 500 largest stationary sources in the nation that emit
CO2 are within 50 miles of a candidate CO2 storage reservoir.
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Glossary
Carbon dioxide (CO2) stream—CO2 that has been captured from an emission source (e.g.,
a power plant), plus incidental associated substances derived from the source materials
and the capture process, and any substances added to the stream to enable or improve
the injection process. This does not apply to any CO2 stream that meets the definition
of a hazardous waste under 40 CFR 261.
Casing—Pipe ortubing of appropriate material, of varying diameterand weight, lowered
into a borehole during or after drilling in order to support the sides of the hole and thus
prevent the walls from caving, to prevent loss of drilling mud into porous ground, or to
prevent water, gas or other fluid from entering or leaving the hole.
Dry well—A well, other than an improved sinkhole or subsurface fluid distribution
system, completed above the water table so that its bottom and sides are typically dry
except when receiving fluids.
Enhanced oil/gas recovery—Typically, the process of injecting a fluid (any substance
which flows or moves, e.g., water, brine, CO ) into an oil- or gas-bearing formation to
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recover residual oil or natural gas. The injected fluid thins (decreases the viscosity) and/
or displaces extractable oil and gas, which is then available for recovery.
Geologic sequestration (GS) of CO2—The long-term containment of a gaseous, liquid or
supercritical CO2 stream in subsurface geologic formations.
Improved sinkhole—Typically, a naturally occurring karst depression or other natural
crevice found in volcanic terrain and other geologic settings, which has been modified
for the purpose of directing and emplacing fluids into the subsurface.
Mechanical integrity test (MIT)—One means of measuring the adequacy of construction
of an injection well is by requiring a demonstration that a well has mechanical integrity.
A well is deemed to have mechanical integrity if there is no significant leak in the cas-
ing, tubing, or packer, and there is no significant fluid movement into an underground
source of drinking water through vertical channels adjacent to the injection wellbore
(40CFR146.8).
Packer—A device lowered into a well to produce a fluid-tight seal between the tubing
and the casing or the tubing and the open hole. Packers can be used to separate multiple
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/ 32
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injection zones, to protect casing from injection pressure and fluids, to isolate a given
injection zone, to isolate casing leaks or to facilitate subsurface safety control.
Post-injection site care (RISC)—Appropriate monitoring and other actions (including
corrective action) needed following cessation of injection to ensure that USDWs are not
endangered, as required for Class VI wells under 40 CFR 146.93.
Public water system—A water system that provides water to the public for human
consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances, if such a system has at
least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of at least 25 people daily at
least 60 days out of the year.
Sanitary waste—Liquid or solid wastes originating solely from humans and human activi-
ties, such as wastes collected from toilets, showers, wash basins, sinks used for cleaning
domestic areas, sinks used for food preparation, clothes washing operations, and sinks
or washing machines where food and beverage serving dishes, glasses and utensils are
cleaned. Sources of these wastes may include single or multiple residences, hotels and
motels, restaurants, bunkhouses, schools, ranger stations, crew quarters, guard stations,
campgrounds, picnic grounds, day-use recreation areas, and other commercial facilities
and industrial facilities provided the waste is not mixed with industrial waste.
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Septic system—A well that is used to emplace sanitary waste below the surface and is
typically comprised of a septic tank and subsurface fluid distribution system or disposal
system.
Subsurface fluid distribution system—An assemblage of perforated pipes, drain tiles or
other similar mechanisms intended to distribute fluids below the surface of the ground.
Tubing—The innermost pipe string through which injection usually takes place. It is of-
ten separated from concentric strings of casing by an annular fluid and can be removed
easily from the well. In wells without tubing, the innermost casing can be referred to as
the injection casing.
Well—A bored, drilled or driven shaft whose depth is greater than the largest surface
dimension; a dug hole whose depth is greater than the largest surface dimension; an
improved sinkhole; or a subsurface fluid distribution system.
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/ 34
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35
Agencies Responsible for Implementing the UIC Program
Puerto R ico
Virgin Islands
Q American Samoa
Guam
State Program
Joint StataEPA
Program
Joint TriballEPA
Program
EPA Program
Notes:
• This map does not include Class VI primacy. No states had Class VI primacy as of publication.
• As of publication, the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes (FP) and the Navajo Nation (NN)
were the only tribes with UIC primacy.
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Contacts
EPA REGION 1 (617)918-1681
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (860) 424-3829
Maine Department of Environmental Protection (207) 791-8110
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (617) 292-5859
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (603) 271-2858
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (401) 222-3961
Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (802) 241-3831
Indian Lands in Region 1 States—EPA Region 1 (617) 918-1681
EPA REGION 2 (212)637-3766
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (609) 633-7021
New York-EPA Region 2 (212) 637-3766
Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board (787) 767-8181 x3477 or 3478
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/ 36
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Virgin Islands-EPA Region 2 (212) 637-3766
Indian Lands in Region 2 States—EPA Region 2 (212) 637-3766
EPA REGION 3 (215)814-5445
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Env. Control (302) 739-9948
Maryland Department of the Environment (410) 537-3663
Pennsylvania —EPA Region 3 (215)814-5445
Virginia-EPA Region 3 (215)814-5445
West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection (304) 926-0499
District of Columbia-EPA Region 3 (215)814-5445
EPA REGION 4 (404)562-9424
Alabama Department of Environmental Management (non-Class II) (334) 271-7844
Alabama State Oil and Gas Board (Class II) (205) 247-3575
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (non-Class II) (850) 245-8655
Florida-EPA Region 4 (Class II) (404) 562-9452
Georgia Environmental Protection Division (404) 656-3229
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Kentucky-EPA Region 4 (404)562-9423
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (non-Class II) (601) 961-5640
Mississippi Oil and Gas Board (Class II) (601) 576-4931
North Carolina Department of Environment and Nat. Resources (919) 715-6164
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (803) 898-3799
Tennessee —EPA Region 4 (404) 562-9474
Indian Lands in Region 4 States —EPA Region 4 (404) 562-9423
EPA REGION 5 (312)886-6594
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (non-Class II) (217) 785-9407
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (Class II) (217) 782-1286
Indiana-EPA Region 5 (non-Class II) (312) 886-6594
Indiana Department of Natural Resources (Class II) (317) 232-4058
Michigan-EPA Region 5 (312) 886-6594
Minnesota-EPA Region 5 (312)886-6594
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/ 38
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Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (non-Class ll/lll) (614) 644-2752
Ohio Department of Natural Resources (Class ll/lll) (614) 265-7072
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (608) 267-7545
Indian Lands in Region 5 States —EPA Region 5 (312) 886-6594
EPA REGION 6 (214)665-7150
Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (non-Class II) (501) 682-0646
Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission (Class II) (870) 862-4965
Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (225) 342-5569
New Mexico Environment Department (non-Class II) (505) 827-1049
New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (Class II) (505) 476-3493
Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (non-Class II) (405) 702-5142
Oklahoma Corporation Commission (Class ll/some Class V) (405) 522-2751
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (non-Class II) (512) 239-6633
Texas Railroad Commission (Class II) (512) 463-6821
Indian Lands in Region 6 States —EPA Region 6 (214) 665-8460
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EPA REGION 7 1-800-223-0425
lowa-EPA Region 7 1-800-223-0425
Kansas Department of Health and Environment (non-Class II) (785) 296-1500
Kansas Corporation Commission (Class II) (316) 337-6200
Missouri Department of Natural Resources (573) 368-2100
Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (non-Class II) (402) 471-0096
Nebraska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (Class II) (308) 254-6919
Indian Lands in Region 7 States —EPA Region 7 1-800-223-0425
EPA REGION 8 1-800-227-8917
Colorado-EPA Region 8 (non-Class II) (303) 312-6276
Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (Class II) (303) 894-2100x5145
Montana-EPA Region 8 (non-Class II) (303) 312-6242
Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation (Class II) (406) 457-5015
North Dakota Department of Health (non-Class ll/lll) (701) 328-5213
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/ 40
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North Dakota Industrial Commission (Class II) (701) 328-8020
North Dakota Geological Survey (Class III) (701) 328-8000
South Dakota-EPA Region 8 (non-Class II) (303) 312-6079
South Dakota Department of Env. and Natural Resources (Class II) (605) 773-4589
Utah Department of Environmental Quality (non-Class II) (801) 536-4352
Utah Department of Natural Resources (Class II) (801) 538-5338
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (non-Class II) (307) 777-5623
Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (Class II) (307) 234-7147
Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Office of Env. Protection (Class II) (406) 768-2389
Other Indian Lands in Region 8 States—EPA Region 8 (303) 312-6079
EPA REGION 9 (415)972-3971
Arizona-EPA Region 9 (415)972-3293
California-EPA Region 9 (non-Class II) (415) 972-3537
California Department of Conservation (Class II) (916) 323-1781
Commonwealth of N. Mariana Islands Div. of Environmental Quality (670) 664-8500
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Guam Environmental Protection Agency (671) 475-1658
Hawaii-EPA Region 9 (415)972-3533
Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (775) 687-9492
Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency (Class II) (928) 871-7692
Other Indian Lands in Region 9 States—EPA Region 9 (415) 972-3457
EPA REGION 10 (206)553-6708
Alaska-EPA Region 10 (non-Class II) (206) 553-1673
Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (Class II) (907) 973-1250
Idaho Department of Water Resources (208) 287-4932
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (503) 229-6890
Washington Department of Ecology (360) 407-6143
Indian Lands in Region 10 States—EPA Region 10 (206) 553-1900
EPA HEADQUARTERS—OFFICE OF GROUND WATER AND DRINKING
WATER, PREVENTION BRANCH (202) 564-3751
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 • http://water.epa.gov/drink/ 42
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For More Information
EPA Office of Ground Water and
Drinking Water
http://water.epa.gov/drink/
EPA/OGWDW: (202) 564-3750
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