SEPA
Frequently Asked Questions on the Public Comment Period for Docket ID No.
EPA-HQ-OW-2017-0584: Raising 40 CFR Part 147, Subpart N
On November 27th, 2017, EPA started a 45-day public comment period related to the transfer of
the Class II UIC Program fi'om Idaho to EPA.
What is UIC?
Underground Injection Control (UIC) is a program established by the Safe
Drinking Water Act to protect groundwater used for drinking water. Class II
UIC wells are associated with oil and natural gas production.	
What is the
history behind
this action?
How can I submit
comments to
EPA?
What can I
comment on?
In 1985, EPA approved Idaho's application for primary permitting and
enforcement authority over all injection wells in Idaho. This authority was
codified in the federal regulations at 40 CFR Part 147, Subpart N. At that
time, Idaho state regulations banned Class II wells, and this regulatory ban
was incorporated as part of the federally-approved Class II program. Idaho has
since revised its state regulations to remove the Class II ban, but EPA has not
approved the change to Idaho's federally-approved Class II UIC program;
therefore, the state is not authorized to issue Class II permits. In August, 2017,
Idaho formally requested that EPA administer the Class II program. Pursuant
to this request, EPA is revising 40 CFR Part 147 Subpart N. By revising this
rule, responsibility for the Class II program will transfer to EPA for permitting
and enforcement of Class II wells in Idaho, in accordance with EPA's Class II
UIC regulations.	
All comments should be submitted to EPA using
https://www.regulations.gov/. Enter "Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2017-
0584", and then click the comment button. Alternatively, or in addition, you
can give public testimony during the public hearing.	
EPA is notifying the public of the transfer of the state of Idaho's Class II UIC
program from Idaho to EPA. EPA is not taking comment on the transfer, as
the applicable regulations require only public notification of such transfer.
The scope of comments is therefore limited to the proposed changes to EPA's
regulations (40 CFR Part 147, Subpart N) to reflect this transfer, as detailed in
the Notice.
Will there be a
public meeting?
Yes, EPA has scheduled a public hearing at the Banner Bank Building, 950
W. Bannock Street, Boise, Idaho on January 8th, beginning at 2:00 PM
Mountain Time.
Where can I learn Please see the Federal Register Notice (82 FR 55968, November 27, 2017)
more?	posted on EPA Region 10's website: https://www.epa.gov/uic/underground-
ini ection-control-region-10-ak-id-or-and-wa.
For more information on UIC, please see EPA's website: www.epa.gov/uic.
EPA-810-F-17-005

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