UNDERGROUND INJECTION CONTROL CLASS V WELLS Douglas Minter

UNDERGROUND INJECTION CONTROL: CLASS V WELLS Douglas Minter UIC Program EPA Region 8

CLASS V WELLS • Define Class V wells • Explain how EPA regulates Class V wells • Describe additional proposed regulatory requirements • Explain how EPA implements Class V field program

DEFINE CLASS V WELLS • Uses of Class V wells: • Associated businesses and government facilities • Harmful vs. beneficial uses

DEFINE CLASS V WELLS • Configurations of Class V wells: • Sump and separator system • Drainage well or drywell • Septic system

EXPLAIN HOW EPA REGULATES CLASS V WELLS • Inventory requirement (40 CFR 144. 26) • All new and existing Class V wells • Does not apply to small capacity (< 20 persons / day) sanitary discharges

EXPLAIN HOW EPA REGULATES CLASS V WELLS • Non-endangerment standard CFR 144. 12(a) • Emphasis on prevention, not remediation (40

EXPLAIN HOW EPA REGULATES CLASS V WELLS • Low-risk versus high-risk wells • To date, high risk wells include motor vehicle waste disposal wells, industrial disposal wells and large capacity cesspools • Facilities w/ high risk wells can include vehicle repair / washing operations, RV dump stations, paint / autobody shops, and stormwater wells in industrial areas.

PROPOSED ADDITIONAL REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS • Protect source water and other sensitive areas by: • Banning new large capacity cesspools & phasing out existing ones • Banning motor vehicle waste disposal wells • Introducing new requirements for industrial disposal

HOW EPA IMPLEMENTS CLASS V FIELD PROGRAM • • • Inventory and risk assessment • Mass mailings, mtgs w/ local govts Compliance assistance • Permit or close high risk wells Monitoring and enforcement • Notices of violation and administrative orders

Class V Field Program • EPA Contacts: • Region 8 Class II wells: Dan Jackson (303) 312 -6155 • Region 8 Class V wells: Douglas Minter (303) 312 -6079 • Other Regions’ contacts listed in student manual