Revisions to the Underground Injection Control Regulations for Class V Injection Wells

Today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is promulgating revisions to the Class V Underground Injection Control (UIC) regulations. This rule adds new requirements for two categories of endangering Class V wells to ensure protection of underground sources of drinking water. In particular, it: bans existing motor vehicle waste disposal wells in ground water protection areas and other sensitive ground water areas with a provision that allows well owners and operators to seek a waiver from the ban and obtain a permit; and bans new motor vehicle waste disposal wells and new and existing large- capacity cesspools nationwide. The preamble also discusses EPA's decision to postpone finalization of new requirements for the industrial well category as defined in the proposed rule. EPA believes it would be worthwhile to further study this well category and will finalize the rule for industrial wells at a later date.