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Underground Injection Control (UIC)

Underground Injection Control Well Classes

The Underground Injection Control program consists of six classes of injection wells. Each well class is based on the type and depth of the injection activity, and the potential for that injection activity to result in endangerment of a USDW.

UIC regulations mandate the consideration of a variety of measures to assure that injection activities will not endanger underground sources of drinking water (USDWs). The concept of endangerment is defined in federal code of regulations (40 CFR 144.12).

Section 144.12 Prohibition of movement of fluid into underground sources of drinking water:
 
(a) No owner or operator shall construct, operate, maintain, convert, plug, abandon, or conduct any other injection activity in a manner that allows the movement of fluid containing any contaminant into underground sources of drinking water, if the presence of that contaminant may cause a violation of any primary drinking water regulation under 40 CFR part 142 or may otherwise adversely affect the health of persons.