No. 27276 (Amendment): R317-7. Underground Injection Control Program

DAR File No.: 27276
Filed: 07/02/2004, 01:29
Received by: NL

 

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) recently promulgated the Professional Geologist Licensing Act (PGLA) Rules for complying with the PGLA governing the practice of geology within the State of Utah. The proposed rule changes bring the Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program rule into compliance with the PGLA Rules. Changes are also proposed that update reference to the Drinking Water Program rules, which were recently renumbered, and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR); delete reference to deadlines that have already passed; and correct minor errors.

 

Summary of the rule or change:

The proposed rule changes include adding definitions of professional geologist and professional engineer, and the requirement that the following submittals be prepared by or under the direction, and bear the seal, of a professional geologist or professional engineer which include: 1) any UIC permit application and associated technical reports; and 2) any UIC permit renewal application and associated technical reports that are significantly different from the original application or technical report. The essential elements of these submittals have been reviewed and a determination made that they need to be prepared and certified by a licensed professional geologist or engineer. Subsection R317-7-6.5(C) of the rule establishes the mandatory closure date for Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal Wells (MVWDs) based on whether or not the Division of Drinking Water has completed the delineation of ground water protection areas by January 1, 2004. The Division of Drinking Water completed these assessments by the January 1, 2004, deadline; therefore, Section R317-7-6.5(C)(2) has been removed and Subsection R317-7-6.5(C)(3) has been modified to remove the reference to the January 1, 2004, deadline. Also, an additional term "ground water protection area" has been included in Section R317-7-2. "Ground water protection area", a term used in the Federal Register notice of December 7, 1999, for the Final Rule for Revisions to the Underground Injection Control Regulations for Class V Injection Wells, correlates with the term "Drinking Water Source Protection Zone" under the Rule R309-600 "Drinking Water Source Protection for Ground Water Sources", which is administered by the Utah Division of Drinking Water. Several years ago the Utah Division of Drinking Water renumbered their administrative rules, and references to these rules have been modified accordingly. Section R317-7-1 was modified to include descriptive text for the sections of the 40 CFR incorporated by reference, to update reference to the July 1, 2003, edition of the 40 CFR, and to delete sections of 40 CFR that no longer exist. In Subsection R317-7-5.7(A), a correction is made to the reference to 40 CFR explaining the exemption for the use of Class IV injection wells at Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act cleanup of releases and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act response actions.

 

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

Title 19, Chapter 5; Title 58, Chapter 1; and Title 58, Chapter 76

 

This rule or change incorporates by reference the following material:

40 CFR 144, 40 CFR 146, 40 CFR 148, 40 CFR 261, 40 CFR 136 Table IB, 10 CFR 20 Appendix B Table 2 Column 2, and 40 CFR 124 (July 1, 2003, ed.)

 

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

The only cost associated with the proposed rule change is the DOPL fee for registering qualified State employees as Professional Geologists. The DOPL fee is $165 for the original license and $123 for renewal every two years.

 

local governments:

The only cost associated with the proposed rule change is the DOPL fee for registering qualified employees as Professional Geologists.

 

other persons:

All documents that are required by the proposed rule change to be submitted by a professional geologist or engineer are generally prepared by companies or consulting firms that already have a professional geologist or professional engineer on staff. Therefore, the proposed changes are expected to have minimal impact on the regulated community and their consultants other than the DOPL fee for registering qualified employees as Professional Geologists. The DOPL fee is $165 for the original license and $123 for renewal every two years.

 

Compliance costs for affected persons:

All documents that are required by the proposed rule change to be submitted by a professional geologist or engineer are generally prepared by companies or consulting firms that already have a professional geologist or professional engineer on staff. Therefore, the proposed changes are expected to have minimal impact on the regulated community and their consultants other than the DOPL fee for registering qualified employees as Professional Geologists. The DOPL fee is $165 for the original license and $123 for renewal every two years.

 

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

All documents that are required by the proposed rule change to be submitted by a professional geologist or engineer are generally prepared by companies or consulting firms that already have a professional geologist or professional engineer on staff. Therefore, the proposed changes are expected to have minimal impact on the regulated community and their consultants other than the DOPL fee for registering qualified employees as Professional Geologists.

 

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Environmental Quality
Water Quality
CANNON HEALTH BLDG
288 N 1460 W
SALT LAKE CITY UT 84116-3231

 

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

Dave Wham at the above address, by phone at 801-538-6052, by FAX at 801-538-6016, or by Internet E-mail at [e-mail]

 

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

08/31/2004

 

This rule may become effective on:

09/01/2004

 

Authorized by:

Dianne R. Nielson, Executive Director

 

 

RULE TEXT

R317. Environmental Quality, Water Quality.

R317-7. Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program.

R317-7-1. Incorporation By Reference.

1.1 Underground Injection Control Program - 40 C.F.R. 144.7, 144.13(d), 144.14, 144.16, 144.23(c), 144.32, 144.34, 144.36, 144.38, 144.39, 144.40, 144.41, 144.51(a)-(o) and (q), 144.52, 144.53, 144.54, 144.55, 144.60, 144.61, 144.62, 144.63, 144.64, 144.65, 144.66, [144.67, 144.68, 144.69, ]144.70, and 144.87, July 1, [2000]2003 ed., are adopted and incorporated by reference with the following exceptions:

A. "Director" is hereby replaced with "Executive Secretary".

B. "one quarter mile" is hereby replaced with "two miles".

1.2 Underground Injection Control Program - Criteria and Standards - 40 C.F.R. 146.4, 146.6, 146.7, 146.8, 146.12, 146.13(d), 146.14, 146.32, 146.34, 146.61,146.62, 146.63, 146.64, 146.65, 146.66, 146.67, 146.68, 146.69, 146.70, 146.71, 146.72, and 146.73, July 1, [2000]2003 ed., are adopted and incorporated by reference with the following exceptions:

A. "Director" is hereby replaced with "Executive Secretary";

B. "one quarter (1/4) mile" and "one-fourth (1/4) mile" are each hereby replaced with "two miles".

1.3 Hazardous Waste Injection Restrictions - 40 C.F.R. Part 148, July 1, [2000]2003 ed., is adopted and incorporated by reference with the exception that "Director" is hereby replaced with "Executive Secretary".

1.4 Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste - 40 C.F.R. Part 261, July 1, [2000]2003 ed., is adopted and incorporated by reference.

1.5 National Primary Drinking Water Regulations - 40 C.F.R. Part 141, July 1, [2000]2003 ed., is adopted and incorporated by reference.

1.6 Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants - 40 C.F.R. Part 136 Table 1B, July 1, [2000]2003 ed., is adopted and incorporated by reference.

1.7 Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Standards for Protection Against Radiation - 10 C.F.R. Part 20 Appendix [b]B, Table [11]2 Column 2, January 1, [2000]2003 ed., is adopted and incorporated by reference.

1.8 Procedures for Decision Making - 40 C.F.R. 124.3(a); 124.5(a), (c), (d) and (f); 124.6(a), (c), (d) and (e); 124.8; 124.10(a)(1)ii, iii, and (a)(1)(V); 124.10(b), (c), (d), and (e); 124.11; 124.12(a); and 124.17(a) and (c), July 1, [2000]2003 ed., are adopted and incorporated by reference with the exception that "Director" is hereby replaced by "Executive Secretary".

 

R317-7-2. Definitions.

2.1 "Abandoned Well" means a well whose use has been permanently discontinued or which is in a state of disrepair such that it cannot be used for its intended purpose or for observation purposes.

2.2 "Application" means standard forms for applying for a permit, including any additions, revisions or modifications.

2.3 "Aquifer" means a geologic formation or any part thereof that is capable of yielding significant water to a well or spring.

2.4 "Area of Review" means the zone of endangering influence or fixed area radius determined in accordance with the provisions of 40 C.F.R. 146.6.

2.5 "Background Data" means the constituents or parameters and the concentrations or measurements which describe water quality and water quality variability prior to surface or subsurface discharge.

2.6 "Barrel" means 42 (U.S.) gallons at 60 degrees F and atmospheric pressure.

2.7 "Casing" means a pipe or tubing of appropriate material, of varying diameter and 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.

2.8 "Casing Pressure" means the pressure within the casing or between the casing and tubing at the wellhead.

2.9 "Catastrophic Collapse" means the sudden and utter failure of overlying "strata" caused by removal of underlying materials.

2.10 "Cementing" means the operation whereby a cement slurry is pumped into a drilled hole and/or forced behind the casing.

2.11 "Cesspool" means a "drywell" that receives untreated sanitary waste containing human excreta, and which sometimes has an open bottom and/or perforated sides.

2.12 "Confining Bed" means a body of impermeable or distinctly less permeable material stratigraphically adjacent to one or more aquifers.

2.13 "Confining Zone" means a geological formation, group of formations, or part of a formation that is capable of limiting fluid movement above an injection zone.

2.14 "Contaminant" means any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance or matter in water.

2.15 "Conventional Mine" means an open pit or underground excavation for the production of minerals.

2.16 "Disposal Well" means a well used for the disposal of fluids into a subsurface stratum.

2.17 "Drilling Mud" means mud of not less than 36 viscosity (A.P.I. Full Funnel Method) and a weight of not less than nine pounds per gallon.

2.18 "Drywell" means 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.

2.19 "Exempted Aquifer" means an aquifer or its portion that meets the criteria in the definition of "underground source of drinking water" but which has been exempted according to the procedures of 40 C.F.R. 144.7.

2.20 "Existing Injection Well" means an "injection well" other than a "new injection well."

2.21 "Experimental Technology" means a technology which has not been proven feasible under the conditions in which it is being tested.

2.22 "Fault" means a surface or zone of rock fracture along which there has been a displacement.

2.23 "Flow Rate" means the volume per time unit given to the flow of gases or other fluid substance which emerges from an orifice, pump, turbine or passes along a conduit or channel.

2.24 "Fluid" means material or substance which flows or moves whether in a semisolid, liquid, sludge, gas, or any other form or state.

2.25 "Formation" means a body of rock characterized by a degree of lithologic homogeneity which is prevailingly, but not necessarily, tabular and is mappable on the earth's surface or traceable in the subsurface.

2.26 "Formation Fluid" means "fluid" present in a "formation" under natural conditions as opposed to introduced fluids, such as drilling mud.

2.27 "Generator" means any person, by site location, whose act or process produces hazardous waste identified or listed in 40 C.F.R. Part 261.

2.28 "Groundwater" means water below the ground surface in a zone of saturation.

2.29 "Ground water protection area" refers to the drinking water source protection zones for ground water sources delineated by the Utah Division of Drinking Water according to Utah Administrative Code R309-600 - Drinking Water Source Protection For Ground-Water Sources.

2.[29]30 "Hazardous Waste" means a hazardous waste as defined in R315-2-3.

2.[30]31 "Hazardous Waste Management Facility" means all contiguous land, structures, other appurtenances, and improvements on the land used for treating, storing, or disposing of hazardous waste. A facility may consist of several treatment, storage, or disposal operational units (for example, one or more landfills, surface impoundments, or combination of them).

2.[31]32 "Improved sinkhole" means a naturally occurring karst depression or other natural crevice found in volcanic terrain and other geologic settings which have been modified by man for the purpose of directing and emplacing fluids into the subsurface.

2.[32]33 "Injection Well" means a well into which fluids are being injected for subsurface emplacement of the fluids.

2.[33]34 "Injection Zone" means a geological "formation," group of formations, or part of a formation receiving fluids through a well.

2.[34]35 "Lithology" means the description of rocks on the basis of their physical and chemical characteristics.

2.[35]36 "Monitoring Well" means a well used to measure groundwater levels and to obtain water samples for water quality analysis.

2.[36]37 "New Injection Well" means an injection well which began injection after January 19, 1983.

2.[37]38 "Packer" means a device lowered into a well to produce a fluid-tight seal within the casing.

2.[38]39 "Plugging" means the act or process of stopping the flow of water, oil, or gas into or out of a formation through a borehole or well penetrating that formation.

2.[39]40 "Plugging Record" means a systematic listing of permanent or temporary abandonment of water, oil, gas, test, exploration and waste injection wells, and may contain a well log, description of amounts and types of plugging material used, the method employed for plugging, a description of formations which are sealed and a graphic log of the well showing formation location, formation thickness, and location of plugging structures.

2.[40]41 "Point of injection" means the last accessible sampling point prior to waste fluids being released into the subsurface environment through a Class V injection well. For example, the point of injection of a Class V septic system might be the distribution box - the last accessible sampling point before the waste fluids drain into the underlying soils. For a dry well, it is likely to be the well bore itself.

2.[41]42 "Pressure" means the total load or force per unit area acting on a surface.

2.[42]43 "Project" means a group of wells in a single operation.

2.44 "Professional Engineer" means any person qualified to practice engineering before the public in the state of Utah and professionally registered as required under the Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors Licensing Act Rules (UAC R156-22).

2.45 "Professional Geologist" means any person qualified to practice geology before the public in the state of Utah and professionally registered as required under the Professional Geologist Licensing Act Rules (UAC R156-76).

2.[43]46 "Radioactive Waste" means any waste which contains radioactive material in concentrations which exceed those listed in 10 C.F.R. Part 20, Appendix B, Table II Column 2.

2.[44]47 "Sanitary waste" means liquid or solid wastes originating solely from humans and human activities, 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, other commercial facilities, and industrial facilities provided the waste is not mixed with industrial waste.

2.[45]48 "Septic system" means 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.

2.[46]49 "Stratum" (plural strata) means a single sedimentary bed or layer, regardless of thickness, that consists of generally the same kind of rock material.

2.[47]50 "Subsidence" means the lowering of the natural land surface in response to earth movements; lowering of fluid pressure; removal of underlying supporting material by mining or solution of solids, either artificially or from natural causes; compaction due to wetting (Hydrocompaction); oxidation of organic matter in soils; or added load on the land surface.

2.[48]51 "Subsurface fluid distribution system" means an assemblage of perforated pipes, drain tiles, or other similar mechanisms intended to distribute fluids below the surface of the ground.

2.[49]52 "Surface Casing" means the first string of well casing to be installed in the well.

2.[50]53 "Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)" means the total residue (filterable) as determined by use of the method specified in 40 C.F.R. Part 136 Table 1B.

2.[51]54 "Transferee" means the owner or operator receiving ownership and/or operational control of the well.

2.[52]55 "Transferor" means the owner or operator transferring ownership and/or operational control of the well.

2.[53]56 "Underground Injection" means a "well injection".

2.[54]57 "Underground Sources of Drinking Water (USDW)" means an aquifer or its portion which:

A. Supplies any public water system, or which contains a sufficient quantity of ground water to supply a public water system; and

1. currently supplies drinking water for human consumption; or

2. contains fewer than 10,000 mg/l total dissolved solids (TDS); and

B. is not an exempted aquifer. (See Section 7-4).

2.[55]58 "Well" means a bored, drilled or driven shaft whose depth is greater than the largest surface dimension; or a dug hole whose depth is greater than the largest surface dimension; or an improved sinkhole; or a subsurface fluid distribution system.

2.[56]59 "Well Injection" means the subsurface emplacement of fluids through a well.

2.[57]60 "Well Monitoring" means the measurement, by on-site instruments or laboratory methods, of the quality of water in a well.

2.[58]61 "Well Plug" means a watertight and gas-tight seal installed in a borehole or well to prevent movement of fluids.

2.[59]62 "Well Stimulation" means several processes used to clean the well bore, enlarge channels, and increase pore space in the interval to be injected thus making it possible for wastewater to move more readily into the formation, and includes:

(1) surging;

(2) jetting;

(3) blasting;

(4) acidizing; and

(5) hydraulic fracturing.

 

R317-7-5. Prohibition of Unauthorized Injection.

5.1 Any underground injection is prohibited except as authorized by permit or as allowed under these rules.

5.2 No authorization by permit or by these rules for underground injection shall be construed to authorize or permit any underground injection which endangers a drinking water source.

5.3 Underground injections are prohibited which would allow 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 (40 C.F.R. Part 141 and Utah [Public]Primary Drinking Water [Rules]Standards R309-[103]200-5), or which may adversely affect the health of persons. Underground injections shall not be authorized if they may cause a violation of any ground water quality rules that may be promulgated by the Utah Water Quality Board. Any applicant for a permit shall have the burden of showing that the requirements of this paragraph are met.

5.4 For Class I and III wells, if any monitoring indicates the movement of injection or formation fluids into underground sources of drinking water, the Executive Secretary shall prescribe such additional requirements for construction, corrective action, operation, monitoring, or reporting, including closure of the injection well, as are necessary to prevent such movement. In the case of wells authorized by permit, these additional requirements shall be imposed by modifying the permit or the permit may be terminated, or appropriate enforcement action may be taken if the permit has been violated.

5.5 For Class V wells, if at any time the Executive Secretary determines that a Class V well may cause a violation of primary drinking water rules under R309-[103]200, the Executive Secretary shall:

A. require the injector to obtain an individual permit;

B. order the injector to take such actions, including closure of the injection well, as may be necessary to prevent the violation; or

C. take appropriate enforcement action.

5.6 Whenever the Executive Secretary determines that a Class V well may be otherwise adversely affecting the health of persons, the Executive Secretary may require such actions as may be necessary to prevent the adverse effect.

5.7 Class IV Wells

A. Prohibitions. The construction, operation or maintenance of any Class IV well is prohibited except as specified in 40 C.F.R. 144.13 ([d]c) and 144.23(c) as limited by the definition of Class IV wells in Section 7-3.4 of these rules.

B. Plugging and abandonment requirements. Prior to abandoning a Class IV well, the owner or operator shall close the well in a manner acceptable to the Executive Secretary. At least 30 days prior to abandoning a Class IV well, the owner or operator shall notify the Executive Secretary of the intent to abandon the well.

5.8 Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Executive Secretary may take emergency action upon receipt of information that a contaminant which is present in, or is likely to enter a public water system, may present an imminent and substantial endangerment to the health of persons.

5.9 Records. The Executive Secretary may require, by written notice on a selective well-by-well basis, an owner or operator of an injection well to establish and maintain records, make reports, conduct monitoring, and provide other information as is deemed necessary to determine whether the owner or operator has acted or is acting in compliance with these rules.

 

R317-7-6. Permit and Compliance Requirements - New and Existing Wells.

6.1 The owner or operator of any new injection well is required to obtain a permit from the Executive Secretary prior to construction unless excepted by R317-7-6.3. Compliance with construction plans and standards is required prior to commencing injection operations. Changes in construction plans require approval of the Executive Secretary.

6.2 Owners or operators of existing underground injection wells are required to obtain a permit from the Executive Secretary unless specifically excepted by Section 7-6.3 of these rules.

6.3

A. Existing and new Class V injection wells are authorized by rule, subject to the conditions in Section 7-6.5 of these rules.

B. Well authorization under this Section 7-6.3 expires upon the effective date of a permit issued in accordance with these rules or upon proper closure of the well.

C. An owner or operator of a well which is authorized by rule under this Section 7-6.3 is prohibited from injecting into the well:

1. Upon the effective date of a permit denial.

2. Upon failure to submit a permit application in a timely manner if requested by the Executive Secretary under Section 7-6.4 of these rules.

3. Upon failure to submit inventory information in a timely manner in accordance with Section 7-6.4(C) of these rules.

6.4

A. The Executive Secretary may require any owner or operator of a Class I, III or V well authorized under Section 7-6.3 to apply for and obtain an individual or area permit. Cases where permits may be required include:

1. The injection well is not in compliance with the applicable rules.

2. The injection well is not or no longer is within the category of wells and types of well operations authorized by Section 7-6.3.

3. Protection of an USDW.

B. Any owner or operator authorized under Section 7-6.3 may request a permit and hence be excluded from coverage under Section 7-6.3.

C. Owners or operators of all injection wells regulated by Section 7-6.3 shall submit the following inventory information to the Executive Secretary:

1. facility name and location;

2. name and address of legal contact;

3. ownership of facility;

4. nature and type of injection wells; and

5. operating status of injection wells.

Inventory information shall be submitted no later than January 19, 1984 for existing injection wells and before injection begins for new injection wells.

6.5 Additional requirements for large-capacity cesspools and motor vehicle waste disposal wells (see Class V well descriptions in Sections 7-3.5(B) and 7-3.5(O), respectively).

A. All existing large-capacity cesspools (operational or under construction by April 5, 2000) must close by April 5, 2005. See closure requirements in Section 7-6.6.

B. All new or converted large-capacity cesspools (construction not started before April 5, 2000) are prohibited.

C. All existing motor vehicle waste disposal wells (operational or under construction by April 5, 2000) must either be closed or their owners or operators must obtain a UIC permit.

1. For those wells located within a ground water protection area as designated by the Utah Division of Drinking Water (DDW), closure or permit application submittal must take place within one year of completion of DDW's ground water protection area assessment for the pertinent area.

[2. If Utah does not complete all the local ground water protection area assessments by January 1, 2004, or by January 1, 2005 if an extension is granted to the state as described in 40 CFR 144.87(b), all motor vehicle waste disposal wells statewide located outside an area with a completed assessment must either be closed or their owners or operators must submit a UIC permit application by January 1, 2005 (or by January 1, 2006 if an extension is granted to the state as described in 40 CFR 144.87(b)). The closure deadline may be extended by the Executive Secretary for up to one year under certain conditions, such as intent to connect to a sanitary sewer.

3]2. [If Utah does complete all the local ground water protection area assessments by January 1, 2004, or by January 1, 2005 if an extension is granted to the state as described in 40 CFR 144.87(b), a]All motor vehicle waste disposal wells statewide located outside a[n] ground water protection area [with a completed assessment ]must either be closed or their owners or operators must submit a UIC permit application by January 1, 2007.

[4]3. If well closure is the option chosen, the closure requirements in Section 7-6.6 must be followed. The closure deadline may be extended by the Executive Secretary for up to one year under certain conditions, such as intent to connect to a sanitary sewer.

[5]4. If obtaining a UIC permit is the option chosen, Utah Drinking Water Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL's), Utah Ground Water Quality Standards, and EPA Adult Lifetime Health Advisories must be met at the point of injection while the permit application is under review. These standards must also be met at the point of injection under the terms of the permit, when issued. Utah Ground Water Protection Levels may be required to be met at downgradient ground water monitoring wells, if required to be installed. Such a permit may require pretreatment of the wastewater, and will require adherence to best management practices and monitoring of the quality of the injectate and any sludge generated.

D. All new or converted motor vehicle waste disposal wells (construction not started before April 5, 2000) are prohibited.

6.6 Class V well plugging and abandonment requirements.

A. Prior to abandoning a Class V well, the owner or operator shall close the well in a manner that prevents the movement of fluid containing any contaminant into an underground source of drinking water, if the presence of that contaminant may cause a violation of any primary drinking water regulation under 40 CFR Part 141 or Utah [Public]Primary Drinking Water [Rules]Standards R309-[103]200-5, or may otherwise adversely affect the health of persons.

B. The owner or operator shall dispose of or otherwise manage any soil, gravel, sludge, liquids, or other materials removed from or adjacent to the well in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations and requirements.

C. The owner or operator must notify the Executive Secretary of intent to close the well at least 30 days prior to closure.

6.7 Conversion of motor vehicle waste disposal wells. In limited cases, the Executive Secretary may authorize the conversion (reclassification) of a motor vehicle waste disposal well to another type of Class V well. Motor vehicle wells may only be converted if: all motor vehicle fluids are segregated by physical barriers and are not allowed to enter the well; and, injection of motor vehicle waste is unlikely based on a facility's compliance history and records showing proper waste disposal. The use of a semi-permanent plug as the means to segregate waste is not sufficient to convert a motor vehicle waste disposal well to another type of Class V well.

6.8 Time for Application for Permit. Any person who performs or proposes an underground injection for which a permit is or will be required shall submit a complete application to the Executive Secretary in accordance with Section 7-9 a reasonable time before construction is expected to begin, except for new wells covered by an existing area permit.

6.9 All applications for a Utah UIC permit, including any required Technical Report that addresses the technical requirements of R317-7-10 or R317-7-11, any technical information necessary for the adequate evaluation of any permit application, or any permit renewal applications and Technical Reports that are significantly different from the original permit application, must be prepared by or under the direction, and bear the seal, of a professional geologist or professional engineer.

 

R317-7-7. Area Permits.

A. The Executive Secretary may issue a permit on an area basis, rather than for each well individually, provided that the permit is for injection wells:

1. described and identified by location in permit application, if they are existing wells, except that the Executive Secretary may accept a single description of wells with substantially the same characteristics;

2. within the same well field, facility site, reservoir, project, or similar unit in the State;

3. operated by a single owner or operator; and

4. used to inject other than hazardous waste.

B. Area permits shall specify:

1. the area within which underground injections are authorized; and

2. the requirements for construction, monitoring, reporting, operation, and abandonment, for all wells authorized by the permit.

C. The area permit may authorize the permittee to construct and operate, convert, or plug and abandon injection wells within the permit area provided that:

1. the permittee notifies the Executive Secretary at such time as the permit requires, when and where the new well has been or will be located;

2. the additional well meets the area permit criteria; and

3. the cumulative effects of drilling and operation of additional injection wells are considered by the Executive Secretary during evaluation of the area permit application and are acceptable to the Executive Secretary.

D. If the Executive Secretary determines that any additional well does not meet the area permit requirements, the Executive Secretary may modify or terminate the permit or take appropriate enforcement action.

E. If the Executive Secretary determines the cumulative effects are unacceptable, the permit may be modified.

F. The requirements of R317-7-6.9 apply to area permits.

 

R317-7-8. Emergency Permits.

A. Notwithstanding any provision in this Part [VII]7, the Executive Secretary is authorized to issue emergency permits for specific underground injections provided the conditions and requirements of 40 C.F.R. 144.34 are met.

B. The requirements of R317-7-6.9 apply to emergency permits.

 

R317-7-9. Permitting Procedures and Conditions.

9.1 Application for a Permit

A. Any person who is required to have a permit shall complete, sign and submit an application to the Executive Secretary.

B. When the owner and operator are different, it is the operator's duty to obtain a permit.

C. The application must be complete before the permit is issued.

D. All applicants shall provide the following information:

1. activities conducted by the applicant which require a permit;

2. name, mailing address and location of facility;

3. up to four Standard Industrial Code (SIC) codes which best reflect the principal products or services provided;

4. operator's name, address, telephone number, ownership status, and status as Federal, State, private, public or other entity;

5. whether the facility is located on Indian lands;

6. list of State and Federal environmental permits or construction approvals received or applied for and other relevant environmental permits;

7. topographic map (or other map if the topographic map is unavailable) extending one mile beyond the property boundary; depicting the facility and its intake and discharge structures, any hazardous waste, treatment, storage and disposal facilities; each injection well; and wells, springs, surface water bodies, and drinking water wells listed in public records or otherwise known;

8. a brief description of the nature of the business;

9. a map showing the injection well for which a permit is sought and the applicable area of review. Within the area of review, the map must show a number, or name, and location of all producing wells, injection wells, abandoned wells, dry holes, surface bodies of water, springs, mines, (surface and subsurface), quarries, water wells and other pertinent surface features including residences and roads. The map should also show faults, if known or suspected. Only information of public record is required to be included on this map;

10. a tabulation of data on all wells within the area of review which penetrates into the proposed injection zone. Such data shall include a description of each well's type, construction, date drilled, location, depth, record of plugging and/or completion, any available water quality data, and any additional information the Executive Secretary may require;

11. maps and cross sections indicating the vertical limits of all underground sources of drinking water within the area of review, their position relative to the injection formation and the direction of water movement, where known, in each underground source of drinking water which may be affected by the proposed injection;

12. maps and cross sections detailing the geologic structure and lithology of the local area;

13. generalized maps and cross sections illustrating the regional geologic and hydrologic setting;

14. proposed operating data:

(a) average and maximum daily rate and volume of the fluid to be injected;

(b) average and maximum injection pressure; and

(c) source and an appropriate analysis of the chemical, physical, radiological and biological characteristics of injection fluids;

15. proposed formation testing program to obtain an analysis of the chemical, physical and radiological characteristics of and other information on the receiving formation;

16. proposed stimulation program;

17. proposed injection procedure;

18. schematic or other appropriate drawings of the surface and subsurface construction details of the system;

19. contingency plans to cope with all shut-ins or well failures to prevent migration of fluids into any underground source of drinking water;

20. plans (including maps) for meeting the monitoring requirements;

21. for wells within the area of review which penetrate the injection zone but are not properly completed or plugged, the corrective action proposed to be taken;

22. construction procedures, as follows:

(a) For Class I Nonhazardous Wells: a cementing and casing program, logging procedures, deviation checks, and a drilling, testing, and coring program, which comply with Section 7-10.1(A) or 40 C.F.R. 146.12;

(b) For Class I Hazardous Waste Wells: cementing and casing program, well materials specifications and their life expectancy, logging procedures, deviation checks, and a drilling, testing and coring program, which comply with 40 C.F.R. 146.65 and 146.66;

(c) For Class III wells: cementing and casing program, logging procedures, deviation checks, and a drilling, testing, and coring program, which comply with section 7-10.1(B) or 40 C.F.R. 146.32.

23. A plan for plugging and abandoning the well, as follows:

(a) Class I Nonhazardous Well plans shall include information required by 40 C.F.R. 146.14(c) and Section 7-10.5 of these rules;

(b) Class I Hazardous Waste Well plans shall include information required by 40 C.F.R. 146.71(a)(4) and 146.72(a);

(c) Class III well plans shall include information required by 40 C.F.R. 146.34(c) and Section 7-10.5 of these rules.

24. A certificate that the applicant has assured, through a performance bond or other appropriate means, the resources necessary to close, plug or abandon the well. Class I Hazardous Waste wells shall also demonstrate financial responsibility pursuant to 40 C.F.R. 144.60 through 144.70;

25. such other information as may be required by the Executive Secretary.

9.2 Applicants shall keep records of all data used to complete permit applications and supplemental information for at least three years from the date of permit approval.

9.3 Permit applications and reports required under these regulations shall be signed in accordance with 40 C.F.R. Section 144.32.

9.4 Permit Provisions, Conditions and Schedules of Compliance.

Any permit issued by the Executive Secretary is subject to the conditions and requirements and shall be issued in accordance with the procedures outlined in 40 C.F.R. 144.51 (a)-(o) and (q), 144.52, 144.53, 144.54, 144.55 and 146.7, and 40 C.F.R. 124.3(a), 124.5(a),(c),(d) and (f), 124.6(a),(c),(d) and (e), 124.8, 124.10(a)(1)ii, and iii, (a)(1)(v), 124.10(b),(c),(d) and (e), 124.11, 124.12(a) and 124.17(a) and (c). The permit may specify schedules of compliance which require compliance not later than three years after the effective date of the permit.

9.5 Duration of Permits. Permits for Class I and Class V wells shall be effective for a fixed term not to exceed ten years. Permits for Class III wells shall be issued for a period up to the operating life of the facility. Each issued Class III well permit shall be reviewed by the Executive Secretary at least once every five years to determine whether it should be modified, revoked and reissued, or terminated. The Executive Secretary may issue any permit for a duration that is less than the full allowable term under this section.

9.6 Transfer, Modification, and Termination. Permits may be transferred, modified, revoked, reissued, or terminated by the Executive Secretary under the conditions and following the procedures outlined in 40 C.F.R. 144.36, 144.38, 144.39, 144.40, and 144.41[, and 144.36].

9.7 Confidentiality of Information. The following information when submitted as required by these rules cannot be claimed confidential:

A. name and address of permit applicant or permittee; and

B. information which deals with the existence, absence or level of contaminants in drinking water.

9.8 Waivers of Requirements

A. The Executive Secretary may waive the requirements of these rules only under the conditions and circumstances outlined in 40 C.F.R. Section 144.16.

B. The "two mile" distance provisions in Sections 7-3.1(B), 7-3.4, 7-10.1(A)(1), and 7-11 of these rules may be reduced by the Board on a case-by-case basis to less than two miles but in no event to less than 1/4 mile upon a finding by the Board that the distance reduction will not pose a threat to any USDW. The burden shall be on the applicant to demonstrate that hydrogeologic conditions, ground water quality in the area, and other environmental studies and information support the finding.

 

KEY: water quality, underground injection control

[January 30, 2003]2004

Notice of Continuation November 13, 2001

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