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The Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) protects groundwater quality by regulating discharges to UIC wells. UIC wells are used to manage storm water (i.e., drywells) and sanitary waste (large on-site systems), return water to the ground, and help clean up contaminated sites. The potential for groundwater contamination from injection wells depends upon well construction and location; quality of the fluids injected; and the geographic and hydrologic settings in which the injection occurs.
The Department of Ecology adopted revisions to Chapter 173-218 WAC, the Underground Injection Control (UIC) program rules on January 3, 2006. The newly adopted rule went into effect on February 3, 2006.
Guidance for UIC Wells that Manage Stormwater
This document provides design and pretreatment best management practices (BMPs) for UIC wells, except for infiltration trenches with perforated pipe, built on or after February 3, 2006, that receive roof runoff or are used along roads, and parking areas, except for infiltration trenches built with perforated pipe or other similar mechanisms that distribute fluids below the ground surface. Please see the Guidance for UIC Wells That Manage Stormwater Activities web page for more information.
Infiltration Trenches with Perforated Pipe
Infiltration trenches with perforated pipe must be registered but are designed, constructed, operated and maintained according to either the current Stormwater Management Manual for Western (2005) or Eastern (2004) Washington or an equivalent approved manual.
UIC wells used at cleanup sites
Groundwater remediation projects where Ecology regulatory resolution is required should be conducted through the Toxics Cleanup Program. UIC registration would be part of a voluntary cleanup process (www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/tcp/vcp/Vcpmain.htm) or formal MTCA order.
UIC Class 5 Well Fact Sheet (EPA)
For more information on the UIC program please contact:
Mary Shaleen Hansen Water Quality Program WA Department of Ecology P. O. Box 47600 Olympia, WA 98504-7600 Phone: 360.407.6143 Email: maha461@ecy.wa.gov
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
