Class V Injection Wells
WHAT IS A CLASS V WELL?
Class V wells are used to inject non-hazardous fluids underground. Fluids are injected either into or above an underground source of drinking water. There are 17 different types of Class V wells. Examples of Class V wells include, among others, surface water runoff drainage wells, septic systems, dry wells, motor vehicle waste disposal wells, and industrial, commercial, and utility disposal wells.
Most Class V wells are "low-tech" and depend on gravity to drain fluids directly below the land surface. Drywells, cesspools, and septic system leach fields are examples of simple Class V wells. Because their construction often provides little or no pretreatment and these fluids are injected directly into or above an underground source of drinking water, proper management is important.
More sophisticated Class V wells may rely on gravity or use pressure systems for fluid injection. Some sophisticated systems include advanced wastewater disposal systems used by industry, experimental wells used to test new or unproven technologies, and even systems used to inject and store water for later reuse.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CLASS V INJECTION WELLS
Do Class V injection wells need to be registered with Ohio EPA?
All Class V wells are required to be registered by the owner or operator of the well with the Ohio EPA (OAC 3745-34-11(M)). Registration is done by submitting a completed inventory form to Ohio EPA. No Class V injection well is authorized to operate unless an inventory form has been completed and submitted to Ohio EPA.
Which Class V injection wells are required to have permits?
All Class V injection wells injecting industrial waste or other waste (as defined by OAC 3745-34-01) must possess a permit to drill and a permit to operate prior to injection beginning (OAC 3745-34-11(A)). All Class V injection wells injecting only sanitary waste (as defined by OAC 3745-34-01) that have been permitted or authorized by Ohio EPA’s Division of Surface Water or the relevant local health department are authorized by rule provided a complete inventory form has been submitted to the UIC program (OAC 3745-34-11(D)). All other types of Class V injections wells (such as storm water drainage wells) are authorized by rule to inject wastes into the subsurface provided they have been registered with Ohio EPA (OAC 3745-34-11(I)).
The Director may require any Class V well authorized by rule to apply for and obtain a UIC permit if the injection well is not in compliance with any requirements of OAC Chapter 3745-34 or, if the protection of a underground source of drinking water necessitates that injection be regulated by requirements not contained in these rules (OAC 3745-34-11(L)).
What are the permit requirements for Class V wells?
OAC 3745-34-12 and OAC 3745-34-16 lists the requirements for submitting a permit to drill and a permit to operate to the Ohio EPA for a Class V injection well. OAC 3745-34-26 and OAC 3745-34-27 also contain requirements concerning a permit application. The following application forms for various types of Class V wells are available by contacting Valerie Orr at (614) 644-2752 or by e-mail at val.orr@epa.state.oh.us.
- Class V UIC Well permit to drill application form
- Class V UIC Well permit to operate application form
Can a permit exemption be obtained for Class V injection wells used as part of a ground water remediation effort?
Yes, under certain conditions, soil and ground water remediation efforts may warrant the subsurface injection of fluids. If the remediation well is needed as part of a clean up effort approved by U.S. EPA or Ohio EPA under RCRA Subtitle C or CERCLA, then the well is approved by rule as long as inventory information is submitted (OAC 3745-34-08(C)). Operators of Class V Aquifer Remediation wells where fluids to be injected do not exceed primary drinking water regulations, MCLs or health advisory limits must comply with OAC 3745-34-11(H) to avoid having to submit a permit application.
What are the permit fees required to construct and operate a Class V well?
Each application for a Class V permit to drill and install must be accompanied by a non-refundable fee of $2000 dollars for each application.
Each application for a Class V permit to operate must be accompanied by a non-refundable fee of $2000 dollars for each application. This permit must be renewed at least every five years.
Are any types of Class V injection wells not allowed?
Yes! All motor vehicle waste disposal wells and all large capacity cesspools are illegal under both federal and Ohio regulations (OAC 3745-34-11(B and C)). Large capacity cesspools are considered injection wells used to dispose of untreated sanitary waste (OAC 3745-34-01). Motor vehicle waste disposal wells are wells that are used to dispose of fluids from the repair of motor vehicles including cars, trucks, buses, vans, motorcycles, airplanes, farm equipment, constructions equipment and other types of motorized vehicles (OAC 3745-34-01).
Are there closure requirements for Class V injection wells?
Closure requirements are specified in OAC 3745-34-11(O). All types of Class V injection wells must be closed in a manner that is protective of human health and all waste materials removed from the wells must be disposed of in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations (OAC 3745-34-7(A)). Owners or operators for all types of Class V injection wells must notify the Ohio EPA of the intent to close a Class V injection well at least 30 days prior to closure of the well. The owners or operators of Class V injection wells used to dispose of industrial or other wastes must submit a closure plan detailing, at a minimum, the inventory information concerning the well, procedures for removing any sludges or wastes from the well, and procedures for plugging the well.