What does “UIC” mean and whats the purpose of the UIC program?
“UIC” stands for “Underground Injection Control.” This is a program authorized by the Safe Drinking Water Act to protect ground water. By regulating the disposal of waste fluids through underground injection wells (including shallow disposal systems like drywells and certain septic systems), underground sources of drinking water (USDWs) are protected. Q: Where does the UIC program get its authority? A: The UIC program is authorized by the Part C of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), PL 93-523 and Amendments. The UIC program also implements the portions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), PL 94-580 and Amendments, dealing with the underground disposal of hazardous wastes. The regulations implementing these laws are published in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, mostly in Parts 144-146 and 148. Q: What’s a USDW? A: USDWs are defined broadly to include all fresh water aquifers unless they have been specifically exempted from protection. A USDW may be in curre
