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National UIC Technical Workgroup First Newsletter
National UIC Technical Workgroup
First Newsletter
WORKGROUP FORMATION
Although officially on the books since late 1996, the national UIC technical workgroup began significant work on issues related to the UIC program in earnest in 1997. The workgroup developed a charter to frame its purpose, solidified its membership, resolved communication topics, and generated a list of active issues on which to focus.
COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
How will the national UIC technical workgroup communicate with others?
How can I communicate with them? These are questions the workgroup grappled
with during its meeting on September 24, 1997. On October 28, 1997, the
workgroup finalized a strategy for communication that includes use of
the GWPC website 
Ground Water Protection Council, discussions
with State UIC representatives during meetings with the State, conference
calls, and this newsletter. In addition, anyone may feel free to contact
the workgroup for input.
MEMBERSHIP
The Workgroup consists of 19 Federal employees from nine EPA Regions and EPA Headquarters. These members are listed below. Since its inception, Steve Platt has been the workgroup's chair, with Paul Osborne serving as co-chair. As of January 1998, Paul will assume the duties of chair, while Nathan Wiser will assist as co-chair.
| Headquarters | |
| Bruce Kobelski | (202) 260-7275 |
| Robert Smith | (202) 260-5559 |
| Region 2 | |
| Charles Hillenbrand | (212) 637-4226 |
| Region 3 | |
| Mark Nelson | (215) 566-5461 |
| Steve Platt | (215) 566-5464 |
| Region 4 | |
| Bill Mann | (404) 562-9452 |
| Region 5 | |
| Harlan Gerrish | (312) 886-2939 |
| Allen Melcer | (312) 886-1498 |
| Nathan Wiser | (312) 353-9569 |
| Region 6 | |
| Brian Graves | (214) 665-7193 |
| Joe Kordzi | (214) 665-7186 |
| Region 7 | |
| Ted Frit | (913) 551-7412 |
| Kurt Hildebrandt | (913) 551-7413 |
| Region 8 | |
| Carol Bowden | (303) 312-6485 |
| Paul Osborne | (303) 312-6125 |
| Region 9 | |
| Gregg Olson | (415) 744-1828 |
| George Robin | (415) 744-1819 |
| Jim Walker | (415) 744-1833 |
| Region 10 | |
| Jonathan Williams | (206) 553-1369 |
CURRENT ISSUES
The workgroup has several different matters in which it is now involved. These subjects, or issues, are listed below with the primary contact indicated. Anyone wishing to become involved in an issue, or wishing to offer insight may make contact with the person shown or, if more convenient, a local member of the workgroup.
Fracture Slurry Injection Issue Paper
Lead: Joe Kordzi
This paper summarizes the technical aspects of fracture slurry injection, and examines the use of this technology in light of the current UIC regulations.
Naturally-Ocurring Radioactive Material (NORM) in Injection Wells
Lead: Bill Mann
This will be a summary of literature available covering NORM.
Falloff Testing Technical Assistance Document
Lead: Joe Kordzi
This technical assistance document will provide injection well operators and contractors with a concise description of modern falloff testing procedures and analysis techniques
Permit Boilerplate Comparison
Lead: Bill Mann
A comparison of the different boilerplates used in the federally-implemented Class II UIC programs will be made, displaying both similarities and differences among them.
Dual Completion Mechanical Integrity Test (MIT) Alternative
Leads: Paul Osborne and Nathan Wiser
The workgroup intends to finalize the Agency's determination regarding an alternative MIT for certain dually completed injection/production wells that was originally proposed on October 27, 1987.
Area of Review Around the Nation
Lead: Steve Platt
This survey is a compilation of how the area of review is determined in each State across the nation, including different well classes.
Fluids Acceptable for Injection into Class II Wells
Lead: Paul Osborne and Jonathan Williams
This paper will provide a detailed review of what waste fluids can be injected into Class II injection wells.
Feasibility of Aquifer Exemptions in Non-Injection Zones
Lead: Bruce Kobelski
This paper will address the issue of exempting aquifers into which no injection occurs. How is this done within the existing regulatory scheme?
Cementing Requirements for Direct Implementation Programs Across the Nation
Lead: Steve Platt
Aimed at evaluation of mechanical integrity in wells, this paper will focus on what specific cementing standards are required in Direct Implementation Programs around the country.
OTHER ISSUES ON OUR PLATE
The workgroup also has several remaining topics that, while not currently active, are being kept on our list of future activities. These topics are listed below.
Financial Responsibility
MIT Standards
Injection Fluid Analysis
Continuous Cement
Annulus Additives
Plugging Procedures
Temporarily Abandoned Wells
Underground
Injection Control Topics | Other
Local Water Topics