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Class V Shallow Disposal System/Well
Unlike deep injection wells which are typically found in large industrial plants and oil fields, shallow disposal systems/wells are ubiquitous and can be found in all parts of the country including your neighborhood and even in your backyard. The Region 8 Class V program's main focus is on businesses and government facilities and their disposal practices. We do not regulate the discharge of sanitary waste into single family residential cesspools and septic systems, municipal sewers or discharges to the surface water.
Ban on Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal (MVWD) wells and Large Capacity Cesspools
In a regulation that took effect April 5, 2000, two types of Class V disposal systems/wells that pose a significant risk to drinking water supplies were banned. These were motor vehicle waste disposal (MVWD) wells and large capacity cesspools.
FAQs on MVWD wells
FAQs on Large Capacity Cesspools
Guidances and Information for MVWD Facilities: (PDF Info)
Small Entity Compliance Guide - How the New Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal Well Rule Affects Your Business (PDF 459K, 33 pages)
Information Sheet - U.S. EPA Small Business Resources (PDF 24K, 2 pages)
What is a Class V well?
A Class V well is a means through which fluids are discharged into the subsurface. It is a bored, drilled, driven shaft, or dug hole that is deeper than wide at its widest surface dimension; an improved sinkhole; or a subsurface fluid distribution system (such as a leach field). They can be complex, such as geothermal energy recovery wells, but may also be a simple construction, such as french drains, dry wells, or septic systems.
Answer the questions on Identifying a Class V well to help determine whether or not you have a Class V Shallow Disposal System/Well.
Other types of Class V wells (PDF Info)
Septic Systems as Class V wells(PDF 1M, 4 pages) Although, the EPA does not regulate individual residential septic systems, a large number of septic systems can be regulated as Class V wells.
Storm Water Drains as Class V wells(PDF 797 K, 2 pages)
In Region 8, the UIC Class V program in North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming is run by the state. In Colorado, Montana, and South Dakota, the UIC Class V program is run by the EPA. For information on EPA's program, click on Region 8 EPA Class V Shallow Disposal Systems/Wells Program. Or contact the program directly.
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