Underground Injection Control National Technical Workgroup Final Issue Papers

Final Issue Papers prepared by the UIC National Technical Workgroup are available for review and download. This information should should be useful to state, territory, and tribal UIC program partners.

• NTW White Paper Subsurface Storage of Hydrogen Technical Considerations (pdf) (604.35 KB)   This paper includes background information on H2 as an energy source, the current status of subsurface H2 storage, some technical issues of subsurface H2 storage, non-technical considerations (e.g., regulatory and resources) for subsurface H2 storage, and suggested next steps. 
• Minimizing and Managing Potential of Injection-Induced Seismicity from Class II Disposal: Practical Approaches (pdf) (13.01 MB, February 6, 2015)
  This report provides technical background information on induced seismicity and identifies practical tools to help underground injection control regulators address injection-induced seismic events. The Induced Seismicity Working Group of the NTW developed this report using the existing Class II regulatory framework to provide possible strategies for managing and minimizing the potential for significant injection-induced seismicity.
• Drinking Water Treatment Residual Injection Wells - Technical Recommendations (pdf) (571.4 KB, December 20, 2006)
  This report from the National Technical Workgroup was prepared to assist UIC programs by providing technical recommendations for managing drinking water treatment residuals through underground injection.
• Injection Well Plugging and Abandonment Checklist (pdf) (133.49 KB, February 11,2005)
  This document provides information for calculating injection well plugging and abandonment costs and is intended to better ensure consistency between EPA and state, territory, and tribal primacy programs.
• Annular Injection of Drilling Wastes Into Production Wells (pdf) (183.27 KB, August 3, 2004)
  This document summarizes available information about annular disposal of drilling wastes into production wells and provides suggestions related to national consistency.
• Does a Fixed Radius Area of Review Meet the Statutory Mandate and Regulatory Requirements of Being Protective of USDWs Under 40 CFR 144.12? (pdf) (102.28 KB, November 5, 2004)
  This document summarizes available information on the use of a 1/4 mile fixed radius Area of Review rather than a Zone of endangering Influence to determine the area where corrective action must occur to prevent contamination of USDWs.
• Cementing Records Requirements in Direct Implementation Programs to Achieve Part II of Mechanical Integrity in Class II Injection Wells (pdf) (102.37 KB, January 27,1999)
  This paper summarizes the cementing record submission requirements for each Class II program directly implemented by EPA.
• Class I Fracture Slurry Injection - A Summary of the Technology and Recommendation for Implementation (pdf) (593.14 KB, February 26, 1998)
  This document provides technical background information associated with fracture slurry injection and a discussion of the benefits of revising the Class I UIC regulations to implement fracture slurry injection practices.
• An Underground Injection Control Program Summary of Regional and State Implementation of the Area of Review (pdf) (134.93 KB, March 17, 1998)
  This document provides information on the various ways each of the EPA Regions and states implement the Area of Review requirements as set forth in Section 146.6 of the UIC regulations.
• National UIC Technical Workgroup Assistance for Directing the Class V Study on Type 5X14, Type 5X15, and Type 5X16 Injection Wells (pdf) (52.17 KB, July 30, 1998)
  The national UIC technical workgroup has reviewed the May 7, 1998, drafts of three papers developed to help determine if additional regulations may be necessary to properly govern solution mining injection wells (type 5X14), in-situ fossil fuel recovery wells (type 5X15), and spent brine injection wells (type 5X16).
• Use of Annulus Additives to Address Leaks in Deep Injection Wells (pdf) (41.15 KB, December 15,1998)
  This guidance describes the assurances which EPA believes are appropriate when means which appear to be less substantial than oilfield tubulars are used to protect underground sources of drinking water from contamination by injected wastes.
• Bibliography of Reports, Papers, and Presentations on Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) in Petroleum Industry Wastes (pdf) (1.99 MB, July 1997)
  This bibliography provides citations for many of the available published reports, articles, and presentation on petroleum industry NORM.
• Assessment of Potential Technical and Regulatory Issues Relating to Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) in Class II Wells (pdf) (5.66 MB, March 1995)
  This document provides comprehensive information on existing and developing state regulatory programs and alternative management and disposal techniques applicable to NORM wastes.