FAQ - Class V Shallow Wells

  1. What is "Authorized by rule"?

    1. "Authorized by rule" means that an injection well may be operated without a permit as long as the owners or operators:

      1. Submit inventory information to their permitting authority and verify that they are authorized (allowed) to inject. The permitting authority will review the information to be sure that the well will not endanger a USDW.

      2. Operate the wells in a way that does not endanger USDWs. The permitting authority will explain any specific requirements.

      3. Properly close their Class V well when it is no longer being used. The well should be closed in a way that prevents movement of any contaminated fluids into USDWs. 

  2. Fact Sheets for Class V Well Types 

    1. Agricultural Drainage Wells (pdf) (152.86 KB, Sept. 1999)
    2. Aquaculture Wells (pdf) (118.92 KB, Sept. 1999)
    3. Aquifer Recharge/Recovery (pdf) (161.51 KB, Sept. 1999)
    4. Aquifer Remediation Wells (pdf) (158.9 KB, Sept. 1999)
    5. Carwash Wells (pdf) (166.41 KB, Sept. 1999)
    6. Experimental Wells (pdf) (162.52 KB, Sept. 1999)
    7. Food Processing Wells (pdf) (158.26 KB, Sept. 1999)
    8. Geothermal Direct Heat Return Flow Wells (pdf) (160.47 KB, Sept. 1999)
    9. Heat Pump/Air Conditioning Return Flow Wells (pdf) (154.59 KB, Sept. 1999)
    10. In Situ Fossil Fuel Recovery Wells (pdf) (153.88 KB, Sept. 1999)
    11. Large-Capacity Septic Systems (pdf) (128.85 KB, Sept. 1999)
    12. Laundromat Wells (pdf) (97.49 KB, Sept. 1999)
    13. Mine Backfill Wells (pdf) (157.39 KB, Sept. 1999)
    14. Noncontact Cooling Water Wells (pdf) (156.36 KB, Sept. 1999)
    15. Salt Water Intrusion Barrier Wells (pdf) (155.1 KB, Sept. 1999)
    16. Sewage Effluent Treatment Wells (pdf) (162.65 KB, Sept. 1999)
    17. Solution Mining Wells (pdf) (153.4 KB, Sept. 1999)
    18. Special Drainage Wells (pdf) (159.3 KB, Sept. 1999)
    19. Spent Brine Return Flow Wells (pdf) (153.94 KB, Sept. 1999)
    20. Storm Water Drainage Wells (pdf) (156.44 KB, Sept. 1999)
    21. Subsidence Control Wells (pdf) (156.56 KB, Sept. 1999)
  3. What inventory information do I need to submit to request an authorization by rule for a specific project?
    1. Septic systems, mound systems, sumps, drain fields, French drains, cesspools, abandoned drinking water wells, dry wells and infiltration galleries - Class V Inventory Form (EPA Region 8) (pdf) (226.38 KB)
    2. Air sparging -  Air Sparging - Inventory Information (pdf) (479.06 KB)
    3. Aquifer Recharge and Aquifer Storage and Recovery Wells -  Aquifer Recharge and Aquifer Storage and Recovery Wells (pdf) (265.27 KB)
    4. Aquifer Remediation Injection Wells Injection of Oxygenating Compounds -  Aquifer Remediation Injection Wells Injection of Oxygenating Compounds (pdf) (432.72 KB)
    5. Aquifer Remediation System, other -  Aquifer Remediation System (pdf) (284.17 KB)
    6. Residuals from Backwash of Microfiltration/Ultrafiltration Units used for Compliance with the Surface Water Treatment Rule -  Residuals from Backwash of Microfiltration/Ultrafiltration Units used for Compliance with the Surface Water Treatment Rule (pdf) (389.78 KB)
    7. Injection of Backwash Fluids or Brines from Water Treatment Processes -  Injection of Backwash Fluids or Brines from Water Treatment Processes (pdf) (213.22 KB)
    8. Stormwater wells -  Class V Inventory Form (EPA Region 8) (pdf) (226.38 KB)
    9. Subsurface Drip Irrigation System -  Subsurface Drip Irrigation System (pdf) (333.95 KB)
    10. Injection of Tracers -  Injection of Tracers (pdf) (468.93 KB)  
    11. Region 8 Marijuana Grow and Production Facility
      1. Fact Sheet -  Region 8 - Marijuana Grow and Production Facility Fact Sheet (pdf) (174.31 KB)  ; Inventory - Class V Inventory Form (EPA Region 8) (pdf) (226.38 KB)
  4. What is the turnaround time for an authorization by rule request?

    1. The turnaround time is approximately 30 days.

  5. Is there an application cost?

    1. There is no application cost involved with a permit application or rule authorization request.

  6. How do I submit my application or questions related to my application?

     

    1. Please submit all the Class V inventory forms and questions to the Region 8 UIC Mailbox R8UICMailbox@EPA.gov. (Preferably)

    2. Or via mail:      

      US Environmental Protection Agency

      Mail Code 8WD-SDU

      1595 Wynkoop Street

      Denver, CO 80202-1129

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Last updated on January 21, 2025