Underground Injection Control National Technical Workgroup

On this page:

• What is the National Technical Workgroup (NTW)?
• How the NTW works
• NTW goals and objectives
• NTW projects under consideration

What is the National Technical Workgroup?

The National Technical Workgroup (NTW) is a forum for federal and state Underground Injection Control (UIC) program experts to meet regularly and work through technical issues related to underground injection.  The NTW:

• Provides an avenue for open dialogue, communication, and coordination between EPA and state representatives
• Strives to promote consistent implementation of state and federal UIC programs

NTW members are selected by EPA and consist of technical experts from:

• States with primary enforcement authority (primacy states)
• Each EPA regional program that directly implements the UIC program
• EPA’s national UIC program (EPA headquarters)

See the active NTW membership roster.

How the NTW works

The NTW elects a chair and co-chair from its EPA membership to facilitate the group and guide discussions. The chair acts as spokesperson for the NTW and communicates to EPA management and interested customers the ongoing activities of the NTW.

The NTW chair or EPA’s UIC management may invite outside experts to participate with and advise the NTW on issues. On occasion, the NTW will be charged with developing solutions to technical issues or assisting in the development of program guidance that may affect EPA policy. However, the NTW is not a formal policy or rule-making body.

NTW goals and objectives

The NTW has established a series of UIC program goals and objectives including:

• Promote UIC program consistency
• Promote the exchange and sharing of technical information and ideas
• Promote and enhance sound scientific decision-making
• Foster continued development of state, EPA regional, and EPA headquarters UIC technical expertise
• Communicate relevant events and issues and provide information and assistance to the Regions and states in matters regarding UIC technical and programmatic issues
• Assist in the development of future UIC regulatory revisions, clarifications, and technical guidance as directed by EPA’s UIC management
• Provide for open dialogue, education, communication, and coordination, between the NTW and:
  • State UIC programs
  • Organizations and associations with an interest in underground injection
  • Related industries
  • The general public

The UIC NTW strives to follow and implement policies outlined in the EPA's Strategic Plan and priorities, including:

• Developing innovative practices to achieve EPA goals
• Fostering integration among all environmental protection practices
• Coordinating between all entities
• Establishing partnerships between:
  • Federal and state governments
  • Regulated communities
  • The general public

Review the NTW charter.

NTW projects under consideration

The NTW is currently evaluating options for developing online training modules in support of general UIC permitting and operation activities.