Abstract |
EPAs Federal Requirements Under the Underground Injection Control Program for Carbon Dioxide Geologic Sequestration Wells, codified in the US Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR SC146.81 et seq.), known as the Geologic Sequestration (GS) Rule, establishes a new class of injection well (Class VI) and sets minimum federal technical criteria for Class VI injection wells for the purpose of protecting underground sources of drinking water (USDWs). This document is part of a series of technical guidance documents that EPA is developing to support owners or operators of Class VI wells and permitting authorities. The GS Rule requires owners or operators of Class VI wells to develop, gain approval for, and implement five (5) project-specific plans, including: an Area of Review (AoR) and Corrective Action Plan, a Testing and Monitoring Plan, an Injection Well Plugging Plan, a Post-Injection Site Care (PISC) and Site Closure Plan, and an Emergency and Remedial Response Plan. This guidance describes, for Class VI injection well owners and operators, the required elements of each plan and the site-specific elements of each GS project that they might consider in developing the plan. This document also describes the process by which the UIC Program Director of the permitting authority will evaluate and approve each plan and how EPA recommends that each plan is to be reviewed and amended, if necessary, throughout the lifecycle of the project. |