Arkansas Underground Injection Wells: What you need to know

Hazardous waste underground injection well permit-by-rule standards: Arkansas Regulation (AR Reg.) 23.270.60(b)

Underground injection permit requirements: AR Reg. 17.101 to 17.801

Class I, III, and IV wells: AR Reg. 17.501

Fees: AR Reg. 23.6(d)

Class II wells: Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC) Rules H-1 to H-3

Saltwater disposal: AR Reg. 1

Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)

Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6

See ADDRESSES & CONTACTS for addresses and telephone numbers.

See national section for basic information and federal regulations.

• Rules. The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has received primacy from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to administer and enforce the federal Underground Injection Control (UIC) program in Arkansas for Class I, II, III, IV, and V wells. The state has adopted the federal permit-by-rule option for underground injection wells. Wells that meet the permit-by-rule requirements (including the requirement that the facility have an underground injection well permit under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act) are deemed to have a hazardous waste disposal facility permit, and do not have to apply for one.

In addition, Arkansas prohibits the construction, operation, or use of Class IV wells. State facilities disposing of hazardous waste in Class I injection wells must pay a permit-by-rule fee to the ADEQ.

Permit applications for Class I injection wells are reviewed by staff of the ADEQ, the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC), and, in some instances, the EPA. The reviews ensure compliance with the national ...