South Carolina Underground Injection Wells: What you need to know

Underground injection control (UIC) program: South Carolina Code of Regulations (R.) 61-87

Classification of injection wells: R. 61-87.11

Permit to construct/operate: R. 61-87.13

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Office of Environmental Quality Control Bureau of Water

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

See ADDRESSES & CONTACTS for addresses and telephone numbers.

See national section for basic information and federal regulations.

• Rules. South Carolina has received primacy to administer the underground injection control (UIC) program for Class I, II, III, IV, and V wells in the state. Unlike the federal rules, South Carolina's regulations prohibit the disposal of hazardous wastes in both Class I and Class IV underground injection wells. The federal regulations prohibit only Class IV wells. See the national section UNDERGROUND INJECTION WELLS for more information on the federal regulations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers the permitting program for Class VI wells.

All nonhazardous injection Class II, III, and V wells in South Carolina must have a UIC permit issued by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). A permit is required to inject any fluid into the subsurface through a well. This includes injection wells used for stormwater drainage, aquifer recharge, saltwater intrusion barriers, experimental technology, natural gas storage, substance control, and corrective action.

• Administration and enforcement. DHEC's Water Monitoring, Assessment and Protection Division handles the UIC permitting responsibility for the Bureau of ...