Underground Injection Control (UIC)

Anyone who injects or intends to inject fluid into the subsurface via an injection well must obtain a UIC permit from EPD.

Injection wells are broken into five classes (I – V wells); however, Georgia has not issued any permits for Class I-IV wells at this time.

Class V wells consist of injection wells used for, but not limited to Non-Domestic Septic System (NDSS), remediation, and non-contact cooling water return. A more comprehensive list of Class V injection wells may be found in the State Rules (391-3-6-.13) here. The application can be found here. A checklist to assist you in completing the application can be found here.

In addition to the permit application form and checklist, you will also need to submit a Corrective Action Plan (Part B is preferable) or an equivalent report prepared by a Georgia Registered Professional Geologist (PG) or Professional Engineer (PE). The report shall also include a site location indicated on a 7.5' topographic map. In this report you should completely describe the site hydrogeology as well as the nature and extent of the groundwater impact of the proposed injection. The report should also completely describe the proposed injection including an analysis of the proposed injection fluid, if liquid. It shall also include a site map showing the location of all relevant features including, but not limited to, the monitoring wells and hydrologic gradient as inferred from the monitoring wells. At least one diagram should include the locations of injection and monitoring wells with a depiction of the areas of influence for each of these wells.

NDSS

NDSS permits, specifically, apply to non-residential septic system wells used to inject waste or effluent from a multiple dwelling business establishment, community, or regional business establishment septic system. Single family residences or non-residential septic system wells used solely for sanitary waste and that have the capacity to serve fewer than 20 people per day should contact their county Health Department. The application can be found here.

Pilot Test

Additionally, when an applicant wishes to acquire accurate and precise field data for the development of a Corrective Action Plan or to determine the applicability of the type of injected fluid for remediation, the facility should complete a Pilot Test Notification Form which can be found here. Pilot Testing may be conducted prior to obtaining a permit, however notification must be submitted to EPD a minimum of 30 days prior to the execution of the test.

Additional guidance on the UIC Program may be found here.

UIC Permit Process

Permit applications and forms can be found here. Applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the permit expiration.

Permit Requirements

Upon the effective date of the permit, the facility is required to comply with all of the requirements of the permit. The permittee should carefully review their permit before it is issued to ensure all of the requirements are understood.