Underground Injection Control Program

The goal of DEQ’s UIC Program is to protect groundwater resources primarily used for drinking water from contamination by unauthorized use of UIC systems (also referred to as injection systems). A UIC system is a device that places fluids below the ground. Most UIC systems in Oregon are shallow and widely used to dispose of stormwater, including rainfall runoff and snowmelt, from properties, streets and parking lots owned and operated by public or private entities. Businesses and industries may also use injection systems to dispose of water that has come in contact with any raw material, product, by-product, or waste during manufacturing or processing.

Not all UIC system use is for waste disposal. Other injection system uses include adding to the subsurface fluids that aid the removal of contaminants from groundwater, and adding water to increase groundwater supply and levels that, for example, prevent flow rates of a nearby steam from dropping below critical rates. Common UIC system designs include wells that are dry except when injecting fluids, trenches, perforated piping and floor drains. For further information on regulating UIC systems for groundwater protection and what you can do to determine if there is a UIC system on your property, refer to DEQ’s fact sheet Use of Injection Systems and Groundwater Protection.

The Environmental Protection Agency defines six injection system classes. Oregon UIC systems must be registered with and approved by DEQ. DEQ approves injection systems either through issuance of an authorization by rule or a water pollution control facility permit. If an owner or operator cannot obtain DEQ approval, the system must be formally closed.