The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA, 42 U.S.C. §300f et seq. (1974)) allows EPA to set the standards for drinking water quality and monitors states, local authorities and water suppliers who enforce those standards. The objective of SDWA is to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply.  EPA administers the Underground Injection Control Permit Program to protect drinking water from pollution related to subsurface injection. Regarding infrastructure, some types of injection wells may be needed for mining, critical mineral development, oil and gas development, or carbon sequestration projects. EPA UIC permit issuance is a federal action that triggers EPA obligations under other federal statutes (e.g. National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), etc), see 40 CFR 144.4. UIC permits are issued through EPA regional offices, unless an authorized state, territory, or tribal agency has applied for and received UIC Primacy for the UIC permit class needed. Further information regarding authorized Primacy programs can be found on EPA’s Primary Enforcement Authority for the UIC Program website.

UIC Class I permit:

EPA is working to issue revised draft permits for 3 new Class I non-hazardous injection wells and 3 draft modifications for Class I non-hazardous injection wells.