--> Regulation of Injection Wells: Unique Approach to Federal Regulatory Programs, by Francoise M. Brasier and Howard Beard III; #91024 (1989)

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Regulation of Injection Wells: Unique Approach to Federal Regulatory Programs

Francoise M. Brasier, Howard Beard III

Under section 1425 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Congress set up a unique approach to regulating injection wells used for waterflooding, enhanced recovery or brine disposal. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was placed in the position of delegating enforcement responsibility to states based on the effectiveness of their in-place programs rather than on their adoption of federally prescribed requirements. This approach has led to the development of a state/EPA partnership, which, in most cases, has resulted in the strengthening of state programs and avoiding major disruption of states and industry. The program has now been in place for more than five years in the major states, and both the EPA and the states have begun assessing some of the basic requirements to determine the strength and weaknesses of the program.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91024©1989 AAPG Pacific Section, May 10-12, 1989, Palm Springs, California.