Abstract

The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 mandates United States Environmental Protection Agency and primacy states regulation of injection wells in order to protect underground sources of drinking water from contamination. There are currently five classes (I - V) of injection wells, with Class II wells being those utilized in conjunction with oil and gas production activities. In 1986, approximately 60 million barrels of oilfield fluids were injected through 166,000 injection wells in the continental U.S. These disposal volumes are likely to increase significantly in the future as the producing fields continue to be depleted. The petroleum industry’s generally good track record in protecting the nation’s groundwater resources, unfortunately, has not been accepted by all sectors of the public community. This in turn, has led to the current reevaluation of the existing Class II regulatory framework and a reassessment of the degree of protection afforded to USDW from oil and gas activities. The petroleum industry must continue to work closely with EPA and other regulatory agencies in identifying and correcting any deficiencies in current injection practices. A sincere and open approach by both parties will prevent unnecessary additional regulatory burdens and enhance the petroleum industry’s image and its commitment to continued protection of the drinking water resources.