Rule, Phase 1. The Class V Rule establishes minimum federal standards
for two types of Class V wells that are of concern in Wellhead Protection Areas: large-capacity cesspools and
motor vehicle waste disposal wells. These types of wells are also known as shallow disposal systems. The Class V
Rule also established an inventory and permitting process for large capacity
septic systems. Details about these
Class V wells and the regulations that Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal What is a Class V Injection Well? apply to them are shown below: Class V injection wells are typically Wells shallow disposal systems that are used Definition: Shallow waste disposal systems (dry-well, cesspool, septic to place a variety of fluids below the land surface. Examples of Class V system, French drain, etc.) that receive injection wells include: motor vehicle or have received fluids from vehicular
waste disposal wells, large capacity repair or maintenance activities, such as cesspools, storm water drainage wells, auto body or automotive repair, car dealerships, car washes or other aquifer remediation wells, and large capacity septic systems. vehicular repair or maintenance work.
Protective Requirements:
Why are Class V Injection Wells a • New motor vehicle waste Large Capacity Cesspools Concern? disposal wells are banned after Definition: Typically a drywell with an Class V wells are a concern because 2000 open bottom and/or perforated sides they may pose a risk to underground • Existing motor vehicle waste that receives untreated sanitary waste. sources of drinking water. The risk a disposal wells are banned in A large-capacity cesspool is any Class V well may present depends on approved Wellhead Protection residential cesspool used by multiple factors such as: the type of fluid(s) it Areas receives, its location in relation to dwellings, community or regional establishments, or non-residential • US EPA may allow owners and water supply sources, its construction, operators to seek a waiver from maintenance, and local geology. cesspools that have the capacity to serve 20 or more people. (Note: These the ban and obtain a permit What Regulations Apply to Class V have not been permitted in Minnesota • Owners and operators must Injection Wells? In 1999, the US EPA for many years.) notify the US EPA - UIC finalized the Underground Injection Program Director 30 days prior Control Regulations for Class V to closing a motor vehicle waste Injection Wells, known as the Class V disposal well http://water.epa.gov/type/groundw ater/uic/class5/comply_minrequire ments.cfm.
OPTIONS: • Contact local unit of government within WHP Area for WHP &
EPA information • Request waiver and obtain permit
in non-sensitive groundwater areas
• Abandon per EPA regulations in approved Wellhead Protection Large Capacity On-Site Septic Areas WHAT IS A CLASS V Systems • Connect to municipal sewer Definition: Approved or permitted on- • Route waste to approved holding INJECTION WELL? site sewage treatment system serving tank and dispose of properly, off- 20 or more people. site
Inventory Requirements: • Convert to “dry shop” • In addition to the above- • Provide regular maintenance of HOW CAN THESE referenced concerns in drinking allowed and/or waivered shallow WELLS ENDANGER water protection areas, the US disposal wells. EPA is required to inventory YOUR DRINKING large-capacity septic systems. If Additional Information WATER? properly located, operated and For more information on Class V
maintained, these systems are not injection wells, visit the following considered a problem or concern websites: City Contact Info in source water protection areas and are not banned. http://water.epa.gov/type/groundwater/uic/ class5/upload/2007_12_12_uic_class5_gui What Options Are Available To de_uic-class5_small_ent_compl.pdf Owners Of Shallow Disposal Wells http://water.epa.gov/type/groundwater/uic/ class5/comply_minrequirements.cfm OBLIGATIONS: • Notify US EPA Region 5 UIC Program Director of shallow disposal well - Reporting Forms: