[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 40, Volume 20]
[Revised as of July 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 40CFR144.22]

[Page 636-637]
 
                   TITLE 40--PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT
 
         CHAPTER I--ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 144_UNDERGROUND INJECTION CONTROL PROGRAM--Table of Contents
 
        Subpart C_Authorization of Underground Injection by Rule
 
Sec.  144.22  Existing Class II enhanced recovery and hydrocarbon storage wells.

    (a) An existing Class II enhanced recovery or hydrocarbon storage 
injection well is authorized by rule for the life of the well or 
project, if the owner or operator injects into the existing well within 
one year after the date

[[Page 637]]

which a UIC program authorized under the SDWA becomes effective for the 
first time or inventories the well pursuant to the requirements of Sec.  
144.26. An owner or operator of a well which is authorized by rule 
pursuant to this section shall rework, operate, maintain, convert, plug, 
abandon or inject into the well in compliance with applicable 
regulations.
    (b) Duration of well authorization by rule. Well authorization under 
this section expires upon the effective date of a permit issued pursuant 
to Sec. Sec.  144.25, 144.31, 144.33 or 144.34; after plugging and 
abandonment in accordance with an approved plugging and abandonment plan 
pursuant to Sec. Sec.  144.28(c) and 146.10 of this chapter, and upon 
submission of a plugging and abandonment report pursuant to Sec.  
144.28(k); or upon conversion in compliance with Sec.  144.28(j).
    (c) Prohibitions on injection. An owner or operator of a well 
authorized by rule pursuant to this section is prohibited from injecting 
into the well:
    (1) Upon the effective date of an applicable permit denial;
    (2) Upon failure to submit a permit application in a timely manner 
pursuant to Sec. Sec.  144.25 or 144.31;
    (3) Upon failure to submit inventory information in a timely manner 
pursuant to Sec.  144.26;
    (4) Upon failure to comply with a request for information in a 
timely manner pursuant to Sec.  144.27;
    (5) Upon failure to provide alternative financial assurance pursuant 
to Sec.  144.28(d)(7);
    (6) Forty-eight hours after receipt of a determination by the 
Director pursuant to Sec.  144.28(f)(3) that the well lacks mechanical 
integrity, unless the Director requires immediate cessation; or
    (7) Upon receipt of notification from the Director pursuant to Sec.  
144.28(l) that the transferee has not demonstrated financial 
responsibility pursuant to Sec.  144.28(d).
    (d) Requirements. The owner or operator of a well authorized under 
this section shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sec.  
144.28 and part 147 of this chapter. Such owner or operator shall comply 
with the casing and cementing requirements no later than 3 years and 
other requirements no later than 1 year after authorization.

[49 FR 20181, May 11, 1984, as amended at 58 FR 63896, Dec. 3, 1993]