[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 40, Volume 22]
[Revised as of July 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 40CFR146.10]

[Page 769-770]
 
                   TITLE 40--PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT
 
         CHAPTER I--ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 146_UNDERGROUND INJECTION CONTROL PROGRAM: CRITERIA AND STANDARDS--Table 
 
                      Subpart A_General Provisions
 
Sec. 146.10  Plugging and abandoning Class I, II, III, IV, and V wells.

    (a) Requirements for Class I, II and III wells. (1) Prior to 
abandoning Class I, II and III wells, the well shall be plugged with 
cement in a manner

[[Page 770]]

which will not allow the movement of fluids either into or between 
underground sources of drinking water. The Director may allow Class III 
wells to use other plugging materials if the Director is satisfied that 
such materials will prevent movement of fluids into or between 
underground sources of drinking water.
    (2) Placement of the cement plugs shall be accomplished by one of 
the following:
    (i) The Balance method;
    (ii) The Dump Bailer method;
    (iii) The Two-Plug method; or
    (iv) An alternative method approved by the Director, which will 
reliably provide a comparable level of protection to underground sources 
of drinking water.
    (3) The well to be abandoned shall be in a state of static 
equilibrium with the mud weight equalized top to bottom, either by 
circulating the mud in the well at least once or by a comparable method 
prescribed by the Director, prior to the placement of the cement 
plug(s).
    (4) The plugging and abandonment plan required in 40 CFR 144.51(o) 
and 144.52(a)(6) shall, in the case of a Class III project which 
underlies or is in an aquifer which has been exempted under Sec. 
146.04, also demonstrate adequate protection of USDWs. The Director 
shall prescribe aquifer cleanup and monitoring where he deems it 
necessary and feasible to insure adequate protection of USDWs.
    (b) Requirements for Class IV wells. Prior to abandoning a Class IV 
well, the owner or operator shall close the well in accordance with 40 
CFR 144.23(b).
    (c) Requirements for Class V wells. (1) Prior to abandoning a Class 
V well, the owner or operator shall close the well in a manner that 
prevents the movement of fluid containing any contaminant into an 
underground source of drinking water, if the presence of that 
contaminant may cause a violation of any primary drinking water 
regulation under 40 CFR part 141 or may otherwise adversely affect the 
health of persons. Closure requirements for motor vehicle waste disposal 
wells and large-capacity cesspools are reiterated at Sec. 144.89.
    (2) The owner or operator shall dispose of or otherwise manage any 
soil, gravel, sludge, liquids, or other materials removed from or 
adjacent to the well in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, 
and local regulations and requirements.

[64 FR 68573, Dec. 7, 1999]