Closure Guidance for Underground Injection Wells

This guidance describes the process for closing an injection well.

To protect water supplies, MassDEP regulates discharges to groundwater. Shallow injection wells are one source of these discharges. This Guidance discusses the procedures for closing these wells.

The Guidance

The Massachusetts Closure Guidance for Underground Injection Control (UIC) Wells applies to the closure of all unauthorized and authorized-by-rule Class IV or V shallow injection wells in Massachusetts. An authorized-by-rule well is a Class IV/V well for which a permit is not required from any MassDEP program. However, the owner or operator must submit a registration form to the UIC program in order for that well to be authorized to discharge. 

The purpose of this guidance document is to outline the components of UIC closure and describe the potential responsibilities involved under the following Massachusetts laws and regulations:

• the Massachusetts Contingency Plan, MGL c.21E and 310 CMR 40.0000
• the Massachusetts UIC Program (310 CMR 27.00)  
• Massachusetts Hazardous Waste Regulations (310 CMR 30.000)

Additional Resources

UIC Closure Guidance, Appendix II - Jar Headspace Analytical Screening Procedure

Massachusetts Closure Guidance for Shallow Injection Control (UIC) Wells (Guidance # BRP/DWM/DW/G04-3), Appendix VII: Response Actions under the MCP

FAQs: Massachusetts Closure Guidance for Underground Injection Control (UIC) Wells (including shallow injection wells)

Massachusetts Closure Guidance for Underground Injection Control (UIC) Wells (including shallow injection wells)