OAR 340-044-0010: Policy, Purpose and Effective Date

(1) These rules set forth requirements for the State of Oregon Underground Injection Control (UIC) program adopted in conformance with Part C of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in effect on the date of this rule adoption. It is the policy of the Environmental Quality Commission that the injection of wastes to the subsurface shall be limited and controlled in a manner that protects existing groundwater quality for current or potential beneficial uses including use as an underground source of drinking water. (2) The injection of untreated or inadequately treated sewage or wastes to waste disposal wells and particularly to waste disposal wells in the lava terrain of Central Oregon constitutes a threat of serious, detrimental and irreversible pollution of valuable groundwater resources and a threat to public health. The policy of the Environmental Quality Commission is to restrict, regulate or prohibit the further construction and use of waste disposal wells in Oregon and to phase out completely the use of waste disposal wells as a means of disposing of untreated or inadequately treated sewage or wastes as rapidly as possible in an orderly and planned manner. (3) These rules as adopted, amended and repealed by the Environmental Quality Commission on June 22, 2001 are effective on September 20, 2001. The rules previously in effect are effective and enforceable until September 20, 2001.