EPA Grant Protects Oklahoma Groundwater From Wastewater

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded $100,323 to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) to protect groundwater from underground injection or disposal wells.

“Protecting sources of drinking water is one of EPA’s most important missions,” said Acting Regional Administrator Sam Coleman. “EPA relies on state partners like the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to help fulfill that mission.”

The funds will support OCC’s activities for granting permits and monitoring construction and operation of injection or disposal wells in a manner that protects underground sources of drinking water. OCC also will conduct field surveillance, investigation, inspection, and enforcement activities for injection and disposal wells.

An injection well is used to place fluid underground into porous geologic formations. These underground formations may range from deep sandstone or limestone to a shallow soil layer. Injected fluids may include water, wastewater, brine (salt water) or water mixed with chemicals. The Safe Drinking Water Act requires that underground sources of drinking water be protected from contamination that might migrate from these wells.

 For more about EPA grants, visit www.epa.gov/grants.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency