Energy Environmental Blog

PA UIC Permitting Not Going Well

Written by Greg Russell | Jul 10, 2012 4:43:54 PM

U.S. EPA's Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) recently found that the agency had failed to conduct a sufficient review of two wastewater disposal well permit applications.  From the syllabus of In Re:  Bear Lake Properties, LLC (UIC Appeal No. 11-03) (Jun. 28, 2012):  "The Region had a responsibility to ensure that accurate data as to drinking water wells within the area of review of the proposed injection wells were identified and considered. The record does not support a finding that the Region satisfied its responsibility in this regard. In particular, the Region failed to clearly articulate its regulatory obligations or compile a record sufficient to assure the public that the Region relied on accurate and appropriate data in satisfying its obligations. The permit is therefore remanded."  (Emphasis is ours.)

For a copy of the decision, see here.