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UIC Frequently Asked Questions

This web page provides answers to common questions about regulation of underground injection control devices in Oregon. If you do not see your question, or if the answers are unclear, please contact the UIC hydrogeologist at 503-229-6371 for further assistance. 

UIC definitions and basic questions

​In general, a UIC, or Underground Injection Control, is a drywell, assemblage of perforated pipes, or drain tiles that are used to place fluids underground. UIC regulations do not apply to swales, french drains, or footing drains.

​Oregon regulates UICs to protect groundwater resources. In Oregon, 70 percent of communities depend on groundwater as their source of drinking and irrigation water. Fluid injected into the ground that is contaminated from sources such as industrial businesses, auto repair shops, chemical spills and animal waste may reach groundwater through improperly or illegally used UICs, causing groundwater contamination. Once groundwater contaminated, it is costly, difficult, and sometimes impossible to clean up.

​Active UICs must be authorized by DEQ, either by rule or by permit. Authorization by rule is the simplest and most cost effective way to have a UIC authorized, but UICs can only be authorized by rule if the UICs meet certain conditions.
UICs that drain roof-only runoff can be authorized by rule. UICs that drain stormwater from parking lots, streets and/or driveways can be authorized by rule if all of the following are true:

  • The UIC is located more than 500 feet from the nearest water supply well,
  • The UIC is located outside of the two-year time-of-travel for a municipal water well,
  • The UIC does not intersect the seasonal high groundwater table,
  • The UIC does not impact contaminated soil or groundwater,
  • Structural and non-structural best management practices are used for source control and treatment, and
  • Stormwater that drains to the UIC is not exposed to hazardous materials

If a UIC does not meet one or more of the conditions above, the UIC must be authorized by permit or closed.
To apply for authorization of a UIC, submit an application to DEQ.

​​​UICs that are not being used must be closed in a manner that prevents vertical migration, or movement, of fluids in soil. To apply for closure of a UIC, submit a Pre-Closure Notification to DEQ using Your DEQ Online​. DEQ’s fact sheet “Closure of an Injection System” discusses the procedure for closing a UIC.

​

DEQ’s UIC program is using a new electronic data management system called Your DEQ Online. Starting on Sept. 30, 2021, you can set up your account and start submitting notifications and pay fees electronically. As of that date, all notification and application forms will be on Your DEQ Online and will not be available in PDF or Word format.

 For more information please visit Your DEQ Online Help page.​

UIC fees

To encourage as many remediation UIC locations as possible, DEQ does not charge fees for remediation UICs​

See the fact sheet “which stormwater permit is right for me?​" for a listing of all current fees.


​​The fee for closure of a stormwater UIC is $100 per UIC.

UIC closure

​No, UICs that discharge roof-only runoff do not require sampling before closure.

Please see the fact sheet 'closure of an injection system​' for sampling requirements. Sampling is only required if contamination is suspected

​​DEQ’s fact sheet “Closure of an Injection System” discusses sampling requirements as a part of UIC closure.

​​If the UIC was completely removed or filled and capped with a material that prevents stormwater or other fluids from moving through the UIC, the UIC does not need to be authorized by DEQ. A cap material can include the asphalt pavement or concrete such as a road or parking lot. The intent is to stop stormwater or other fluids from entering the closed UIC and reaching groundwater.

If the UIC still exists and was not capped and filled with material that prevents movement of stormwater through the UIC, it can function as an active UIC. You must either formally close it or bring it into compliance as an active UIC by applying for authorization by rule or permit.

Visit Your DEQ Online​ to access the forms for UIC authorization and pre-closure notification.

UIC authorization

UICs should be rule authorized or permitted prior to emplacement, but occasionally UICs are discovered that have not been authorized by DEQ. Once found, UICs must be rule authorized or permitted by the DEQ UIC Program, or closed.​

​No, UICs that drain roof-only runoff from single family residential properties do not need to be authorized by DEQ. UICs that drain roof-only runoff runoff from duplex or larger residential properties need to be authorized by DEQ.

Yes, DEQ requires residential driveway drains be registered.​

​​Complete a Public Records Request Form and submit it to DEQ.

Unless known or suspected contaminants have entered the UICs, DEQ does not require sediment testing.

​No. DEQ can accept stormwater samples from a representative subset of UICs rather than a sample from each UIC. In a parking lot, sampling should focus on the area(s) with the most vehicle traffic such as near lot entrances and exits, near building front doors, and near loading docks.

​The answer depends on the site use. If hazardous materials, toxic substances, or petroleum products are being loaded or unloaded, then a UIC is not allowed in the loading dock area. However, if the loading dock area is not used for loading and unloading of these materials, a UIC is allowed.

​Yes. Regardless of land use, all UICs must be authorized by DEQ.

​No, unless the owner seeks approval through an individual or general WPCF permit, or if the UIC is for disposal of roof runoff only. Approval through an individual or general WPCF permit requires that the UIC owner demonstrate that the UIC will not contaminate the water well.

​No, unless the owner seeks approval through an individual or general WPCF permit, or if the UIC is only for roof runoff disposal. Approval through an individual or general WPCF permit requires that the UIC owner demonstrate that the UIC will not contaminate the water well.

​DEQ does not require site specific infiltration tests. However, local jurisdictions may require infiltration tests.

​DEQ does not require UIC owners to look for alternative discharge methods. However, local jurisdictions may require alternative discharge methods in some areas (for example, wellhead protection areas).

​​​UICs are required to have pretreatment. Acceptable pretreatment types are provided in DEQ’s Industrial Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual.

​Drywells cannot intersect the groundwater table. DEQ recommends that drywells have at least five feet of vertical separation from the seasonal high groundwater table.

​No, DEQ does not review and approve the design of UICs.

​If one or more of the UICs are for roof runoff only, then those do not have to be sampled.

​The site map must show the UICs labeled by name, property lines, adjoining streets, buildings, a north arrow, and an aerial photo.

Yes. The UIC owner is required to prepare and implement a management plan, and submit it to DEQ in accordance with OAR 340-044-0018(3).

​DEQ does not have an access requirement, but it is good practice to keep drywells reasonably accessible as they need to be serviced on a regular basis to maintain their functionality.

Site changes

​​Complete the Transfer of Ownership or Operator form using Your DEQ Online.  For more information please visit Your DEQ Online Help page

​You must notify DEQ in writing if site alterations will result in reduced quality or increased quantity of water a UIC receives.

Contact

For questions about UIC applications please contact the UIC Program via Your DEQ Online Helpdesk.

Alternatively you may email the UIC program at: UIC@deq.oregon.gov.

For technical UIC- related questions please contact:
Kevin Weberling
UIC Senior Hydrogeologist
503-229-6371

For questions about policy and program development please contact:

Derek Sandoz
UIC Program Coordinator
503-229-5099