Apr 28, 2006

Ever wonder where toxic waste goes?

"Hazardous Waste Injection Wells Injection of hazardous waste into deep wells began in the United States in the 1960s. At that time, the chemical industry was looking for a safe, relatively inexpensive method for disposing of high volumes of waste that could be considered toxic. Technology was borrowed from the oil and gas industry to develop this new form of disposal. "
  • There are 163 Class I hazardous waste injection wells located at 51 facilities. Most are found in Texas (78) and Louisiana (18). Eleven of the facilities are commercial hazardous waste injection facilities. These are the only facilities that can accept hazardous waste generated offsite for injection. Ten of them are located in the Gulf Coast region while one is located in the Great Lakes region.

  • Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments to RCRA made UIC regulations (1988) more stringent for Class I hazardous wells.
I couldn't make this stuff up.
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/uic/classes.html
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/uic/classi.html