(a) Injection into existing Class IV wells is authorized for up to six months after approval or promulgation of the UIC Program. Such wells are subject to the requirements of §§144.13 and 144.14(c).

(b) Closure. For EPA administered programs only,

(1) Prior to abandoning any Class IV well, the owner or operator shall plug or otherwise close the well in a manner acceptable to the Regional Administrator.

(2) [Reserved]

(3) The owner or operator of a Class IV well must notify the Regional Administrator of intent to abandon the well at least thirty days prior to abandonment.

(c) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, injection wells used to inject contaminated ground water that has been treated and is being injected into the same formation from which it was drawn are authorized by rule for the life of the well if such subsurface emplacement of fluids is approved by EPA, or a State, pursuant to provisions for cleanup of releases under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. 9601-9675, or pursuant to requirements and provisions under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), 42 U.S.C. 6901-6992k.

[49 FR 20181, May 11, 1984, as amended at 60 FR 33932, June 29, 1995; 64 FR 68566, Dec. 7, 1999]