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What is a Class 4 well?

Class IV wells are shallow wells used to dispose hazardous or radioactive wastes into or above a geologic formation that contains an underground source of drinking water (USDW). In 1984, EPA banned the use of Class IV injection wells.

epa.gov - Class IV Shallow Hazardous and Radioactive Injection Wells | US EPA
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Underground Injection Control Class IV wells are banned. Use of Class IV wells Class IV wells are shallow wells used to dispose hazardous or radioactive wastes into or above a geologic formation that contains an underground source of drinking water (USDW). In 1984, EPA banned the use of Class IV injection wells. These wells may only operate as part of an EPA- or state-authorized ground water clean-up action. Less than 32 waste clean-up sites with Class IV wells exist in the United States.

Difference between Class IV and Class V injection wells

Both shallow Class IV and Class V wells inject fluids into or above the uppermost USDW. Both well classes may be of similar construction, such as a septic system or dry well. The difference between Class IV and Class V wells is the quality of the fluid being injected. Class V wells may only inject non-hazardous fluids that will not endanger USDWs. If a Class V well receives hazardous waste (as defined by RCRA), it becomes a Class IV well and banned.

Protecting drinking water resources

The only allowable Class IV wells are used to clean up ground water contaminated by hazardous chemicals. A common method for cleaning contaminated ground water is the "pump and treat" process, as follows.

Contaminated ground water is brought to the surface.

The water is treated to remove as much of the contaminant as possible. The treated water is injected, through a well, back into the same formation. This process is repeated until contaminant concentrations are reduced and additional removal is not possible. Pump and treat technology may not always completely remove all contaminants in the water. In that case, the injection well is a Class IV well. Class V aquifer remediation wells support ground water cleanups deemed to be non-hazardous.

Class IV well requirements

Class IV wells are authorized by rule. Owners or operators must meet the following minimum federal UIC requirements: Obtain approval from the UIC program and one of the following programs: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) program Superfund (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act [CERCLA]) program (or state equivalent program)

Ensure that injection does not endanger USDWs

EPA Regions and states may require operators of Class IV wells to obtain permits. In addition, some states with UIC primary enforcement authority may have more stringent requirements banning all Class IV wells. In these states, the use of Class IV wells for ground water remediation would not be allowed. EPA does not allow for the use of Class IV wells at voluntary clean-up sites. A voluntary cleanup site is any site that is injecting fluid that has hazardous chemicals, but is not authorized by RCRA/CERCLA or state equivalent programs. Visit the regulations page to read more about the requirements for owners and operators of Class IV wells.

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What is primary health care?

Primary health care is a whole-of-society approach to effectively organize and strengthen national health systems to bring services for health and wellbeing closer to communities. It has 3 components: integrated health services to meet people's health needs throughout their lives.

who.int - Primary health care - World Health Organization (WHO)

All people, everywhere, have the right to achieve the highest attainable level of health. This is the fundamental premise of primary health care (PHC). Primary health care is a whole-of-society approach to effectively organize and strengthen national health systems to bring services for health and wellbeing closer to communities. It has 3 components:

integrated health services to meet people’s health needs throughout their lives

addressing the broader determinants of health through multisectoral policy and action

empowering individuals, families and communities to take charge of their own health.

Primary health care enables health systems to support a person’s health needs – from health promotion to disease prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, palliative care and more. This strategy also ensures that health care is delivered in a way that is centred on people’s needs and respects their preferences. Primary health care is widely regarded as the most inclusive, equitable and cost-effective way to achieve universal health coverage. It is also key to strengthening the resilience of health systems to prepare for, respond to and recover from shocks and crises.

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