RESOLUTION
TO FACILITATE THE USE OF UNDERGROUND INJECTION
FOR REMEDIATION WHEREVER IT PROVIDES AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT METHOD FOR PROTECTING HUMAN HEALTH AND THE
ENVIRONMENT
WHEREAS,
the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has concluded that
Class I underground injection is protective of human health and the environment
and safer than virtually all other waste disposal practices; and
WHEREAS,
properly sited, constructed and operated underground injection wells can
provide an effective method for the management of remediation wastes, and other
wastes, by effectively removing and isolating those wastes from the accessible
environment; and
WHEREAS,
selection and implementation of appropriate remediation and removal actions
under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
(CERCLA)--or under any other federal statute or regulations authorizing or
requiring environmental remediation--should include the full consideration of
underground injection and its benefits as an alternative method for remediation
or the management of remediation wastes; and
WHEREAS,
regulations, policies, guidance, and other limitations under CERCLA and other
programs may hamper the consideration and use of underground injection even
when injection would provide a more effective and environmentally protective
method for remediation;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Ground Water Protection Council
urges the USEPA to promulgate any necessary revisions to its regulations,
policies and guidance, and to seek any necessary statutory revisions to allow
the USEPA, the States, and private parties,
to use underground injection for remediation and removal actions under
CERCLA or any other statute, to the full extent justified by good science and
practical considerations relevant to selecting remedies that will protect human
health and the environment.
Attest:
Michel
J. Paque
Secretary