Plugging and Abandoning Wells

Section 730 Section 730.110  Plugging and Abandoning Wells a)         Requirements for Class I, II, and III injection wells. 1)         Prior to abandoning a Class I or Class III injection well, the well must be plugged with cement in a manner that will not allow the movement of fluids either into or between underground sources of drinking water.  The Agency may allow Class III injection wells to use other plugging materials if it is satisfied that such materials will prevent movement of fluids into or between underground sources of drinking water. 2)         Placement of the cement plugs must be accomplished by one of the following means: A)        The Balance Method; B)        The Dump Bailer Method; C)        The Two-Plug Method; or D)        An alternative method approved by the Agency in the permit that will reliably provide a comparable level of protection to underground sources of drinking water. 3)         The well to be abandoned must be in a state of static equilibrium with the mud weight equalized top to bottom, either by circulating the mud in the well at least once or by a comparable method prescribed by the Agency, prior to the placement of the cement plug. 4)         The plugging and abandonment required in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 704.181(f) and 704.188 must also demonstrate adequate protection of USDWs in the case of a Class III injection well that underlies or is in an aquifer that has been exempted pursuant to Section 730.104.  The Agency must prescribe aquifer cleanup and monitoring where it deems it necessary and feasible to insure adequate protection of USDWs. b)         Requirements for Class IV injection wells. Prior to abandoning a Class IV injection well, the owner or operator must close the well in accordance with 35 Ill. Adm. Code 704.145(b). c)         Requirements for Class V injection wells. 1)         Prior to abandoning a Class V injection well, the owner or operator must close the well in a manner that prevents the movement of fluid containing any contaminant into an underground source of drinking water if the presence of that contaminant may cause a violation of any primary drinking water regulation pursuant to 35 Ill. Adm. Code 611, may cause a violation of any of the ground water quality standards of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620, or may otherwise adversely affect the health of persons. Closure requirements for motor vehicle waste disposal wells and large-capacity cesspools are listed at Section 704.289. 2)         The owner or operator must dispose of or otherwise manage any soil, gravel, sludge, liquids, or other materials removed from or adjacent to the well in accordance with all applicable federal, State, and local regulations and requirements.