UIC Inventory (Data Management) 

In Oregon the bulk of the UIC database inventory are Class V systems, which are associated with stormwater discharge. Oregons program ranks in the top 5 nationwide in 2006 based on the number of stormwater injection systems. Oregon previously ranked as number 1 in the nation for cesspools, the majority of which have been closed under the East Multnomah County Stipulated Order. Oregon also ranks in the top 10 states for the numbers of ASR (Aquifer Storage and Recovery) systems and geothermal systems.

As of January 2007, approximately 48,000 individual injection systems have been submitted for registration in Oregon. Of those only 50% meet state rule authorization requirements and are predominantly newer systems installed in the last 6 years. Currently about 40% of the registered stormwater systems are owned and operated by federal, state and local municipalities. Only 50% of the existing municipalities statewide have stormwater systems, the rest use injection systems.

In 1999, EPA Region 10 adopted Oregon's Access database as the regional UIC database. Since then it has been adopted by other western states. One component of this database is the tracking of site inspections and compliance issues. Oregon's UIC database is maintained at DEQ Headquarters.

A summarized, search-able read-only version of the UIC database is available to the public (Oregon UIC database) and can be queried several ways. The UIC database is maintained at headquarters, and updated weekly as new information is received. A UIC number is assigned to each site and entered into the database. Assignment of a UIC number does not mean the site qualifies as Rule Authorized or is in compliance. Each individual injection system is classified during review as either qualifying as rule authorized or not. Sites with known injection systems that are not registered, denied or approved by DEQ are listed in the database. DEQ submits quarterly reports to EPA regarding registration activities, inspections, and enforcement. EPA annually conducts injection system site inspections around the state, primarily looking for auto drains.

If a site or individual injection system qualifies as rule authorized, the owner/operator will receive a letter with their UIC registration number (s) stating that their site or part of it is designated as rule authorized. Any city or county issued permit for an injection system is not valid unless DEQ has approved the site installation in writing. Cities and counties are not delegated to issue such permits for DEQ. Failure to make site improvements or modifications required for Rule Authorization will result in a notice of non- compliance, revocation of status, enforcement and fines.

Below is a key to understanding UIC Registration Status:

• Denied: Failed to meet requirements and or required data. Non-Compliant with state and or federal rules.
• Cleanup site: The site is listed on the state cleanup database as needing remediation. Most are not registered and are non compliant. No new UICs can be allowed and those existing must go through cleanup or be closed.
• Incomplete or Information request: Failed to turn in required data, non compliant.
• Not Registered: Site identified as having UICs as a result of site inspection, building permit application, complaints or other means. Non-Compliant
• Registered and Rule Authorized: Meets state and federal requirements, DEQ letter sent to owner and municipality.
• Registered only or Entered Old: May predate existing rules and fails to meet all rule authorization requirements or partially completed registration with failure to submit all data. Does not qualify to operate. Non-compliant with state/federal rules.
• Permit: Applied for a permit or is operating under a WPCF permit. Compliant
• To Clean Up, ICP/VCP: Site found during review to be contaminated. Referred to cleanup and added to the cleanup database. Must be remediated before existing or new UICs can be allowed or existing UICs must be closed.
• Under Review: Registration forms send in and data entered, awaiting review.
• Abandoned: Cannot document that the UIC was closed following existing rules (state/federal) to protect groundwater. May be contaminated. Liable for further fines, fees, cleanup or enforcement.
• Decommissioned or closed: DEQ received and approved closure to meet federal/state standards. Compliant.

In the future DEQs UIC database will be cross-linked to the Profiler database (GIS) used to identify sites with state permits or needing cleanup.