WAC 173-218-020   Policy.  (1) The policy of the department of ecology for this chapter is:

     (a) To preserve and protect groundwaters by preventing the injection of fluids that will endanger groundwater;

     (i) That contains fewer than 10,000 mg/L of total dissolved solids and is obtainable for beneficial uses as defined in WAC 173-218-030;

     (ii) That contains greater than 10,000 mg/L of total dissolved solids and is obtainable for beneficial uses if the practices meet the requirements of this chapter;

     (b) To require the use of all known, available, and reasonable methods of prevention, control and treatment (AKART) to the discharge of fluids and waste fluids into the waters of the state as authorized by RCW 90.48.010; and

     (c) To prohibit the injection of fluids through wells except as authorized by this chapter.

     (2) Consistent with this policy, the disposal of fluids from industrial, commercial, or municipal sources, or multifamily dwellings, into wells will be authorized by the department, providing these operations satisfy this chapter and are in compliance with local, state, and federal laws.



[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.21A and 90.48 RCW. 06-02-065 (Order 01-10), § 173-218-020, filed 1/3/06, effective 2/3/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.445. 84-06-023 (Order DE 84-02), § 173-218-020, filed 2/29/84.]