EPA Grant Protects Louisiana’s Drinking Water Sources

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $123,680 to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) to protect groundwater from underground injection or disposal wells.

“Safe drinking water is one of our most important natural resources,” said Acting Regional Administrator Sam Coleman. “Partners like LDNR help EPA assure those resources are protected from pollution.”

The funds will support LDNR’s activities for granting permits and monitoring construction and operation of injection or disposal wells in a manner that protects underground sources of drinking water. LDNR also will conduct field surveillance, investigation, inspection, and enforcement activities for injection and disposal wells.

An injection well is used to place fluid underground into porous geologic formations. These underground formations may range from deep sandstone or limestone to a shallow soil layer. Injected fluids may include water, wastewater, brine (salt water), or water mixed with chemicals. The Safe Drinking Water Act requires that underground sources of drinking water be protected from contamination that might migrate from these wells.

For more about EPA grants, visit www.epa.gov/grants.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency