The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $175,738 to the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to operate and implement their Underground Injection Control (UIC) program. The funds will be used by the Departments’ Oil Conservation Division, which regulates oil, gas and geothermal activity in New Mexico, to ensure that Class II injection wells are constructed and operated to prevent contamination of underground sources of drinking water. The grant funds will also be used to review regulations, develop program plans, inventory injection well facilities, identify aquifers and conduct enforcement activities, surveillance and investigations.

The mission of the EPA is to protect public health. This ensures American citizens have safe sources of drinking water through a cooperative effort between the EPA, state and tribal governments. The UIC program works toward protecting underground sources of drinking water from contamination by regulating the construction and operation of injection wells.