Deep Well Disposal In New York State

Deep well disposal is a much used and abused term which is the panacea for wastewater disposal in some minds and creates near hysteria in others. It can be the answer to a difficult waste disposal problem, or if improperly employed, can create more problems than it solves. My purpose in this presentation is to focus on the value and limitations of deep well disposal as expressed by New York State's experience and policies. To he sure, I feel a place for such practices docs exist if adequate safeguards are utilized. I shall give a broad brush approach to New York's legislative, geologic and operational concerns and speak briefly on some case histories. I shall not delve deeply into the technological details since I am not an expert in mining exploration or well drilling.