Sec. 27.203.  AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF CLASS V INJECTION WELLS.  (a) The commission may authorize the use of a Class V injection well as a recharge injection well:
(1)  by rule;
(2)  under an individual permit; or
(3)  under a general permit.
(b)  In adopting a rule or issuing a permit under this section, the commission shall consider:
(1)  whether the injection of water will comply with the standards established by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. Section 300f et seq.);
(2)  the effect of the aquifer recharge project on existing water wells; and
(3)  whether the introduction of water into the receiving geologic formation will alter the physical, chemical, or biological quality of the native groundwater to a degree that would:
(A)  render the groundwater produced from the receiving geologic formation harmful or detrimental to people, animals, vegetation, or property; or
(B)  require an unreasonably higher level of treatment of the groundwater produced from the receiving geologic formation than is necessary for the native groundwater to render the groundwater suitable for beneficial use.
(c)  The commission by rule shall provide for public notice and comment on a proposed general permit authorized under this section. The commission shall require an applicant for an individual permit authorized under this section to provide notice of the application by first class mail to any groundwater conservation district in which the wells associated with the aquifer recharge project will be located and by publishing notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the wells will be located.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 742 (H.B. 720), Sec. 3, eff. June 10, 2019.