Texas regulators have completed the first overhaul of oilfield waste rules in over 40 years. The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) last month adopted revisions for Chapters 3 and 4 of its rules that govern commercial oilfield waste landfills and on-site disposal at drilling rigs. The new rule鈥攁 compendium of numerous new requirements鈥攇oes into effect on July 1 and covers waste streams that include drill cuttings, mud that oozes out of wells and the saline wastewater that comes to the surface during drilling.
The rule-making generated widespread interest. The commission, which regulates oil and gas drilling and waste, received over 650 public comments on the draft rule from individuals, companies and associations. The final rule includes new provisions that watchdogs say will better protect property owners and the environment.
For the first time companies will have to register the location of earthen waste pits that contain toxic drilling waste, known as reserve pits. But companies holding leases to drill on private property will still be able to bury this waste near the surface without notifying the landowner or, in most cases, lining the pit to prevent groundwater contamination. These pits were the subject of more than 400 public comments.