Geologists and engineers from Railroad Commission of Texas will consult with environmental experts from other states to analyze an agency program that protects underground sources of drinking water. The commission said last week it requested the Groundwater Protection Council, an organization of groundwater experts, to conduct an independent peer review of its Class II underground injection control. Class II injection wells are used for oil and gas operations such as enhanced oil recovery, disposal of produced water, and underground hydrocarbon storage.
The council includes more than 30 groundwater and environmental regulatory agencies from states across the nation. The reviews are expected to include evaluation of Texas’ rules, permit application workflows, permit review criteria, protection of underground drinking water, well inspection practices, program funding, and data management.
Paul Dubois, assistant director of the commission’s oil and gas division, said July 11, “It’s always good to have a new set of eyes on our mission, and having other states’ experts review our program will help further strengthen our important work.” The review is expected to take from 6-to-12 months.