Railroad Commission of Texas this week released proposed new rules for water protection and oil and gas waste management. Monday the commission said its statewide Rule 8 “will undergo a substantial overhaul to better reflect modern waste management practices and recent advancements in production methods… One of the highest priorities of the RRC is the protection of groundwater resources.”
The commission said proposed changes include streamlining Rule 8 into the RRC existing Chapter 4 regulations for environmental protection; updating requirements for design, construction, operation, monitoring and closure of waste management units; and improving the RRC’s ability to track and collect data on oilfield waste.
The proposed new regulations are posted on the RRC website for public comment until Friday, Nov. 3, at 5 p.m. Hearings will be held Oct. 26 at the RRC and Oct. 27 online.