E&E News: Community advocates have long complained that Texas rules on waste pits are too lax and threaten groundwater, writes Shelby Webb for E&E News.
In a nutshell:
Texas oil and gas regulators are proposing the first rule changes in nearly four decades to address the construction and maintenance of waste pits used by the industry. These pits store various substances, including fracking fluid, wastewater, and drilling lubricants. Environmental concerns and health risks for nearby communities have prompted calls for stricter regulations. The Texas Railroad Commission, primarily responsible for oil and gas oversight, aims to protect groundwater with these rule updates, the first since 1984. The proposed changes include specifying liner materials, pit design, and waste removal procedures, aiming to reduce groundwater contamination, though public input is essential.
Key quote:
“There’s not a lot of strong guarantees that these soil or clay liners are actually going to hold up and prevent waste from leeching into the aquifers,” said Virginia Palacios, executive director of Commission Shift, a nonprofit group that advocates for changes within the Railroad Commission.
The big picture:
Living near oil waste pits can have adverse health outcomes for nearby communities. Residents often face risks of groundwater contamination and exposure to hazardous substances such as fracking fluids and oil-based drilling fluids. This exposure can lead to health issues, including respiratory problems, skin disorders, and potential long-term health complications. Stricter regulations and oversight are crucial to mitigate these health risks associated with proximity to oil waste pits.
Read Webb's article at E&E News.
Exposure to oil and gas drilling waste has been linked to numerous health impacts, including cancer, wrote Kristina Marusic in this 2017 piece for EHN.
