Oilfield Restoration Commission

EXTENSION OF OILFIELD WASTE TESTING EMERGENCY RULE INCLUDES TIGHTER REQUIREMENTS

BATON ROUGE—Louisiana Commissioner of Conservation Philip Asprodites today issued a fourth Emergency Rule under Statewide Order No. 29-B to continue validating and analyzing oilfield waste samples for up to 120 days, but imposing tighter restrictions that require produced saltwater and pipeline test water to be stored in closed containers and to be injected in Class II wells.

According to Commissioner Asprodites and officials at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), validation and analysis of the waste samples from the state’s commercial disposal facilities are nearly complete and a permanent rule is not far behind.

DNR Secretary Jack Caldwell said, “Technical consultants should be forthcoming with the requested health risk analysis. Shortly after we receive that study, Commissioner Asprodites will issue the permanent rule that will determine acceptable storage, treatment and disposal methods of oil and gas exploration and production waste.”

Commissioner Asprodites said, “Best management practices based on established E&P waste profiles, specific storage, treatment and disposal practices will lead to the draft of the permanent rule. We’ll then present the new rule in public hearings. We anticipate having a draft plan by spring of this year.”

DNR officials issued the first Emergency Rule in May 1998 to gather technical data that would show the chemical and physical makeup of E&P waste disposed at permitted commercial waste disposal facilities across the state.

Editors: For more information, please contact the Office of Conservation at 225-342-5500 or DNR Public Information at 225-342-4844.