EPA, NM Sign Agreement on Increased Recycling of O&G Wastewater
"New Mexico is currently the third largest oil producer in the United States, and that oil is accompanied by even larger quantities of water. Clarifying the state and federal regulatory frameworks associated with its recycling and reuse is of the utmost importance," said New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Cabinet Secretary Ken McQueen.
EPA and the state of New Mexico have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding aiming to clarify the existing regulatory and permitting frameworks related to the way wastewater from oil and natural gas extraction activities can be reused, recycled, and renewed for other purposes. "While underground injection certainly has its utility and place, alternatives are available that treat wastewater from oil and natural gas extraction for re-introduction into the hydrologic cycle, which is especially important in arid areas suffering from drought like New Mexico," said EPA Office of Water Assistant Administrator David P. Ross. "This MOU with New Mexico is cooperative federalism in action – working directly with states and local officials to create new opportunities to provide safe water to water-scarce communities across the country."
"The MOU will facilitate greater collaboration among stakeholders and foster both resource conservation and economic opportunity," agreed EPA Region 6 Administrator Anne Idsal. "We look forward to working with New Mexico to address this important challenge."
EPA reported that a workgroup will be convened to develop a white paper that synthesizes existing the regulatory framework under state and federal law in New Mexico and identifies potential opportunities for treated produced water beneficial use. "Large volumes of wastewater are generated in the oil and gas industry and projections show that these volumes will only increase. In 2017, operators in New Mexico produced just about 900 million barrels of wastewater — most of which was disposed of in underground injection wells, permanently removing it from the hydrologic cycle," according to EPA.