Environmental officials in New Mexico recently began the process of regulating the treatment and reuse of oil industry fracking water, as the state deals with limited water resources and challenges in wastewater disposal. The state, which is the nation’s No. 2 state for petroleum production, is developing rules that initially prohibit the release of produced water from oil and gas production after treatment, while allowing for pilot projects to explore potential solutions. The goal is to be as protective as possible while still allowing advancements in treatment technology through pilot and demonstration projects.
However, the proposed regulations have sparked public protests, with concerns raised about undisclosed contaminants used in oil and gas-drilling processes. Some stakeholders, including oil producers and water service providers, argue that the regulations lack specific water quality standards needed to facilitate effective treatment projects. They believe that the regulations may be focused on the source of the water rather than its quality, hindering the progress of potential solutions involving treated produced water.
Environmental groups have also voiced concerns about the proposed regulations, urging the Environment Department to remove definitions that mention the reuse of treated water in various settings such as agriculture, recreational fields, rangeland, and potable water. There are fears that land application of produced water could lead to groundwater contamination, sparking worries among members of the public. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has proposed plans for the state to buy and sell treated water originating from oil and gas drilling byproducts as a new water source, but related legislation faced obstacles in the Legislature earlier this year.
Protests against the oil wastewater rule have intensified, with demonstrators arguing against the reuse of toxic oil and gas wastewater outside of the oil field. The concerns raised are about the potential risks associated with using treated produced water in various applications. Expert testimony submitted by the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association highlights the growing competition for water resources in the state, as demands from cities, farms, industry, and wildlife continue to rise. With projections showing a decrease in available water in rivers and aquifers over the next 50 years, the impact on various sectors of the economy and society is significant.
The oil industry in New Mexico is facing challenges in disposing of increasing amounts of produced water generated by drilling activities, with limited options due to concerns such as earthquakes associated with injection wells. The industry produces a significant amount of wastewater for every barrel of oil extracted, adding to the urgency of finding sustainable solutions for wastewater disposal. As discussions and hearings continue on the proposed regulations, stakeholders are grappling with the complex issues of water management in a state heavily reliant on oil production. The outcome of these regulatory efforts will have far-reaching implications for the environment, public health, and future water resources in New Mexico.
