June 23, 2021

California “One of the Worst” in Regulating Oil/Gas Industry Waste

California “One of the Worst” in Regulating Oil/Gas Industry Waste

June 23, 2021

Notwithstanding its branding as one of the most environmentally-protective states, California ranks poorly in its regulation and enforcement of oil/gas waste, and particularly the industry's wastewater (aka, “produced water”).  The recent audit cites many deficiencies, including being the only state that allows produced water to be disposed of in unlined percolation/evaporation ponds (which can seep into underground freshwater aquifers), inadequate regulation of radionuclides, and human-induced earthquakes (from underground injection wells).  Finally, even with its more lax regulations, the report calls-out many “exemptions” that have been allowed, as well as poor enforcement.

Summary: “New Report Finds California Fails to Safely Manage Radioactive and Toxic Oil and Gas Waste”

Full Report: “California Oil and Gas Waste Report”

Latest News

Court Mandates Power Plants Strengthen Wastewater Disposal Technology, Reduce Toxic Emissions
April 2020
A U.S. Court of Appeals ordered the EPA to strengthen limits on toxic wastewater from power plants, mandating that thermoelectric (i.e., nuclear, coal, natural gas) ....
Record 5.0-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Near Permian Basin
March 2020
A record-setting 5.0-magnitude earthquake hit near the Permian Basin town of Orla, Texas, on Thursday morning.
50mn Gallons of Mining Wastewater Released Daily
March 2020
There are an estimated 161,000 abandoned mining sites across the U.S., most of which have left behind contaminated soils or toxic lakes that seep into rivers and underground aquifers.
WASHINGTON POST
MARCH 2021
Army Corps denies permit for massive gold mine proposed near Bristol Bay in Alaska
WASHINGTON POST
MARCH 2021
Army Corps denies permit for massive gold mine proposed near Bristol Bay in Alaska
WASHINGTON POST
MARCH 2021
Army Corps denies permit for massive gold mine proposed near Bristol Bay in Alaska
WASHINGTON POST
MARCH 2021
Army Corps denies permit for massive gold mine proposed near Bristol Bay in Alaska
WASHINGTON POST
MARCH 2021
Army Corps denies permit for massive gold mine proposed near Bristol Bay in Alaska
WASHINGTON POST
MARCH 2021
Army Corps denies permit for massive gold mine proposed near Bristol Bay in Alaska