Texas regulator to overhaul oil field waste management, water protection rules for first time in four decades

AUSTIN- For the first time in nearly 40 years, the Railroad Commission’s Statewide Rule 8 will undergo a substantial overhaul to better reflect modern waste management practices and recent advancements in oil and natural gas production methods.

One of the highest priorities of the Railroad Commission of Texas (Commission) is the protection of groundwater resources. Water protection is a major consideration in many of the Commission's Statewide Rules and is one of the primary purposes of Statewide Rule 8. The revisions proposed by the Commission under Chapter 4 and Statewide Rule 8 reflect the Commission’s mission to serve Texas through stewardship of natural resources and the environment.

The proposed changes include streamlining of Statewide Rule 8 into the Commission’s existing Chapter 4 regulations concerning environmental protection, updating requirements on the design, construction, operation, monitoring, and closure of waste management units, and improving the Commission’s ability to track and collect data with respect to oil field waste transported throughout Texas.

The changes being proposed will provide clear direction to oil and gas operators and Commission staff that will help protect environmental resources and the public across Texas.

The new proposals are now posted on the RRC website for informal public comment. The Commission will be hosting both an informal and virtual hearing on the proposed changes, where interested parties are encouraged to attend and provide oral or written comments regarding the proposed changes under consideration.