ABSTRACT: EPA's Program for Management of Crude Oil and Natural Gas Exploration, Development, and Production Wastes

ROBINSON, BONNIE B., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.

In 1980, the U.S. Congress exempted certain oil and gas wastes from the hazardous waste requirements of Subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The scope of the exemption was defined to include "drilling fluids, produced waters, and other wastes associated with the exploration, development, or production of crude oil or natural gas." The phrase other wastes associated specifically designates wastes "intrinsically derived from the primary field operations" associated with E&P activities. The scope of the exemption will be explained in greater detail.

EPA completed a Report to Congress in 1987, based on waste sampling, risk modeling, damage case assessment, and cost estimates. In July of 1988, EPA made a Regulatory Determination finding that application of Subtitle C to oil and gas wastes was not warranted.

EPA is developing national program goals for improved management of crude oil and natural gas E&P wastes. A review of past, current, and future program development activities, including nonregulatory activities, will be presented. Topics to be discussed include waste minimization, outreach, state program reviews, and technical studies.

One of EPA's primary program goals is to upgrade the management of E&P wastes with the least adverse impact on production operations. Another major goal is to facilitate voluntary efforts to improve waste management practices and state regulatory programs. A consensus-building approach would fully involve states, industry, public interest groups, and other federal agencies in the development and implementation of a national program.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91012©1992 AAPG Annual Meeting, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, June 22-25, 1992 (2009)