ERB, JAMES E., Pennsylvania Dept. Environmental Resources, Harrisburg, PA

ABSTRACT: Recent Changes to State E & P Waste Management Programs

Over the past ten years, an increasing amount of public attention has been focused on the management of oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) wastes. This has resulted in closer overview of E&P waste management practices by state and federal regulatory agencies. Many oil and gas producing states across the country have strengthened. their regulatory prograins by providing increased resources and regulatory authorities to both oil and gas and environmental agencies.

In 1989, the Interstate Oil Compact Commission, now the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC), formed a Council on Regulatory Needs to assist the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in its work with states in encouraging improvements in E&P waste regulations and enforcement. In 1990, the Council completed guidelines which contain minimum elements of an effective E&P waste management regulatory program. Since 1991, the IOGCC has been conducting state program reviews and working with states to upgrade regulatory programs through training and data management projects.

This paper summarizes the state program review, training, and data management projects of the IOGCC. It also summarizes a recent IOGCC review of regulatory improvements and resource increases for E&P waste management programs over the past ten years in a number of member states. And finally, it reviews recent regulatory changes and research initiatives in Pennsylvania which reflect the types of changes being seen in state E&P waste management programs across the nation.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90987©1993 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 25-28, 1993.