Thus, states and tribes responsible for issuing permits and/or updating regulations for hydraulic fracturing will find the recommendations useful in improving the protection of underground sources of drinking water and public health wherever hydraulic fracturing occurs. Although developed specifically for hydraulic fracturing where diesel fuels are used, many of the guidance’s recommended practices are consistent with best practices for hydraulic fracturing in general, including those found in state regulations and model guidelines for hydraulic fracturing developed by industry and stakeholders. We have developed revised UIC Class II permitting guidance specific to oil and natural gas hydraulic fracturing activities using diesel fuels. This statutory language caused regulators and the regulated community alike to raise questions about the applicability of permitting practices. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 excluded hydraulic fracturing, except when diesel fuels are used, for oil, natural gas or geothermal production from regulation under the UIC program. Air pollution resulting from the release of volatile organic compounds, hazardous air pollutants, and greenhouse gases.Įnsuring that hydraulic fracturing using diesel fuels is properly permittedĪ core element of the Safe Drinking Water Act's (SDWA) Underground Injection Control (UIC) program is setting requirements for proper well siting, construction, and operation to minimize risks to underground sources of drinking water.Adverse impacts from discharges into surface waters or from disposal into underground injection wells and.Contamination of underground sources of drinking water and surface waters resulting from spills, faulty well construction, or by other means.
Geological Survey Energy Resources Program Department of Energy Shale Research & Development website Multi-Agency (EPA, DOE and USGS) Collaboration on Unconventional Oil and Gas Research.