New Mexico is developing regulations for treating and reusing fracking water amid water scarcity and disposal challenges for the oil and gas industry.
The initial rules prohibit releasing treated or untreated produced water but allow pilot projects for scientific advancement. Public protests and environmental groups express concerns about potential groundwater contamination, while industry representatives criticize the lack of specific water quality standards. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham supports using treated water as a strategic resource, despite legislative setbacks and public opposition.
Andrew Knight, assistant general counsel for the state Environment Department, emphasized the prohibitive nature of the initial rule regarding the release of produced water. He highlighted the lack of current testing protocols to ensure the safety of treated water. The department aims to create regulations that protect public health and the environment while allowing scientific advancements through pilot and demonstration projects.
The proposed regulations have sparked public protests and criticism from both environmental groups and industry representatives. Environmental advocates, such as Tannis Fox from Amigos Bravos and The Sierra Club, express concerns about potential groundwater contamination and oppose the reuse of treated water in agriculture and other applications. Oil producers and water service providers, like Select Water Solutions, argue that the lack of specific water quality standards hinders the development of effective treatment projects.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has proposed using treated produced water as a strategic water source for the state, despite legislative setbacks. Public protests and legal challenges highlight widespread opposition to the reuse of oil and gas wastewater outside of the oil fields.
Expert testimony underscores the critical competition for water resources in New Mexico, predicting a 25% reduction in water availability over the next 50 years. The oil industry faces growing wastewater disposal challenges, including the environmental risks associated with high-pressure injection wells linked to earthquakes. The industry produces significantly more wastewater than oil, adding urgency to finding sustainable disposal and treatment solutions.
