What are the legal requirements when disposing of saltwater produced by oil and gas operations?

In South Carolina, there are several legal requirements when disposing of saltwater produced by oil and gas operations. As outlined by the South Carolina Oil and Hazardous Substance Pollution Control Act (CHPPCA), the discharge of any oil or hazardous substance into state waters or onto land in a manner that may cause pollution is prohibited. In order to prevent contamination, saltwater produced by oil and gas operations must be treated to an adequate level of purity before it is released to a stream, lake, river, or other water body. Companies are required to have a valid permit from the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) prior to disposing of any saltwater into these water bodies. When disposing of saltwater, waste management facilities must follow a strict set of standards, which include the proper handling, storage, and transportation of waste materials; the procurement and maintenance of safety and sanitation equipment; and the proper disposal of hazardous materials. Companies must also monitor the levels of pollutants in the water and submit monthly reports to DHEC. In addition, all water disposal schemes must be inspected by an outside agency, such as DHEC or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If found to be in violation of DHEC standards, companies may be subjected to fines or cease and desist orders. By following these legal requirements, companies are able to ensure that saltwater produced by oil and gas operations does not cause environmental contamination. Proper disposal of these materials also helps protect the health and safety of the people living in the surrounding area.

What are the legal requirements when disposing of saltwater produced by oil and gas operations?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts