New PADEP General Permit WMGR163 benefits E&P operators for temporary storage of produced water
Recently, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Waste Management’s Division of Municipal and Residual Waste introduced General Permit WMGR163 Short Duration Processing And Beneficial Use Of Oil And Gas Liquid Waste. The new General Permit is similar in scope to the WMGR123 Processing and Beneficial Use of Oil and Gas Liquid Waste permit, but with advantages for short duration processing at temporary locations. Keystone Clearwater Solutions has the regulatory expertise and proven industry experience to develop WMGR163 plans to meet the needs of oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) operators in Pennsylvania.
For E&P operators looking for short-term produced water storage, the WMGR163 involves the same criteria to site/locate a temporary storage facility as the WMGR123 and nearly all of the operating conditions are the same (such as a PPC Plan, a Radiation Protection Action Plan, and a bond). However, WMGR163 authorizes the processing and transfer of oil and gas liquid waste at temporary facilities that operate for no more than 180 consecutive days at any one time. Coverage under this General Permit expires one (1) year from the date that waste is initially received or processed, or a maximum of two (2) years from the date coverage was issued, whichever is less. The new permit speeds up approval time by 50% by eliminating the public comment period and the Determination of Applicability that is required for the WMGR123 Processing and Beneficial Use of Oil and Gas Liquid Waste permit.
WMGR163 Short Duration Processing and Beneficial Use of Oil and Gas Liquid Waste
- The permit covers liquid wastewater generated from oil and gas operations while developing or hydraulically fracturing an oil or gas well.
- The General Permit is valid for temporary facilities for no more than 180 consecutive days. The permit is valid for up to 2 years.
- A Radiation Protection Action Plan (RPAP) must be submitted.
- A Preparedness, Prevention and Contingency (PPC) plan must be submitted.
- A bond in the amount and with specific guarantees acceptable to the PADEP and a general liability insurance policy must be maintained.
- Registration with the appropriate regional office of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is required and must include a proposed closure plan for the facility.
For more details about the WMGR163, visit General Permit WMGR163 Short Duration Processing And Beneficial Use Of Oil And Gas Liquid Waste