As Disposal Wells Reach Capacity, EPA Considers Changes to Drilling Wastewater Standards

The oil and gas industries want to see wastewater regulations loosened as they consider pumping the water into streams and rivers.

1 minute read

October 22, 2018, 5:00 AM PDT

By Camille Fink


Oil Rig Texas

lalabell68 / www.goodfreephotos.com

The Environmental Protection Agency is looking into making it easier for oil and gas companies to put wastewater from oil drilling into river and streams. The practice is currently permitted under federal law, but drillers rarely do it as the costs involved in treating the wastewater to meet mandated water standards is high.

“The primary question facing the EPA is whether water standards can be adjusted so oil and gas companies can economically treat wastewater to be pumped into the water supply without contaminating drinking water supplies or killing off local wildlife,” reports James Osborne.

The oil industry is facing the challenge of what to do with the large amounts of wastewater produced from drilling. Seismic and geological concerns about the effects of pumping the water back into the ground have forced operators to send wastewater to disposal sites.

Environmental advocates say the EPA does not have the scientific information about treating wastewater that it needs to make an informed decision. Still, oil and wastewater industry lobbyists are pushing for an ease on regulations. “Their primary case to the EPA is that the treated wastewater could provide a valuable resource for drought-ravaged water supplies in the western United States, with potential uses for agriculture and industry, and even drinking water supplies,” says Osborne.

Wednesday, October 17, 2018 in Houston Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

People sitting and walking in plaza in front of historic Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners

How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

March 28, 2025 - Emily McCoy

Small, brightly lit bedroom with flowery sheets on single bed in supportive housing or nursing home.

A Year-Long Investigation On Permanent Supportive Housing

The New York Times reveals what’s working and what’s not in the cornerstone of Housing First.

1 hour ago - The New York Times

Paved path with artesian fountain at end and tall trees arching over walkway with joggers and walkers in Savannah, Georgia.

Survey: US Public Spaces Not Meeting Community Needs

A lack of funding prevents many U.S. parks and public spaces from playing a more significant role in helping residents meet daily needs.

3 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

Orange and white vintage-look streetcar on Market Street in San Francisco, CA.

San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024

The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.

April 4 - San Francisco Chronicle