Maintaining that balance is the primary advantage of the proposed regulation.
#Code of va 29.1 336 code
These requirements strike the appropriate balance between environmental protection and economic development required by the Virginia Gas and Oil Act, Chapter 22.1 (§ 45.1-361.1 et seq.) of Title 45.1 of the Code of Virginia. Issues: The proposed regulation requires disclosure of the ingredients used in hydraulic fracturing operations to the public while also protecting industry trade secrets except in case of an emergency. With respect to potential drilling in Tidewater Virginia, the regulations require a pre-application meeting with DMME and the Department of Environmental Quality to ensure potential permit applicants understand the requirements of the environmental impact assessment required pursuant to § 62.1-195.1 of the Code of Virginia. Ensuring well integrity protects the environment and public health and safety. This will ensure the casing is centered in the hole while the well is drilled.
Language was also added related to the use of centralizers in the water protection string of casing. This language will ensure the steel casings used in the drilling process are sufficiently strong to protect the surrounding formation. Language was added to strengthen casing and pressure testing requirements for well casings used in conventional and coalbed methane gas wells. Well integrity is another area of emphasis in the proposed regulations. If that sampling demonstrates exceedances of applicable standards, DMME has the authority to order follow-up testing in addition to existing enforcement authority. After the well is completed, additional sampling is required. Baseline sampling data within one-quarter-mile radius from the proposed well will be submitted with the permit application. The proposed regulations establish a groundwater sampling, analysis, and monitoring program. However, this information will be made available to first responders and local officials in the event of an emergency. The proposed regulations also contain provisions that protect trade secrets from public dissemination. Requiring chemical disclosure promotes transparency and environmental protection when combined with groundwater sampling and monitoring protocols. Approximately 20 states already utilize FracFocus. The proposed regulations require well operators to use the FracFocus website ( ) to disclose the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing operations. These additions support environmental protection and public health and safety. Substance: Permit application requirements are updated to include disclosure of all ingredients anticipated to be used in hydraulic fracturing operations, a plan to conduct groundwater baseline sampling and analysis, and the submission of an emergency response plan. These measures help ensure protection of the environment and public health and safety. The proposed regulations also appropriately reflect industry best practices such as baseline groundwater testing and monitoring, submission of emergency response plans, and measures to enhance well integrity. Purpose: Though hydraulic fracturing has been used safely in Virginia since the 1960s, DMME believes that expanding disclosure of ingredients used in gas well stimulation and completion is an appropriate and necessary safeguard for the citizens of the Commonwealth. Section 45.1-361.4 of the Code of Virginia grants the Director of DMME the authority to regulate gas, oil, or geophysical operations in the Commonwealth. Public Comment Deadline: December 4, 2015.Īgency Contact: Michael Skiffington, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, 1100 Bank Street, 8th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219-3402, telephone (804) 692-3212, FAX (804) 692-3237, TTY (800) 828-1120, or email Section 45.1-161.3 of the Code of Virginia grants the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) the authority to promulgate regulations necessary or incidental to the performance of duties or execution of powers conferred under Title 45.1 of the Code of Virginia. Virginia State Capitol, House RBank Street, Richmond, VA 23219
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