EPA's Program for Management of Crude Oil and Natural Gas Exploration, Development, and Production Wastes

Abstract

In 1980, the US Congress exempted certain oil and gas wastes from the hazardous waste requirements of Subtitle C of the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The scope of the exemption was defined to include drilling fluids, produced waters, and other wastes associated with the exploration, development, or production of crude oil or natural gas. The scope of the exemption will be explained in greater detail. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed a Report to Congress in 1987, based on waste sampling, risk modeling, damage case assessment, and cost estimates. In 1988, the EPA made a Regulatory Determination finding that application of Subtitle C to oil and gas wastes was not warranted. The EPA is developing national program goals for improved management of oil and gas exploration and production wastes. A review of past, current, and future program development activities, including nonregulatory activities, will be presented. One of the EPA's major program goals is to aid voluntary efforts to improve waste management practices and state regulatory programs. A consensus-building approach, with representatives from the federal government, state oil and gas regulatory agencies, and industry and public interest organizations, is the key to quickly and effectively improving waste management practices.