Commission seeks line notifications
Oklahoma's Corporation Commission aims to map out where temporary lines that support ongoing oil and gas operations are getting used.
The commission's Oil and Gas Conservation Division is working on developing a rule that, if codified, would require energy operators to notify the agency of their plans to use temporary lines to transport produced, treated water from recycling or holding reservoirs to well drilling and completion locations.
The proposed rule would require operators to submit a form that:
• Indicates whether they've obtained permission from landowners whose properties abut rights of way where lines would be placed.
• Obtained appropriate permissions and/or approvals from local municipalities or county commissioners.
• Indicates whether the temporary lines would be transporting fresh, produced or recycled water.
Operators also would have to provide a completed map or diagram showing the route they intend to use.
Commission spokesman Matt Skinner said the agency
isn't proposing creating a new regulatory process that operators must navigate to obtain a permit from the agency before installing temporary lines.
“The division's intent is touse the forms to build an electronic mapping system that all of our inspectors will have on their computers, so if there is a problem with any one of these lines, no matter what time of day or night, we will know exactly where to go,” Skinner said.
“Also, this is still a rule in the making, so we can expect changes as we finish
up the process. But the basic idea behind this is to know where these lines are and to be able to respond to any problems with those lines.”
Skinner said the commission is working on the rules after controversy erupted last year when county commissioners in Kingfisher County stopped approving permits allowing operators to install temporary lines within rights of way along county roads and highways.
Their action prompted the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association — Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association to challenge their stance by taking a case to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Despite subsequent appeals from the county
commissioners, a divided court agreed with OIPAOKOGA's assertion that state law gives the Oklahoma Corporation Commission statutory authority over oil and gas operations.
Skinner said the rule is being developed with the help of county commissioners, oil and gas operators and landowners that are impacted by temporary lines. Another technical meeting is planned for Tuesday, while a public hearing on the proposed rule is planned for Feb. 28.
Chad Warmington, president of OIPA-OKOGA, said his organization supports the commission's efforts to develop the proposed rule.
“We encouraged the
commission to come up with this requirement,” Warmington said. “The corporation commission has the exclusive jurisdiction on what is flowing through those pipes. What they don't have jurisdiction over is where the pipes go.
“So, we think it is appropriate for the commission to be notified about the potential for produced water to be running in temporary lines, because they are the regulatory body that would handle any cleanup involving any kind of spill on that. It is not a permit as much as it is just a notice the lines will be used. It will help their field offices who are looking at those lines and making sure they aren't leaking.”