Wastewater Disposal
Shale Law Weekly Review—Week of September 8, 2025
State Regulation: PA DEP Accepting Bids to Plug Orphaned Wells ⚡
On Saturday, August 23, 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection published a notice about plugging abandoned wells. Currently, there are seven orphaned wells identified, located in Smith, North Strabane, North Franklin and Canton Townships and Washington County. The wells are anticipated to be between 1,000 and 3,400 feet in depth, and the winner of the bid will be responsible for cleaning and plugging the wells. Bidding will open on September 18, 20205.
Wastewater Disposal: Notices of Violation Issued for Failure to Report Waste Disposal from Oil Wells in Pennsylvania
On August […]
Shale Law Weekly Review—Week of September 1, 2025
Wastewater Disposal: Iron Cumberland Cited for Waste Disposal Violations by DEP ⚡
On August 12, 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to Iron Cumberland, LLC, under 58 Pa.C.S. §3203 of the Oil and Gas Act, relating to two conventional gas wells in Greene County. According to the notice, the operator was disposing of produced fluid from the two wells at Coal Refuse Disposal Areas in violation of 25 Pa. Code §§ 78.54, 78.55(a), and 78.55(b). This section of Pennsylvania law require operators to manage residual waste in a manner that prevents pollution […]
Shale Law Weekly Review—Week of March 24, 2025
Methane Emissions: Congress Votes to Eliminate November 2024 Waste Emissions Rule ⚡
On March 4, 2025, Congress presented to the President H.J.Res.35, which is a joint resolution which would eliminate the rule, “Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions” (89 FR 91094). This final rule, which was promulgated through the Inflation Reduction Act, required the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to “impose and collect an annual charge on methane emissions that exceed waste emissions thresholds specified by Congress.” The House and Senate passed H.J.Res.35 on February 26, 2025, and […]
Shale Law Weekly Review – October 26, 2020
Pipelines: Dakota Access Permitted to Increase Pipeline Capacity
On October 14, 2020, the Illinois Commerce Commission issued an order allowing the Dakota Access Pipeline to install more pumping stations along the pipeline at various locations in Illinois. The Commission found that the additional pump stations will help to nearly double the pipeline’s capacity to transport crude oil from 570,000 barrels per day to up to 1.1 million barrels per day. The additional pump stations will be located in Hancock County, Massac County, and near Patoka, Illinois. Dakota Access Pipeline alleged the need to increase capacity of the pipeline in order to meet growing […]
Shale Law Weekly Review – April 23, 2019
State Regulation: Colorado Governor Signs New Oil and Gas Regulations into Law
On April 16, 2019, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed into law SB19-181, Protect Public Welfare Oil and Gas Operations. The new law amends the purpose of the state’s Oil and Gas Conservation Act by prioritizing public health, safety, welfare, and the environment when regulating oil and gas development. Notably, the bill provides local governments with greater authority to regulate the siting of drilling operations, inspect facilities, and impose fines for spills (p.1-2). In addition, the bill requires drillers to continuously monitor their air pollution and minimize their […]
