Water and Waste Management

Responsible water use and waste management practices are foundational to the sustainability of oil and gas operations. The quality and availability of water, along with effective handling and management of wastewater and other wastes, are critical environmental concerns that pose both challenges and opportunities for the oil and gas sector. Members of AXPC regularly demonstrate responsible stewardship of water resources and diligent waste management practices, ensuring energy production supports both environmental protection and economic growth.

Water: A Critical Resource in Energy Production

Water is a vital resource in oil and natural gas development, used extensively through the life cycle of oil and natural gas development. Neighboring communities also naturally have a vested interest in the sustainable use and preservation of water resources, making responsible water management essential to the long-term sustainability of oil and gas operations. AXPC members recognize the importance identifying and minimizing water-risks throughout the life cycle of oil and natural gas operations and employ innovative technologies and practices to minimize freshwater use and enhance recycling and reuse, conserving critical freshwater resources for the communities where we operate.

Key industry-wide practices include:

  • Recycling and Reuse: Advanced water recycling systems reduce dependence on freshwater, making operations more sustainable.
  • Stewardship Policies: Responsible water use is guided by robust standards, balancing operational needs with environmental protection.
  • Community Engagement: Partnering with local stakeholders to address water concerns and ensure transparent management.

Industry Leadership

AXPC and its members are dedicated to setting and upholding high standards for water and waste management. By advancing innovative solutions and promoting collaboration across the industry, AXPC supports a sustainable future that meets energy needs while protecting the environmental and preserving critical freshwater resources.

Waste Management

Proper waste management is critical to minimizing the environmental footprint of oil and gas activities. AXPC members implement rigorous systems to safely manage, treat, and reduce waste streams, contributing to cleaner operations and healthier ecosystems.

Best practices in waste management include:

  • Prevention and Minimization: Optimizing operations to generate less waste from the start.
  • Safe Disposal and Treatment: Adhering to strict regulatory standards for waste handling to ensure minimal environmental impact.
  • Spill Prevention: Employing cutting-edge monitoring and rapid response systems to prevent and mitigate spills.

Water Advocacy Priorities

  • Reasonable and effective regulations for:
    • Wastewater and waste management, including underground injection, disposal, permits, effluent limitation guidelines (ELGs), stormwater permits, beneficial reuse, and the RCRA “exemption” for produced water.
    • Groundwater and source water protection, including WOTUS, CWA 401 certifications, CWA 404 permits, and Army Corps Nationwide Permits.
  • Chemical disclosures and well integrity requirements related to groundwater protection.
  • Emerging issues such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

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