by | May 21, 2021 | Oilfield Safety

The law works overtime using fracking regulations to ensure that those subject to it are safe in all ways. In particular instances, the law in the United States takes a keen interest in protecting the environment. Oil, gas, and water are popular subjects in the field.

The federal government monitors operations in the oil and gas industry. Federal and state regulations guide them on the exploration of gas resources—the primary goal of the rules is to ensure that explorations don’t compromise water quality. 

Fracking regulations put different parties in a conscious state to protect the environment. Find out how fracking regulations are helpful in the following blog. #bopproducts Share on X

Federal and State Law

Federal regulations control drilling and hydraulic fracturing from unconventional sources for the oil and gas industry. The rules are in line with environmental responses to mitigate incidents of environmental contamination. Some of the regulations include:

Clean Water Act (CWA)

This regulation works through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program. Its role in protecting the environment is that it requires reporting and preventing volatile organic compounds spills. Ensuring a clean water supply is the aim of this regulation. The laws only allow certain substances on water surfaces.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

RCRA controls hazardous wastes from the cradle to the grave. It’s put in place to track the transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. Oil and gas companies get a pass on the classification of their waste labeled as dangerous under this regulation.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)

Cleanups of uncontrolled or deserted hazardous wastes and sites are under this regulation. Hazardous substances released in oil and gas operations get reported following it. Such substances exclude petroleum and petroleum products under this Act.

Safe Drinking Water Act

The Safe Drinking Water Act looks into ensuring the quality of drinking water in the United States. It regulates the ejection of fluids underground, particularly in instances where diesel fuel gets used in hydraulic fracturing. The Act gives the Environmental Protection and Agency a mandate to control situations that threaten the public regarding underground injections. This is more important in onshore drilling than offshore drilling.

Protecting the Environment

Besides monitoring water supply, federal and state laws also check on matters of air pollution. In cases of protecting the environment, it is mostly about preventing and managing waste from industrial processes. Even with the few exemptions that come with the regulations, there is still a level of attention paid to instances of possible pollution.

BOP Product’s Dedication to Public Health

Stakeholders in the oil and gas industrial sector have the most responsibility for protecting resources. Federal fracking regulations are a valuable tool in ensuring public health safety, especially in the oil and gas industry.

Contact us to get more information on fracking in the oil and gas industry.

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