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New Mexico’s Proposed Rule on Reusing Oil Drill Waste Water Sparks Debate

New Mexico's proposed rule on reusing treated oil drill wastewater for industrial processes sparks debate. Concerns include environmental safety, seismic activity, and water shortages.
Pump jacks operate in a Permian Basin oilfield near Eddy County, New Mexico. Credit: Paul Ratje/AFP via Getty Images

The future of the colossal quantities of toxic wastewater generated by oil and gas drilling in New Mexico remains hotly contested. The stakes are high, as New Mexico produces hundreds of gallons of this waste annually, and the state is expected to deal with growing water shortages in the coming years. Despite the current practice of injecting this wastewater, referred to as ‘produced water’, underground, increasing evidence links this method to seismic activity.

The search for a sustainable disposal method is ongoing. While some of the produced water is recycled for oil drilling, there is no consensus on what else should be done with it. The water’s high salinity and potential contamination with hazardous compounds such as fracking chemicals, arsenic and certain organic compounds, makes it a significant environmental concern. The potential repercussions of reusing treated produced water were discussed at a public hearing last month.

New Mexico regulators have proposed a new rule that would allow the reuse of treated produced water outside of the oilfields for industrial processes, barring its discharge into other bodies of water. This rule has drawn criticism from all sides. The New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED) is unable to confirm the safety of discharging treated produced water, creating concern among oil and gas industry advocates that the rule may drive companies away from New Mexico. Environmental advocates, on the other hand, oppose the industrial use of this water.

In contrast, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality began permitting produced water discharges across the state last year. Colorado and Wyoming have similar policies. However, in dry New Mexico, regulators are not convinced about the safety of these discharges.

After five days of testimony from environmental organizations and the oil and gas industry, the hearing had still not concluded. NMED expects to adopt the final rule by late 2024 or early 2025. As it stands, New Mexico, trailing only Texas in crude oil production, is faced with the burden of handling billions of barrels of produced water from drilling. The state’s Delaware Basin alone generated two billion barrels of produced water in 2022, according to NMED.

As New Mexico grapples with this waste, the state’s officials are sounding the alarm that an expansion and diversification of its water supply is urgently needed. The state water plan predicts that within the next 50 years, the state could face a shortage of 750,000 acre feet of water, equivalent to over 244 billion gallons.

Consequently, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has proposed a Strategic Water Supply that would purchase treated brackish water from wells and treated produced water from oil and gas drilling. These would then be made available for green hydrogen and manufacturing.

The proposed NMED rule would allow treated produced water to be used in industrial processes such as hydrogen production, chemical manufacturing or power plant cooling. However, NMED experts argue against discharging treated produced water into surface water due to insufficient data on water quality and treatment processes. A 2020 paper supports this viewpoint, stating that many substances in produced water lack the standard analytical methods or toxicity data needed to develop science-based regulatory standards.

Scientific research on produced water and the New Mexico Produced Water Consortium pilot projects underwent intense scrutiny at the hearings. The limited data available from these pilot projects and the additional lack of data characterizing the constituents in produced water were highlighted by NMED. The agency also noted that the treatment process for produced water would need to be highly specific and site-dependent due to the varying quality, constituents, and concentrations of produced water from different locations.

While some parties advocate for the urgency of treating produced water for use outside the oilfields, New Mexico regulators are taking the slower route of a meticulous rule-making process. By next year, the state will solidify its official stance on how to handle this vast volume of produced water.

Original Story at insideclimatenews.org

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Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024