Pit Rule

Rule 19.15.17 of the New Mexico Administrative Code, commonly referred to as the “pit rule” provides the basis for regulation of many key processes and facilities in the oil and gas industry including drilling and the siting criteria, construction and closure of below-grade tanks.  On September 30, 2011 (See Press Release), the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association filed proposed changes to the “pit rule” with the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission.

Download a copy of the proposed rule (PDF file)

The existing pit rule is available at http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/nmac/_title19/T19C015.htm

The proposed changes to the highly technical rule were developed with input by a wide range of New Mexico oil and gas companies under a set of criteria for the changes including: changes must be based on sound science, changes must maintain environmental safeguards, and changes must encourage environmentally responsible energy development and the resulting jobs and tax revenues.  Proposed changes include:

  • Allow for the use of lined pits and in-place burial of drilling cuttings when these practices to be used in an environmentally protective manner
  • Provide for other technical changes regarding rules governing siting criteria, construction and closure of below-grade tanks and other facilities to increase operational and regulatory efficiency in a manner that is protective of environment based on sound science

 
A hearing on the proposed rule changes by the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission is expected to begin in late 2011 or early 2012.

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