Annual Report 3 - New Mexico - Energy, Minerals and Natural ...

OCD works with representatives from diverse groups to consistently enforce its regulations and identify areas where
regulations can be improved. OCD is actively involved in nationwide federal, state and industry organizations that
share information on new technologies and discuss best practices and success stories in areas such as web-based
deliverables, carbon sequestration, beneficial uses of produced water and the protection of ground water.
OCD employees also participate in and lead committees involved in the development of municipal oil and gas
regulations, oil and gas workplace safety programs, youth seminars and emergency response planning.
Accomplishments
RINE WELL MANAGEMENT: Two
brine well collapses in recent years caused OCD to
formally evaluate all remaining brine wells in the state.
This evaluation identified one brine well in a commercial,
transportation and residential area that was at risk
for a catastrophic collapse. The division continues to
work with the owner, the city, contractors and other
governmental agencies to manage this risk and to prevent
harm to humans and the environment.
RULE ENHANCEMENT: New rules
on rulemaking were adopted in 2005 which shortened
the time necessary to promulgate rules while at the same
time opening the process to more stakeholders and more
members of the regulated community. These rules were
then used to update the division’s rules on enforcement
and compliance that document what a well operator
needs to do to be in compliance in areas such as inactive
well management, registration and financial assurance.
Effective management of these issues reduces the risk of
contamination to the state’s soil and water.
In 2007, the rules governing surface waste management
facilities were implemented. These rules required
facilities to be designed to eliminate any deliberate
release of contaminants to the environment. Facilities that comply with the new rules provide safe, well-designed and
well-regulated sites for the disposal or remediation of oil field water and allow oil and gas operators to minimize the
risk of residual future liability from waste that they have generated.
ANNUAL REPORT 2010
Photo by: Jim Griswold
Re-entry procedure
at a brine well in
Carlsbad using a
coiled tubing drilling
system.
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