Railroad Commission of Texas
Pits and Stationary Treatment Facilities:
Application Information
Sean Avitt
Environmental Permits & Support Unit
Main Line: 512.463.3840
Disclaimer / Class Overview
• This is the highlights… This presentation is not
intended to be, nor is it, a complete guide.
There is no substitution for reading the rules,
or having professional consultation.
• Environmental Permits Background Info
• Pits – Application Info
• STF – Application Info
2
Environmental Permitting
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
3
Environmental Permits & Support
• Covers the management of oil and gas waste
at or near the surface
• Includes all disposal methods other than injection wells
• Permitting and Management of:
• Pits
• Landfarming and Landtreatment
• Recycling
• Reclamation Plants
• Separation Facilities
• Discharges
• Waste Haulers
• Others
4
Environmental Permits & Support
• Covers the management of oil and gas waste
at or near the surface
• Includes all disposal methods other than injection wells
• Permitting and Management of:
• Pits
• Landfarming and Landtreatment
• Recycling
• Reclamation Plants
• Separation Facilities
• Discharges
• Waste Haulers
• Others
5
Associated Rules and Publications
•
•
•
•
•
Rule 8 – Water Protection
Rule 57 – Reclamation Plants
Rule 78 – Financial Security
Rule 98 – Hazardous Waste Management
Chapter 4, Subchapter B – Commercial
Recycling
6
Associated Rules and Publications
•
•
•
•
•
Rule 8 – Water Protection
Rule 57 – Reclamation Plants
Rule 78 – Financial Security
Rule 98 – Hazardous Waste Management
Chapter 4, Subchapter B – Commercial
Recycling
• Surface Waste Management Manual
http://www.rrc.state.tx.us/oil-gas/applications-and-permits/environmentalpermit-types-information/
7
Rule 8 Background
• Environmental Permitting’s Authority
• Subsections
•
•
(b) No Pollution
(d) Pollution Control
•
•
•
•
Prohibited / Authorized Disposal
Prohibited / Authorized Pits
Authorized Pit Backfilling requirements
Prohibited / Authorized Recycling
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Rule 8 - Permitted Pits
• If a pit is not authorized by Rule 8, a Form H-11
must be filed with Environmental Permits and a
permit issued before use of the pit can begin.
• Examples of types of pits that require a permit:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Commercial Fluid Recycling Pit
Disposal Pit
Collecting Pit
Emergency Saltwater Storage Pit
Brine Pit
Washout Pit
Skimming Pit
Gas Plant Evaporation/Retention Pit
9
Rule 8 - Permitted Pits
• Examples of types of pits that require a
permit:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Commercial Fluid Recycling Pit
Disposal Pit
Collecting Pit
Emergency Saltwater Storage Pit
Brine Pit
Washout Pit
Skimming Pit
Gas Plant Evaporation/Retention Pit
ANY PIT NOT SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZED BY RULE 8
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Rule 8 - Permitted Pits
• Examples of types of pits that require a
permit:
• Commercial Fluid Recycling Pit
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
We’ll talk about this in the next presentation
Disposal Pit
Collecting Pit
Emergency Saltwater Storage Pit
Brine Pit
Washout Pit
Skimming Pit
Gas Plant Evaporation/Retention Pit
11
Rule 8 - Permitted Pits
• Examples of types of pits that require a
permit:
• Commercial Fluid Recycling Pit
• Disposal Pit
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Large pit created for disposal of mud & cuttings
Collecting Pit
Emergency Saltwater Storage Pit
Brine Pit
Washout Pit
Skimming Pit
Gas Plant Evaporation/Retention Pit
12
Rule 8 - Permitted Pits
• Examples of types of pits that require a
permit:
• Commercial Fluid Recycling Pit
• Disposal Pit
• Collecting Pit
•
•
•
•
•
•
Storage prior to disposal, typically, by injection
Emergency Saltwater Storage Pit
Brine Pit
Washout Pit
Skimming Pit
Gas Plant Evaporation/Retention Pit
13
Rule 8 - Permitted Pits
• Examples of types of pits that require a
permit:
•
•
•
•
Commercial Fluid Recycling Pit
Disposal Pit
Collecting Pit
Emergency Saltwater Storage Pit
•
•
•
•
•
Used temporarily during upset or repair
Brine Pit
Washout Pit
Skimming Pit
Gas Plant Evaporation/Retention Pit
14
Rule 8 - Permitted Pits
• Examples of types of pits that require a
permit:
•
•
•
•
•
Commercial Fluid Recycling Pit
Disposal Pit
Collecting Pit
Emergency Saltwater Storage Pit
Brine Pit
•
Storage of brine at underground storage caverns
• Washout Pit
• Skimming Pit
• Gas Plant Evaporation/Retention Pit
15
Rule 8 - Permitted Pits
• Examples of types of pits that require a
permit:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Commercial Fluid Recycling Pit
Disposal Pit
Collecting Pit
Emergency Saltwater Storage Pit
Brine Pit
Washout Pit
•
Washout of “empty” trucks– wash water and incidental
pollutants
• Skimming Pit
• Gas Plant Evaporation/Retention Pit
16
Rule 8 - Permitted Pits
• Examples of types of pits that require a
permit:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Commercial Fluid Recycling Pit
Disposal Pit
Collecting Pit
Emergency Saltwater Storage Pit
Brine Pit
Washout Pit
Skimming Pit
•
Prior to discharge to remove oil & grease to acceptable level
• Gas Plant Evaporation/Retention Pit
17
Rule 8 - Permitted Pits
• Examples of types of pits that require a
permit:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Commercial Fluid Recycling Pit
Disposal Pit
Collecting Pit
Emergency Saltwater Storage Pit
Brine Pit
Washout Pit
Skimming Pit
Gas Plant Evaporation/Retention Pit
•
Pit used to collect rainwater and waste water – sometimes a
buried tank or sump
18
Pits
APPLICATION INFORMATION
19
… You might be a Pit.
• If it’s in contact with the ground, but not an aboveground storage tank
• If it’s below grade (even if it’s just a little bit)
• If it’s a “sump” larger than 500 gallons
• If it’s a concrete structure that cannot be moved easily
and quickly to be checked for leaks
• If it’s a steel containment ring with a liner
20
Permitting Pits
• Submit an Application for Permit to Maintain and
Use a Pit (Form H-11) to Austin and District Office
• And the supplemental information required by
the back of the Form H-11
http://www.rrc.state.tx.us/oil-gas/forms/oil-gas-formslibrary/oil-gas-forms-in-alphabetical-order/
21
Front of the H-11
22
Front of the H-11
23
Front of the H-11
24
Front of the H-11
No box left empty!
6.
10.b.
10.c.
13.
15.b.
15.c.
16.
Lease/Project/Facility name different than Operator
Artificial liner – concrete or buried tank = lined
LDS must be isolated… not monitor wells
Other – Description of Pit Type
Type of waste or fluid
Chloride concentration
If existing, don’t forget the construction date
Original Signature
25
Front of the H-11
Original Signature
26
Back of H-11 – Instructions to Pit Application
B.
C.
D.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
Notify Surface Owner
Plat
County Highway Map
Cross sections
Liner info
Soil / subsoil info
Leak Detection System (LDS)
Routine Inspection if no LDS
ESWS size justification
27
Back of H-11 – Instructions to Pit Application
B.
C.
D.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
Notify Surface Owner w/ front & back of H-11
Plat
County Highway Map
Cross sections
Liner info
Soil / subsoil info
Leak Detection System (LDS)
Routine Inspection if no LDS
ESWS size justification
28
Back of H-11 – Instructions to Pit Application
B. Notify Surface Owner w/ front & back of H-11
C. Plat
•
D.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
Perpendicular distance to lease & survey lines clearly noted
in feet
County Highway Map
Cross sections
Liner info
Soil / subsoil info
Leak Detection System (LDS)
Routine Inspection if no LDS
ESWS size justification
29
Survey Plat
N
Sage Brush Ranch
(01234) Lease
28.3215°, -97.5689°
931 ft
Pit
S. AVITT
A-047
931 ft
400 ft
T & N.O.R.R.C.O
Survey A-125
820 ft
V. Lang A-126
Scale
30
Back of H-11 – Instructions to Pit Application
B. Notify Surface Owner w/ front & back of H-11
C. Plat
D. County Highway Map
•
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
1 inch = 4 miles
Cross sections
Liner info
Soil / subsoil info
Leak Detection System (LDS)
Routine Inspection if no LDS
ESWS size justification
31
Back of H-11 – Instructions to Pit Application
B.
C.
D.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
Notify Surface Owner w/ front & back of H-11
Plat
County Highway Map
Cross sections
Liner info
Soil / subsoil info
Leak Detection System (LDS)
Routine Inspection if no LDS
ESWS size justification
32
Cross section example
Top of Berms
Fluid Level
Natural
Grade
This is only one cross section— Two are required.
And don’t forget the plan view (bird’s eye)!
33
Cross section example
1:3 slope
3
1
Top of Berms
2 feet
freeboard
Fluid Level
Natural
Grade
This is only one cross section— Two are required.
And don’t forget the plan view (bird’s eye)!
34
Cross section example
1:3 slope
3
1
Top of Berms
2 feet
freeboard
Scale
Dimensions
Fluid Level
Natural
Grade
This is only one cross section— Two are required.
And don’t forget the plan view (bird’s eye)!
35
Fluid Stored Above Grade
Top of Berms
2 feet freeboard
Fluid Level
Natural
Grade
Texas P.E. seal and signature REQUIRED
36
Back of H-11 – Instructions to Pit Application
B.
C.
D.
G.
H.
Notify Surface Owner w/ front & back of H-11
Plat
County Highway Map
Cross sections
Liner info
•
I.
J.
K.
L.
Thickness, material, and manufacturer’s info incl. hydraulic
conductivity (< 1 x 10-7 cm/s)
Soil / subsoil info
Leak Detection System (LDS)
Routine Inspection if no LDS
ESWS size justification
37
Back of H-11 – Instructions to Pit Application
B.
C.
D.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
Notify Surface Owner w/ front & back of H-11
Plat
County Highway Map
Cross sections
Liner info
Soil / subsoil info
Leak Detection System (LDS)
Routine Inspection if no LDS
ESWS size justification
38
Soil Information
http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov
Underlying subsoil (Geology)
www.twdb.state.tx.us/groundwater/
aquifer/GAT
39
Back of H-11 – Instructions to Pit Application
B.
C.
D.
G.
H.
I.
J.
Notify Surface Owner w/ front & back of H-11
Plat
County Highway Map
Cross sections
Liner info
Soil / subsoil info
Leak Detection System (LDS)
•
Design & liner failure determination
K. Routine Inspection if no LDS
•
Annual emptying of pit & inspection of liner
L. ESWS size justification
40
Back of H-11 – Instructions to Pit Application
B.
C.
D.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
Notify Surface Owner w/ front & back of H-11
Plat
County Highway Map
Cross sections
Liner info
Soil / subsoil info
Leak Detection System (LDS)
Routine Inspection if no LDS
ESWS size justification
•
Calculation that demonstrates need during repair/upset
41
Stationary Treatment Facilities (STFs)
APPLICATION INFORMATION
42
Common Facilities at STFs
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Landfarm
Landtreatment
Waste Separation
Reclamation
Recycling
Disposal Pits
Collecting Pits
43
General Requirements
•
•
•
•
Site Information
Facility Design and Construction
Facility Monitoring
Closure
44
General Requirements
•
•
•
•
•
Site Information
Facility Design and Construction
Facility Monitoring
Closure
No Discharge, No pollution
45
Site Information
• Environmental
• Soil, Geology, Surface Water, Groundwater, Wetlands,
Floodplains
• Real Property
• Survey/Lease, Adjacent Owners, Receptors
46
Environmental Information
USGS Topographic Map
http://nationalmap.gov/ustopo/index.html
Wetlands Map
http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/
47
Environmental Information
Flood Maps
http://msc.fema.gov
Groundwater
http://wiid.twdb.state.tx.us
48
Survey & Lease Plat / Copy of Lease
N
Facility
T & N.O.R.R.C.O
S. AVITT
A-047
1.2 acres
A-125
1 inch = 500 feet
V. Lang A-126
49
Offset Landowners
A
Mr. & Mrs. Brown
123 Sesame Street
Victoria, TX
B
C
D
E
Count Chocula
Facility
456 Sugar Drive
Transylvania, TX
F
Billy Madison
911 Porsche Court
Austin, TX
50
Notification
• Surface owner permission
• Adjacent owner notification with copy of
application
• Public notice in accordance with H.B. 480 of
the 79th Legislature
– Notice of application in a newspaper of general
circulation in the county with affidavit
– Once a week for two consecutive weeks
51
Receptors within 500 feet
200 feet
52
http://wiid.twdb.state.tx.us
1 inch = 500 feet
53
Facility Design and Construction
• Facility Diagram
• Storage
• Liner info, cross sections, capacities
• Processing / Treatment
• Equipment
• Flow Diagram of process
• Chemicals & aggregates
• Stormwater Management
• Contact / Non-contact areas
• 24-hour, 25-year rainfall event
54
Facility Diagram
Dimensions
Storage Pit
Processing Pad
6 in. thick
concrete
Equipment
500 500 500
Tanks
55
Process Flow Diagram
Incoming
waste tested
and accepted
Storage
Tank
Chemicals/
Materials?
Final testing
prior to disposal
or reuse
Processing
Equipment
56
Facility Monitoring
• Waste Acceptance Plan
• RCRA-exempt only, no NORM, etc.
• Sampling Procedures
• Product/Disposal Assurance
• Disposal criteria – Paint filter / 5% TPH
• Roadbase sampling – TxDOT
• Fluids sampling – Determined by Reuse
• Inspection
• Facility deterioration
• Monitor Wells
• Leak Detection Systems
57
Facility Monitoring
• Waste Acceptance Plan
• RCRA-exempt only, no NORM, etc.
• Sampling
• Product/Disposal Assurance
• Roadbase sampling – TxDOT
• Fluids sampling – Determined by Reuse
• Disposal criteria – Paint filter / 5% TPH
• Inspection
• Facility deterioration
• Monitor Wells
• Leak Detection Systems
• Records
58
Closure
• Financial Security
• Closure Cost Estimate (CCE) – Demo, Transport,
Disposal, Reclaim
• Restrictive Covenant
• Removal of all equipment
• Empty, Backfill, Compact any pits
• Final Sampling
• Soil & GW
• Recontour & reseed
59
STF Permitting Tips
• Closure Cost Estimates (CCE) should clearly
explain every assumption
• Engineering and geological work products must
be signed by their respective Texas-registered
professionals
• All oil and gas waste and products should be
stored in lined permitted or authorized pits, or
above-ground storage tanks until reuse or
disposal
60
Thank you. Questions?!
Sean Avitt
Environmental Permits & Support Unit
Main Line: 512-463-3840
sean.avitt@rrc.state.tx.us
61