The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission on Monday adopted tougher rules on building and reclaiming production and waste pits at drilling sites.
The rules, which passed on a unanimous vote, set requirements for thicker liners in pits and more rigorous closure and remediation rules.
The pit rules were the last of a series of regulations overhauling the state drilling requirements to better protect wildlife and drinking water, control noise and odors, address spills and promote comprehensive drilling plans.
The new rules are set to take effect in April.
“Overall, the pit rules improved,” according to a Colorado Oil and Gas Association statement.
But the association said it was “disappointed” by the approval of certain cleanup standards, which it said were “now more restrictive than cleanup standards for a corner gas station.” Mark Jaffe, The Denver Post
