Oil and Gas in YOUR Neighborhood
Our campaign to reform oil and gas development in New Mexico has three primary components:

Ban unlined production waste pits in New Mexico

• Working in conjunction with the Oil and Gas Accountability Project, we participated in the Oil Conservation Division’s stakeholder meetings to revamp production waste pits in New Mexico. NMOCD implemented the pit rule in May of 2008 including siting requirements, design and construction specifications, operational requirements and closure requirements [see the NMOCD Pit Rule Highlights document here]. SJCA believes that the NMOCD pit rule provides more appropriate oversight of potential contamination from natural gas wells sites, requires closed loop systems in areas with groundwater close to the surface, require companies to test their pit wastes and dispose of these wastes in appropriate facilities. NMOCD needs to have the tools to determine if conatmination is occurring in New Mexico as a reulst of natural gas drilling, operation and closure.

Pressure BLM Farmington Field Office to improve enforcement

• Industry has run amuck throughout the public lands administered by the Farmington office of the BLM. Little or no enforcement exists for the minimal environmental requirements imposed on industry and waivers from conditions of approval are often granted with a phone call from industry (including waivers on seasonal wildlife closures).
• We are working on a volunteer and staff enforcement campaign to evaluate compliance with stipulations for approved well pad sites. Document non-compliance of natural gas sites through photos, videos and written reports. Let us know if you can help!
• Force compliance with BLM noise standards for at least 30 well pad sites.
• Analyze BLM project files to evaluate whether pollution laws and sundry notices (where production equipment for well sites is required to be disclosed) are obeyed.

Secure stronger air pollution emission standards by BLM and Forest Service

• Apply public pressure to insist the Forest Service and BLM adopt enhanced air pollution emission standards for wellhead engines and compressors throughout the San Juan Basin. BLM has instituted interim measures to require cleaner burning wellhead engines and compressors that are 80-90 percent cleaner than standard equipment, but makes no effort to enforce these rules. Closely monitor implementation to ensure these standards are made real-world mitigation measures.
• Engage the Four Corners Air Quality Task Force to implement meaningful emission reduction measures and hold agencies accountable for enforceable air quality improvements.