The energy sector is trying to fill data gaps related to chemical constituents in oil and gas-produced wastewater that could then lead to treating and reusing the water, one energy official told state environmental regulators, as uncertainties linger over the constituents of such wastewater as well as the potential risks in permitting its reuse. Industry, state regulators and Nichole Saunders, a senior attorney for the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), spoke on permitting and data gaps for produced water, or wastewater, stemming from oil and gas operations, during a March 16 breakout session at the virtual spring meeting of the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS), which represents many state environmental agencies including some from oil and gas states. Saunders noted the lack of data on the extensive number of chemicals in the wastewater, but cited opportunities for EPA and states to collaborate on analytical methods and toxicity criteria for the substances.
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