EPA’s Region 6 last week denied a petition filed by several environmental groups asking EPA to revoke the Texas Railroad Commission’s authority to oversee waste injection wells in the Lone Star State.
The environmental groups — including EarthJustice, Clean Water Action and Commission Shift — alleged in a petition that Texas’ lax oversight of the injection wells violated the Safe Water Drinking Act and had led to earthquakes, geyserlike well blowouts, water contamination and pollution, among other things.
But in a letter dated July 17, EPA Region 6 Administrator Scott Mason wrote there was not enough evidence in petition to withdraw the Railroad Commission’s authorization to issue injection well permits, also known as Class II wells.
“The EPA has carefully considered your request by reviewing the laws, policies, and implementation of the Texas Railroad Commission’s Class II program along with all applicable federal law and guidance,” Mason wrote. “The EPA has determined not to initiate withdrawal proceedings. The petition is denied.”
