Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) Chairman Victor G. Carrillo announced that the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) and the Ground Water Protection Council (GWPC) have initiated a joint project to protect ground water by implementing a web-based system to obtain, store and publish information concerning chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process, a critical process in the exploration of shale gas.
Chairman Carrillo, Governor Rick Perry’s official representative to the IOGCC and a member of the IOGCC Steering Committee, stated that the purpose of the Chemical Registry for Hydraulic Fracturing, which is expected to take one year and approximately $3 million to complete, is to create and maintain a national chemical registry for hydraulic fracturing that is user friendly and available to the public, first responders and emergency personnel.
Carrillo stated that the voluntary national data system should more clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of state regulatory programs and states’ commitment to transparency. “Although hydraulic fracturing fluids are generally composed of water and sand with relatively small volumes of additives, disclosure of the chemicals used during the process will enhance public awareness and confidence. While some energy companies have voluntarily reported information regarding these chemicals on their websites, a more desirable solution is a centralized site where reliable and current information about individual wells can be easily accessed.” While reporting would be voluntary, most energy companies are expected to actively participate in the program.