Environmental Innovation: New Mexico's Vision for Fracking Wastewater Reuse

The Loco Hills field is lined with oil rigs.Photo byJeri Clausing

New Mexico's environmental regulators have put forward a pioneering plan aimed at reshaping how wastewater is repurposed, specifically targeting the saline byproducts stemming from oil and gas drilling activities in a major production zone within the United States.

The state's Environment Department made a significant announcement, revealing its proposal to the Water Quality Control Commission. This proposal sets the stage for formal discussions on revised regulations, with anticipated public hearings commencing as early as April.

Being the second-largest state for oil production following Texas, New Mexico is eyeing its robust energy sector, particularly the water-intensive practice of fracking, as a potential source for treated water. This initiative seeks to address the growing demands on freshwater resources, which have been severely impacted by drought conditions and ongoing depletion.

John Rhoderick, the director of the Environment Department's water protection division, emphasized the criticality of safeguarding fresh groundwater supplies. He highlighted the pressing need to not only shield these supplies from degradation or contamination but also prevent excessive usage, considering they aren't being replenished naturally.

The initial regulations proposed would solely permit "closed loop" projects involving treated water from oil fields, strictly disallowing any discharge. Rhoderick stressed the safety aspect of this approach, specifying the necessity for non-discharging pilot and demonstration projects.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's concurrent legislative proposal seeks a $500 million allocation from the Legislature. This funding would facilitate the creation of a strategic new water source by acquiring treated water originating from oil and natural gas operations. The aim isn't to supply drinkable water but to provide treated water for various burgeoning industries, from microchip manufacturing to hydrogen fuel production—a move that's drawn concern from critics who fear it might spur increased petroleum drilling.

Rhoderick highlighted that New Mexico communities already recycle about 40% of treated residential wastewater for various purposes, including irrigation for parks, sports fields, and landscaped medians. However, he stressed the need for broader reuse options to accommodate future economic and population growth, emphasizing the necessity for industry investment in technologies and science.

These proposed regulations stem from 2019 state legislation that encourages the oil and gas industry to prioritize water treatment, reuse, and recycling over reliance on natural aquifers. This shift aims to address concerns about water overuse, particularly the depletion of crucial underground reservoirs like the Ogallala Aquifer, which sustains communities across several states.

Notably, collaboration on these rules involved a public-private research consortium led by New Mexico State University. Key private sponsors of this consortium include energy giants Chevron and ExxonMobile, along with NGL Energy Partners—an oil services provider—and Tallgrass Energy, an infrastructure firm engaged in hydrogen ventures in New Mexico.