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Committee advances SB 159 to require lining for certain oil‑and‑gas waste facilities with phased compliance
Summary
A substitute of SB 159 would require liners for some disposal facilities that handle liquid oil-and-gas exploration and production waste, set transition permits for existing facilities and create a 2030 sunset for the temporary allowance; the committee voted to recommend the substitute favorably.
Senate Bill 159, in first substitute form, would change how the state permits certain waste disposal facilities that accept exploration and production waste from oil and gas activities. The substitute narrows timelines and requires liners for facilities handling liquid waste while allowing existing facilities a phased compliance pathway.
Doug Hansen, director of the Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control, explained the bill responds to a 2019 statutory transfer that moved some oil-and-gas waste regulation from the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining into DEQ’s waste division. Hansen told the committee the new framework distinguishes solid‑waste facilities from liquid‑waste facilities and requires liners for liquid waste as a best‑practice protective measure for groundwater. He said there are about 21 existing facilities; some already have liners, others are in the process of upgrading, and the bill sets a transition mechanism for those sites.
Ricky Renko Browning of the Utah Petroleum Association and industry witnesses told the panel they support the measured timeline, calling it a common practice in similar oil‑and‑gas jurisdictions and praising the phased approach. Supporters said the bill provides regulatory certainty while protecting water resources.
Public testimony included industry- and community-level support for responsible drilling. After sponsor remarks, the committee voted to send the first substitute to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation. Senator Stratton, sponsor and presenter of the substitute, said the 5‑year sunset for the temporary permit strikes a balance between protecting the environment and allowing operators time to upgrade.
The substitute is aimed at making the state’s regulatory framework for exploration‑related wastes consistent with DEQ oversight and at ensuring protective liners where liquid wastes are handled, with a compliance timeline for existing facilities.
