Commission reviews 'lay-flat' pipeline permit draft for produced-water use; public hearing set
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Summary
County staff and industry discussed draft language to permit 'lay‑flat' pipelines for transporting treated/produced water; commissioners asked for a simple permit, clarity on definitions (treated water vs. municipal sources), and options for insurance or bond requirements. A public hearing is scheduled for April 13.
County staff presented draft ordinance language and a proposed permit process to govern use of "lay‑flat" pipe for transporting clean or treated produced water for non‑agricultural industrial uses.
A staff member (speaker 6) said the draft would define "lay flat pipe" specifically to permit transport of clean water under pressure and to exclude agricultural irrigation. The draft also proposes that applicants sign an assumption-of-liability/waiver as part of the permit and that daily inspections would be required while the line is in use.
Industry representatives and a county industry speaker (speakers 10, 11, 12) cautioned that there are many categories of water (treated produced water, municipal effluent, pond water) and urged a single inclusive definition or clearer sub-classifications. One industry participant warned that some lay-flat material is not rated for high-pressure transmission used in other parts of oil‑field operations and that the county should avoid unintended constraints on existing completion-site infrastructure.
Commission staff said they had received the request from Crescent Energy and did not intend for the permit to be company‑specific; rather, it would be countywide and as simple as possible. Staff flagged open questions for the commission, including whether to require proof of insurance or a bond before permit issuance and whether landowner agreements must be completed before construction.
A staff speaker noted state permitting definitions and referenced state statute/rule language as relevant while encouraging further review with the state permitting authority. The commission scheduled a public hearing on the draft lay‑flat ordinance for April 13 and asked staff to finalize the draft and circulate it to commissioners and interested parties prior to the hearing.
What’s next: Staff will update the draft based on comments, clarify the definition of "clean/treat-ed" water, and present a final draft at the April 13 hearing for public comment and a possible vote.