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The 98th Meridian Foundation – a non-profit dedicated to education and research on issues relating to the nexus of energy, water and land – would like to thank the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for issuing the draft study on produced water from oil and gas extraction, titled “Study of Oil and Gas Extraction Wastewater Management Under the Clean Water Act” [EPA‐821‐R19‐001]. We are delighted for the opportunity to comment on this study. We agree that the subject of produced water management is of critical importance; so important, in fact, that in March of this year, the 98th Meridian Foundation also [...]

$100 million.  That’s the amount 17 companies have committed to supporting communities across the Permian Basin for the BASICS needed to maintain and strengthen the oil and natural gas region. A letter published in the Midland Reporter-Telegram, states that these multi-billion dollar companies are usually competitors, but “a once-in-a-generation opportunity has brought us together for a common purpose — to strengthen the communities where we live and work.”Among the items noted for funding are infrastructure and quality of life, including:  “…safer roads, superior schools, quality health care, affordable housing and a trained work force.”The Permian Strategic Partnership, as the group is named, [...]

The 98th Meridian Foundation seeks to fortify the NEXUS of, water-energy-land.  As demand increases for Texas resources, additional attention should be given to creating a BALANCE of these three critical components. Produced water refers to the ancient seawater that is naturally occurring deep underground and is recovered during oil and natural gas production.  The underground formation can be a valuable resource to the oil & gas industry and the people and businesses that benefit from its extraction.  But it should be noted:  Produced water is a natural, ‘living infrastructure’, critical to maintenance and sustainability of the land.  Properly managed and deployed, [...]

Here at the Foundation, we tout the NEXUS of, water-energy-land.  Additionally, focus in each area is important to gaining a more complete understanding of each component of the nexus.  PRODUCED WATER is one example, and it continues to gain attention largely due to important, positive technology and process developments. Just last month, the Produced Water Society held one of its annual events in the Permian Basin, Midland, Texas.  The event noted that the industry was at a point of evolution in water management for the unconventional oil and gas sector – a positive, decisive point.  The Society stated, “The imperative to [...]

There are a growing number of companies – large and small – focused on creating technologies that work to better manage our water across many uses and industries.  The 98th Meridian Foundation is focused on supporting nexus solutions in Texas.  For that reason, we would like to see more technology innovation occur IN Texas – supporting our communities and economy. With a focus on the nexus of water, energy and land, the Foundation is watching technology developments for produced water, in particular.  We believe produced water can be an asset, rather than a liability. The oil & gas industry is seeking [...]