TITLE 30.ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Part 1. TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Chapter 331. UNDERGROUND INJECTION CONTROL

Subchapter G. CONSIDERATION PRIOR TO PERMIT ISSUANCE

30 TAC §331.121

The Texas Natural Resource Commission has withdrawn from consideration proposed amendments to §331.121, Class I Wells which appeared in the March 9, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 2004).

The commission evaluated comments received on the proposal to clarify the type of information needed to be submitted by an applicant for a salt cavern waste disposal well permit to demonstrate a thorough geologic characterization of the salt dome. Currently, a three-dimensional seismic survey is required to image underneath all suspected overhangs and to delineate the edge of the salt stock. The amendments were proposed to authorize the executive director to require a surface-recorded three-dimensional seismic survey, as necessary to establish the geologic suitability of a location. The amendments were also proposed to allow the executive director to require a vertical seismic profile. Finally, the amendments were proposed to make certain reformatting changes and administrative corrections. The commission received comments both in support of and in opposition to the proposal, with many more comments in opposition, primarily from individuals from communities surrounding certain salt domes, and representatives of those individuals.

The commission's decision to withdraw the proposal is based on the decision to consider reproposal at the same time rules are proposed implementing House Bill 2912, 77th Texas Legislature, §9.02, which directs the commission to prohibit by rule the storage, processing, or disposal of hazardous waste in a solution-mined salt dome cavern or a sulphur mine.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 12, 2001.

TRD-200104011

Ramon Dasch

Acting Director, Environmental Law Division

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

Effective date: July 12, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 239-5017


Subchapter J. STANDARDS FOR CLASS I SALT CAVERN SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL WELLS

30 TAC §331.161, §331.163

The Texas Natural Resource Commission has withdrawn from consideration proposed amendments to §331.161, Applicability; and §331.163, Well Construction Standards which appeared in the March 9, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 2004).

The commission evaluated comments received on the proposal to clarify the type of information needed to be submitted by an applicant for a salt cavern waste disposal well permit to demonstrate a thorough geologic characterization of the salt dome. Currently, a three-dimensional seismic survey is required to image underneath all suspected overhangs and to delineate the edge of the salt stock. The amendments were proposed to authorize the executive director to require a surface-recorded three-dimensional seismic survey, as necessary to establish the geologic suitability of a location. The amendments were also proposed to allow the executive director to require a vertical seismic profile. Finally, the amendments were proposed to make certain reformatting changes and administrative corrections. The commission received comments both in support of and in opposition to the proposal, with many more comments in opposition, primarily from individuals from communities surrounding certain salt domes, and representatives of those individuals.

The commission's decision to withdraw the proposal is based on the decision to consider reproposal at the same time rules are proposed implementing House Bill 2912, 77th Texas Legislature, §9.02, which directs the commission to prohibit by rule the storage, processing, or disposal of hazardous waste in a solution-mined salt dome cavern or a sulphur mine.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 12, 2001.

TRD-200104012

Ramon Dasch

Acting Director

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

Effective date: July 12, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 239-5017