On June 17, 2013, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, signed SB
1715 into law as the Hydraulic Fracturing Regulatory Act. Public Act 098-0022
details restrictions to immediately become effective on well operators
utilizing the high volume hydraulic fracturing process in Illinois.
The Act states that drilling permits are to be
individualized to single wells. For multiple wells on a single site, or parcel
of land, every well needs to be individually applied for and permitted by the
Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Additionally, the act establishes a
multi-part permit application process that involves a public comment period, a
hearing, and judicial review procedures for any final decision.
Notable requirements for well construction and operation
include the use of cement bond logs to evaluate well casing integrity. The
requirement is stricter than the proposed Federal lands regulations by the BLM,
which requires only cement evaluation logs or an equivalent method to be used. Further,
the storage of fracking fluids during all phases of well operation is
restricted to above ground storage tanks. Lined pits and subsurface storage are
not permitted.
For more information on the act, visit the Illinois General
Assembly website.
Written by: Garrett Lent, Research Assistant
Written by: Garrett Lent, Research Assistant
Agricultural Law Resource and Reference Center
June 2013
Thank you for sharing this informative blog with us. Keep sharing.
ReplyDelete