California Department of Conservation Releases Report on Effects of Well Stimulation Treatment Regulations

On December 31, 2015, the California Department of Conservation’s Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGRR) submitted to the state legislature a first annual report on “Well Stimulation Treatment” (WST) for oil and gas production. The report intends to provide information to the legislature and public on the progress made in the implementation of WST regulations and challenges encountered with their application. 

DOGGR promulgated WST final regulations in January 2015, which entered into effect on July 1, 2015. The final regulations replace Senate Bill No. 4 interim well stimulation regulations that were implemented in January 1, 2014 to fill the gap period during the regular rulemaking process. DOGGR gathered information and data throughout the reporting period of January 1, 2014 until September 30, 2015.

DOGGR found that “during the interim period, 2,127 WST permits were approved as complete for 15 operators” and “approximately 95% of the approved interim WST [permits] were for hydraulic fracturing.” Additionally, 99% of WST permits were granted in Kern County, center California, where is located the Monterey Shale Formation.

Written by Chloe Marie - Research Fellow

01/12/2016