The Supervisor of the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission says his agency is accepting public comment on a rule that would require baseline water testing.
The rule requires water testing before oil and gas development begins and after it ends. Grant Black says when problems occur, it’s important to have all the facts.
“The facts in certain circumstances begin as early as possible. It’s very difficult to make a determination as to whether impact has occurred if you don’t have an understanding as to what it was originally. So therefore I think a baseline testing program can be beneficial if it’s properly implemented.”
Governor Matt Mead says Wyoming will be one of the first states to perform baseline water testing, and they want to do it well. The Oil and Gas Conservation Commission will consider a formal baseline testing rule following public comment.