Panel Discusses Emission Controls and Facility Design Near Disproportionately Impacted Communities

The Colorado Produced Water Consortium Meeting held on July 11, 2025, focused on critical discussions surrounding emissions control and facility design in relation to produced water management. The meeting, organized by the Department of Personnel & Administration, highlighted the importance of scientific risk assessments in determining facility locations and emissions regulations.

Key discussions emphasized the need for emissions controls to be based on scientific data rather than subjective measures like odor. Participants raised questions about whether the placement of facilities in certain communities is necessary or merely preferred, suggesting that alternative locations should be considered to minimize potential impacts on public health.

A significant contribution came from a study by Professor Jeff Collett, which monitored volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions during various stages of drilling and production near Broomfield, Colorado. The findings indicated that VOC levels can spike during short-term events, underscoring the necessity for pre-establishment monitoring to establish baseline data for air quality.

John Heil, a participant in the meeting, pointed out that emissions regulations primarily fall under the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), which may limit the consortium's ability to enforce changes regarding proximity and emissions. He suggested that enhanced emissions capture technologies should be prioritized in disproportionately impacted communities, advocating for a differentiated approach to emissions control.

The meeting also touched on the requirement for alternative location analyses for centralized produced water treatment facilities, which could ensure that facility placements are justified based on necessity rather than convenience. This consideration is particularly relevant for communities that may face greater environmental risks.

Overall, the discussions at the consortium meeting underscored the importance of integrating scientific research into facility design and emissions management, with a focus on protecting public health and addressing community concerns. The consortium plans to continue exploring these issues as they develop guidelines for future operations.