ECMC Enhances Protections for Disproportionately Impacted Communities in Colorado

The recent Colorado Produced Water Consortium meeting highlighted significant advancements in community protections for Disproportionately Impacted (DI) communities, particularly regarding the management of produced water from oil and gas operations. The discussions emphasized the importance of community engagement and environmental safeguards, reflecting a growing commitment to address the unique challenges faced by these communities.

One of the key outcomes from the meeting was the introduction of enhanced community engagement requirements for operators seeking to establish projects in DI areas. Operators are now mandated to hold community meetings before submitting applications for approval, ensuring that local voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process. This requirement aims to foster transparency and build trust between operators and residents, particularly in areas already burdened by environmental issues.

Additionally, the meeting underscored the necessity for cumulative impacts analyses for projects located within half a mile of sensitive locations, such as schools and hospitals. This analysis must incorporate data from Colorado's EnviroScreen tool, which assesses environmental and health risks, and operators are required to outline specific mitigation strategies to minimize potential harm to the community.

The consortium also discussed stricter regulations regarding the siting of centralized oil and gas waste management facilities. New rules prohibit these facilities from being located within 2,000 feet of residential buildings unless there is explicit consent from all affected residents. This measure aims to protect public health and safety by ensuring that waste management operations are distanced from populated areas.

In terms of air quality, the meeting revealed that facilities in DI communities will face more rigorous monitoring and emission control requirements. This includes more frequent safety checks and stricter pollution limits, particularly for facilities that began operations after December 2022. These regulations are designed to ensure that communities already facing environmental burdens receive additional protections against air pollution.

The discussions also touched on the role of the Water Quality Control Commission, which oversees regulations to protect Colorado's waterways. While no specific regulations were found for centralized produced water treatment and storage facilities, the commission emphasizes public input and community engagement in all permit applications that could impact water quality.

Overall, the meeting marked a significant step towards enhancing protections for vulnerable communities in Colorado. By prioritizing community engagement and implementing stricter regulations, the state aims to address the environmental and health challenges faced by DI communities, ensuring that their concerns are at the forefront of regulatory processes. As the consortium prepares to discuss draft recommendations in future meetings, the focus remains on balancing the need for produced water recycling with the imperative of safeguarding public health and the environment.