New RRC guidelines have tightened Permian Basin disposal well location requirements, making site selection more critical than ever for operators. The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) has issued new guidelines for saltwater disposal wells (SWDs) in the Permian Basin, further tightening standards around permitting and long-term operations. These changes underscore a critical reality for operators: choosing the right location—and planning for regulatory compliance—matters more now than ever.
Effective June 1, 2025, all new and amended SWD applications in the Permian Basin will face enhanced review criteria. Key changes include:
- Expanded Area of Review (AOR): The required AOR has doubled from a quarter mile to a half-mile radius, ensuring operators account for old or unplugged wells that may act as pathways for produced water migration.
- Stricter Injection Pressure Limits: Applicants must now prove that injection pressures will not fracture the confining strata of the disposal formation.
- Volume Restrictions Based on Reservoir Pressure: The RRC will set maximum daily injection volumes tied to reservoir conditions, ensuring fluids remain confined to the intended disposal zone.
Additionally, wells located within 25 kilometers of a seismic event will remain subject to seismicity review guidelines.
Why Location Matters More Than Ever
These regulatory shifts highlight the importance of front-end site selection and planning. Poorly chosen locations can result in costly delays, permit denials, or expensive retrofits to meet compliance standards.
The right site, on the other hand, can:
- Minimize seismicity-related risks
- Avoid legacy wellbore issues within the AOR
- Optimize injection efficiency without risking reservoir integrity
- Reduce long-term compliance costs
In short, the cheapest and most compliant barrel of water is the one injected into the right formation at the right site.
How Disposal Pros Can Help
At Disposal Pros, we specialize in guiding operators through the complexities of disposal well development. Our services include:
- Geological and regulatory site screening using advanced data tools
- Lease negotiations and acquisition strategies for optimal locations
- Permitting and protest navigation with the RRC
- Completion oversight and compliance monitoring to safeguard long-term operations
With decades of experience in water management and disposal well projects, we help operators move faster, avoid costly mistakes, and stay compliant with evolving regulations.
Final Word
The RRC’s enhanced guidelines are a clear signal: regulators expect smarter, safer, and more scientifically grounded disposal operations in the Permian Basin. For operators, success will come down to choosing the right location from the start.
Contact Disposal Pros today for expert advice on maximizing cost efficiencies while staying fully compliant.
