36.22.1226    DISPOSAL OF WATER

(1) Produced water containing 15,000 parts per million (ppm) or less total dissolved solids (TDS) may be retained and disposed of in any manner allowed by law that does not degrade surface waters or groundwater or cause harm to soils.

(2) Produced water containing more than 15,000 ppm TDS must be disposed:

(a) by injection into an approved Class II injection well; or,

(b) into board-approved lined or unlined earthen pits if the operator can show on permit application Form 23 that the volume of water to be disposed of per pit will not exceed five barrels per day on a monthly basis and the produced water will not degrade any existing surface water or groundwater source or cause harm to soils.

(3) Produced water containing more than 15,000 ppm TDS may be temporarily retained in storage tanks or board-approved, lined earthen pits or ponds prior to injection. The earthen pits or ponds must be constructed and maintained in accordance with ARM 36.22.1227.

(4) Discharges of produced water must be in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal water quality laws and regulations.

History: 82-11-111, MCA; IMP, 82-11-123, 82-11-124, MCA; Eff. 12/31/72; AMD, 1992 MAR p. 654, Eff. 4/1/92.