How Does the Reclamation Process Work?
The Goals Behind Reclamation
Ever wonder what happens to land after oil and gas drilling? The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) works to ensure it can be restored to its natural beauty and productivity. Their mission is to balance responsible resource development with environmental protection. To achieve this, they safeguard the rights of companies and landowners, promoting sustainable practices. Companies must follow strict regulations throughout the extraction process to ensure the land's long-term health.
Free-to-use image by: Karolina Grabowska
What is Reclamation of the Land?
In North Dakota, reclamation means restoring land used for oil and gas operations as closely as possible to its original condition. This careful process can take years and involves several key steps:
· Clearing the Site: Removing equipment, waste, and debris.
· Stabilizing the Soil: Replacing gravel with soil to prevent erosion.
· Re-planting Native Species: Reseeding the area with native grasses and plants.
Important Note: The state will not consider a reclamation project complete until they officially approve it. This process can sometimes take even longer than the physical restoration work.
When is a Well Ready for Reclamation?
A few key factors signal it is time to start the reclamation process:
1. The Well is Depleted: It has produced all the oil or gas it can and is no longer economically viable.
2. The Well is Abandoned: It has been inactive for an extended period and has no future purpose.
3. Other Issues: There might be specific reasons like safety or environmental concerns that require a well to be shut down.
Important Step: Plugging the Well
Before any reclamation work begins, the well must be properly plugged. This process ensures safety and prevents potential environmental hazards.
Remember: Every well is unique, so the exact lifespan and reasons for closure will vary from case to case.
The Big Picture: Reclamation Efforts in North Dakota
Reclamation projects are a massive undertaking happening statewide. The North Dakota Oil and Gas Division oversees this crucial work, with specialists and inspectors managing diverse projects like:
· Reclaiming well pads after their productive life.
· Restoring areas affected by oil or gas spills.
· Cleaning up illegal dumping sites.
· Managing brine bond reclamation (associated with saltwater disposal).
Their meticulous work ensures proper environmental restoration. Here is the impressive outcome:
1. Over 10,400 wells and facilities were successfully reclaimed!
2. An additional 1,500 are nearing completion, pending final state approval.
What is even more remarkable? Less than 1% of these sites require long-term environmental monitoring. This highlights the effectiveness of North Dakota's reclamation efforts!
The Wide-Ranging Responsibilities of Well Site Operators
Operating a well site in North Dakota is far more than just producing resources. It is a role with major financial, environmental, and social responsibilities. Operators must oversee:
1. Planning and Operations: The entire lifecycle of the site, from setup to shut down.
2. Safety and Emergency Response: Having plans in place to protect workers and the environment.
3. Maintenance: Keeping the site running smoothly and preventing problems.
4. Regulation Compliance: Following strict guidelines for spill prevention, monitoring, and cleanup.
5. Reclamation: The goal is to leave the land as undisturbed as possible.
Why is this so important? Because operating a well site responsibly helps ensure our state's resources are used wisely, our environment is protected, and local communities' benefit.
Reclamation: Driving Job Creation in North Dakota
While a well site's production phase is temporary, the land restoration process generates a wide range of employment opportunities:
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Directly on the Reclamation Site:
· (1) Project Coordinator: Manages the overall project, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
· (1) Soil Tester: Evaluates soil health to guide restoration strategies.
· (2) Regulatory Overseers: Ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
· (2) Administrative Supporters: Handle paperwork, manage site logistics, and communication.
· (1) Civil Engineer: Designs safe and effective site restoration plans.
· (1) Reclamation Equipment Operators: Utilize specialized machinery for site cleanup and restoration.
· (1) Dirt Transporters: Move soil and materials to and from the site.
· (10) Contamination Transporters: Safely remove and dispose of any hazardous materials.
Supporting Industries:
· (4) Power Companies: Provide electricity to the site for equipment and temporary facilities.
· (3) Roustabouts: Perform various maintenance and labor tasks around the site.
· (1) Flushing Lines: Help clean and maintain pipelines.
· (1) Vac Truck Drivers: Transport fluids and waste for proper disposal.
Reclamation: Benefits Beyond the Well Site
With the12 different job types and 37 individual positions per site, reclamation is a powerful job creator in North Dakota. This opens doors for workers with diverse skills, boosting local economies. But the impact goes even further:
Environmental Stewardship: Restoring land health ensures the continued productivity of fields and pastures, benefiting farmers, ranchers, and the communities they support.
Resource Cycle: Responsible oil and gas development, paired with successful reclamation, creates a positive cycle. We extract resources efficiently and return the land to productive use.
The Full Picture: Reclamation is not just about jobs or the environment. It is about a sustainable future where resource extraction and responsible land management work hand in hand to support our state's people and prosperity.
Want to keep up with the positive changes happening throughout our state? Subscribe to our monthly newsletters at https://www.visionwestnd.com/newsletters. Each month we tackle a different VWND priority area shaping the future of North Dakota.
Authored by: Laney Jones
Resources
Department of Mineral Resources
Reclamation & Remediation | Department of Mineral Resources, North Dakota (nd.gov)