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Raohe review proposal that considers technologies of hydraulic fracturing, cuttings reinjection and revision of permissible limits in the handling of liquid effluents

Abstract:

The Oil & Gas environmental legislation in Ecuador has had a brief history. Its current regulation body is the RAOHE (Substitute Regulation to the Environmental Regulation for Hydrocarbon Operations in Ecuador) from 2001. At that time, the RAOHE was a robust mechanism that could guarantee the sustainable exploitation of hydrocarbon resources, while providing a solid ground for foreign capitals aiming to invest in the oil sector. Nonetheless, the RAOHE cannot be considered fit anymore to new technological advances and current international environmental regulations standards. Two decades without any update has generated a knowledge gap inside the RAOHE about what is regulated and what could be regulated under best management practices available in the industry. This paper aims to address this operational regulatory gap by performing an extensive literature review focused on wastewater management and better management practices. Specifically, this study evaluates the permissible limits in the handling and treatment of liquid discharges, cuttings reinjection and hydraulic fracturing. This paper provides a set of general suggestions and findings on the aforementioned areas. It is expected that this information can become a tool for policymakers to articulate more comprehensive technical regulatory frameworks.