Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Issues Flashcards

Under NEPA, what is the primary purpose of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?

Answer: To inform federal decision-makers and the public of significant environmental effects

NEPA requires an EIS to disclose significant environmental impacts so federal agencies and the public can make informed decisions.

Which federal agency administers the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Underground Injection Control (UIC) program affecting oil and gas operations?

Answer: EPA

The EPA administers the UIC program under SDWA to protect underground sources of drinking water from injection well contamination.

A 'categorical exclusion' under NEPA applies when a proposed federal action:

Answer: Has no significant individual or cumulative environmental effects based on agency experience

Categorical exclusions apply to actions that agencies have determined do not individually or cumulatively cause significant environmental effects.

Under the Endangered Species Act, what must an operator do before conducting activities that may affect a listed species on federal land?

Answer: Obtain an incidental take permit or complete Section 7 consultation

Section 7 consultation with USFWS or NMFS is required for federal actions that may affect listed species, and an incidental take permit covers non-federal actions.

What does the term 'unitization' mean in the context of oil and gas regulatory compliance?

Answer: Combining separately owned tracts into a single operational unit to prevent waste

Unitization pools separately owned tracts into one operating unit to maximize recovery and prevent waste, often required by state conservation commissions.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle D exemption for oil and gas exploration and production wastes means:

Answer: Certain E&P wastes are exempt from federal hazardous waste regulations but still subject to state regulation

The 1988 Bevill Amendment exempted many E&P wastes from Subtitle C hazardous waste rules, leaving regulation primarily to states.

Under BLM regulations, what is a 'Notice of Intent' (NOI) used for on federal mineral lands?

Answer: Notifying BLM of planned surface disturbance exceeding 5 acres or in sensitive areas requiring an APD

An NOI is filed with BLM when a proposed operation will disturb more than 5 acres of federal land or is in an area of environmental concern, triggering BLM review before an APD is required.