According to the website of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brine water is “often saltier than seawater, this brine can also contain toxic metals and radioactive substances. It can be very damaging to the environment and public health if it is discharged to surface water of the land surface. By injecting the brine deep underground Class II wells prevent surface contamination of soil and water.” The site also states, “All oil and gas producing states require the injection of brine into the originating formation or into formations that are similar to those from which it was extracted.” The EPA also confirms that Class II wells are used for disposal of frack fluids under and that “wastewater...can contain high levels of total dissolved solids (TDS), fracturing fluid additives, metals and naturally occurring radioactive materials.”
In California Class II disposal wells are regulated by the California Department of Conservation, Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR), according to their website evaluations of the geologic and engineering are part of the permitting process as well as public hearings. “Most well sites are inspected annually by Division engineers,” states the website.
“Yes, hydraulic fracturing fluids would be handled at a Class II facility,” said Brian Baca, Ventura County planning manager for commercial and industrial permits, responding previously to questions about whether this type of facility disposes of frack fluids. Frack fluids contain water, sand and various chemicals, and can include, according to a 2011 Congressional report, several cancer causing chemicals.
“I would hate for the public to get confused with what you do [and] fracking,” said Council Member Martin Hernandez. He mentioned having a power point presentation to explain the basics of the disposal injection well facility.
Fontes indicated that if the Council wants further information, and wants to ensure the public is informed, that they put the item on a future agenda and a presentation can be prepared.
“If they resubmit their application [to the County], then yes it will be on a future agenda,” said Lucy Blanco, from the office of the Deputy City Clerk. She is referring to the fact that the County Planning office requested more information for their application to be considered complete. The County is waiting for a response from Anterra before the application is processed.