Colorado Adopts Hydraulic Fracturing Regulations

Earlier this week, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission adopted new regulations for hydraulic fracturing. The regulations require hydraulic fracturing operators to disclose information to the public, including the location of the well, the depth of the well, and the well’s name and registration number. The most significant part of the disclosure regulations focuses on the fracturing fluid. The total volume of the fluid used for fracturing must be disclosed as well as whatever the base fluid is, if it is not water. Each additive of the fluid must be identified (by Chemical Abstract Service(CAS) number) as well as its function, and the maximum concentration allowed of each additive. Trade secret additives may be listed by chemical family only, not CAS number. All of this information must be posted on the FracFocus website. The regulations will go into effect on April 1, 2012.