Feb. 27--Unbeknown to state officials, oil producers in Kern County have been disposing of chemical-laden wastewater in hundreds of unlined trenches in the ground without proper permits, according to an inventory that regional water officials completed this week.
The Los Angeles Times obtained the results of the survey conducted by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, which uncovered more than 300 pits that officials previously didn't know existed. Expected to be released Friday, the survey also revealed that more than one-third of the region's active waste pits are operating without required permits.
Kern County accounts for at least 80% of California's oil production.
The pits -- long shallow troughs in the dirt -- hold water that is produced from fracking and other oil-drilling operations. The so-called flowback water is heavily saline and often contains benzene and other naturally-occurring but toxic substances.
Officials said they believe that none of the hundreds of waste pits in the county have linings that would prevent toxic chemicals from infiltrating groundwater underneath. Linings are not currently required, but officials say they are considering implementing a requirement. Some of the pits also lack netting or covers to protect migrating birds and other wildlife.
Officials at the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board called the unregulated pits a "significant problem" and said they expect to issue as many as 200 enforcement orders.
Clay Rodgers, assistant executive officer of the water board's Fresno office, said Thursday that there are 933 pits, or sumps, in California. Of those, 578 are active and 355 are not currently being used. Of the active pits, 370 have permits to operate and 208 do not. All of pits have now been inspected, he said.
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