As the state grapples with a threatened water supply, industry and lawmakers have invested millions in research to clean the toxic backwash for use in for agriculture.

Oil and gas companies are seeking legal shelter as Texas comes closer to using waste brine once considered too toxic for anything other than fracking to replenish Texas’ water shortages.

Legislation filed by state Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo, could give them, transportation companies and landowners such protection.

  • Nougat@fedia.io
    15·
    4 days ago

    Properly treated to remove contaminants? Sure! That would be great!

    Dan Mueller, an engineer and a produced water expert, agreed that there is not enough data to issue permits. Mueller raised concerns about the capability of the treatment technologies, saying the five pilot projects have not been running long enough to ensure they clean the water reliably.

    Oh, they’re only “treating” it.