Environmental Protection
The RBDMS suite of software applications supports state agencies in their environmental protection mission. RBDMS products are designed to streamline and improve the collection and management of data throughout the regulatory workflow, giving state regulators the ability to closely monitor oil and gas producers to ensure all environmental regulations are followed.
The function of each RBDMS product can be tailored and adapted to meet state-specific environmental rules and regulations. State agencies and regulators can consequently use all RBDMS products to confidently and accurately enforce state environmental policy.
Below is a list of how specific RBDMS products can help state regulators monitor and enforce environmental regulations:
- Field Inspection Prioritization
The Field Inspection Prioritization Module generates a map showing state regulators which specific wells are a higher priority for inspection based on geographic and operational data. By ensuring that all wells are inspected regularly, state agencies can cut down on the number of environmental incidents and catch any potential problems before they happen.
- Area of Review Tool
The Area of Review tool generates a list of wells that need to be reviewed before any potential new Class II UIC well can be permitted. The close inspection of nearby wells ensures that any new injection well will not negatively impact drinking water or pose any undue environmental harm.
- WaterSTAR
WaterSTAR manages environmental data for state agencies. Through WaterSTAR, oil and gas producers upload data on soil, air, or water samples, which are then reviewed by state agencies. State agencies can determine if any sample falls outside the range of acceptable parameters and quickly take steps to ensure that environmental policies are followed.
- Seismic
The Seismic/UIC application collects data on injection volume for specific wells and regions. The data can then be analyzed in conjunction with earthquake information, both historic and current, allowing state agencies to quickly determine potential contributors to any increased seismic activity. The module also allows state agencies to monitor and quickly ensure operator compliance and can decrease the potential for seismic activity in the region.
- Field Inspection Application
The Field Inspection application streamlines the collection of data during a field inspection, speeding up inspections and allowing agencies to complete more inspections throughout the year. The more inspections state agencies are able to complete, the more likely they are to catch environmental problems before they occur.
- Directional Survey Import Tool
The Directional Survey Import Tool allows operators to submit data on horizontal and directional drilling to state agencies. State agencies can use this data to ensure that any prospective horizontal or directional well will not pose undue risk to surrounding environmental areas, such as drinking water or geological features
- WellFinder
WellFinder is a free and publicly accessible app that allows users to search for oil and gas wells in participating states throughout the country. Users can search for specific wells or explore entire regions to see what wells are currently operating. The app allows users to pull up specific information on each well, including depth, production, and location. The ability of the public to transparently search for and view information on producing wells gives the public confidence that state regulatory agencies are closely monitoring wells to ensure environmental compliance.