Operator Cleanup Program
The Operator Cleanup Program (OCP) under the Site Remediation Section is tasked with oversight of complex pollution cleanups performed by the oil and gas industry. Complex sites include those that occur in sensitive environmental areas as defined by 16 TAC3.91 (SWR 91) and may require site specific cleanup levels based on risk. Additionally, Operator Cleanup Program staff may be involved in the review of data in cases where the source of contamination is uncertain.
Sites are referred to the Site Remediation Section by the Railroad Commission District Offices, Railroad Commission Legal Enforcement Section and directly from industry. A significant number of sites are identified by due diligence assessments on oil and gas properties as a result of corporate mergers, acquisitions, or other business activities.
When cleanup activities are successfully completed by the operator, Commission staff may issue a “No Further Action” letter acknowledging completion.
Currently staff of the OCP oversee 600 active and monitored cleanup sites. Questions about the Operator Cleanup Program should be directed to the Site Remediation Section of the Oil and Gas Division 512-463-6765 or the following contacts:
| Name | Title | Districts | Telephone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heidi Bojes | Senior Toxicologist, Team Leader | Grant Program, District 4 | 512-475-3089 |
| Aimee Beveridge | Senior Technical Coordinator | Voluntary Cleanup Program & Brownfield Response | 512-463-7995 |
| Bill Renfro | Senior Technical Coordinator | 8 & 8A | 512-463-6812 |
| Monty Newton | Technical Coordinator | 7B, 7C, 9 & 10 | 512-936-1783 |
| Kelly Wilson | Technical Coordinator |
3 | 512-475-0730 |
| Ali Chowdhury | Technical Coordinator | 1 & 2 | 512-463-6219 |
| Chris Moore | Technical Coordinator | 5 & 6 | 512-463-3384 |
Links:
Field Guide For Reportable Surface Releases of Crude Oil in Non-Sensitive Areas SWR 8, 20, 91
Water Protection, Rule 3.8 in the Texas Administrative Code
Memorandum of Understanding between RRC and TCEQ, Rule 3.30 in the Texas Administrative Code
Cleanup of Soil Contaminated by Crude Oil, Rule 3.91 in the Texas Administrative Code
Railroad Commission District Map
Railroad Commission Oil and Gas District Offices