Recommended setback distances |
I defer to existing regulation: Center of well pads may not be located within 1/10 mile (0.1 km) of an occupied dwelling structure. |
2/10 mile (0.3 km) for gas operations based on industry studies of blowouts, explosions and fires from drill rigs, compressor stations and pipelines. |
Set-backs of at least 1/3 mile (0.5km) would be needed to prevent flow through documented pathways of subsurface contamination. |
½ mile (0.8 km) for oil or natural gas extraction from office buildings and other indoor areas. |
Minimum of 1 mile (1.6 km) for gas extraction
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1 ¼ mile (2 km) from natural gas wells |
At least 2 miles (3.2 km), maybe more
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Cannot recommend setback distances |
Due to our inability, with current information, to predict dispersal pathways accurately, I do not think safe set-back distances can be determined. |
This is something that is difficult to determine because it depends on the hydrology and air currents. |
My response applies to both oil and gas. . . .do not take a position on specific distances, in large part because there is no scientifically definitive distance beyond which health impacts would never occur. However, we believe that current setbacks from residential areas are much too short in all states. |
I do not have an opinion on an appropriate set-back distance because I don’t believe there is enough evidence to inform an opinion. |
Again the distinction between oil and gas is not important. I think there are appropriate, science based setbacks that could be developed. I agree with the position that the ones that exist are not science based at all…and are based on political compromises. |
There are no appropriate set-back distances for recreation areas near oil production. Ambient air quality is affected by VOCs. We have no proof of what constitutes a safe set-back distance. Cumulative effects have yet to be studied. |