BISMARCK, N.D. — New oilfield waste rules will take effect in North Dakota with the new year.
The Legislature’s Administrative Rules Committee has approved rules that will allow certain landfills to accept waste with higher levels of radioactivity.
Environmental Health Chief Dave Glatt has said the elevated standard is still safe for people and the environment, and that the rules will enable regulators to better track the waste. The state Health Council endorsed the rules in August.
North Dakota generates up to 75 tons of radioactive waste daily, largely from so-called oil filter socks that strain liquids during the oil production process.
Environmental groups say they’re considering a court challenge.
In related news, Radioactive ND: Health Council approves oilfield waste limit increase.
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