Truck Traffic and Pipeline Advice from the Eagle Ford Task Force

The Eagle Ford Task Force has released advice for truck traffic and pipeline developments. It is all pretty straight forward and will help in making sure pipelines are developed without any problems and our roads are maintained as best as possible. Pipelines:

  • Placement of pipelines should avoid steep hillsides and watercourses where feasible
  • Pipeline routes should take advantage of road corridors to minimize surface disturbance
  • When clearing is necessary, the width disturbed should be kept to a minimum and topsoil material should be stockpiled to the side for replacement during reclamation, accelerating successful revegetation
  • Proximity to buildings or other facilities occupied or used by the public should be considered, with particular consideration given to homes
  • Unnecessary damage to trees and other vegetation should be avoided
  • After installation of a new line, all rights-of-way should be restored to conditions compatible with existing land use.

Roads:

  • Trucking companies partnering with the Texas Department of Public Safety to develop a program that would alert companies when their drivers receive moving violations or drivers license suspensions
  • Creation of road use agreements or trucking plans between operators and local authorities, including parameters such as:
  1. Avoiding peak traffic hours, school bus hours, and community events.
  2. Establishing overnight quiet periods.
  3. Ensuring adequate off-road parking and delivery areas at all sites to avoid lane/road blockage.

 

Infrastructure Issues Addressed by the Eagle Ford Task Force

The Eagle Ford Task Force met in Cuero Sept. 28 to discuss the impact oil and natural gas production in the Eagle Ford Shale is having on local community infrastructure. The task force announced today its adoption of several advisements related to truck traffic and pipeline development.

Rapidly Increasing Truck Traffic

The rapid increase in truck traffic on local roads in the Eagle Ford Shale region has led to the deterioration of roads and an enhanced concern for public safety. The 24-member task force, created by Railroad Commissioner David Porter, listened to presentations and concerns from the Texas Department of Transportation, the Association of Energy Service Companies, the Texas Motor Transportation Association and the general public in an effort to determine solutions.

“We are seeing an overwhelming increase in traffic in these small communities and citizens are concerned,” said Commissioner Porter. “So we brought together the trucking industry, oil and gas industry, state and local government and the general public to engage in a productive dialogue, and as a result, we were able to come up with real, tangible solutions.”

Billions in Pipeline Investment

Also on the task force agenda was pipeline infrastructure. Currently several billion dollars worth of pipeline projects are under development in the region, and local communities have expressed concern with how the development of these massive projects will affect them. Representatives from pipeline companies and legal experts addressed the task force, detailing impending projects and outlining their commitment to partnering with local governments and communities.

“The construction of a 20-inch crude oil line running 50 miles through a county can take the place of 1,250 tank truck trips per day, so it is imperative that we get these pipes in the ground; however, we must ensure local communities are protected” said Porter. “Our task force members, including representatives of pipeline companies, have agreed upon guidelines that will hold the pipeline industry accountable.”

Housing Options Limited

Finally, the task force addressed the housing issue currently facing the region. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs spoke about the many programs they offer to combat rent increases and displaced families. Private developer, Bob Zacaraiah, also spoke about what local governments and communities can do to spur more private investment in the region. Several task force members expressed their desire to see builders develop more permanent housing, to foster community building, rather than temporary housing fixes.

As a result, the task force adopted the following advisements:

Pipeline Advisements

  • The placement of pipelines should avoid steep hillsides and watercourses where feasible.
  • Pipeline routes should take advantage of road corridors to minimize surface disturbance.
  • When clearing is necessary, the width disturbed should be kept to a minimum and topsoil material should be stockpiled to the side because retaining topsoil for replacement during reclamation can significantly accelerate successful revegetation.
  • Proximity to buildings or other facilities occupied or used by the public should be considered. Particular consideration should be given to homes.
  • Unnecessary damage to trees and other vegetation should be avoided.
  • After installation of a new line, all rights-of-way should be restored to conditions compatible with existing land use.

Road and Truck Advisements

  • The task force supports trucking companies partnering with the Texas Department of Public Safety to develop a program that would alert companies when their drivers receive moving violations or drivers license suspensions.
  • The task force supports the creation of road use agreements or trucking plans between operators and local authorities. These agreements could include parameters such as:
  • Operators must avoid peak traffic hours, school bus hours and community events.
  • Operators must establish overnight quiet periods.
  • Operators must ensure adequate off-road parking and delivery areas at all sites to avoid lane/road blockage.

David J. Porter was elected to the Texas Railroad Commission on November 2, 2010. A Certified Public Accountant and successful small business owner, Commissioner Porter has worked with oil and gas producers for nearly three decades providing strategic financial advice and tax counsel. He has a long record of pro-business, free market, conservative credentials. Visit www.rrc.state.tx.us for additional RRC information.

Eagle Ford Task Force Outlines Goals

The Eagle Ford Task Force (EFTF), appointed by Texas Railroad Commissioner David Porter, convened yesterday at Coastal Bend College in Beeville to outline its goals and engage in a productive discussion regarding work force issues related to the development of the Eagle Ford Shale. The 24-member task force established that its main purpose is to serve as a forum for dialogue, so that task force members can bring issues and concerns from their constituents to the table and work toward solutions. The group also agreed to meet monthly and to provide recommendations on the top issues facing the region.

The EFTF also approved an agenda for the rest of the calendar year, prioritizing the region’s most pressing issues. Over the next four months, the task force will discuss the following:

  • Water usage as it relates to hydraulic fracturing
  • The impact of oil and gas production on community infrastructure
  • The need for public education regarding oil and gas production
  • Promoting economic development stemming from oil and gas production

“I am pleased to see the task force selecting topics for discussion that are crucial to the success of the development of the Eagle Ford Shale,” said Commissioner Porter. “If we handle this opportunity responsibly, we could be looking at the largest oil field ever discovered in Texas. It is imperative that we get this right, and our task force is on a clear-cut path to do so.”

The EFTF also discussed work force issues currently plaguing the region. Several industry representatives spoke about the need to fill hundreds of jobs this year and the obstacles they are facing in finding qualified applicants. Industry representatives estimated there are approximately 120 jobs connected to each drilling rig. Currently, there are approximately 200 rigs operating in the region. However, employers are often battling failed drug tests and background tests or the lack of commercial drivers licenses (CDL) when trying to fill these jobs.

Representatives from Marathon Oil and Pioneer Resources spoke about successful recruiting tactics specific to the Eagle Ford region, such as recruiting from the military and hosting job fairs versus posting jobs online.

Manual Ugues, Business Services Director, Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend, discussed the many programs his organization is implementing to connect employers with skilled workers in the region. He urged employers to reach out to Workforce Solutions with their needs. To learn more about these programs, please visit: www.workintexas.com.

Glynis Straus, Dean of Institutional Advancement at Coastal Bend College spoke about the consortium of oil and gas classes the college is presently offering. Coastal Bend College has partnered with several organizations to provide world-class field training to students who can currently take courses such as: drilling industry introduction (elementary drilling), corrosion basics, petroleum safety and environmental hazards (H2S Training), technology/technician/management (supervisory skills), focused oil spill response training and CDL/driving safety courses.

“When unemployment in this country is over nine percent, it is great to see South Texas providing an abundance of good-paying, steady jobs. But we need to work to get those jobs filled, and that was the point of the task force discussion,” said Commissioner Porter. “I feel as though we provided some real solutions at the meeting, and I look forward to seeing those efforts implemented.”

David J. Porter was elected to the Texas Railroad Commission on November 2, 2010. A Certified Public Accountant and successful small business owner, Commissioner Porter has worked with oil and gas producers for nearly three decades providing strategic financial advice and tax counsel. He has a long record of pro-business, free market, conservative credentials. Visit www.rrc.state.tx.us for additional RRC information.

Eagle Ford Shale Fracking on Task Force Agenda

The Eagle Ford Shale Task Force was announced and met for the first time this past week. High on the list of priorities will be setting best practices for Hydraulic Fracturing across the play. Drilling problems in other states have created a stir around the topic of fracking, which means the task force will help inform the public around the subject and alleviate any misinformation that is reported.

"For Texas, the consequences of fracking are big and getting bigger. Development of the Barnett Shale in North Texas and the Eagle Ford Shale, which covers a large swath of South Texas, has created an economic boom."

"The Center for Community and Business Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio looked at the economic impact of the Eagle Ford deposit. In a study released in February, the center estimated that by 2020 the Eagle Ford would account for close to $11.6 billion in gross state product, $21.6 billion in total economic output and support close to 68,000 full-time jobs."

Railroad Commissioner David Porter deserves praise for recognizing the promise and the peril of fracking. Having learned from problems in the Barnett Shale, Porter created a 22-member Eagle Ford Task Force of stakeholders — including environmentalists — to communicate with the public, address thorny issues such as water and develop a system of best practices.

Fracking presents Texas and the nation with a tremendous opportunity to develop domestic sources of natural gas, a relatively clean form of energy. The Eagle Ford Task Force can play a big part in turning that opportunity into a reality.

Read the full news release at MySanAntonio.com

Railroad Commission Announces Eagle Ford Shale Task Force

Railroad Commissioner David Porter announced the members of the Eagle Ford Shale task force and its mission. The group will meet monthly to help promote economic activity and establish best practices across the play. The Eagle Ford Shale will likely become one of the largest economic boosts to the economy that we've seen in history. The task force includes members from a wide variety of backgrounds, including representatives from the oil & gas industry. 

“Commissioner Porter has created a Task Force to establish a forum that will bring the community together and foster a dialogue. The mission of the task force is three-fold:

 

  • Open the lines of communication between all parties
  • Establish best practices for developing the Eagle Ford Shale
  • Promote economic benefits locally and statewide

'We received an overwhelming amount of feedback from talented and credible applicants, so the selection process was not an easy one,' said Commissioner Porter. 'However, I am confident we have chosen the right group to lead us through the development of the Eagle Ford Shale. We have done our best to ensure each stakeholder group is represented and all voices are heard.' ”

"The Task Force is comprised of local community leaders, local elected officials, water representatives, environmental groups, oil and gas producers, pipeline companies, oil services companies (including a hydraulic fracturing company, a trucking company and a water resources management company), landowners, mineral owners and royalty owners."

Leodoro Martinez – Middle Rio Grande Development Council, Executive Director, Cotulla

Kirk Spilman – Marathon Oil, Asset Manager Eagle Ford, San Antonio

The Honorable Jaime Canales – Webb County Commissioner, Precinct 4, Laredo

Teresa Carrillo – Sierra Club, Executive Committee Member – Lone Star Chapter, Treasurer – Coastal Bend Sierra, Corpus Christi

James E. Craddock – Rosetta Resources, Senior Vice President, Drilling and Production Operations, Houston

Erasmo Yarrito – Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Rio Grande Valley Water Master, Harlingen

Steve Ellis – EOG Resources, Senior Division Counsel, Corpus Christi

The Honorable Daryl Fowler – Dewitt County Judge, Cuero

Brian Frederick – DCP Midstream, Southern Unit Vice President for the East Division, Houston

Anna Galo – Vice President, ANB Cattle Company, Laredo

The Honorable Jim Huff – Live Oak County Judge, George West

Stephen Ingram – Halliburton, Technology Manager, Houston Business Development & Onshore South Texas, Houston

Mike Mahoney – Evergreen Underground Water Conservation District, General Manager, Pleasanton

James Max Moudy – MWH Global, Inc., Senior Client Service Manager, Houston

Trey Scott – Trinity Minerals Management, LTD, Founder, San Antonio

Mary Beth Simmons – Shell Exploration and Production Company, Senior Staff Reservoir Engineer, Houston

Terry Retzloff – TR Measurement Witnessing, LLC, Founder, Campbellton

Greg Brazaitis – Energy Transfer, Vice President, Government Affairs, Houston

Glynis Strause – Coastal Bend College, Dean of Institutional Advancement, Beeville

Susan Spratlen – Pioneer Natural Resources, Senior Director, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs, Dallas

Chris Winland – Good Company Associates; University of Texas at San Antonio, Interim Director, San Antonio Clean Energy Incubator, Austin/San Antonio

Paul Woodard – J&M Premier Services, President, Palestine

Read the full news release at rrc.state.tx.us