Jam packed edition today, so grab a coffee and take a read… also, the agenda just went live for the 5th Annual Oilfield Water Markets Conference happening in just 60 days. Check it out here – you won’t want to miss it!
Here is this week’s industry news & analysis…
News Digest
Aris Discloses McNeill Ranch Deal
During the fourth quarter, they acquired the 45,000 acre McNeill Ranch located in New Mexico and Texas for $45.0 million. The ranch provides significant additional disposal capacity to support years of future growth adjacent to the fastest growing production areas of the Northern Delaware Basin. There are also surface, beneficial reuse, industrial and power/renewable utilization possibilities...
Western Midstream to build Pathfinder pipeline, expanding Delaware Basin produced water system
Western Midstream said it plans to spend $400M-$450M to build the Pathfinder pipeline and related produced-water infrastructure.
THE ECONOMIST: Water
Economist Ray Perryman, featured speaker at the Oilfield Water Markets Conference this May, discusses the water challenges Texas faces moving forward.
Orion Water Solutions Acquired
Whitewater is the buyer... congratulations to both teams on the combination!
Earthquake recorded near Midland, Texas at magnitude 4.8, USGS says
The earthquake was recorded about 16 miles southwest of Ackerly, which is roughly 60 miles northwest of Midland and 320 miles west of Dallas.
Fed Regulator Shrinks
The industry already had big questions last year about how USFWS would resource the enforcement of the DSL listing as an endangered species. Now posts online are showing that 420 probationary employees were cut at the USFWS in the DOGE downsizing... Important to watch for regulatory compliance / government affairs folks in shale as it might change the responsiveness of counterparts at Federal regulators.
Texas oil and gas groups monitor legislative bills impacting industry
Ed Longanecker, president of the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association, cited several bills addressing water development and regulation of produced water.
Occidental Petroleum to expand deeper drilling in Permian Basin
Speaking with analysts during the company’s fourth quarter earnings call, Richard Jackson, Occidental’s president of operations, U.S. onshore resources and carbon management, said the company will be targeting secondary benches this year. Those secondary benches include deeper Wolfcamp zones in the Delaware and Barnett Shale in the Midland Basin.
Diamondback / Deep Blue Water Money
From their annual report filed last week: "During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company also paid Deep Blue approximately $135 million and $35 million, respectively, for water services provided during the completion phase of wells. These costs were capitalized and are included in the caption “Oil and natural gas properties” on the consolidated balance sheet."
Big AOGR Feature On Produced Water
Hot takes from Robert Crain of Texas Pacific Land Corporation (TPL) featured in this month's edition of The American Oil & Gas Reporter (AOGR). Tactical insight also featured in the article from: Stephen M. Johnson of Martin Water Midstream, Chad Lavender of Mustang Extreme Environmental Services, and David N. Capobianco of Five Point Energy.
Railroad commissioner eyes oilfield water pipeline to ease drought conditions in Corpus Christi
Jim Wright suggests that a pipeline could be built to run treated produced water to Corpus to help address the water shortage.
Water handling emissions: An emerging dimension of shale maturity
S&P Global Insights (a Gold Sponsor at the Oilfield Water Markets Conference this May!) provides an overview of emissions from produced water handling.
Will you be there this May?
The conference is in-person this May, but you can let your contacts know that you will be attending the Oilfield Water Markets Conference by indicating you will be there with the simple click of a button! It could lead to some pre-conference business!
Water Management On Trimulfracs - Case Study
Select posted some stats on keeping up with the massive thirst rate on a trimul frac job...
Kirk Edwards Weighs In On Natural Gas...
Several factors are contributing to this rebound, all of which are extremely positive for U.S. natural gas producers...
Texas Railroad Commission’s New Environmental Rules: A Step Toward Sustainability or Business as Usual?
Legal review of the potential impact of the new RRC rules.
The Benefits of Using 16-inch Layflat Hose for Water Transfer in the Permian Basin
The use of 16-inch layflat hose for water transfer in the Permian Basin offers significant advantages over traditional 12-inch systems, especially in this terrain. It makes water transfer more efficient, cuts costs, and is better for the environment. Maybe you can talk to the Keystone team during their Cigar Reception at the Oilfield Water Markets Conference!
Small Wastewater Spill at Coterra Energy Well Pad in Northeast Pa.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reports an estimated 300 barrels (12,600 gallons) of brine wastewater leaked at the Diaz Family Shale Gas Drilling Well Pad 2 owned by Coterra Energy, Inc. in Bridgewater Township, Susquehanna County. Unfortunately, some of the fluid escaped containment and seeped into surrounding areas outside the well pad. The incident was discovered on Wednesday, Feb. 19.
The Defense of Property Rights Act: A Step Toward Bringing Natural Gas Drilling to New York
A new piece of legislation — the Defense of Property Rights Act (DOPRA) — could finally provide a pathway for landowners to reclaim their rights and potentially unlock the wealth tied up in their land.
Trump throws his support behind Keystone XL and other pipeline projects to unleash American energy
Democrats and activists have delayed and canceled multiple pipeline projects, which critics say has killed jobs and driven up energy costs. With Trump's support, some of these projects might get built.
ECS faculty awarded $1.5M to transform produced water management
Researchers in the College of Engineering & Computer Science at the University of Tulsa have been awarded $1.5 million by the U.S. Department of Energy to develop innovative solutions for treating and reusing produced water.
Midstream M&A: Recent Acquisitions Reshaping Oil & Gas Infrastructure
The midstream sector has seen a wave of strategic acquisitions as major players continue to expand and optimize their infrastructure. From crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGL) pipelines to produced water handling, these deals highlight the ongoing efforts to enhance transportation and processing capabilities
Texas: A Strategic Hub for Critical Materials and Metals in the 21st Century
Texas is leading in critical mineral extraction, refining, advanced steel production, and recycling, securing supply chains for aerospace, defense, AI, and semiconductors. With innovative projects and sustainable manufacturing, the state is driving job growth, resilience, and national security.
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