Brine Production Permit Procedures
Brine Production for Lithium & Other Elements
Overview
The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) regulates brine production projects and associated UIC Class V spent brine return injection wells under the authority of 16 TAC §3.82. These projects involve extracting mineral-rich brine (for example, lithium or bromine) from subsurface formations and returning the spent brine to the same geologic zone via Class V injection wells.
Operators must obtain both a brine production project permit and Class V injection well permits before beginning operations. The permitting process ensures protection of underground sources of drinking water (USDWs), conservation of resources, and environmental safety.
Permit Requirements
Brine Production Project Permit
Operators must submit a project-wide permit application that includes:
- Project description and design
- Brine field characterization
- Confining zone integrity evaluation
- Plat maps showing ownership and project boundaries
- Financial assurance documentation
Class V Injection Well Permits
Each Class V well requires an individual permit before injection can begin. Applications must include:
- Casing and cementing plans
- Mechanical integrity testing procedures
- Injection pressure data
- Area of review (AOR) and monitoring plan
Project Design and Spacing Requirements
- Minimum acreage: 1,280 contiguous acres per brine production well
- Well spacing: ≥½ mile from project boundaries and non-participating tracts
- Acreage assignment: May not be assigned to multiple wells without an exception
- Well location exceptions: May be requested; may require notice and hearing
Casing, Cementing, and Construction Standards
- Surface casing must extend at least 100 feet below the base of underground source of drinking water (USDW) and be cemented to surface.
- Long string casing must be cemented from the top of the brine zone to surface.
- All materials must be designed to resist chemical degradation from brine and injected fluids.
