Big changes are coming to the way companies produce oil in Kern County and it all centers around a controversial way of disposing waste water.
Companies will no longer be allowed to pump waste water back in to aquifers deep below the ground.
The concern is that water could someday contaminate the precious supply of natural ground water, a concern that is fueled by the states years’ long drought.
Eleven aquifers that were once able to receive waste water must stop by December 31st. The decision means companies have to find an alternate way of disposing of the waste water or risk shutting down operation in those aquifers.
Companies and individuals have until December 16th to file any public comments on this issue and a public hearing will be held on December 14th at 4 p.m. the Four Points Sheraton in Bakersfield.
