UL monitors daily well production and when wells reach the end of life, UL lease compliance analysts engage the operator to develop a lease restoration plan, which includes plugging all non-producing wells, removing all tank batteries, pipelines and power lines and picking up caliche from pads and roads that is either returned to the caliche pit or used for road repair. When all equipment is removed, the disturbed lands are re-seeded with a custom blend of a native grassland seed mixture to return the property to healthy pastureland.
“We care greatly for this land. If problems occur, we address the situation quickly. There’s no area of this land I would hesitate to take someone.”
UL staff work closely with larger operators to evaluate and plug dozens of water wells that are no longer in use to remove the potential for groundwater contamination.
The UL team consistently engages in ongoing education to explore emerging methods and technologies designed to enhance emission management. Additionally, they remain vigilant in staying informed about the latest regulations to guarantee compliance and safeguard the environment. For example, UL’s environmental coordinator has been working with operators to reduce emissions in preparation for new federal regulations that are expected soon, which will require continuous air monitoring. In addition to the many procedures and systems in place to prevent and mitigate potential environmental concerns, University Lands also publishes best practices and helpful information online that operators can access anytime to help fulfill their environmental stewardship responsibilities.
Richard Brantley, Senior Vice President of Operations
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