RECENT RDR PROJECT: IMPOUNDMENT CLOSURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION
RDR is beginning a major impoundment closure project in Ohio County, West Virginia, safely handling hydraulic fracturing wastewater. The project will consist of removal and restoration of a football field sized impoundment nearly 30 feet deep, which safely stored fracking wastewater within a 60-mil protective liner. The approximately one month plan is for RDR’s team to move the wastewater into an approved disposal facility, clean, remove, and transport the liner to a licensed landfill, conduct earthwork to restore the site to its original grade, and then revegetate. This project spotlights RDR’s ability to handle complex environmental challenges safely and effectively.
ABOUT IMPOUNDMENT CLOSURES
When closing an impoundment containing hydraulic fracturing wastewater, operators must follow strict procedures to protect public health and the environment. Fracking fluids typically contain salts, hydrocarbons, metals, and chemical additives. These are all potentially harmful if managed improperly. Proper impoundment closure services involve removing all wastewater and contaminants, excavating liners and residual materials, restoring the site to natural contours with revegetation, meeting protection standards, and conducting long-term monitoring as required.
REGULATORY STANDARDS FOR A SAFE IMPOUNDMENT CLOSURE
At the federal level, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with other similar federal agencies, regulates impoundment closures. The EPA requires that wastewater and other contaminants are handled in ways that protect drinking water, surface water, and surrounding soils.
Each state has its own additional requirements. In West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, closure standards cover everything from liner removal and waste tracking, to soil restoration and final inspections. State regulators must review and approve closure plans before the work even begins.
ABOUT CLEAN CLOSURES
All water is removed and taken to an approved disposal facility. Liners, residual sludge, and any contaminated soil are excavated and managed as waste. The site is backfilled, regraded to natural contours, and revegetated. Regulators must review and approve the closure plan before work begins. A clean closure of wastewater impoundments is considered the most thorough and environmentally protective, aligning with RDR’s environmental remediation expertise. RDR is executing a clean closure in the Ohio County, West Virginia project.
KEY STEPS IN THE CLOSURE PROCESS
1. Site assessment and closure plan development
Conduct proper testing, identify any contaminates, and prepare a closure plan for approval.
2. Water removal
Pump and transport hydraulic fracturing wastewater to approved disposal facilities.
3. Liner cleanup
Remove liners, sludges, and any contaminated soil.
4. Waste transport
Ship all materials to approved disposal facilities in accordance with federal and state regulations.
5. Site restoration
Backfill excavated areas, compact soil, and regrade to restore natural contours.
6. Revegetation and stabilization
Revegetate where necessary and apply erosion controls to prevent runoff.
7. Final inspection and sign off
Regulators must confirm the closure meets the preapproved plan and adheres to applicable regulations.
8. Post closure documentation
Maintain closure reports, disposal manifests, and certifications for compliance records.
Site assessment and closure plan development
POST CLOSURE DOCUMENTATION AND CERTIFICATION
Every impoundment closure must be supported by clear records to prove the work was completed safely and in full compliance. Typical documentation includes:
- Waste manifest and disposal receipts
- Photo records of the process and of the site restoration
- RDR handles this entire process guaranteeing paperwork is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.
