H.B. 522 Summary

• Prohibits injection of brine and other waste substances except in class I injection wells, effective January 1, 2016; requires class I injection well permits under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

• Prohibits negligent conversion of oil and gas wells to uses other than their original purpose and establishes a new section 1509.051 addressing well conversions.

• Requires municipal or township approval prior to issuance of oil or gas well permits, with a 30-day review period for legislative authorities to approve or disapprove applications.

• Levies fees on injection of brine and other waste substances into class I injection wells: 5 cents per barrel for locally-produced substances and 20 cents per barrel for out-of-district substances, with a 500,000 barrel annual maximum per well.

• Designates the Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management in the Department of Natural Resources as having sole and exclusive authority to regulate oil and gas well permitting and spacing, except for activities regulated under federal law or other specified state regulations.