Preventing Orphaned Wells

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

3. Preventing Orphaned Wells The Committee is intensifying efforts to ensure that inactive wells do not become “orphaned," leaving the state and taxpayers responsible for the cost of plugging. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick release the Interim Charges for the Senate Water, Agriculture and Rual Affairs. There are no groundwater specific related charges for this committee. There is a charge dedicated to Data centers and we will be following that closely. Vill Review and Update from Freese and Nichols on Longfellow Well Findings on Allison Rd, Database updates, Pecos County, Reeves, Jeff Davis Spring map and Diamond Y Springs Hydrogeological studies. Vince Clause, PG, GISP presented findings on the Longfellow Allison Well in Pecos County, Texas. The Project Goal is to determine the water bearing units Page 4 of 8 ——— EE ———— EEE Minutes of 04-21-2026 supplying the well to improve understanding of local hydrogeology and source aquifer. Given the Gaptank is saturated and transmits water, it should be viewed as an aquifer in the area. Vince advised the Board to consider a review of other well completion records in this area to better understand the formations that may be closely related to the Marathon Aquifer. Vince presented database updates on exempt and non-exempt wells (Phase 2). Project Goal is to improve the organization, completeness, accessibility, and overall usability of the district's database management system. The recommendation, given the value of the improvements, is to sustain and expand database update activities. Diamond Y Springs Hydrogeological Studies: e Identified separate spring systems. e Map possible fault systems. e Identified data gaps and possible wells that may be suitable for monitoring. e Fault Structure Refinements Statistical analysis to identify flow sources. Rustler Brackish Groundwater Production Zones-expanded amendment request to Rustler 3 e Recommendations: o Formalize BGPZ amendment request to TWDB. o Consider a study to evaluate the recent regional rainfall events and the recharge effects on water levels. See attachment B for the Longfellow Well Findings, Database updates, Springs Map, and Diamond Y Springs Hydrogeological Studies IX Update and possible action regarding San Andres efforts at RRC, associated Leaking Water Wells Grant Program and plugging efforts, and engagement of one or more professionals to support these efforts. Ty Edwards updated the Board on the application to TCEQ. The application has been submitted and awaits approval of plugging our first flowing well under the new grant program at TCEQ. Requirements of the grant include posting an RFQ to select the oversite professional for the plugging program. Wayne Tinkler made a motion to approve and post the Request for Statement of Interest and Qualifications: Deep Well Plugging Specialist. Motion seconded by Vanessa Cardwell. Jeff Sims opposed. Motion passed. Vote: 7FOR -1-Oppose 3Absent 0 Abstain Page 5 of 8 —————_———————— EE ee Minutes of 04-21-2026 Xx Update on Fort Stockton Holdings, L.P. (FSH)-MPGCD Joint Study and Threshold Water Level Update. The Board and General Manager discussed the ongoing groundwater monitoring of the FSH threshold water levels. All wells are working and operating properly, and no wells are near any threshold water levels that would trigger cutbacks according to the FSH special permit conditions. A link to the FSH threshold water levels is available at https://mpgcd.halff.com/Dashboard. General Manager Ty Edwards screen-shared and provided an overview of current data. Ty Edwards informed the Board that the Rustler well has been completed, and the monitor equipment has been installed. No action. Janet Groth moved to Item XiIl XIl_ Progress Reports: Well Registrations, Production Permits, Drilling Permits, Data Loggers, Drought Monitor Map, Water Quality Analysis, and General Manager’s Correspondence. OLERA-03-24-2026 Rig Data 04-18-2026 SwRI MPGCD Pecos River WaterSMART Pro

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