New Type Of ‘Farming’ May Affect Groundwater

Posted on March 1st, 2010

While North Texas’ farming history is extensive, a new type of “farming” is gaining the attention of area residents. Land farming is a technique for waste disposal involving the spreading of wastes on the land surface, explained Dr. Bob Patterson, general manager of the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (UTGCD). Typically, land farming is performed in areas adjacent to reserve pits used in the oil and gas industry. Patterson pointed out that the “farmed” land is then tilled and seeded with in-situ bacteria which eventually biodegrades the waste material. The growing plants absorb portions of the chemicals found in the fluids from the pits. This farming system controls waste migration and provides a safe means of disposal without impairing the potential of the land for future use, according to the Texas Railroad Commission, the state agency which regulates land farming and reserve pits. UTGCD is a voter-approved agency which has developed rules for prote...Read More