Texas RRC launches new tool to track oil and gas inspections

The Railroad Commission of Texas (Texas RRC) in the US has launched a new tool that will allow users to track oil and gas inspections.

The new RRC Online Inspection Lookup (OIL) tool also helps users to search for statewide enforcement information, including notices of violation and intentions to end leases.

With the help of RRC OIL, anyone can search online records of oil and gas well inspections and violations.

Texas RRC chairman Christi Craddick said: “RRC Online Inspection Lookup continues our efforts to use improved technology to deliver more accessible information to the public and industry on the work of the commission.”

Users may access RRC OIL and can customise inspection and violation searches by a variety of criteria, including operator name, lease name or number, API number, county, RRC District Oil and Gas District number, and inspection date range.

Commissioner Wayne Christian said: “This tool will be helpful to our agency, the industry and most importantly, the general public in ensuring individuals have easy, transparent access to data regarding the regulation of our natural resources.

“I applaud our hardworking staff and the commitment of funding from the Texas Legislature in making this long-desired tool a reality.”

A part of the agency’s on-going information technology modernisation programme, the new tool is capable of evaluating inspection and enforcement data entered into the RRC’s Inspection, Compliance, Enforcement Electronic Tracking System implemented in August 2015.

Established in 1891, the Texas RRC is a regulatory agency in the state and has jurisdiction over alternative fuels safety, natural gas utilities, surface mining and intrastate pipelines.