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Oil and Gas FAQ
Oil and gas wells are being actively drilled in Midland, Texas, because the region sits at the heart of the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil fields in the world and a major driver of U.S. energy output.
Oil and gas wells are being actively drilled in Midland, Texas, because the region sits at the heart of the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil fields in the world and a major driver of U.S. energy output.
In Texas, the Railroad Commission regulates this industry as well as pipeline safety. For more information, call 512-463-7288.
In Texas, the Railroad Commission regulates this industry as well as pipeline safety. For more information, call 512-463-7288.
City staff visit active producing well sites in addition to new sites currently being constructed. Staff ensures that operators maintain compliance with the City's Codes and Ordinances as agreed upon in each well’s city-issued drilling permit. Consistent communication with operators, local businesses, and local residents ensures we can address any concerns quickly and effectively.
City staff visit active producing well sites in addition to new sites currently being constructed. Staff ensures that operators maintain compliance with the City's Codes and Ordinances as agreed upon in each well’s city-issued drilling permit. Consistent communication with operators, local businesses, and local residents ensures we can address any concerns quickly and effectively.
Oil & Gas Well applications are reviewed by staff from Oil & Gas Services, Fire Department, Engineering, Transportation, Utilities, Planning, and Legal. The Oil and Gas Advisory Committee also reviews each application. Only by a unanimous vote by the City Council can a permit be approved.
Oil & Gas Well applications are reviewed by staff from Oil & Gas Services, Fire Department, Engineering, Transportation, Utilities, Planning, and Legal. The Oil and Gas Advisory Committee also reviews each application. Only by a unanimous vote by the City Council can a permit be approved.
The role of the committee is to review Oil & Gas applications for (1) technical compliance and (2) administrative completeness.
The role of the committee is to review Oil & Gas applications for (1) technical compliance and (2) administrative completeness.
Oil & Gas wells are inspected continuously during the construction and production phases by our Oil & Gas Inspector, in addition to annual inspections of tank batteries and auxiliary facilities. The City’s Oil & Gas Inspector is an industry professional who conducts technical and safety inspections periodically to ensure compliance with our ordinance on wells and facilities throughout the year.
Oil & Gas wells are inspected continuously during the construction and production phases by our Oil & Gas Inspector, in addition to annual inspections of tank batteries and auxiliary facilities. The City’s Oil & Gas Inspector is an industry professional who conducts technical and safety inspections periodically to ensure compliance with our ordinance on wells and facilities throughout the year.
Drilling times vary depending on the rig and well profile, but typically a well takes 15 to 30 days to drill and then an additional 10 to 20 days to fracture and complete the well for production. Once drilling has commenced, it is a 24-hour non-stop process.
Drilling times vary depending on the rig and well profile, but typically a well takes 15 to 30 days to drill and then an additional 10 to 20 days to fracture and complete the well for production. Once drilling has commenced, it is a 24-hour non-stop process.
Drilling is allowed twenty-four (24) hours without time constraints.
Drilling is allowed twenty-four (24) hours without time constraints.
After the well is complete and oil & gas are being produced, the property will be fenced and company representatives will come to the site on regularly to ensure proper well operation, conduct maintenance and ensure continued compliance.
After the well is complete and oil & gas are being produced, the property will be fenced and company representatives will come to the site on regularly to ensure proper well operation, conduct maintenance and ensure continued compliance.
Wells typically produce gas for about thirty years. After the well is no longer in production, the well must be capped.
Wells typically produce gas for about thirty years. After the well is no longer in production, the well must be capped.
The Ordinance allows up to 500 feet before a variance would be required and would need the approval of the City Council.
The Ordinance allows up to 500 feet before a variance would be required and would need the approval of the City Council.
The City Council approves or denies Oil & Gas Applications. Applications are brought to the City Council meeting for public hearing, and after thirty days (30), the City Council may vote at a regular meeting.
The City Council approves or denies Oil & Gas Applications. Applications are brought to the City Council meeting for public hearing, and after thirty days (30), the City Council may vote at a regular meeting.
Ordinance 8769 has jurisdiction only for those permitted wells located in the city limits.
Ordinance 8769 has jurisdiction only for those permitted wells located in the city limits.
All questions can be answered by either the operator whose number is posted on the sign and website or the City of Midland Oil & Gas Officer at 432-522-8690.
All questions can be answered by either the operator whose number is posted on the sign and website or the City of Midland Oil & Gas Officer at 432-522-8690.
Last Updated: 12/31/2025