Frac Pit Construction

Overview

Big D specializes in frac pits of any size; most commonly ranging in volumes from 100,000 barrels to more than 2 million barrels. Many horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing programs require more water availability at the time of completion, so we are increasingly being asked to build storage pits capable of holding 1.5 to 2 million barrels of water. With multiple full-time crews, your pit can be constructed quickly and efficiently.

Big D utilizes 3D grading systems during the construction process to ensure design specifications are met. All of our pits are graded to the sump where operators can maximize water usage during fracking operations. Pits are built in lifts and compacted to improve the longevity of the pit and ensure a quality liner installation.

With the use of our pit lining crews, water treatment, and water transfer services, Big D is the perfect turnkey partner for designing, constructing, and operating your fluid management needs.

Produced Water Pits

Big D’s quality of work and attention to detail has positioned us to be the premier dirt contractor for designing, building, and lining any pit capable of holding produced water.

With many operators combining horizontal drilling with hydraulic fracturing, the demand for water is increasing. Many operators in the Permian Basin are finding new ways to use produced water to supplement the high volumes of fresh water they require for their projects. Produced water can present environmental challenges, and that is where Big D’s expertise in dirt construction and lining systems comes into play. Big D Equipment has more experience at installing double-lined water storage pits with leak detection systems than any of our competitors. Our lining systems meet both Texas and New Mexico regulations. Please contact Big D Equipment for more information.

Please consider our produced water treatment services.

Texas RRC Requirements for Produced Water Frac Pits

The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) requires that frac pits conform to a number of significant standards. Our construction standards are fully aligned with RRC regulations.

RRC’s basic requirements:

• Adequate freeboard, minimum of 2’ (3' in New Mexico)
• Compaction of subgrade, built-in lifts
•  Free of rocks, debris, or irregularities with sharp edges
• Top width of dike: minimum of 4 feet, though we recommend 12 feet
• Side slopes not steeper than 3 to 1 grade
• Dikes (walls) are keyed into underlying soil
• Lined with liner providing hydraulic conductivity 1.0 x 10-7 cm/s or less. (Minimum of 30 mil is best practice)
•  Liner seams should be oriented up and down, not across slopes
• Pits must be emptied and inspected annually, OR be constructed with double liners and undergo Monthly Leak Detection Monitoring

http://www.rrc.state.tx.us/oil-gas/applications-and-permits/environmental-permit-types-information/pits/