Although Illinois has no rules specific to hydraulic fracturing at this time, the current rules pertaining to normal oil and gas exploration and production operations apply to hydraulic fracturing fluids.  All wells, with the exception of seismic exploration holes, related to oil and gas exploration and production operations in the State are required to be permitted in accordance with the Oil and Gas Act and the Oil and Gas Rules which can be found at the following site: http://dnr.state.il.us/mines/ommActs.htm.

The Rules specify how wells are required to be constructed and operated.  Each permit application is reviewed by technical staff to ensure compliance with the Rules. Casing strings and cement are required to protect the underground sources of drinking water and prevent the migration of formation fluids into the fresh water. Technical staff determine the amount of casing required during the application review process. Drilling and completion fluids are regulated in regards to storage and disposal in order to prevent contamination of the surface land and waters. Recovered completion fluids are required to be disposed of in a permitted Class II injection well.  The Division of Oil and Gas field inspection staff conduct regular inspections of well sites and related facilities to ensure compliance with the Rules and enforce any violations.