Ala. Admin. Code r. 400-3-4-.10

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 400-3-4-.10 - Pit Construction And Maintenance

(1) An operator shall obtain approval of the Supervisor prior to the construction of any pit to be used in conjunction with drilling, completion, and workover operations.

(2) All pits utilized to contain fluids during drilling, completion, and workover operations shall be constructed and maintained so as to prevent pollution of surface and ground water.

(3) Pits shall be constructed and maintained so as to contain fluids within the pit. No fluids shall be discharged from the pit except as allowed by appropriate permit(s) and regulation(s). The fluid level in such pits shall be kept at least two (2) feet below the top of the pit wall or dike.

(4) Pits shall be constructed and maintained so that no surface water or runoff will enter the pit.

(5) Operators should construct pits so that the bottom of the pit is above the seasonal high water table. If the pit cannot be constructed in such a manner, then the Supervisor shall require that the pit be lined with a material that is capable of retaining pit fluids or that other action be taken to insure the protection of ground water.

(6) Operators shall prevent materials that are not exempt under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act from entering the pit during drilling, completion, or workover operations.

(7) Prior to utilizing such pit, the pit shall be inspected by the operator who shall make a determination that said pit is constructed in a manner that will prevent the pollution of surface and ground water. The operator shall keep a record of the determination and shall provide a copy of said determination to the Board, upon request by the Supervisor. If requested by the Supervisor, an operator may be required to be available at the well location for a review of the determination as to whether or not the pit is in compliance with this rule.

Author: State Oil and Gas Board

Ala. Admin. Code r. 400-3-4-.10

New Rule: Filed April 11, 2000; effective May 16, 2000.

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 9-17-1, etseq.