Unless otherwise approved by the Supervisor, an operator shall conduct a survey of shallow hazards, natural and manmade, within a one-quarter- (1/4-) mile radius of the proposed installation or operation of any mobile drilling facility, platform, or fixed structure. Unless otherwise approved by the Supervisor, such survey shall include a magnetic survey, a sub-bottom profile, and a sparker or shallow seismic survey. The purpose of this survey is to document the location of specific areas on, and immediately underlying the waters floor that would not support a drilling or production facility; that may contain shallow hydrocarbons; and other conditions that could be a potential safety hazard. For this reason, the operator shall submit a summary report with drawings on eight-and-one-half (8 1\2) inch X eleven (11) inch plats showing water depths and the location and aerial extent of all shallow hazards, including pipelines and other developments, with respect to the proposed operation. The report shall also include a listing of safety measures to accommodate any identified potential safety hazards that may occur as a result of the proposed operation. Two (2) copies of the shallow hazards report shall be submitted to the Supervisor with the application for a drilling permit as required by section (2) of Rule 400-2-2-.01,relating to Permitting of Wells, or in accordance with section (3) of Rule 400-2-6-.09, relating to Platforms and Fixed Structures, whichever is appropriate. If a new installation or operation is proposed in an area where an existing survey of shallow hazards has been conducted, then the Supervisor may require a new survey of shallow hazards.
Author: State Oil and Gas Board
Ala. Admin. Code r. 400-2-8-.01
Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 9-17-1, etseq.