Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 50, December 14, 2024
Section 78.75 - Alternative methods(a) A well operator may request approval from the Department to use an alternative method or material for the casing, plugging or equipping of a well under section 211 of the act (58 P.S. § 601.211).(b) A well operator seeking approval under this section shall file an application with the Department on forms furnished by the Department. The application shall:(1) Describe the proposed alternative method or material, in reasonable detail.(2) Indicate the manner in which the alternative will satisfy the goals of the act and this chapter.(3) Include a drawing or schematic of the alternative method, if appropriate.(c) The well operator shall notify all coal owners and operators and gas storage operators of record of the proposal, by certified mail. The well operator shall state in the application that he has sent the certified mail notice to the coal owners and operators and gas storage operators of record, either simultaneously with or prior to submitting the proposal to the Department.(d) The coal owners and operators and gas storage operators of record shall have up to 15 days from their receipt of the notice to file objections or to indicate concurrence with the proposed alternative method or material.(e) If no objections are filed within 15 days from receipt of the notice, and if none are raised by the Department, the Department will make a determination whether to allow the use of the proposed alternative method or material.The provisions of this § 78.75 adopted July 28, 1989, effective 7/29/1989, 19 Pa.B. 3229; amended March 30, 2001, effective 3/31/2001, 31 Pa.B. 1736. This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 78.81 (relating to general provisions); 25 Pa. Code § 78.83 (relating to surface and coal protective casing and cementing procedures); 25 Pa. Code § 78.87 (relating to gas storage reservoir protective casing and cementing procedures); and 25 Pa. Code § 78.401 (relating to storage well construction).