055-4 Wyo. Code R. § 4-15

Current through April 27, 2019

Section 4-15 - Production Facilities and Natural Gas Facility Equipment and Flowline Abandonment

(a) An Owner/Operator of a well or wells shall notify the Supervisor of all above and below ground flowlines and vessels, including tanks, if the flowlines or vessels are not used for a period of two (2) years. After consideration of the relevant circumstances, the Supervisor on a case-by-case basis, may require the flowline or facilities to be purged with fresh water or inert gases, drained and depressured. The Owner/Operator shall provide notification of the purging operation to the Supervisor or Authorized Agent.

(b) The Supervisor may require the Owner or Operator to abandon and/or remove all above ground piping. If flowlines or facility piping are removed, the removal shall be done in a manner that prevents the escape of fluids, that is:

• (i) Purge with fresh water or inert gases, drain and depressure; then,

• (ii) Seal the line or cap at both ends. If not removed, the Owner or Operator will be required to mark remaining piping to identify as purged piping.

(c) If underground flowlines or facility piping are abandoned in place, the Owner or Operator shall meet the following requirements:

• (i) Purge with fresh water or inert gases, drain and depressure the flowline and piping;

• (ii) Seal the line or cap at both ends; and,

• (iii) Bury at least twenty-four inches (24") below the surface and restore the surface contour, unless the Supervisor or the surface land owner agrees otherwise in writing.

055-4 Wyo. Code R. § 4-15

Amended, Eff. 6/3/2015.