BEFORE THE OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION

OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

 

IN THE MATTER OF TEMPORARY EMERGENCY AMENDMENTS             )                     CAUSE NO. 1

TO THE REGULATIONS OF THE OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION              )                    

COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO                                         )                    ORDER NO. 1R-78

 

REPORT OF THE COMMISSION

 

                        Pursuant to a hearing before the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission on July 1, 1997, in Suite 801, The Chancery Building, 1120 Lincoln Street, Denver, Colorado,  the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission promulgated temporary emergency amendments to its Rules and Regulations to amend certain rules in the 900-Series to read as shown below.

 

                        The Commission finds that the immediate adoption of these rules is imperatively necessary in order to preserve public health, safety and welfare.  Based on the imminent expiration of certain existing standards governing exploration and production waste compliance with the notice requirements of the State Administrative Procedures Act would not ensure the necessary continuity of Commission rules and regulations.   The Commission further finds that all interested parties have since been notified of the proposed change in compliance dates from July 1, 1997 to October 1, 1997.

 

904.     PRODUCTION PITS

a.         Sensitive Area Identification for production pits.

             (1)        For all existing unlined production pits to be kept in service after October 1, 1997, operators shall make a determination using the Sensitive Area Identification Decision Tree and Guidance Document as to whether the pit is located inside or outside a Sensitive Area and submit data evaluated and analysis used in the determination on a Sundry Notice, Form 4, or a permit application, by such date.

 

b.         Production pit permit requirements.

             (1)        Production pits inside Sensitive Areas.

                          B.         A permit shall be required for existing unlined production pits in Sensitive Areas which are not closed prior to October 1, 1997.  If such a pit is not closed by October 1, 1997, a permit for such pit shall be obtained pursuant to Rule 904.e.(2) not later than such date.

 

                          C.         No permit shall be required for existing unlined production pits in Sensitive Areas in which liners are installed on or before October 1, 1997, in accordance with the lining requirements of Rule 904.d.(2).  A Sundry Notice, Form 4, shall be submitted for all such pits containing the information set forth in Rule 904.d.(1) including the date the lining was installed.

 

905.     SPECIAL PURPOSE PITS

a.         Sensitive Area Identification for special  purpose pits.

             (1)        For all existing unlined special purpose pits kept in service after October 1, 1997, operators shall make a determination using the Sensitive Area Identification Decision Tree and Guidance Document as to whether the pit is located inside or outside a Sensitive Area and submit data evaluated and analysis used in the determination on a Sundry Notice, Form 4, or a permit application, by such date.

 

e.         Interim pit closure requirements.  Prior to October 1, 1997, the operator of any production or special purpose pit existing on July 1, 1995 which is closed before October 1, 1997, shall submit a Sundry Notice, Form 4, after closure of a pit.  The Sundry Notice, Form 4,  shall include the following:

 

g.         Exemption from spill/release requirements.  Rule 907. does not apply to pits closed between July 1, 1995 and October 1, 1997.

 

h.         Interim and final pit closure requirements.  All pit(s) closed prior to October 1, 1997 shall be reclaimed in accordance with the 1000 Series rules.  All pits closed after October 1, 1997 shall be closed and reclaimed in accordance with the 900 and 1000 Series rules and the COGCC/EGD describing pit closure standards.

 

i.           Interim requirements for buried tanks and vessels.  Prior to October 1, 1997, all operators of  steel, fiberglass, concrete, or other similar produced water vessels that are buried or partially buried and located in Sensitive Areas shall test such vessel for integrity, unless a monitoring or leak detection system is in place.  The operator shall repair or replace any such vessel found to be leaking.  The operator shall submit a Sundry Notice, Form 4, after such activity, describing the test results and action taken.

 

j.           Final closure requirements for buried tank and vessels.  All removal or replacement of vessels after October 1, 1997, shall be done in accordance with the COGCC/EGD describing pit closure standards.

 

                        Attached, as Exhibit A, is a statement giving the basis and purpose of the revisions and additions, and such statements are incorporated herein by reference.

 

                        DONE AND PERFORMED by the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission of the State of Colorado this      15th     day of     July    , 1997.

 

                                                                        OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION

                                                                              OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

 

 

                                                                        By                                                                           

                                                                        Patricia C. Beaver, Secretary

Dated at Suite 801

1120 Lincoln Street

Denver, Colorado 80203

July 15, 1997