These standards shall apply to all oil and gas wells and operations within the city, whether or not such existed prior to the adoption of these standards, unless expressly exempted herein.
(Ordinance adopted 12/17/07, sec. 7)
Except in the case of an emergency, oil and gas well servicing operations and any deliveries to the site shall take place between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, only. Loading and transport from the site shall be subject to the same limitations.
(Ordinance adopted 12/17/07, sec. 7)
(a) 
Abandoned wells.
All wells shall be abandoned in accordance with the rules of the railroad commission; however, all well casings shall be cut and removed to a depth of at least [three] feet (3') below the surface unless the surface owner submits a written agreement otherwise. No structures shall be built over an abandoned well.
(b) 
Blowout prevention.
In all cases, blowout prevention equipment shall be used on all wells being drilled or worked over or in which tubing is being changed. Protection shall be provided to prevent blowout during gas and oil operations as required by and in conformance with the requirements of the commission and the recommendations of the American Petroleum Institute. The operator must equip all drilling wells with adequate blowout preventers, flow lines and valves commensurate with the working pressures involved as required by the commission.
(c) 
Compliance.
The operator shall comply at all times with all applicable federal, state and city requirements.
(d) 
Discharges.
No person shall place, deposit, discharge, or cause or permit to be placed, deposited or discharged any oil, naphtha, petroleum, asphalt, tar, hydrocarbon substances or any refuse, including wastewater or brine, from any gas or oil operation or the contents of any container used in connection with any gas or oil operation in, into, or upon any public right-of-way, alleys, streets, lots, storm drain, ditch or sewer, sanitary drain or any body of water or any private property in the city.
(e) 
Drill stem testing.
All open hole formation or drill stem testing shall be done during daylight hours. Drill stem tests may be conducted only if the well effluent during the test is produced through an adequate gas separator to storage tanks and the effluent remaining in the drill pipe at the time the tool is closed is flushed to the surface by circulating drilling fluid down the annulus and up the drill pipe.
(f) 
Dust, vibration and odors.
All drilling and production operations shall be conducted in such a manner as to minimize, so far as practicable, dust, vibration, or noxious odors, and shall be in accordance with the best accepted practices incident to drilling for the production of gas, oil and other hydrocarbon substances in urban areas. All equipment used shall be so constructed and operated so that vibrations, dust, odor or other harmful or annoying substances or effect will be minimized by the operations carried on at any drilling or production site or from anything incident thereto, to the injury or annoyance of persons living in the vicinity; nor shall the site or structures thereon be permitted to become dilapidated, unsightly or unsafe. Proven technological improvements in industry standards of drilling and production in this area shall be adopted as they become available if capable of reducing factors of dust, vibration and odor. Where necessary due to accumulations of dust or mud, all trucks leaving the well site must be washed down before entering onto a public street or roadway.
(g) 
Electric lines.
All electric lines to production facilities shall be located in a manner compatible to those already installed in the surrounding area or subdivision.
(h) 
Electric motors.
Only electric prime movers or motors shall be permitted for the purpose of pumping wells. No electric power shall be generated on location. All electrical installations and equipment shall conform to the city ordinances and the appropriate national codes.
(i) 
Emergency response plan.
Prior to the commencement of any gas, oil or other hydrocarbons production activities, the operator shall submit to the planning department an emergency response plan establishing written procedures to minimize any hazard resulting from drilling, completion or producing of gas and oil wells. Said plan shall use existing guidelines established by the commission, the state natural resource conservation commission, the department of transportation and/or the Environmental Protection Agency.
(j) 
Fire prevention; sources of ignition.
Firefighting apparatus and supplies as approved by the fire department and required by any applicable federal, state, or local law shall be provided by the operator, at the operator’s cost, and shall be maintained on the drilling site at all times during drilling and completion operations. The operator shall be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of such equipment. Each well shall be equipped with an automated valve that closes the well in the event of an abnormal change in operating pressure. All well heads shall contain an emergency shut-off valve to the well distribution line.
(k) 
Fresh water wells.
It shall be unlawful to drill any well, the center of which, at the surface of the ground, is located within two hundred (200) feet of any fresh water well. The measurement shall be in a direct line from the closest well bore to the fresh water well bore. The operator of a gas or oil well shall provide the inspector with a “pre-drilling” and “post-drilling” water analysis from any fresh water well within five hundred (500) feet of the gas or oil well. Within 180 days of its completion date, each gas or oil well shall be equipped with a cathodic protection system to protect the production casing from external corrosion. The inspector may approve an alternative method of protecting the production casing from external corrosion.
(l) 
Gas emission or burning restricted.
No person shall allow, cause or permit gases to be vented into the atmosphere or to be burned by open flame except as provided by law or as permitted by the commission. If the venting of gases into the atmosphere or the burning of gases by open flame is authorized as provided by law or as permitted by the commission, then such vent or open flame shall not be located closer than two hundred (200) feet from any building not used in operations on the drilling site and such vent or open flame shall be screened in such a way as to minimize detrimental effects to adjacent property owners.
(m) 
Grass, weeds and trash.
All drill and operation sites shall be kept clear of high grass, weeds, and combustible trash within a radius of one hundred (100) feet around any gas or oil tank or tanks or producing wells.
(n) 
Hazardous materials management plan.
A hazardous materials management plan shall be on file with the fire marshal and the inspector.
(o) 
Lights.
No person shall permit any lights located on any drill or operation site to be directed in such a manner so that they shine directly on public roads, adjacent property or property in the general vicinity of the operation site. To the extent practicable, and taking into account safety considerations, site lighting shall be directed downward and internally so as to avoid glare on public roads and adjacent dwellings and buildings within three hundred (300) feet.
(p) 
Muffling of exhaust; fracturing operations; noise.
(1) 
Muffling of exhaust.
Exhaust from any internal combustion engine, stationary or mounted on wheels, used in connection with the drilling of any well or for use on any production equipment shall not be discharged into the open air unless it is equipped with an exhaust muffler or mufflers or an exhaust muffler box constructed of noncombustible materials sufficient to suppress noise and prevent the escape of obnoxious gases, fumes or ignited carbon or soot.
(2) 
Fracturing operations.
All formation fracturing operations shall be conducted during daylight hours unless the operator has notified the inspector that fracturing must occur before or after daylight hours to meet safety requirements, and such requirements are verified.
(3) 
Noise.
(A) 
No drilling producing or related drilling operations shall produce a sound level greater than 78 dB(A) when measured at a distance of three hundred (300) feet from the production equipment in question. The noise level shall be the average of sound level meter readings taken consecutively at any given time from four (4) or more diametrically opposite positions, four (4) feet above ground level, when measured at a distance of three hundred (300) feet from the production equipment. A maximum sound level of 85 dB(A) shall apply to formation fracturing when measured at a distance of three hundred (300) feet from the production equipment in question.
(B) 
No person shall operate or permit to be operated in connection with the operation of a producing well any engine, compressor or motor-driven machinery of any type which creates a sound level greater than 65 dB(A) when measured at a distance of three hundred (300) feet from the well site. The noise level shall be the average of sound level meter readings taken consecutively at any given time from four (4) or more diametrically opposite positions measured at a distance of three hundred (300) feet from the well site.
(C) 
Sound level measurements shall be made with a sound level meter conforming, as a minimum, to the requirements of the American National Standards Institute and installed at operator’s expense in specified locations.
(q) 
Pits.
Earthen mud or circulating pits shall be used. Such pits and contents shall be removed from the premises and the drilling site within sixty (60) days after completion of the well.
(r) 
Private roads.
Prior to the commencement of any drilling operations, all private roads used for access to the drill site and the operation site itself shall be at least ten (10) feet wide, have an overhead clearance of fourteen (14) feet and shall be surfaced with crushed rock, gravel or ore and maintained to prevent dust and mud.
(s) 
Salt water wells and other disposal wells.
No disposal wells, including but not limited to salt water disposal wells, shall be located within the city.
(t) 
Signs.
(1) 
A sign shall be immediately and prominently displayed at the gate on the temporary and permanent site fencing. Such sign shall be durable material, maintained in good condition and, unless otherwise required by the commission, shall have a surface area of not less than two (2) square feet or more than four (4) square feet and shall be lettered with the following:
(A) 
Well name and number;
(B) 
Name of operator;
(C) 
The emergency 911 number; and
(D) 
Telephone numbers of two (2) persons responsible for the well who may be contacted in case of emergency.
(2) 
Permanent weatherproof signs reading “DANGER NO SMOKING ALLOWED” shall be posted immediately upon completion of the well site fencing at the entrance of each well site and tank battery or in any other location approved or designated by the fire marshal. Sign lettering shall be four (4) inches in height and shall be red on a white background or white on a red background. Each sign shall include the emergency notification numbers of the fire department and the operator, well and lease designations required by the commission.
(u) 
Storage of equipment.
(1) 
On-site storage is prohibited on the operation site. No equipment shall be stored on the drilling or production operation site unless it is necessary to the everyday operation of the well. Lumber, pipes, tubing and casing shall not be left on the operation site except when drilling or well servicing operations are being conducted on the site.
(2) 
No vehicle or item of machinery shall be parked or stored on any street right-of-way or in any driveway or alley or upon any operation site which constitutes a fire hazard or an obstruction to or interference with fighting or controlling fires, except that equipment which is necessary for drilling or production operations on the site. No refinery, processing, treating, dehydrating or absorption plant of any kind shall be constructed, established or maintained on the premises.
(v) 
Storage tanks.
(1) 
All tanks and permanent structures shall conform to the American Petroleum Institute (API) specifications unless other specifications are approved by the fire chief. All storage tanks shall be equipped with a secondary containment system including lining with an impervious material. The secondary containment system shall be a minimum of three feet (3') in height and one and one-half (1-1/2) times the contents of the largest tank in accordance with the fire code, and buried at least one foot (1') below the surface. Drip pots shall be provided at the pump-out connection to contain the liquids from the storage tank.
(2) 
All tanks shall be set back pursuant to the standards of the commission and the National Fire Protection Association, but in all cases shall be at least fifty (50) feet from any public right-of-way or property line. Each storage tank shall be equipped with a level control device that will automatically activate a valve to close the well in the event of excess liquid accumulation in the tank.
(w) 
Tank battery facilities.
Tank battery facilities shall be equipped with a remote foam line and a lightning arrestor system. Tanks must be at least one hundred [feet] (100') from any residence, religious institution, public building, hospital building, school or public park.
(x) 
Surface casing.
Surface casing must be new and shall be run and set in full compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of the commission.
(y) 
Valves.
Each well must have a shut-off valve to terminate the well’s production. The fire department shall have access to the well site to enable it to close the shut-off valve in an emergency.
(z) 
Waste disposal.
Unless otherwise directed by the commission, all tanks used for storage shall conform to the following:
(1) 
The operator must use portable closed steel storage tanks for storing liquid hydrocarbons. Tanks must meet the American Petroleum Institute standards. All tanks must have a vent line, flame arrester and pressure relief valve. All tanks must be enclosed by a fence applicable to the issued permit classification.
(2) 
Drilling mud, cuttings, liquid hydrocarbons and all other field waste derived or resulting from or connected with the drilling, reworking or deepening of any well shall be discharged into an earthen pit. All disposals must be in accordance with the rules of the commission and any other appropriate local, state or federal agency.
(3) 
Unless otherwise directed by the commission, waste materials shall be removed from the site and transported to an off-site disposal facility not less often than every thirty (30) days. Water stored in on-site tanks shall be removed as necessary.
(4) 
All waste shall be disposed of in such a manner as to comply with the air and water pollution control regulations of the state and any applicable ordinances of the city.
(aa) 
Watchman.
The operator must keep a watchman or security personnel on-site during the drilling or reworking of a well when other workmen are not on the premises.
(Ordinance adopted 12/17/07, sec. 7)
(a) 
Fences.
(1) 
Fences shall not be required on drill sites during initial drilling, completion or reworking operations as long as 24-hour on-site supervision is provided. A secured entrance gate on the access road containing a Knox lock shall be required, and all gates are to be kept locked when the operator or employees are not on the premises.
(2) 
Within thirty (30) days after production on the final well on the site has been established, all operation sites shall be completely enclosed by a chain-link fence with a minimum height of eight (8) feet. Said fence shall enclose all completed wells, pits and tank areas. The fence shall be accompanied by screening material of a neutral color to screen the operations from view from public roads and residences.
(3) 
All fences shall be maintained in sound structural condition. The owner shall maintain the fence at all times in a state of good repair, safe and secure condition.
(4) 
The fence requirements of this section may be modified by the city council as part of the approval of an oil and gas well permit.
(b) 
Gates.
All fences shall be equipped with at least one (1) gate. The gate shall meet the following specifications:
(1) 
Each gate shall be not less than twelve (12) feet wide and be composed of two (2) gates, each of which is not less than six (6) feet wide, or one (1) sliding gate not less than twelve (12) feet wide. If two (2) gates are used, the gates shall latch and lock in the center of the span.
(2) 
The gates shall be constructed of ornamental iron or of chain link coated with black or dark green vinyl or plastic material.
(3) 
The gates shall be provided with a combination catch and locking attachment device for a padlock, and shall be kept locked except when being used for access to the site.
(4) 
The operator shall provide a Knox lock for emergency access to the well site.
(c) 
Applicability; variances.
These fencing and gate requirements apply to all oil or gas well operations inside the city. Oil or gas well operations which existed prior to the adoption of these regulations must comply within 90 days of the enactment of these regulations. The city council may waive strict compliance with these requirements with regard to existing operations if the operator shows that its existing fencing/gates substantially serve the goals of these regulations. The operator must apply for such a variance with the city council.
(Ordinance adopted 12/17/07, sec. 7)
(a) 
It shall be unlawful to drill any well, the center of which, at the surface of the ground, is located:
(1) 
Within twenty-five (25) feet from any outer boundary line;
(2) 
Within twenty-five (25) feet from any storage tank, or source of ignition;
(3) 
Within fifty (50) feet of any public street, road, highway or future street, right-of-way or property line;
(4) 
Within one hundred and fifty (150) feet from any building used, or designed and intended to be used, for human occupancy;
(5) 
Within two hundred (200) feet to any fresh water well. The measurement shall be in a direct line from the closest well bore to the fresh water well bore.
(b) 
The distance shall be calculated from the well bore, in a straight line, without regard to intervening structures or objects, to the closest exterior point of any object listed in subsections (a)(1) through (4) above.
(c) 
The distances set out in subsection (a)(1), (3), (4) or (5) of this section may be reduced at the discretion of the city council based on information provided by the operator as to safety precautions to be used and steps to be taken to prevent interference with the enjoyment of surrounding properties by others, but never less than one hundred (100) feet from any dwelling or any other building used, or designed and intended to be used, for human occupancy without the unanimous consent of the property owners within a one hundred (100) foot radius around said well and the affirmative vote of not less than three-fourths of all the members of the city council. For protection of the public health, safety and welfare, the city council may impose additional requirements for a reduction of such distance.
(d) 
The foregoing restrictions do not apply to a well already in existence prior to the effective date of this article, as amended, as long as the well was permitted or approved by the city under any applicable previous regulations, and is in compliance with the applicable previous setback regulations of the city, if any.
(Ordinance adopted 12/17/07, sec. 7)
After the well has been completed or plugged and abandoned, the operator shall clean the drill site or operation site, complete restoration activities and repair all damage to public property caused by such operations within sixty (60) days.
(Ordinance adopted 12/17/07, sec. 7)
After any spill, leak or malfunction, the operator shall remove or cause to be removed to the satisfaction of the city fire chief and the inspector all waste materials from any public or private property affected by such spill, leak or malfunction. Cleanup operations must begin immediately. If the owner fails to begin site cleanup within twenty-four (24) hours, the city shall have the right to contact the commission in order to facilitate the removal of all waste materials from the property affected by such spill, leak or malfunction.
(Ordinance adopted 12/17/07, sec. 7)
The property on which a well site is located shall at all times be kept free of debris, pools of water or other liquids, contaminated soil, weeds, brush, trash or other waste material within a radius of one hundred (100) feet around any separators, tanks and producing wells.
(Ordinance adopted 12/17/07, sec. 7)
All production equipment shall be painted and maintained at all times, including wellheads, pumping units, tanks, and buildings or structures. Paint shall be of a neutral color, compatible with surrounding uses. Neutral colors shall include sand, gray and unobtrusive shades of green, blue and brown, or other neutral colors approved by the inspector.
(Ordinance adopted 12/17/07, sec. 7)
In the event of the loss of control of any well, the operator shall immediately take all reasonable steps to regain control regardless of any other provision of this article, and shall notify the city as soon as practicable.
(Ordinance adopted 12/17/07, sec. 7)
(a) 
Whenever abandonment occurs pursuant to the requirements of the commission, the operator so abandoning shall be responsible for the restoration of the well site to its original condition as nearly as practicable, in conformity with the regulations of this article.
(b) 
Abandonment shall be approved by the inspector after restoration of the drill site has been accomplished in conformity with the following requirements:
(1) 
The derrick and all appurtenant equipment thereto shall be removed from drill site;
(2) 
All tanks, towers, and other surface installations shall be removed from the drill site;
(3) 
All concrete foundations, piping, wood, guy anchors and other foreign materials, regardless of depth, except surface casing, shall be removed from the site, unless otherwise directed by the commission;
(4) 
All holes and depressions shall be filled with clean, compactable soil;
(5) 
All waste, refuse or waste material shall be removed from the drill site; and
(6) 
During abandonment, the operator shall comply with all applicable sections of this article.
(Ordinance adopted 12/17/07, sec. 7)
The operator shall furnish the following to the city:
(1) 
A copy of the approval of the commission confirming compliance with all abandonment proceedings under the state law; and
(2) 
A notice of intention to abandon and stating the date such work will be commenced. Abandonment may then be commenced on or subsequent to the date so stated.
(Ordinance adopted 12/17/07, sec. 7)
All abandoned or deserted wells or drill sites shall meet the most current abandonment requirements of the commission prior to the issuance of any building permit for development of the property. No structure shall be built over an abandoned well.
(Ordinance adopted 12/17/07, sec. 7)