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SECTION VI
WELL SITE RESTORATION
A. Well Site Restoration
1. Within nine months after completion of
drilling the well, the oil and gas well owner or
operator must restore the land surface within the area
disturbed in siting, drilling, completing and producing
the well. This includes:
a. Removing or filling all pits used to
contain produced fluids or industrial wastes. Standards
for disposal of drill cuttings and wastes, and closing
the pits are discussed in Section V.
b. Implementing erosion and sediment
control measures to minimize the potential for
accelerated erosion and sedimentation. Standards for
erosion and sediment control area discussed in Section
II.
c. Removing all drilling supplies not
needed for production. Drilling supplies and equipment
not needed for production may be stored at the well site
if the express written consent of the surface landowner
is obtained.
2. Within nine months after plugging a
well, the owner or operator must remove all production
or storage facilities, supplies and equipment and
restore the well site.
3. The Department may extend the
restoration period for an additional six months upon
application of the well owner or operator providing
evidence of inability to comply due to adverse weather
conditions or lack of essential fuel, equipment or
labor.
4. Requirements for site restoration are
contained in Sections 206 and 603.1 of the Oil and Gas
Act and 25 Pa. Code §§ 78.53 to 78.65 of the Oil and Gas
Well Regulations (refer to Appendix 1).
B. Well Site Restoration
Report
Within 60 days after the restoration of
the well, the operator must submit a “Well Site
Restoration Report” to the Department. The report is to
be made using form 5500-FM-OF0075 “Well Site
Restoration Report.” The report contains information
on land application of tophole water, on-site waste
disposal, and on-site cutting and waste disposal. Waste
volumes reported on this form are not to be included on
the “Annual Well and Waste Production Report.”

Well Site Restoration Report (PDF-107KB)
Source: Pennsylvania
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