Mr. Erik Milito - The House Committee on Natural Resources ...

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR ONSHORE OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION OPERATIONS AND LEASES 19
6.4.3.3 Soil Erosion
Disturbed areas, such as roads, pits, and well sites, may need to be further remediated depending on lease
agreements.
6.4.3.4 Inspection
Final abandonment is complete only after all surface equipment is removed, all pits are closed, and the surface is
restored. A vertical steel monument may be considered that indicates the well location, operator, and well number.
<strong>The</strong>reafter, the abandoned well site can more easily be located and the former operator determined.
7 Lease Gathering and System Lines
7.1 Introduction
In planning lease gathering and system lines, including electrical distribution systems, it is important to consider the
impact that construction operations and maintenance activities will have on people, animals, plants, and the land
itself, both surface and shallow subsurface. <strong>The</strong> impact on current use, as well as possible future uses, should be
evaluated along with potential future facilities expansion. Because pipelines can be buried, and the surface
reclaimed, long-term surface disturbance associated with pipelines can be avoided. <strong>The</strong> placement of pipelines
should avoid steep hillsides and watercourses where feasible. Also, where feasible, pipeline routes should take
advantage of road corridors to minimize surface disturbance. Also, when clearing is necessary, the width disturbed
should be kept to a minimum and topsoil material should be stockpiled to the side of the routes where cuts and fills
or other disturbances occur during pipeline construction. Retaining topsoil for replacement during reclamation can
significantly accelerate successful revegetation.
7.2 Route Selection
7.2.1 <strong>The</strong> following environmental factors should be considered in planning lease gathering and system lines.
a) Proximity to lakes, streams (including dry washes and ephemeral streams), wetlands, drainage and irrigation
ditches, canals, flood plains, and shallow water wells. <strong>The</strong>se features should be evaluated in terms of
disturbances during construction and routine operations, and in the event of accidental releases.
b) Depth to, and quality of, groundwater. <strong>The</strong> potential impact to groundwater, particularly from any releases from
buried lines should be considered.
c) Removal of trees, disturbances to dikes, levees, and terraces, and destruction of growing crops. <strong>The</strong>se impacts
should be evaluated with a focus on construction and routine maintenance activities.
d) Impacts to migratory bird habitat or critical habitat of threatened or endangered plant and animal species,
including noise and dust.
e) Proximity to buildings or other facilities occupied or used by the public. Particular consideration should be given
to homes, churches, schools, and hospitals.