Section 240.1170  Plugging Fluid Waste Disposal and Well Site Restoration

Within 6 months after a well is plugged:

a)         The free liquid fraction of the plugging fluid waste, consisting of produced water and crude oil, shall be removed from the pit and disposed of in a Class II Injection well (or in above ground tanks or containers pending disposal) prior to restoration.  The remaining plugging fluid wastes shall be disposed of by on-site burial.

b)         All plugging pits shall be filled and leveled in a manner that allows the site to be returned to original use with no subsidence or leakage of fluids, and where applicable, with sufficient compaction to support farm machinery.

c)         All drilling and production equipment, rock or concrete bases, machinery, and equipment debris shall be removed from the site.

d)         Casing shall be cut off at least 4 feet below the surface of the ground, and a steel plate welded on the casing or a mushroomed cap of cement approximately one foot in thickness shall be placed over the casing so that the top of the cap is at least 3 feet below ground level.

e)         Any drilling rat holes shall be filled with cement to no lower than 4 feet and no higher than 3 feet below ground level.

f)         The well site and all excavations, holes and pits shall be filled and the surface leveled.

g)         Upon written request of the permittee, the Department may approve extensions of time, not to exceed a date 12 months after the plugging of the well, to complete the work required by subsections (a) through (f).  All extension requests must be received by the Department no less than 10 calendar days prior to the expiration of the initial 6 month period or any extensions of that time period.  When determining whether to grant an extension, and in determining the length of any extensions, the Department will consider factors including, but not limited to:

1)         the permittee's diligence in completing the work since the well was plugged;

2)         weather conditions;

3)         amount and type of work completed;

4)         amount and type of work still remaining to be completed;

5)         number of wells and facilities involved in the work;

6)         written consent to extension from surface owner;

7)         availability of equipment and/or services; and

8)         conditions beyond the permittee's control.

(Source:  Amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 7051, effective April 22, 2016)