Section 20.25.140. Water wells.

If a well drilled onshore for oil or gas is to be abandoned, but is safe for use as a freshwater well, a person who wishes to use the well as a freshwater well must obtain written authorization to do so from the landowner and the owner of the surface rights. The authorization must provide for the authorized person's assumption of full responsibility for the final plugging of the water well. This authorization must be filed with the commission and is subject to commission approval, based upon the commission's determination that the proposed use as a freshwater well is bona fide. After the commission's approval of the plugging of the well to protect the freshwater bearing strata to a depth approved by the commission for conversion to a water well, and after the commission's approval of the location clearance for compliance with 20 AAC 25.170(a)(2) or (b) or 20 AAC 25.172(c)(2) or (d), the operator is relieved of further obligation under the operator's bond.  

Authorities

31.05.030

Notes

Authority

AS 31.05.030

History

Eff. 4/13/80, Register 74; am 4/2/86, Register 97; am 11/7/99, Register 152