25 Pa. Code § 78a.58 - Onsite processing
(a) The
operator may request approval by the Department to process fluids generated by
the development, drilling, stimulation, alteration, operation or plugging of
oil or gas wells or mine influenced water at the well site where the fluids
were generated or at the well site where all of the fluid is intended to be
beneficially used to develop, drill or stimulate a well. The request shall be
submitted on forms provided by the Department and demonstrate that the
processing operation will not result in pollution of land or waters of the
Commonwealth.
(b) Approval from the
Department is not required for the following activities conducted at a well
site:
(1) Mixing fluids with
freshwater.
(2) Aerating
fluids.
(3) Filtering solids from
fluids.
(c) Activities
described in subsection (b) shall be conducted within secondary
containment.
(d) An operator
processing fluids or drill cuttings generated by the development, drilling,
stimulation, alteration, operation or plugging of oil or gas wells shall
develop an action plan specifying procedures for monitoring for and responding
to radioactive material produced by the treatment processes, as well as related
procedures for training, notification, recordkeeping and reporting. The action
plan shall be prepared in accordance with the Department's Guidance
Document on Radioactivity Monitoring at Solid Waste Processing and Disposal
Facilities, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental
Protection, No. 250-3100-001, as amended and updated, or in a manner at least
as protective of the environment, facility staff and public health and safety
and which meets all statutory and regulatory requirements.
(e) The operator may request to process drill
cuttings only at the well site where those drill cuttings were generated by
submitting a request to the Department for approval. The request shall be
submitted on forms provided by the Department and demonstrate that the
processing operation will not result in pollution of land or waters of the
Commonwealth.
(f) Processing
residual waste generated by the development, drilling, stimulation, alteration,
operation or plugging of oil or gas wells other than as provided for in
subsections (a) and (b) shall comply with the Solid Waste Management Act
(35
P.S. §§
6018.101-6018.1003).
(g) Processing of fluids in a manner approved
under subsection (a) will be deemed to be approved at subsequent well sites
provided the operator notifies the Department of location of the well site
where the processing will occur at least 3 business days prior to the beginning
of processing operations. The notice shall be submitted electronically to the
Department through its web site and include the date activities will begin.
(h) Sludges, filter cake or other
solid waste remaining after the processing or handling of fluids under
subsection (a) or (b), including solid waste mixed with drill cuttings, shall
be characterized under §
287.54 (relating to chemical
analysis of waste) before the solid waste leaves the well site.
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