25 Pa. Code § 87.93 - Casing and sealing of drilled holes
(a) Each exploration hole, other drill or
borehole, well or other exposed underground opening (except for holes solely
drilled and used for blasting) shall be cased, sealed or otherwise managed as
approved by the Department in order to:
(1)
Prevent acid or other toxic drainage from entering groundwaters or surface
waters.
(2) Minimize disturbance to
the prevailing hydrologic balance.
(3) Ensure the safety of people, property,
livestock, fish and wildlife and machinery in the permit and adjacent
area.
(4) Prevent groundwater and
surface water from entering underground mine workings.
(b) If these openings are uncovered or
exposed by surface mining activities within the permit area, they shall be
permanently closed unless approved for water monitoring, or otherwise managed
in a manner approved by the Department.
(c) Use of a drilled hole, borehole or
monitoring well as a water well shall meet the provisions of §
87.117 (relating to hydrologic
balance: surface water monitoring).
(d) Gas and oil wells shall be sealed in
accordance with the Oil and Gas Act (58 P. S. §§
601.101-601.605).
(e) A solid barrier of undisturbed earth, 125
feet (38.1 meters) in radius shall be maintained around all oil and gas wells,
except in the case of one of the following:
(1) The well is sealed in accordance with
subsection (d).
(2) The Department
approves, in writing, a lesser distance, if:
(i) Access to the well is provided at all
times.
(ii) The integrity of the
well is maintained.
(iii) The
measures included in the permit to minimize damage, destruction or disruption
of services under §
87.173(b)
(relating to support facilities and utility installations) are
implemented.
Notes
The provisions of this § 87.93 amended under the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act (52 P. S. §§ 1396.1-1396.19a); The Clean Streams Law (35 P. S. §§ 691.1-691.1001); and section 1920-A of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 510-20).
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