[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 43, Volume 2]

[Revised as of October 1, 2006]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 43CFR3162.5-1]



[Page 436-437]

 

                    TITLE 43--PUBLIC LANDS: INTERIOR

 

    CHAPTER II--BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

 

PART 3160_ONSHORE OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS--Table of Contents

 

   Subpart 3162_Requirements for Operating Rights Owners and Operators

 

Sec.  3162.5-1  Environmental obligations.



    (a) The operator shall conduct operations in a manner which protects 

the mineral resources, other natural resources, and environmental 

quality. In that respect, the operator shall comply with the pertinent 

orders of the authorized officer and other standards and procedures as 

set forth in the applicable laws, regulations, lease terms and 

conditions, and the approved drilling plan or subsequent operations 

plan. Before approving any Application for Permit to Drill submitted 

pursuant to Sec.  3162.3-1 of this title, or other plan requiring 

environmental review, the authorized officer shall prepare an 

environmental record of review or an environmental assessment, as 

appropriate. These environmental documents will be used in determining 

whether or not an environmental impact statement is required and in 

determining any appropriate terms and conditions of approval of the 

submitted plan.

    (b) The operator shall exercise due care and diligence to assure 

that leasehold operations do not result in undue damage to surface or 

subsurface resources or surface improvements. All



[[Page 437]]



produced water must be disposed of by injection into the subsurface, by 

approved pits, or by other methods which have been approved by the 

authorized officer. Upon the conclusion of operations, the operator 

shall reclaim the disturbed surface in a manner approved or reasonably 

prescribed by the authorized officer.

    (c) All spills or leakages of oil, gas, produced water, toxic 

liquids, or waste materials, blowouts, fires, personal injuries, and 

fatalities shall be reported by the operator in accordance with these 

regulations and as prescribed in applicable order or notices. The 

operator shall exercise due diligence in taking necessary measures, 

subject to approval by the authorized officer, to control and remove 

pollutants and to extinguish fires. An operator's compliance with the 

requirements of the regulations in this part shall not relieve the 

operator of the obligation to comply with other applicable laws and 

regulations.

    (d) When reasonably required by the authorized officer, a 

contingency plan shall be submitted describing procedures to be 

implemented to protect life, property, and the environment.

    (e) The operator's liability for damages to third parties shall be 

governed by applicable law.



[47 FR 47765, Oct. 27, 1982. Redesignated and amended at 48 FR 36583-

36586, Aug. 12, 1983, further amended at 53 FR 17363, May 16, 1988; 53 

FR 22847, June 17, 1988]