Cal. PRC § 3181 — California Code / Code prc / Division 3 / Chapter 1 / Article 3.5 / Section 3181
Section 3181
Status: in_force

(a) The operator of a gas storage well shall submit for the supervisor’s approval the following materials:

(1) Data describing the gas storage project and gas storage wells that demonstrate that stored gas will be confined to the approved zone or zones. Updated data shall be provided to the division if conditions change or if more accurate data become available.

(2) A risk management plan to identify and plan for mitigation of all threats and hazards and potential threats and hazards associated with gas storage well operation in order to ensure internal and external mechanical integrity of a well, including site-specific information. The risk management plan shall provide for regular review and revision, as needed, to ensure the plan appropriately reflects current conditions. The risk management plan shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following:

(A) A natural gas leak prevention and response program that addresses the full range of natural gas leaks possible at the facility with specific response plans that provide for immediate control of the leak. The operator shall consult with local emergency response entities on the response plans. The prevention and response program shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following:

(i) A protocol for public notice of a large, uncontrollable leak to any potentially impacted community, as defined in the risk management plan, if the leak cannot be controlled within 48 hours of discovery by the operator.

(ii) Prepositioning, as feasible, and identification of materials and personnel necessary to respond to leaks. This shall include materials and equipment to respond to and stop the leak itself as well as to protect public health.

(iii) The identification of personnel responsible for notifying regulatory authorities with jurisdiction over the range of leaks possible.

(B) A plan for corrosion monitoring and evaluation.

(C) A schedule for regular well and reservoir integrity assessments.

(D) An assessment of the risks associated with the gas storage well and its operation.

(E) Planned risk mitigation efforts.

(F) A regular maintenance program for the well and the portion of the facility within the division’s jurisdiction. The maintenance program shall include training for site personnel and proactive replacement of equipment at risk of failure to ensure safe operation.

(3) In addition to other factors deemed relevant by the supervisor, the risk management plan required in paragraph (2) shall consider all of the following:

(A) The facility’s distance from dwellings, other buildings intended for human occupancy, or other well-defined outside areas where people may assemble such as campgrounds, recreational areas, or playgrounds.

(B) The risks to and from the well related to roadways, rights of way, railways, airports, and industrial facilities.

(C) Proximity to environmentally or culturally sensitive areas.

(D) The risks of well sabotage.

(E) The current and predicted development of the surrounding area.

(F) Topography and local wind patterns.

(b) All of the materials described in subdivision (a) shall be reported to the division according to a schedule approved by the supervisor. The operator shall not deviate from the programs, plans, and other conditions and protocols contained in the materials without prior written approval by the supervisor.