Idaho Administrative Code › Title IDAPA 20 - Lands, Department of › Rule 20.07.02 - RULES GOVERNING CONSERVATION OF OIL AND NATURAL GAS IN THE STATE OF IDAHO › Subchapter B - EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT › Section 20.07.02.100 - GEOPHYSICAL OPERATIONS

Current through August 31, 2023
01.
Permit Required
. Before beginning seismic operations in the state of Idaho, a representative of the client company and the seismic contractor will meet with the staff of the Department, file an application for a permit to conduct seismic operations, and pay an application fee. No seismic operation may be conducted without such a permit. The Department has discretion to waive the requirement of the pre-permit meeting for the client company. The permit for seismic operations may be revoked or suspended or the application for the permit denied by the Department for failure to comply with the Commission's rules, statutes, and orders. The Department may revoke, suspend, or deny the application for a seismic permit without a hearing; provided that the seismic contractor will be given an opportunity for a hearing at the next regularly scheduled Commission meeting. The fact that a permit is revoked or suspended does not excuse the seismic contractor or client company from properly plugging existing seismic holes but does prohibit the person(s) from drilling any more. The application for a permit for seismic operations must include: (3-18-22)
a. The proposed route of the seismic line on a topographic or recent air photo base map at a sufficient scale to show roads, buildings, surface waters, and Section, Township, and Range lines. The map must also show additional area as needed for any alternative routing. The alternative routing must be within at least one-half (1/2) mile of the proposed route. Reapplication must be made if the final route strays from the proposed route and outside the designated alternative routing areas; and (3-18-22)
b. The energy sources proposed to be used for the seismic operation, such as vibroseis, shot holes, surface shot, or others. (3-18-22)
c. The approximate number, depth, and location of the seismic holes and the size of the explosive charges. The application must be accompanied by a map with a scale of one inch equaling two (2) miles that shows the depth and location of the shotholes. (3-18-22)
d. The name and permanent address of the client company the Department may contact about the seismic operation. (3-18-22)
e. The name, permanent address, and phone number of the seismic contractor and his local representative whom the Department may contact about the seismic activity. (3-18-22)
f. The name, phone number, and permanent address of the hole plugging contractor, if different from the seismic contractor. (3-18-22)
g. A detailed description of the hole plugging procedures, and a description of the surface reclamation procedures, if such reclamation is needed. (3-18-22)
h. The anticipated starting date of seismic operations. (3-18-22)
i. The anticipated completion date of seismic operations, and the anticipated date of any required reclamation or hole plugging. (3-18-22)
j. A description of the identifying mark that will be on the hat or nonmetallic plug to be used in the plugging of the seismic hole. (3-18-22)