CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
PART 240 THE ILLINOIS OIL AND GAS ACT
SECTION 240.630 OPERATING REQUIREMENTS
Section 240.630 Operating Requirements
a) The well shall be maintained and operated in accordance with all permit conditions or be subject to permit revocation in accordance with Section 240.251.
b) The well and wellhead shall be maintained in a leak-free condition.
c) All spills of produced water or oil occurring at the well site due to a leaking wellhead shall be cleaned up in accordance with Subpart I.
d) Wells that have not had commercial production within the last 2 years shall be temporarily abandoned or plugged in accordance with Subpart K.
e) Casinghead gas, produced in conjunction with oil production, that is not collected for use or sale, shall be flared unless the Department approves an exemption from this requirement. In determining whether to approve an exemption, the Department shall consider the quantity of casinghead gas produced, the topographical and climatological features at the well site, and the proximity of agricultural structures and crops, inhabited structures, public buildings, and public roads and railways.
f) If hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) is present in excess of 20 ppm within 5 feet in any direction from the wellhead or the end of the flare line, the Department shall specify measures to be taken by the permittee to protect against waste and injury to the public health and safety, which may include the erection of flare lines, the posting of warning signs, and the erection of fencing. The Department may also require the setting of a temporary mechanical or cement plug during any period of time in which the well is not producing or during any period of time necessary to effectuate safety measures. In specifying the measures to be taken by the permittee, the Department shall consider the quantities of H2S being emitted, the topographical and climatological features at the well site and the proximity of inhabited structures, public buildings, and public roads and railways.
(Source: Amended at 35 Ill. Reg. 13281, effective July 26, 2011)