Section 240.820   Flowlines

a)         All flowlines used in the production of oil and/or natural gas, constructed after November 8, 1993, shall be buried at least 36 inches below the ground surface.  The flowline may be exempt from these burial requirements upon Department approval if:

1)         the flowline is made of steel; and

2)         Either:

A)        the topographical features, land uses or ground conditions prevent the efficient burial of flowlines; or

B)        the terms of the oil and gas lease prohibit the burial of flowlines.

b)         All flowlines that cross and are not buried under natural drainage features such as creeks, streams, rivers or intermitted streams or ravines shall be constructed in such fashion as to bridge the drainage feature to protect the flowlines from damage due to lack of adequate support, resulting in potential discharge.

c)         The Department shall have the authority to take enforcement action (pursuant to Sections 240.140 through 240.170 of this Part) to require active flowlines existing on the effective date of this rule to be replaced, buried or constructed in accordance with subsection (b) of this Section or to require visible inactive or abandoned flowlines to be removed and the open ends sealed if the Department finds, based on field observation, that the flowlines constitute a hazard to public safety or can reasonably be expected to cause damage to the environment through leaks and spills.

d)         No flowline conveying produced water shall have an outlet valve for the discharge of produced water between the place or well of origin and the authorized storage or disposal point.

e)         All flowlines shall be maintained in a leak-free condition.

f)         Any spill from a flowline leak shall be cleaned up in accordance with Sections 240.890 and 240.895.

(Source:  Amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 7051, effective April 22, 2016)