Section 245.830  Reserve Pits

a)         In accordance with the hydraulic fracturing fluids and flowback plan required by Section 245.210(a)(11) and the containment plan required pursuant to Section 245.210(a)(13), and as approved by the Department, the use of a reserve pit is allowed for the temporary storage of hydraulic fracturing flowback.  The reserve pit shall be used only in the event of a lack of capacity for tank storage due to higher than expected volume or rate of hydraulic fracturing flowback, or other unanticipated flowback occurrence. (Section 1-75(c)(2) of the Act)

b)         All reserve pits must comply with the following construction standards and liner specifications (Section 1-75(c)(2) of the Act):

1)         the synthetic liner material shall have a minimum thickness of 24 mils with high puncture and tear strength and be impervious and resistant to deterioration (Section 1-75(c)(2)(A) of the Act);

2)         the pit lining system shall be designed to have a capacity at least equivalent to 110% of the maximum volume of hydraulic fracturing flowback anticipated to be recovered (Section 1-75(c)(2)(B) of the Act);

3)         the lined pit shall be constructed, installed, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers' specifications and good engineering practices to prevent overflow during any use (Section 1-75(c)(2)(C) of the Act);

4)         the liner shall have sufficient elongation to cover the bottom and interior sides of the pit with the edges secured with at least a 12 inch deep anchor trench around the pit perimeter to prevent any slippage or destruction of the liner materials (Section 1-75(c)(2)(D) of the Act);

5)         the foundation for the liner shall be free of rock and constructed with soil having a minimum thickness of 12 inches after compaction covering the entire bottom and interior sides of the pit (Section (c)(2)(E) of the Act); and

6)         if located in the regulatory floodway, the reserve pit shall be considered a construction subject to 17 Ill. Adm. Code 3706.240 and 3706.630 and, in addition to the requirements of subsections (b)(1) through (b)(5), shall be constructed to the standards set forth in 17 Ill. Adm. Code 3706.530(b) or (c), or a successor rule, as applicable. No reserve pits may be located in the regulatory floodway or the flood fringe (17 Ill. Adm. Code 3706.420 and 3706.520(b)), unless the applicant first secures the necessary permits and completes any mitigation measures required by any permitting agency.

c)         Hydraulic fracturing flowback reserve pit liners shall be disposed of in an Agency-permitted special waste landfill.