(a) The city manager shall designate a gas inspector who shall enforce the provisions of this article. The gas inspector shall have a degree in petroleum engineering with a background in drilling and production or demonstrate a proven background in the drilling, production and operation of gas wells. The gas inspector shall have the authority to issue any orders or directives required to carry out the intent and purpose of this article and its particular provisions. Failure of any person to comply with any such order or directive shall constitute a violation of this article.
(b) The gas inspector shall have the authority to enter and inspect any premises covered by the provisions of this article to determine compliance with the provisions of this article and all applicable laws, rules, regulations, standards or directives of the state and to issue citations for violations of this article. Failure of any person to permit access to the gas inspector shall constitute a violation of this article. The gas inspector shall conduct periodic inspections at least once a year of all permitted wells in the city to determine that the wells are operating in accordance within proper parameters as set out in this article and all regulations of the commission.
(c) The gas inspector shall have the authority to request and receive any records, including any records sent to the commission, logs, reports and the like, relating to the status or condition of any permitted well necessary to establish and determine compliance with the applicable gas well and pipeline permits or other permits as required by this article. Failure of any person to provide any such requested material shall be deemed a violation of this article.
(d) The gas inspector shall have the authority to allow alternatives to the technical standards of this article such as new technology, if the operator has demonstrated to the gas inspector’s satisfaction that the alternatives provide equal or greater protection of the environment or public.
(Ord. 18449-02-2009, § 1, passed 2-3-2009, eff. 2-10-2009)