All technical industry words or phrases related to the drilling and production of gas wells not specifically defined in this section shall have the meanings customarily attributable thereto by prudent and reasonable gas industry operators. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning.
ABANDONMENT. The same meaning as defined by the Texas Railroad Commission and includes the plugging of the well and the restoration of any well site as required by this chapter.
ALL-WEATHER HARD SURFACE. A permanent surface that as a minimum is a base course constructed such that it meets the requirements of the International Fire Code, is at least 20 feet wide, has an overhead clearance of 14 feet, drains appropriately, remains water resistant, is free of litter, debris, weeds, grass or other objectionable materials or objects and is visibly dust free.
AMBIENT NOISE LEVEL. The all encompassing noise level associated with a given environment, being a composite of sounds from all sources at the location, constituting the normal or existing level of environmental noise at a given location.
BASE FLOOD. The flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
BERM. A mound of soil, either natural or manmade, used to obstruct a view. The side slope shall not exceed a three-foot horizontal and a one-foot vertical slope.
BLOWOUT PREVENTER. A mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or other device or combination of such devices secured to the top of a well casing, including valves, fittings and, control mechanisms connected therewith, which can be closed around the drill pipe, or other tubular goods which completely close the top of the casing and are designed for preventing blowouts.
BTEX. Acronym that stands for benzene, toluene, ethy/benzene, and xylenes. These compounds are some of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in petroleum derivatives such as petrol (gasoline).
BUILDING. Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. The term BUILDING shall be construed as if followed by the words “or portions thereof”.
BUILDING OFFICIAL. The officer or other designated authority charged with administration and enforcement of this chapter, or the Building Official’s duly authorized representative.
CATHODIC PROTECTION. An electrochemical corrosion control technique whereby a direct current is applied to the structure which causes the structure potential to change from the natural corrosion potential (Ecorr) to a protective potential in the immunity region.
CHLORIDE. The chloride ion is formed when the element chlorine picks up one electron to form an anion (negatively-charged ion) Cl-. The salts of hydrochloric acid HCl contain chloride ions and can also be called chlorides. The chloride ion is the anon of chlorine, a halogen element.
CHURCH. A facility or area for people to gather together for public worship, religious training, or other religious activities including a temple, mosque, synagogue, convent, monastery or other structure, together with its accessory structures, including a parsonage or rectory. This use does not include home meetings or other religious activities conducted in a privately occupied residence.
CITY. The Town of Lakeside.
CITY CODE. The city code of ordinances of the Town of Lakeside.
CLOSED LOOP MUD SYSTEM. A series of above-ground tanks used to store, process, and recycle drilling mud, cuttings and other fluids. This system is used in place of the traditional earthen pits at a drilling operation.
COMPLETION. The date the work is completed for the drilling, re-drilling or reworking and the drilling equipment is released by the operator.
COMPRESSOR. A device that raises the pressure of a compressible fluid such as air or gas. COMPRESSORS create a pressure differential to-move or compress a vapor or a gas. More than one compressor as in a series may be located on a compressor pad site to adequately compress product.
DAYTIME. The period from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
DECIBEL (db). A unit for measuring the intensity of a sound/noise and is equal to ten times the logarithm to the base ten of the ratio of the measured sound pressure squared to a reference pressure which is 20 micropascals.
DERRICK. Any portable framework, tower, mast and/or structure which is required or used in connection with drilling or re-working a well for the production of gas.
DRILLING. Digging or boring a new well for the purpose of exploring for, developing or producing gas or other hydrocarbons, or for the purpose of injecting gas, water or any other fluid or substance into the earth.
DRILLING EQUIPMENT. The derrick, together with all parts of and appurtenances to such structure, every piece of apparatus, machinery or equipment used or erected or maintained for use in connection with drilling.
DRILL SITE. The premises used during the drilling, completion or re-working of a well or wells located there and subsequent life of a well or wells or any associated operations.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN. A plan put in place to deal with emergency situations that may occur at the drill site during all stages of the drilling and production process.
EXPLORATION ACTIVITY. The geologic or geophysical activities, including seismic surveys, related to the search for gas or other subsurface hydrocarbons.
Ecorr. Measurement of corrosion potential.
FEMA. The Federal Emergency Management Agency.
FIRE DEPARTMENT. The fire department of the town or any area fire department with which the town contracts for fire services and protection.
FIRM. Flood Insurance Rate Map.
FLARING. To dispose of surplus combustible vapors by igniting them in the atmosphere. This process may include the use of a series of secured piping to facilitate flow of gas and a combustion chamber to ignite the gas.
FLOW BACK OPERATIONS. Activities and processes used to expel water from a well in order to facilitate the production of gas.
FRAC TANK. A man-made water storage tank designed using earthen berms to contain water. These can be from existing ponds or other water storage tanks. Man-made tanks shall be lined with plastic with an appropriate mil spec rating.
FRACTURE STIMULATION (FRAC or FRACTURING, FRACING). A method of stimulating production from a well by increasing the permeability of the producing formation. FRACTURING can be accomplished by the injecting of a fluid carrying propping agents under extremely high hydraulic pressure downward into a well to cause pressure that cracks or opens up fractures already present in the formation.
GAS. Any fluid, either combustible or noncombustible, which is produced in a natural state from the earth and which maintains a gaseous or rarefied state at standard temperature and pressure conditions and/or the gaseous components or vapors occurring in or derived from petroleum or natural gas.
GAS WELL or WELL. Any well drilled, to be drilled, or used for the intended or actual production of natural gas or other hydrocarbons.
GENERATOR PLANT. The electrical service generated on site servicing the drilling rig and all associated equipment including personal living quarters.
GROUNDING AND BONDING. To ground all power and equipment on the drilling site to prevent electrical discharges and lightning protection.
HOSPITAL. A facility or area for providing health services primarily for human in-patient medical or surgical care for the sick or injured and including related facilities such as laboratories, outpatient departments, training facilities, central services facilities and staff offices that are an integral part of the facilities.
INSPECTOR. The gas inspector, Building Official designee or other designee of the Town Administrator of the Town of Lakeside that enforces this chapter.
ISOLATION VALVES. Mechanical valves located at pre-designated intervals on gas pipelines to shut the flow of gas in a pipeline to minimize an accidental release into the environment in the event of an emergency or to facilitate the controlled release of gas in connection with testing, maintenance, repair or inspection of pipelines. ISOLATION VALVES may be manually operated, automatic or remotely controlled by the pipeline operator.
LIFT COMPRESSOR. A device that raises the pressure of a compressible fluid (gas) in order to lift gas from the well.
LINE COMPRESSOR. A device that raises the pressure of a compressible fluid (gas) in order for the gas to be transported through a pipeline.
MCL. Acronym that stands for Maximum Contaminant Levels. The maximum permissible level of a contaminant in water which is delivered to a user of a public water system, and includes the primary and secondary MCLs established under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, and MCLs adopted under the act. For MCLs incorporated into this chapter by reference, the term refers to the numerical value and the means of determining compliance with that value and does not refer to the EPA applications to specific types of public water systems or sources.
NIGHTTIME. The period between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
OGS. Acronym that stands for Oil and Gas Site.
OPERATION SITE. The area within a well site used for development and production of gas and all operational activities associated with a gas well after drilling and completion activities are finished.
OPERATOR. For each well, the person listed on the Railroad Commission Form W-1 or Form P-4 for a gas well that is, or will be, actually in charge and in control of drilling, maintaining, operating, pumping or controlling any well, including, without limitation, a unit operator. If the OPERATOR, as herein defined, is not the lessee under a gas lease of any premises affected by the provisions of this chapter, then such lessee shall also be deemed to be an OPERATOR. In the event that there is no gas lease relating to any premises affected by this chapter, the owner of the fee mineral estate in the premises shall be deemed an OPERATOR.
PAD SITE. The area that is fenced and constructed to contain all drilling related activities, including, but not limited to, the drilling rig, pipe rack, generators, pumps, compressors, frac tanks, camper/office trailers, tank batteries, separators, dehydrators, metering stations, equipment storage, and living quarters.
PAD SITE BOUNDARY. The perimeter boundary of the pad site as defined in this section. PAD SITE BOUNDARIES shall be described by a metes and bounds survey included in the gas well permit application. A screening fence is required to be construction along the pad site boundaries in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
PBR. Acronym for Permit by Rule for Oil and Gas Production Facilities located in the Barnett Shale region administered by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Operating specifications and emissions limitations for typical equipment (facilities) during normal operation, which includes production and planned maintenance, start-up and shutdown (“MSS”).
PERFORATING. Piercing the casing wall and cement in a wellbore by use of explosive charges to create holes through which formation fluids may enter or to provide holes in the casing so that materials may be introduced into the annulus between the casing and the all of the wellbore.
PERMIT. Any written license granted by the town for the exploration, development, and production of gas wells issued pursuant to rules and regulations of this chapter.
PERSON. Includes not only each and every individual member of a crew or other entity performing work, but also includes any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other entity which serves as an individual’s employer, principal, or contractual party to an independent contractor agreement.
PIPELINE(S). The PIPELINE(S) and other facilities approved by the town that are installed by a pipeline company in the public rights-of-way in accordance with a right-of-way use agreement.
PIPELINE COMPANY. The company authorized by an agreement to install and maintain gas pipelines with the town’s public right-of-way.
PRODUCTION. The period after the fracturing and flow back operations have been completed and natural gas has been run through a series of separators and tank batteries to metering devices and into the pipeline.
PROPERTY LINES. Surface property lines per this chapter.
PROPERTY OWNER. The owner of the surface property.
PROTECTED USE. A residence, religious institution, hospital building, public or private school, day care or public park.
PUBLIC BUILDING. All buildings used or designed to and intended to be used for the purpose of assembly of persons for such purposes as deliberation, entertainment, amusement, or health care. PUBLIC BUILDINGS include, but shall not be limited to, theaters, assembly halls, auditoriums, armories, mortuary chapels, exhibition halls, museums, gymnasiums, libraries, skating rinks, courtrooms, restaurants, shopping malls, stores and hospitals.
PUBLIC PARK. Any land area dedicated to and/or maintained by the town for traditional park-like recreational purposes, but shall not include privately-owned amusement parks or privately-owned or privately-managed golf courses.
PUBLIC or PRIVATE SCHOOL. An educational institution, attendance at which satisfies the compulsory education laws of the State of Texas or a facility or area for pre-kindergartens, kindergartens, elementary or secondary education supported by a public, church or parish organization. This definition may include after public or private school and summer programs which coincide with the age brackets for public or private schools.
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY. Public streets, highways, alleys, sidewalks, pathways, trails and bridges.
RAILROAD COMMISSION. The Texas Railroad Commission.
RE-DRILL. Re-completion of an existing well by deepening or sidetrack operations extending more than 150 feet from the existing well bore.
RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION. Any building in which persons regularly assemble for religious worship and activities intended primarily for purposes connected with such worship or for propagating a particular form of religious belief.
RESIDENCE. A house, duplex, apartment, townhouse, condominium, mobile home or other building designed for dwelling purposes, including those for which a building permit has been issued on the date the application for a gas well permit is filed with the town.
RE-WORKING. Re-completion or re-entry of an existing well within the existing bore hole or by deepening or sidetrack operations which do not extend more than 150 feet from the existing well bore, or replacement of well liners or casing.
RIG-DOWN. The day drilling has been completed and the rig is dissembled and all equipment prepared for movement from the pad site.
RIGHT-OF-WAY. Any area of land within the town that is acquired by, dedicated to, or claimed by the town in fee simple, by easement, by prescriptive right or other interest and that is expressly or impliedly accepted or used in fact or by operation of law as a public roadway, sidewalk, alley, utility, drainage, or public access easement or used for the provision of governmental services or functions. The term includes the area on, below, and above the surface of the public RIGHT-OF-WAY. The term applies regardless of whether the public RIGHT-OF-WAY is paved or unpaved.
RIGHT-OF-WAY MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT. A written agreement provided by the town obligating the operator, at his or her own expense to repair damage, excluding ordinary wear and tear, if any, including but not limited to, public streets sidewalks, pathways, trails, and bridges. Damages to public rights-of-way caused by the operator or its employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors, or representatives, in the performance of any activity associated with the preparation, drilling, production or operation gas wells authorized by the town shall be repaired at the operator’s expense.
RIGHT-OF-WAY USE AGREEMENT. The authorization issued to a pipeline company to use the public rights-of-way for:
(1) The construction, installation, maintenance and repair of pipeline company’s pipeline;
(2) The use of such pipeline for the transportation of gas; and
(3) Any other directly related uses of the public rights-of-way, pursuant to and in accordance with a RIGHT-OF-WAY USE AGREEMENT.
RIG-UP. The process of setting up ancillary equipment and the drilling rig in order to begin the drilling process.
SALT WATER DISPOSAL WELL. A well used for the purpose of injecting produced water back into the ground.
SCHOOL. Any public and private, primary and secondary educational facilities providing education up through and including the twelfth grade level and any licensed day care centers, meaning a facility licensed by the State of Texas or by the Town of Lakeside that provides care, training, education, custody, treatment or supervision for more than six children under 14 years of age, and for less than 24 hours per day.
SEISMIC SURVEY. An exploration method in which low frequency sound waves are generated on the surface to find subsurface rock structures that may contain hydrocarbons. Interpretation of the survey record can reveal possible hydrocarbon bearing formations.
STREET. Any street, highway, sidewalk, alley, avenue, recessed parking area or other public right-of-way, including the entire right-of-way dedicated to the public use and not designated as an alley or private access easement.
TANK. A container, covered or uncovered, used in conjunction with the drilling or production of gas or other hydrocarbons for holding or storing fluids.
TECHNICAL ADVISOR. A person(s) familiar with and educated in the gas industry or the law as it relates to gas matters that may be retained from time to time by the town.
TPH. Acronym that stands for total petroleum hydrocarbon. Term used for any mixture of hydrocarbons that are found in crude oil. Chemicals that occur in TPH include hexane, benzene, toluene, xylenes, naphthalene, and fluorine, other constituents of gasoline, of jet fuels, of mineral oils, and of other petroleum products.
TPY. Acronym for tons per year.
VOCs. Acronym for Volatile Organic Compounds. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) means any compound of carbon, excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and ammonium carbonate, which participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions, except those designated by EPA as having negligible photochemical reactivity.
WELL. Any single hole or bore to any horizon, formation, or strata, for the purpose of producing gas, liquid hydrocarbon, brine water or sulphur water, or for use as an injection well for secondary recovery, disposal or production of gas, or other hydrocarbons from the earth. For each separate new hole a gas well permit is required.
WIRE LINE LOGGING. The use of radioactive isotopes which are used when measuring formations within the immediate vicinity of the drilling hole. A permit will be required through the Gas Inspector.
WORKOVER. To perform one or more of a variety of remedial operations on a producing well to try to increase production. Examples of WORKOVER operations are deepening, plugging back, pulling and resetting liner, squeeze cement and similar activities.
(Ord. 326, passed 7-14-2011)