(A) All technical industry words or phrases related to the drilling and production of gas wells not specifically defined shall have the meanings customarily attributable thereto by prudent operators in the gas industry.
(B) For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONMENT. As defined by the Railroad Commission and includes the plugging of the well and restoration of the drill site as required by this chapter.
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.
AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE (API) STANDARDS. Standards that are designed to assist energy industry professionals improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their operations, comply with legislative and regulatory requirements, safeguard health, and protect the environment.
APPLICANT. A person to whom a permit or certificate for the drilling, operation and production of a well, or the installation or operation of a pipeline, is issued under this chapter, including, but not limited to, his or her heirs, legal representatives, successors or assigns.
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.
CLOSED LOOP MUD SYSTEM. An enclosed suite of solids control equipment used for mud circulation and intended to minimize drilling fluid dilution to provide for handling of the drilling wastes so that reserve pits are not used.
DAYTIME. The period from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
DEVELOPMENT FEE SCHEDULE. A schedule of development related fees established by the City Council.
DRILL SITE. The area used for drilling, completing, or re-working a well.
DRILLING. Any digging or boring of a new well to develop or produce gas or to inject gas, water, or any other fluid or substance into the earth. DRILLING means and includes the re-entry of an abandoned well. DRILLING does not mean or include the re-entry of a well that has not been abandoned.
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREA. An area under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers where scientific, ecological, cultural or aesthetic features have been identified by the Corps of Engineers.
EXPLORATION. Geologic or geophysical activities, including, but not limited to, surveying and seismic exploration, related to the search for gas or other sub-surface hydrocarbons.
FLARE OR FLARING. The burning of unwanted gas through a pipe. FLARING is a means of disposal used when there is no way to transport the gas to market and the operator cannot use the gas for another purpose.
FLOWBACK. The process of flowing a completed/fractured well for the purpose of recovering water and residual sand from the gas stream prior to sending gas down a sales pipeline.
GAS. Gas or natural gas, as such terms are used in the rules, regulations, or forms of the Railroad Commission.
GAS WELL. Any well drilled for the production of gas or classified as a GAS WELL by the Texas Natural Resources Code or the Railroad Commission.
GAS WELL PERMIT. A permit applied for and issued or denied pursuant to this chapter authorizing the drilling, production, and operation of one or more gas wells.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT PLAN. The HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT PLAN and hazardous materials inventory statements required by the Fire Code.
HOLIDAY. Any day recognized as an official HOLIDAY by the City of Mansfield. The list of official holidays observed by the City of Mansfield shall be maintained for public viewing on the city's official website.
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING, FRAC, FRACING, FRACTURE OR COMPLETIONS. All stages of the treatment of a well by the application of hydraulic fracturing fluid under pressure that is expressly designed to initiate or propagate fractures in a target geologic formation to enhance production of oil and natural gas.
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING PUMPING. The active pumping of fluid and sand under pressure with the expressed intent of stimulating the well and fracturing the underlying hydrocarbon bearing formation.
INSPECTOR. The Gas Well Inspector and other city personnel who conduct inspections as needed and as designated by the City Manager.
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.
LINE COMPRESSOR FACILITY. A facility consisting of one or more compressors, auxiliary treatment equipment and pipeline installations to pump natural gas under pressure over long distances, including the land upon which the facility is located.
NIGHTTIME. The period between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
OPERATION SITE. The area used for development and production of gas and all related operational activities after drilling activities are complete.
OPERATOR. For each well, the person listed on the Railroad Commission Form W-l 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 defined herein, for any gas well is not the lessee 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 the OPERATOR. For each line compressor facility, OPERATOR shall mean the entity in control of the facility.
PIPELINE EASEMENT MAP. A map indicating all gathering line easements. The easements must be located separately from other utility easements unless approved by the city.
PROTECTED USE. A residential structure, public building, hospital, institution, nursing home, public or private school, day care center, or commercial building.
RAILROAD COMMISSION. The Railroad Commission of Texas.
RE-DRILLING. The re-completion of an existing well by deepening or sidetrack operations extending more than 150 feet from the existing well bore.
REDUCED EMISSION (GREEN) COMPLETION. Techniques or methods that minimize the release of natural gas and vapors to the environment when a well is being flowed during the completion or re-completion phase of a Barnett Shale Well.
RE-WORKING. The re-completion or re-entry of an existing well within the existing bore hole or to deepen or perform sidetrack operations which do not extend more than 150 feet from the existing well bore, or the replacement of well liners or casings.
ROAD REPAIR AGREEMENT. A written agreement obligating the operator to repair damage, excluding ordinary wear and tear, if any, to public streets, including, but not limited to, bridges, caused by the operator or its employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors or representatives in the performance of drilling or production of any gas wells authorized by the city.
ROAD DAMAGE REMEDIATION FEE. A fee assessed to repair damage to public roadways that is based on the projected damage and decreased life expectancy of roadways in the city caused by the operator's use of the roadways.
SPECIFIC USE PERMIT. A zoning classification that provides for uses that require special consideration in certain settings or are of a public or semi-public character which without specific consideration may have possible adverse impact on neighboring properties.
TANK. A container, covered or uncovered, used in conjunction with the drilling or production of gas or other hydrocarbons for holding or storing fluids.
TANK BATTERY. A group of tanks that are connected to receive fluids from a well or a producing lease.
TECHNICAL ADVISOR. Such persons familiar with and educated in the gas industry or the law as it relates to gas matters who may be retained from time to time by the city.
WELL. A hole or bore to any horizon, formation, or strata for the purpose of producing gas or other hydrocarbons.
WORKOVER OPERATIONS. Work performed in a well after its completion in an effort to secure production where there has been none, restore production that has ceased or to increase production.
(Ord. OR-1942-15, passed 3-23-15)