For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Words used in the present tense include the future, words in the singular number include the plural and words in the plural number include the singular.
ABANDONMENT. The restoration of the drill site as required by these regulations.
A.P.I. The American Petroleum Institute.
APPROVED BY THE BUILDING INSPECTOR, APPROVED TYPE or APPROVED DESIGN. Improvements, equipment or facilities of a type or design approved by the Building Inspector.
A.S.M.E. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
BLOWOUT. The uncontrolled discharge of gas, liquid, or solids or a mixture thereof from a well into the atmosphere.
BLOWOUT PREVENTER. A mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic or other device or a combination of such devices secured to the top of a well casing, including valves, fittings and control mechanisms connected therewith designed and capable of preventing a blowout.
BUILDING INSPECTOR. The Building Inspector of the city.
CELLAR. An excavation around or above the top joint of the casing in a well.
COMPLETION OF DRILLING. A well is completed, for the purpose of these regulations, 30 days after the drilling crew has been released, unless drilling or remedial operations are resumed before the end of the 30 days.
DERRICK. Any frame work, tower or mast which is used in connection with the drilling, redrilling or well servicing of, or in, any oil or gas well.
DESERTION. The cessation of operations on the property with the intent to abandon such property without compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
DIVISION OF OIL AND GAS. The Division of Oil and Gas of the Department of Natural Resources of the state, or any other state agency that may in the future be charged with its responsibilities.
DRILLING. Digging a hole in the earth formation for a well, as such term is defined in this section.
GAS. The gaseous components or vapors occurring in or derived from petroleum or natural gas.
NATURAL GASOLINE PLANT or ABSORPTION PLANT. A plant for the processing of natural gas for the purpose of extracting gasoline or liquefied petroleum gas from natural gas produced from wells.
OIL. A hydrocarbon which is liquid in its natural state and does not include gasoline or liquefied petroleum gas.
OPERATOR. The person actually in charge and in control of the drilling, maintenance, operation or pumping of a well or lease.
OUTER BOUNDARY LINE. Where several contiguous parcels of land in one or different ownerships are operated as a single oil or gas lease or operating unit, the exterior limits of the land included in the lease or unit. In determining the contiguity of any such parcels of land, no street, road or alley lying within the lease or unit shall be deemed to interrupt such contiguity.
PERSON. Any individual, firm, association, corporation, joint venture, or any other group or combination acting as a unit.
REDRILLING. The drilling of an existing oil well beyond the limits of the existing hole. Except with reference to permit procedure, the provisions of this chapter relating to drilling shall be equally applicable to redrilling.
SHALL. This word is mandatory and not directory.
SOURCE OF IGNITION. Any flame, arc, spark, or heated object or surface capable of igniting flammable liquids, gases, or vapors.
STRUCTURE. That which is built or constructed, including but not limited to a tank, edifice, or building of any kind.
SUPERINTENDENT. The Building and Safety Inspector of the city.
TANK. A container, covered or uncovered, used in conjunction with the drilling or production of an oil well, for holding or storing liquids at or near atmospheric pressure.
WELL or OIL WELL. A well or hole drilled into the earth for the purpose of exploring for or extracting from the earth oil, gas or other hydrocarbon substances, or a well or hole in the earth by means of and through which oil, gas and other hydrocarbon substances are extracted, produced, or capable of being produced from the earth, or a well or hole for the purpose of secondary recovery or waste disposal. A temporary core or test hole drilled for the purpose of seismic or geophysical operations shall not be considered as a well within the meaning of this code.
WELL SERVICING. Remedial or maintenance work performed within any existing well which does not involve drilling or redrilling.
('81 Code, § 5.40.020)