ARSD 74:12:03:06. Surface reclamation of abandoned well sites

Within one year after plugging and abandoning a well, the site must be reclaimed. Reclamation includes replacing topsoil, reseeding, revegetation, grading, disposing of drilling wastes, backfilling pits, correcting subsidence of backfilled pits or trenches, controlling weeds, controlling erosion, removing equipment, disposing of demolition debris, and related activities. Reclamation shall be conducted to return the land to a condition suitable for the use to which it was subjected immediately before drilling commenced. Alternatives to this standard may be proposed by the operator and approved by the department if they are acceptable to the surface landowner. Reclamation shall be conducted to prevent ground water or surface water contamination. If a reportable crude oil release occurred at the site in the past and was not properly remediated, the secretary may require additional soil contamination assessment and remediation pursuant to § 74:12:04:12, before reclamation is approved. Completion of reclamation must be reported to the secretary on a sundry notice in accordance with § 74:12:02:17.