(a) The commission shall adopt regulations under AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act), issue orders, and take other appropriate action to carry out the purposes and intent of AS 41.06.005 — 41.06.060, including adopting regulations to prevent
- (1) geothermal resources, water or other fluids, and gases from escaping into strata other than that in which they are found, unless in accordance with an approved reinjection program;
- (2) contamination of surface and groundwater;
- (3) premature degradation of a geothermal system by water encroachment or otherwise;
- (4) blowouts, cavings, and seepage; and
- (5) unreasonable disturbance or injury to neighboring properties, prior water rights, prior oil or gas rights, human life, health, and the natural environment.
- (b) The commission shall require the operator of a geothermal well to file an adequate individual or blanket surety bond to ensure compliance with regulations adopted under this section.
- (c) The commission shall require a geothermal operator to notify the commission if the operator discovers significant quantities of hydrocarbon substances, helium, or fissionable materials.
- (d) The commission and its staff may enter upon any property, public or private, to inspect a geothermal operation for compliance with regulations adopted under this section.
- (e) [Repealed, § 18 ch 38 SLA 2010.]