1. (1) As part of the permit application, the owner or operator must provide the Department with an emergency and remedial response plan that describes actions the owner or operator must take to address movement of the injection or formation fluids that may cause an endangerment to a USDW during construction, operation, and post-injection site care periods. The requirement to maintain and implement an approved plan is directly enforceable regardless of whether the requirement is a condition of the permit.

   1. 2. If the owner or operator obtains evidence that the injected carbon dioxide stream and associated pressure front may cause an endangerment to a USDW, the owner or operator must:

      1. (a) Immediately cease injection;
      2. (b) Take all steps reasonably necessary to identify and characterize any release;
      3. (c) Notify the Department within 24 hours; and
      4. (d) Implement the emergency and remedial response plan approved by the Department.
   2. 3. The Department may allow the operator to resume injection prior to remediation if the owner or operator demonstrates that the injection operation will not endanger USDWs.

   3. 4. The owner or operator shall periodically review the emergency and remedial response plan developed under paragraph (1) of this rule. In no case shall the owner or operator review the emergency and remedial response plan less often than once every five years. Based on this review, the owner or operator shall submit an amended emergency and remedial response plan or demonstrate to the Department that no amendment to the emergency and remedial response plan is needed. Any amendments to the emergency and remedial response plan must be approved by the Department, must be incorporated into the permit, and are subject to the permit modification requirements at 335-6-8-.08 of this chapter, as appropriate. Amended plans or demonstrations shall be submitted to the Department as follows:

      1. (a) Within one year of the area of review reevaluation;
      2. (b) Following any significant changes to the facility, such as addition of injection or monitoring wells, on a schedule determined by the Department; or
      3. (c) When required by the Department.

Author: Sonja Masse

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§22-22-9, 22-22A-5, 22-22A-6, 22-22A-8.

History: New Rule: Filed August 22, 2011; effective September 26, 2011.