Ind. Admin. Code tit. 312, r. 29-33-11 – Management and storage of plugging wastes and plugging pits

Sec. 11. (a) The discharge of fluids from any activity associated with plugging operations to any surface or ground waters or in a location where it is likely to cause pollution to any surface or groundwater is prohibited.

(b) When plugging a well, the owner or operator must provide at least one (1) plugging pit or leak-free, portable above ground tank into which plugging fluid wastes are deposited.

(c) Where excavated plugging pits are used, they shall be constructed and maintained to provide a minimum of two (2) feet of freeboard at all times.

(d) All excavated plugging pits shall be constructed with a liner using one (1) of the following methods:

(1) Use of a synthetic liner meeting the requirements of 312 IAC 29-21-2(b).
(2) A compacted clay liner may be applied to the bottom and sides of the pit to create an impervious barrier. Construction of the compacted clay liner shall be in accordance with accepted construction and design principles designed to prevent any leakage or seepage from the pit. The clay used to construct the liner may be in situ or mixed with additional off-site materials, if the on-site clay is inadequate.
(3) Other materials or methods used for liner construction may be used if authorized by the division director after a demonstration is made by the owner or operator that such materials or methods will provide equivalent protection and prevent leakage or seepage of fluids from the pit.

(e) Prior to excavating a plugging pit on tillable land, the owner or operator shall consult with the surface owner to determine the location of any subsurface drainage tiles that may be present in the area of excavation. Excavation operations shall be conducted in a manner to avoid damage to subsurface drainage systems where practical. The owner or operator is responsible to repair or replace any subsurface drainage tiles that are damaged during pit construction or backfilling operations.

(f) Plugging pits shall be used only for the temporary storage of plugging fluid wastes as provided in this rule and shall not be used for the disposal of other wastes that are not directly resulting from plugging operations.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 29-33-11; filed Dec 1, 2017, 10:35 a.m.: 20171227-IR-312160230FRA; readopted filed Jan 17, 2023, 1:53 p.m.: 20230215-IR-312220328RFA)