As used in this act unless the context requires a different meaning:

1. (a) "Commission" means the state corporation commission.
2. (b) "Contractor" means any person who acts as agent for an operator as a drilling, plugging, service rig or seismograph contractor in such operator's oil and gas, cathodic protection, gas gathering or underground natural gas storage operations.
3. (c) "Fresh water" means water containing not more than 1,000 milligrams per liter, total dissolved solids.
4. (d) "Gas gathering system" means a natural gas pipeline system used primarily for transporting natural gas from a wellhead, or a metering point for natural gas produced by one or more wells, to a point of entry into a main transmission line, but shall not mean or include: (1) Lead lines from the wellhead to the connection with the gathering system which are owned by the producing person; or (2) gathering systems under the jurisdiction of the federal energy regulatory commission.
5. (e) "Operator" means a person who is responsible for the physical operation and control of a well, gas gathering system or underground porosity storage of natural gas.
6. (f) "Person" means any natural person, partnership, governmental or political subdivision, firm, association, corporation or other legal entity.
7. (g) "Rig" means any crane machine used for drilling or plugging wells.
8. (h) "Underground porosity storage" has the meaning provided by K.S.A. 55-1,115, and amendments thereto.
9. (i) "Usable water" means water containing not more than 10,000 milligrams per liter, total dissolved solids.

10. (j) "Well" means a hole or penetration of the surface of the earth, drilled or recompleted for the purpose of:

    1. (1) Producing oil or gas;
    2. (2) injecting fluid, air or gas in the ground in connection with the exploration for or production of oil or gas;
    3. (3) obtaining geological information in connection with the exploration for or production of oil or gas by taking cores or through seismic operations;
    4. (4) disposing of fluids produced in connection with the exploration for or production of oil or gas;
    5. (5) providing cathodic protection to prevent corrosion to lines, tanks or structures; or
    6. (6) injecting or withdrawing natural gas.

L. 1982, ch. 228, § 1; L. 1986, ch. 201, § 7; L. 1992, ch. 68, § 1; L. 1996, ch. 147, § 1; L. 1997, ch. 132, § 20; L. 2001, ch. 191, § 19; L. 2021, ch. 28, § 1; July 1.