1. A. “Major release” means:

   1. (1) an unauthorized release of a volume, excluding gases, of 25 barrels or more;

   2. (2) an unauthorized release of a volume that:

      1. (a) results in a fire or is the result of a fire;
      2. (b) may with reasonable probability reach a watercourse;
      3. (c) may with reasonable probability endanger public health; or
      4. (d) substantially damages property or the environment;
   3. (3) an unauthorized release of gases exceeding 500 MCF; or
   4. (4) a release of a volume that may with reasonable probability be detrimental to fresh water.
2. B. “Minor release” means an unauthorized release, which is not a major release and is a volume greater than five barrels but less than 25 barrels; or for gases, greater than 50 MCF but less than 500 MCF.
3. C. “Responsible party” means the operator, as defined in 19.15.2 NMAC. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the division, in its sole discretion, may also consider a person causing the release, or controlling the location of the release as the responsible party.
4. D. “Wellstream” means the gas, oil, water, suspended constituents, or any combination thereof, which comes from the wellbore.

[19.15.29.7 NMAC - Rp, 19.15.29.7 NMAC, 8/14/2018]