Part 14. Historical oil field standards

Where other publications are referenced within this Part, the reference shall be read as a reference to the most current edition of the publication in effect, including all published amendments.

The following standards shall apply to oil field production operations having historical oil field status. Where conflict arises between this Part and other Parts of the Standard this Part shall prevail with respect to historical oil field status operations only. This section does not apply to:

  1. any well drilled after January 1, 1980;
  2. any new works added to an oil field with historical status;
  3. a historical oil field without historical oil field status; or
  4. an oil field with historical oil field status that has ceased production for 24 or more months after it has been registered with the Ministry.

14.1 Definitions

"historical oil field" means an oil field that is:

  1. part of the Bothwell-Thamesville, Oil Springs or Petrolia fields; and
  2. produced from wells drilled to a depth less than 200 metres into formations of Devonian age.

"historical oil field status" means an oil production operation:

  1. located in a historical oil field;
  2. still producing oil on December 31,1996; and
  3. registered with the Ministry by December 31, 1997.

14.2 Underground storage tanks

Where an underground tank is installed, the operator shall:

  1. construct a dike surrounding the tank that is capable of containing any overflow from the tank;
  2. prevent access to the tank by:
    1. constructing and maintaining a cover on the tank and construct such covers in accordance with floor and roofing load requirements of the Building Code and provide adequate ventilation; or
    2. constructing a chain link fence 152 cm in height, completely surrounding the tank at a perimeter that is setback 2 meters from the edge of the tank and of adequate construction to prevent access to the tank; and
  3. install a ladder securely fixed in a vertical position inside the tank with rungs no greater than 15 centimetres from the wall and spaced at regular intervals and extending to the lowermost fluid level in the tank; and
  4. install a prominent warning sign on the fence or cover, as the case may be.

14.3 Oil field fluid storage

Where formation water is stored in an earthen pond, pit or underground tank the operator shall:

  1. ensure that the fluid cannot create or constitute a hazard to public health or safety, run into or contaminate any fresh water horizon or body of water or run over or damage any land, road, building or structure;
  2. ensure that any pond, pit or tank does not leak into the surrounding soil and is suitable for the fluid being stored;
  3. construct a chain link fence 152 cm in height that completely surrounds the pit, pond or tank at a perimeter that is setback 2 metres from the edge of the pit, pond or tank, and is of adequate construction to prevent access to the pit, pond or tank;
  4. construct any gates on the fence to a height of 152 centimetres and ensure that they are closed and locked;
  5. install prominent warning signs on all gates and at regular intervals on the perimeter fence;
  6. install for every pond, a platform, ladder, or other means of safe egress; and
  7. install rescue and life-saving equipment such as poles, safety rings, and flotation devices inside the fenced area of every pond, and this equipment shall be clearly visible and readily accessible at all times.

14.4 Well servicing

An operator of a well being serviced shall ensure that a diverter valve and piping are installed on the well prior to being serviced and connected to proper containment to prevent any fluids flowing onto the surface.

14.5 Suspended wells

The operator of a suspended well shall:

  1. cap it at surface; and
  2. permanently mark the site with a steel post with an attached well name sign and maintain such sign; but
  3. where the well is capable of flow to surface, it shall not be left suspended and the well shall be plugged.