Section 134.09. Application for approval.

 

(1)  At least 30 days prior to the proposed date of commencement of drillhole construction, the explorer shall submit an application for drillhole construction approval to the department. The application shall be submitted as an original, in reproducible form, and 5 copies. The explorer shall, at the same time, submit one copy of the application to the county clerk of the county in which the drilling is proposed to occur. The application shall contain the following information:

(a) Location of proposed drillhole.

(b) Proposed date of commencement of drilling.

(c) Proposed method of drilling including details on site preparation and access, drilling water source and possible drilling additives.

(d) Proposed drillhole construction, including drillhole inclination, azimuth and diameters; type, diameter and depth of casing and liners; lithologic units expected to be penetrated, including the expected thickness of each; and proposed cementing materials and methods of casing cementing.

(e) Proposed method of containment of any oil and gas that might be encountered.

(f) Proposed method of containment and eventual disposal of any groundwater which may flow to or is otherwise brought to the ground surface.

(g) Proposed method of drillhole abandonment and drilling site reclamation.

(2)  If the department finds that the proposed drillhole location, construction, abandonment, and site reclamation will adequately protect the waters of the state, it shall grant the approval. If it finds that the exploration as proposed will not provide such protection, the department may grant an approval subject to such conditions as it deems necessary to provide such protection, or it may deny the approval if it determines that such protection cannot be provided. Written approvals of drillhole construction plans shall be issued, issued with conditions or denied within 20 business days after the department receives a complete application as described in sub. (1) . If it is determined, pursuant to ch. NR 150 that an environmental impact statement is required to comply with s. 1.11 , Stats., this time limit shall be extended. Approval of drillhole construction plans shall terminate one year after date of issuance, if such construction has not commenced.

History: Cr. Register, October, 1985, No. 358 , eff. 11-1-85; correction in (2) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7. , Stats., Register March 2011 No. 663 ; CR 13-022 : am. (2) Register March 2014 No. 699 , eff. 4-1-14.