SECTION 165:10-12-8. Standard procedure for the Rapid Action Assessment Team

  As soon as the Oil and Gas Conservation Division is notified of an unknown gas surface seep in or around a structure that the utility has determined is not leaking from its lines, except in situations where the Oklahoma Emergency Management Plan is activated, appropriate Commission personnel will respond as follows:

(1)   The Field Inspector from the Oil and Gas Conservation Division will respond with gas detection equipment and notify the Field Supervisor and District Manager.

(2)   The District Manager will activate the local Rapid Action Assessment Team and notify local officials and the following Commission offices in Oklahoma City: Public Utility Division, Field Operations and Public Information.

(3)   The District Office will research well data, aerial photos and maps on file with the Oil and Gas Conservation Division.

(4)   The Oil and Gas Field Supervisor and Field Inspector will coordinate with any responsible party in the locality and will research any available maps and records.

(5)   If no known oil or gas wells are present, the Rapid Action Assessment Team will number and set soil gas monitoring probes at strategic locations in the area and initiate a gas monitoring program to measure the concentration and sample the composition of gas and log results at monitored locations.

(6)   If the source of gas can be identified and there is a responsible party, the Rapid Action Assessment Team will request a Commission order directing the responsible party to abate the hazard.

(7)   If no known responsible party is located, the Rapid Action Assessment Team will position the monitoring system to allow for measurement of concentration and dissipation of the gas.

(8)   Upon the completion of the mitigation process, the Commission shall notify the utilities in writing.

(9)   Upon notification by the Commission that the mitigation process has been completed, the utility shall verify that the hazard has been abated prior to establishing or resuming gas service.

(10)   If the utility believes it should not establish or resume service, it shall file an emergency application with the Commission to show cause why service should not be established or resumed. The Commission shall hear such application with or without notice. At the time of the hearing, the Commission shall receive exhibits and recommendations as required by OAC 165:5-9-3. The Commission shall rule on the request as it deems appropriate.

[Source: Added at 24 Ok Reg 183, eff 10-4-06 (emergency); Added at 24 Ok Reg 1784, eff 7-1-07; Amended at 33 Ok Reg 593, eff 8-25-16]