SECTION 165:10-7-7. Informal complaints, red tags, and shut down of operations

(a)   This Section applies only to Field Operations Department of the Oil and Gas Conservation Division.

(b)   For an alleged violation of an order or provision of this Chapter, a district manager or field inspector may attempt to contact the alleged violator or his agent, in person, by telephone or by sending a Form 1085. The Form 1085 may be mailed or emailed to the last known address of the alleged violator according to Commission records.

(c)   Where surface or subsurface pollution is apparent, a district manager or field inspector may direct an alleged violator to take steps necessary to stop and/or clean up pollution. Said steps may include a temporary shut down of the lease or facility. If an alleged violator cannot be located, the district manager or field inspector may take emergency action necessary to abate pollution.

(d)   If the inspection shows that the alleged violator failed to comply as directed, the district manager or field inspector may:

(1)   Refer the matter to the Office of General Counsel for prosecution, and/or

(2)   Temporarily shut down the lease or facility until further notice from the Commission.

(e)   In shutting down a lease or facility, the district manager or field inspector shall affix at the site a red tag (directive to shut down). If the alleged violator removes or ignores a red tag, the district manager or field inspector shall refer the matter to the Office of General Counsel for prosecution, and the Commission may levy a fine up to $5,000.00.

[Source: Amended at 9 Ok Reg 2295, eff 6-25-92; Amended at 12 Ok Reg 2017, eff 7-1-95; Amended at 28 Ok Reg 1949, eff 7-11-11; Amended at 35 Ok Reg 973, eff 9-14-18; Amended at 36 Ok Reg 534, eff 8-1-19; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 1121, eff 1-1-20]