Chapter 1571 | Underground Storage Of Gas

Section 1571.01 | Underground storage of gas definitions.

• Effective: September 29, 2011
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly

As used in this chapter, unless other meaning is clearly indicated in the context:

(A) "Gas storage reservoir" or "storage reservoir" or "reservoir" means a continuous area of a subterranean porous sand or rock stratum or strata, any part of which or of the protective area of which, is within a coal bearing township, into which gas is or may be injected for the purpose of storing it therein and removing it therefrom, or for the purpose of testing whether such stratum is suitable for such storage purposes.

(B) "Gas" means any natural, manufactured, or by-product gas or any mixture thereof.

(C) "Reservoir operator" or "operator," when used in referring to the operator of a gas storage reservoir, means a person who is engaged in the work of preparing to inject, or who injects gas into, or who stores gas in, or who removes gas from, a gas storage reservoir, and who owns the right to do so.

(D)(1) "Boundary," when used in referring to the boundary of a gas storage reservoir, means the boundary of such reservoir as shown on the map or maps thereof on file in the division of oil and gas resources management as required by this chapter.

(2) "Boundary," when used in referring to the boundary of a reservoir protective area, means the boundary of such reservoir protective area as shown on the map or maps thereof on file in the division as required by this chapter.

(E) "Reservoir protective area" or "reservoir's protective area" means the area of land outside the boundary of a gas storage reservoir shown as such on the map or maps thereof on file in the division as required by this chapter. The area of land shown on such map or maps as such reservoir protective area shall be outside the boundary of such reservoir, and shall encircle such reservoir and touch all parts of the boundary of such reservoir, and no part of the outside boundary of such protective area shall be less than two thousand nor more than five thousand linear feet distant from the boundary of such reservoir.

(F) "Coal bearing township" means a township designated as a coal bearing township by the chief of the division of mineral resources management as required by section 1561.06 of the Revised Code.

(G) "Coal mine" means the underground excavations of a mine that are being used or are usable or are being developed for use in connection with the extraction of coal from its natural deposit in the earth. "Underground excavations," when used in referring to the underground excavations of a coal mine, includes the abandoned underground excavations of such mine. It also includes the underground excavations of an abandoned coal mine if such abandoned mine is connected with underground excavations of a coal mine. "Coal mine" does not mean or include:

(1) A mine in which coal is extracted from its natural deposit in the earth by strip or open pit mining methods or by other methods by which individuals are not required to go underground in connection with the extraction of coal from its natural deposit in the earth;

(2) A mine in which not more than fourteen individuals are regularly employed underground.

(H) "Operator," when used in referring to the operator of a coal mine, means a person who engages in the work of developing such mine for use in extracting coal from its natural deposit in the earth, or who so uses such mine, and who owns the right to do so.

(I) "Boundary," when used in referring to the boundary of a coal mine, means the boundary of the underground excavations of such mine as shown on the maps of such mine on file in the division of mineral resources management as required by sections 1563.03 to 1563.05 and 1571.03 of the Revised Code.

(J) "Mine protective area" or "mine's protective area" means the area of land that the operator of a coal mine designates and shows as such on the map or maps of such coal mine filed with the division as required by sections 1563.03 to 1563.05 and 1571.03 of the Revised Code. Such area of land shall be outside of the boundary of such coal mine, but some part of the boundary of such area of land shall abut upon a part of the boundary of such coal mine. Such area of land shall be comprised of such tracts of land in which such coal mine operator owns the right to extract coal therefrom by underground mining methods and in which underground excavations of such coal mine are likely to be made within the ensuing year for use in connection with the extraction of coal therefrom.

(K) "Pillar" means a solid block of coal or other material left unmined to support the overlying strata in a coal mine, or to protect a well.

(L) "Retreat mining" means the removal of pillars and ribs and stumps and other coal remaining in a section of a coal mine after the development mining has been completed in such section.

(M) "Linear feet," when used to indicate distance between two points that are not in the same plane, means the length in feet of the shortest horizontal line that connects two lines projected vertically upward or downward from the two points.

(N) "Map" means a graphic representation of the location and size of the existing or proposed items it is made to represent, accurately drawn according to a given scale.

(O) "Well" means any hole, drilled or bored, or being drilled or bored, into the earth, whether for the purpose of, or whether used for:

(1) Producing or extracting any gas or liquid mineral, or natural or artificial brines, or oil field waters;

(2) Injecting gas into or removing gas from an underground gas storage reservoir;

(3) Introducing water or other liquid pressure into an oil bearing sand to recover oil contained in such sand, provided that "well" does not mean a hole drilled or bored, or being drilled or bored, into the earth, whether for the purpose of, or whether used for, producing or extracting potable water to be used as such.

(P) "Testing" means injecting gas into, or storing gas in or removing gas from, a gas storage reservoir for the sole purpose of determining whether such reservoir is suitable for use as a gas storage reservoir.

(Q) "Casing" means a string or strings of pipe commonly placed in a well.

(R) "Inactivate" means to shut off temporarily all flow of gas from a well at a point below the horizon of the coal mine that might be affected by such flow of gas, by means of a plug or other suitable device or by injecting water, bentonite, or some other equally nonporous material into the well, or any other method approved by an oil and gas resources inspector.

(S) "Gas storage well inspector" means the gas storage well inspector in the division.

(T) The verb "open" or the noun "opening," when used in clauses relating to the time when a coal mine operator intends to open a new coal mine, or the time when a new coal mine is opened, or the time of the opening of a new coal mine, or when used in other similar clauses to convey like meanings, means that time and condition in the initial development of a new coal mine when the second opening required by section 1563.14 of the Revised Code is completed in such mine.

Section 1571.011 | Chapter does not apply to chapter 1514 activities.

• Effective: April 6, 2007
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 443 - 126th General Assembly

Nothing in this chapter applies to activities that are permitted and regulated under Chapter 1514. of the Revised Code.

Section 1571.012 | Applicants for position of gas storage well inspector.

• Effective: October 9, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 263 - 133rd General Assembly

An applicant for the position of gas storage well inspector shall register the applicant's name with the chief of the division of oil and gas resources management and file with the chief an affidavit as to all matters of fact establishing the applicant's right to take the examination for that position and a certificate from a reputable and disinterested physician as to the physical condition of the applicant showing that the applicant is physically capable of performing the duties of the position. The applicant also shall present evidence satisfactory to the chief that the applicant has been a resident and citizen of this state for at least two years next preceding the date of application.

An applicant shall possess the same qualifications as an applicant for the position of deputy mine inspector established in section 1561.12 of the Revised Code. In addition, the applicant shall have practical knowledge and experience of and in the operation, location, drilling, maintenance, and abandonment of oil and gas wells, especially in coal or mineral bearing townships, and shall have a thorough knowledge of the latest and best method of plugging and sealing abandoned oil and gas wells.

An applicant for gas storage well inspector shall pass an examination conducted by the chief to determine the applicant's fitness to act as gas storage well inspector before being eligible for appointment.

Last updated October 9, 2021 at 5:18 AM

Section 1571.013 | Examinations for gas storage well inspector.

• Effective: September 29, 2011
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly

(A) The chief of the division of oil and gas resources management shall conduct examinations for the position of gas storage well inspector. The chief annually shall provide for the examination of candidates for appointment as gas storage well inspector. Special examinations may be held whenever it becomes necessary to make an appointment of gas storage well inspector.

(B) Public notice shall be given through the press or otherwise, not less than ten days in advance, announcing the time and place at which examinations under this section are to be held.

(C) The examinations provided for in this section shall be conducted in accordance with rules adopted under section 1571.014 of the Revised Code and conditions prescribed by the chief.

Section 1571.014 | Appointment of gas storage well inspector.

• Effective: September 29, 2011
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly

The chief of the division of oil and gas resources management shall appoint a gas storage well inspector from the eligible list of candidates for that position that is prepared under section 124.24 of the Revised Code. If a vacancy occurs in the position of gas storage well inspector, the chief shall fill the position by selecting a person from that list.

The chief shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code that are necessary for conducting examinations for the position of gas storage well inspector.

Section 1571.02 | Filing of map by reservoir operator.

• Effective: September 29, 2011
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly

(A) Any reservoir operator who, on September 9, 1957, is injecting gas into, storing gas in, or removing gas from a reservoir shall within sixty days after such date file with the division of oil and gas resources management a map thereof as described in division (C) of this section, provided that if a reservoir operator is, on September 9, 1957, injecting gas into or storing gas in a reservoir solely for testing, the reservoir operator shall at once file such map with the division.

(B) If the injection of gas into or storage of gas in a gas storage reservoir is begun after September 9, 1957, the operator of such reservoir shall file with the division a map thereof as described in division (C) of this section, on the same day and not less than three months prior to beginning such injection or storage.

(C) Each map filed with the division pursuant to this section shall be prepared by a registered surveyor, registered engineer, or competent geologist. It shall show both of the following:

(1) The location of the boundary of such reservoir and the boundary of such reservoir's protective area, and the known fixed monuments, corner stones, or other permanent markers in such boundary lines;

(2) The boundary lines of the counties, townships, and sections or lots that are within the limits of such map, and the name of each such county and township and the number of each such section or lot clearly indicated thereon. The legend of the map shall indicate the stratum or strata in which the gas storage reservoir is located.

The location of the boundary of the gas storage reservoir as shown on the map shall be defined by the location of those wells around the periphery of such reservoir that had no gas production when drilled into the storage stratum of such reservoir, provided that if the operator of such reservoir, upon taking into consideration the number and nature of such wells, the geological and production knowledge of the storage stratum, its character, permeability, and distribution, and operating experience, determines that the location of the boundary of such reservoir should be differently defined, the reservoir operator may, on such map, show the boundary of such reservoir to be located at a location different than the location defined by the location of those wells around the periphery of such reservoir that had no gas production when drilled into the storage stratum.

Whenever the operator of a gas storage reservoir determines that the location of the boundary of such reservoir as shown on the most recent map thereof on file in the division pursuant to this section is incorrect, the reservoir operator shall file with the division an amended map showing the boundary of such reservoir to be located at the location that the reservoir operator then considers to be correct.

(D) Each operator of a gas storage reservoir who files with the division a map as required by this section shall, at the end of each six-month period following the date of such filing, file with the division an amended map showing changes, if any, in the boundary line of such reservoir or of such reservoir's protective area that have occurred in the six-month period. Nothing in this division shall be construed to require such a reservoir operator to file an amended map at the end of any such six-month period if no such boundary changes have occurred in such period.

An operator of a gas storage reservoir who is required by this section to file an amended map with the division shall not be required to so file such an amended map after such time when the reservoir operator files with the division a map pertaining to such reservoir, as provided in section 1571.04 of the Revised Code.

Section 1571.03 | Excavations and extensions to be shown on maps - notices sent.

• Effective: September 29, 2011
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly

(A) Every operator of a coal mine who is required by sections 1563.03 to 1563.05 of the Revised Code, to file maps of such mine, shall cause to be shown on each of such maps, in addition to the boundary lines of each tract under which excavations are likely to be made during the ensuing year, as referred to in section 1563.03 of the Revised Code:

(1) The boundary of such coal mine in accordance with the meaning of the term "boundary" in section 1571.01 of the Revised Code;

(2) The boundary of the mine protective area of such mine.

This division shall not be construed to amend or repeal any provisions of sections 1563.03 to 1563.05 of the Revised Code, either by implication or otherwise.

This division is intended only to add to existing statutory requirements pertaining to the filing of coal mine maps with the division of mineral resources management, the requirements established in this division.

(B) Every operator of a coal mine who believes that any part of the boundary of such mine is within two thousand linear feet of a well that is drilled through the horizon of such coal mine and into or through the storage stratum or strata of a gas storage reservoir within the boundary of such reservoir or within its protective area, shall at once send notice to that effect by registered mail to the operator of such reservoir, the division of mineral resources management, and the division of oil and gas resources management.

(C) Every operator of a coal mine who expects that any part of the boundary of such mine will, on a date after September 9, 1957, be extended beyond its location on such date to a point within two thousand linear feet of a well that is drilled through the horizon of such mine and into or through the stratum or strata of a gas storage reservoir within the boundary of such reservoir or within its protective area, shall send at least nine months' notice of such date and of the location of such well by registered mail to the operator of such reservoir, the division of mineral resources management, and the division of oil and gas resources management. If at the end of three years after the date stated in the notice by an operator of a coal mine to an operator of a storage reservoir as the date upon which part of the boundary of such coal mine is expected to be extended to a point within two thousand linear feet of such well, no part of such coal mine is so extended, the operator of such coal mine shall be liable to the operator of such storage reservoir for all expenses incurred by such reservoir operator in doing the plugging or reconditioning of such well as the reservoir operator is required to do in such cases as provided in section 1571.05 of the Revised Code. Such mine operator shall in no event be liable to such reservoir operator:

(1) For expenses of plugging or reconditioning such well incurred prior to receipt by such reservoir operator from such mine operator of a notice as provided for in this division;

(2) For any expenses of plugging or reconditioning such well if any part of the work of plugging or reconditioning was commenced prior to receipt by such reservoir operator from such mine operator of a notice as provided for in this division.

(D) If a person intends to open a new coal mine after September 9, 1957, and if at the time of its opening any part of the boundary of such mine will be within two thousand linear feet of a well that is drilled through the horizon of such mine and into or through the storage stratum or strata of a gas storage reservoir within the boundary of such reservoir or within its protective area, such person shall send by registered mail to the operator of such storage reservoir, the division of mineral resources management, and the division of oil and gas resources management at least nine months' notice of the date upon which the person intends to open such mine, and of the location of such well. If at the end of nine months after the date stated in the notice by an operator of a coal mine to an operator of a storage reservoir, the division of mineral resources management, and the division of oil and gas resources management, as the date upon which such coal mine operator intends to open such new mine, such new mine is not opened, the operator of such coal mine shall be liable to the operator of such storage reservoir for all expenses incurred by such reservoir operator in doing the plugging or reconditioning of such well as the reservoir operator is required to do in such cases as provided in section 1571.05 of the Revised Code, provided:

(1) That such mine operator may, prior to the end of nine months after the date stated in such mine operator's notice to such reservoir operator, the division of mineral resources management, and the division of oil and gas resources management as the date upon which the mine operator intended to open such new mine, notify such reservoir operator, the division of mineral resources management, and the division of oil and gas resources management in writing by registered mail, that the opening of such new mine will be delayed beyond the end of such nine-month period of time, and that the mine operator requests that a conference be held as provided in section 1571.10 of the Revised Code for the purpose of endeavoring to reach an agreement establishing a date subsequent to the end of such nine-month period of time, on or before which such mine operator may open such new mine without being liable to pay such reservoir operator expenses incurred by such reservoir operator in plugging or reconditioning such well as in this division provided;

(2) That if such mine operator sends to such reservoir operator, the division of mineral resources management, and the division of oil and gas resources management a notice and request for a conference as provided in division (D)(1) of this section, such mine operator shall not be liable to pay such reservoir operator for expenses incurred by such reservoir operator in plugging and reconditioning such well, unless such mine operator fails to open such new mine within the period of time fixed by an approved agreement reached in such conference, or fixed by an order by the chief of the division of oil and gas resources management upon a hearing held in the matter in the event of failure to reach an approved agreement in the conference. After issuing an order under this division, the chief shall notify the chief of the division of mineral resources management and send a copy of the order to the chief.

(3) That such mine operator shall in no event be liable to such reservoir operator:

(a) For expense of plugging or reconditioning such well incurred prior to the receipt by such reservoir operator from such mine operator of the notice of the date upon which such mine operator intends to open such new mine;

(b) For any expense of plugging or reconditioning such well if any part of the work of plugging or reconditioning was commenced prior to receipt by such reservoir operator from such mine operator of such notice.

Section 1571.04 | Gas storage well inspector to examine maps.

• Effective: September 29, 2011
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly

(A) Upon the filing of each map or amended map with the division of oil and gas resources management by operators of gas storage reservoirs as required by this chapter, and each coal mine map with the division of mineral resources management as required by sections 1563.03 to 1563.05 and division (A) of section 1571.03 of the Revised Code, the gas storage well inspector shall cause an examination to be made of all maps on file in those divisions as the gas storage well inspector may deem necessary to ascertain whether any part of a reservoir protective area as shown on any such map is within ten thousand linear feet of any part of the boundary of a coal mine as shown on any such map. If, upon making that examination, the gas storage well inspector finds that any part of such a reservoir protective area is within ten thousand linear feet of any part of the boundary of such a coal mine, the gas storage well inspector shall promptly send by registered mail notice to that effect to the operator of the reservoir and to the operator of the coal mine.

(B) Within sixty days after receipt by an operator of a gas storage reservoir of a notice from the gas storage well inspector under division (A) of this section, such operator shall file on the same day with both the division of mineral resources management and the division of oil and gas resources management identical maps prepared by a registered surveyor, registered engineer, or competent geologist, which shall do all of the following:

(1) Indicate the stratum or strata in which such gas storage reservoir is located;

(2) Show the location of the boundary of the reservoir and the boundary of its protective area, and the known fixed monuments, corner stones, or other permanent markers in such boundary lines;

(3) Show the boundary lines of the counties, townships, and sections or lots that are within the limits of such maps, and the name of each such county and township and the number of each such section or lot clearly indicated thereon;

(4) Show the location of all oil or gas wells known to the operator of such reservoir that have been drilled within the boundary of the reservoir or within its protective area, and indicate which of such wells, if any, have been or are to be plugged or reconditioned for use in the operation of such reservoir.

The location of the boundary of the gas storage reservoir as shown on the maps shall be defined by the location of those wells around the periphery of the reservoir that had no gas production when drilled into the storage stratum of the reservoir, provided that, if the operator of the reservoir, upon taking into consideration the number and nature of such wells, the geological and production knowledge of the storage stratum, its character, permeability, and distribution, and operating experience, determines that the location of the boundary of the reservoir should be differently defined, the reservoir operator may, on the maps, show the boundary of the reservoir to be located at a location different from the location defined by the location of those wells around the periphery of the reservoir that had no gas production when drilled into the storage stratum.

(C) Any coal mine operator who receives from the gas storage well inspector a copy of a map as provided by division (E) of this section may request the gas storage well inspector to furnish the coal mine operator with:

(1) The name of the original operator of any well shown on such map;

(2) The date drilling of such well was completed;

(3) The total depth of such well;

(4) The depth at which oil or gas was encountered in such well if it was productive of oil or gas;

(5) The initial rock pressure of such well;

(6) A copy of the log of the driller of such well or other similar data;

(7) The location of such well in respect to the property lines of the tract of land on which it is located;

(8) A statement as to whether the well is inactive or active:

(a) If inactive, the date of plugging and other pertinent data;

(b) If active, whether it is being used for test purposes or storage purposes.

(9) A statement of the maximum injection pressure contemplated by the operator of the reservoir shown on such map.

Upon receipt of such a request, the gas storage well inspector shall promptly furnish the coal mine operator the information requested. If the information is not ascertainable from the files in the division of oil and gas resources management, the gas storage well inspector shall request the reservoir operator to furnish the division with such information to the extent that the reservoir operator has knowledge thereof. Upon receipt of such a request, the reservoir operator shall promptly furnish such information to the division. Thereupon the gas storage well inspector shall promptly transmit such information to the mine operator who requested it.

Whenever the operator of a gas storage reservoir determines that the location of the boundary of the reservoir as shown on the most recent map thereof on file in the division pursuant to this section is incorrect, the reservoir operator shall file with the division an amended map showing the boundary of the reservoir to be located at the location that the reservoir operator then considers to be correct.

(D) Each operator of a gas storage reservoir who files with the division of mineral resources management and the division of oil and gas resources management maps as required by this section shall, at the end of each six-month period following the date of such filing, file with each division identical amended maps showing changes in the boundary line of the reservoir or of the reservoir's protective area that have occurred in the six-month period, and further showing or describing any other occurrences within that six-month period that cause the most recent maps on file and pertaining to the reservoir to no longer be correct. Nothing in this division shall be construed to require such a reservoir operator to file an amended map at the end of any such six-month period if no boundary changes or other occurrences have occurred in that period. The operator of the reservoir shall also file with the division of mineral resources management and the division of oil and gas resources management, subsequent to the filing of maps as provided for in division (B) of this section, a statement whenever changing the maximum injection pressure is contemplated, stating for each affected well within the boundary of the reservoir or its protective area, the amount of change of injection pressure contemplated. The location or drilling of new wells or the abandonment or reconditioning of wells shall not be considered to be occurrences requiring the filing of an amended map or statement.

(E) Promptly upon the filing with the division of oil and gas resources management of a map or an amended map pertaining to a gas storage reservoir under this section, the gas storage well inspector shall send by registered mail to the operator of the coal mine a part of the boundary of which is within ten thousand linear feet of any part of the boundary of the reservoir or of the outside boundary of the reservoir's protective area, notice of the filing together with a copy of the map.

(F) When the operator of a gas storage reservoir files with the division of mineral resources management and the division of oil and gas resources management maps or amended maps under this section, the reservoir operator shall file as many copies of the maps as each division may require for its files and as are needed for sending a copy to each coal mine operator under division (E) of this section.

Section 1571.05 | Plugging and reconditioning of wells within reservoir area.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Whenever any part of a gas storage reservoir or any part of its protective area underlies any part of a coal mine, or is, or within nine months is expected or intended to be, within two thousand linear feet of the boundary of a coal mine that is operating in a coal seam any part of which extends over any part of the storage reservoir or its protective area, the operator of the reservoir, if the reservoir operator or some other reservoir operator has not theretofore done so, shall:

(1) Use every known method that is reasonable under the circumstance for discovering and locating all wells drilled within the area of the reservoir or its protective area that underlie any part of the coal mine or its protective area;

(2) Plug or recondition all known wells drilled within the area of the reservoir or its protective area that underlie any part of the coal mine.

(B) Whenever an operator of a gas storage reservoir is notified by the operator of a coal mine, as provided in division (B) of section 1571.03 of the Revised Code, that the coal mine operator believes that part of the boundary of the mine is within two thousand linear feet of a well that is drilled through the horizon of the coal mine and into or through the storage stratum or strata of the reservoir within the boundary of the reservoir or within its protective area, the reservoir operator shall plug or recondition the well as in this section prescribed, unless it is agreed in a conference or is ordered by the chief of the division of oil and gas resources management after a hearing, as provided in section 1571.10 of the Revised Code, that the well referred to in the notice is not such a well as is described in division (B) of section 1571.03 of the Revised Code.

Whenever an operator of a gas storage reservoir is notified by the operator of a coal mine as provided in division (C) or (D) of section 1571.03 of the Revised Code, that part of the boundary of the mine is, or within nine months is intended or expected to be, within two thousand linear feet of a well that is drilled through the horizon of the mine and into or through the storage stratum or strata of the reservoir within the boundary of the reservoir or within its protective area, the reservoir operator shall plug or recondition the well as in this section prescribed.

Whenever the operator of a coal mine considers that the use of a well such as in this section described, if used for injecting gas into, or storing gas in, or removing gas from, a gas storage reservoir, would be hazardous to the safety of persons or property on or in the vicinity of the premises of the coal mine or the reservoir or well, the coal mine operator may file with the division objections to the use of the well for such purposes, and a request that a conference be held as provided in section 1571.10 of the Revised Code, to discuss and endeavor to resolve by mutual agreement whether or not the well shall or shall not be used for such purposes, and whether or not the well shall be reconditioned, inactivated, or plugged. The request shall set forth the mine operator's reasons for such objections. If no approved agreement is reached in the conference, the gas storage well inspector shall within ten days after the termination of the conference, file with the chief a request that the chief hear and determine the matters considered at the conference as provided in section 1571.10 of the Revised Code. Upon conclusion of the hearing, the chief shall find and determine whether or not the safety of persons or of the property on or in the vicinity of the premises of the coal mine, or the reservoir, or the well requires that the well be reconditioned, inactivated, or plugged, and shall make an order consistent with that determination, provided that the chief shall not order a well plugged unless the chief first finds that there is underground leakage of gas therefrom.

The plugging or reconditioning of each well described in a notice from a coal mine operator to a reservoir operator as provided in division (B) of section 1571.03 of the Revised Code, which must be plugged or reconditioned, shall be completed within such time as the gas storage well inspector may fix in the case of each such well. The plugging or reconditioning of each well described in a notice from a coal mine operator to a reservoir operator as provided in division (C) of section 1571.03 of the Revised Code, which must be plugged or reconditioned, shall be completed by the time the well, by reason of the extension of the boundary of the coal mine, is within two thousand linear feet of any part of the boundary of the mine. The plugging or reconditioning of each well described in a notice from a coal mine operator to a reservoir operator, as provided in division (D) of section 1571.03 of the Revised Code, which must be plugged or reconditioned, shall be completed by the time the well, by reason of the opening of the new mine, is within two thousand linear feet of any part of the boundary of the new mine. A reservoir operator who is required to complete the plugging or reconditioning of a well within a period of time fixed as in this division prescribed, may prior to the end of that period of time, notify the division and the mine operator from whom the reservoir operator received a notice as provided in division (B), (C), or (D) of section 1571.03 of the Revised Code, in writing by certified mail or electronic format, that the completion of the plugging or reconditioning of the well referred to in the notice will be delayed beyond the end of the period of time fixed therefor as in this section provided, and that the reservoir operator requests that a conference be held for the purpose of endeavoring to reach an agreement establishing a date subsequent to the end of that period of time, on or before which the reservoir operator may complete the plugging or reconditioning without incurring any penalties for failure to do so as provided in this chapter. If such a reservoir operator sends to such a mine operator and to the division a notice and request for a conference as in this division provided, the reservoir operator shall not incur any penalties for failure to complete the plugging or reconditioning of the well within the period of time fixed as in this division prescribed, unless the reservoir operator fails to complete the plugging or reconditioning of the well within the period of time fixed by an approved agreement reached in the conference, or fixed by an order by the chief upon a hearing held in the matter in the event of failure to reach an approved agreement in the conference.

Whenever, in compliance with this division, a well is to be plugged by a reservoir operator, the operator shall give to the division notice thereof, as many days in advance as will be necessary for the gas storage well inspector or a deputy mine inspector to be present at the plugging. The notification shall be made on blanks furnished by the division and shall show the following information:

(1) Name and address of the applicant;

(2) The location of the well identified by section or lot number, city or village, and township and county;

(3) The well name and number of each well to be plugged.

(C) The operator shall give written notice at the same time to the owner of the land upon which the well is located, the owners or agents of the adjoining land, and adjoining well owners or agents of the operator's intention to abandon the well, and of the time when the operator will be prepared to commence plugging and filling the same. In addition to giving such notices, the reservoir operator shall also at the same time send a copy of the notice by certified mail or electronic format to the coal mine operator, if any, who sent to the reservoir operator the notice as provided in division (B), (C), or (D) of section 1571.03 of the Revised Code, in order that the coal mine operator or the coal mine operator's designated representative may attend and observe the manner in which the plugging of the well is done.

If the reservoir operator plugs the well without the gas storage well inspector or a deputy mine inspector being present to supervise the plugging, the reservoir operator shall send to the division and to the coal mine operator a copy of the report of the plugging of the well, including in the report:

(1) The date of abandonment;

(2) The name of the owner or operator of the well at the time of abandonment and the well owner's or operator's post office address;

(3) The location of the well as to township and county and the name of the owner of the surface upon which the well is drilled, with the address thereof;

(4) The date of the permit to drill;

(5) The date when drilled;

(6) Whether the well has been mapped;

(7) The depth of the well;

(8) The depth of the top of the sand to which the well was drilled;

(9) The depth of each seam of coal drilled through;

(10) A detailed report as to how the well was plugged, giving in particular the manner in which the coal and various sands were plugged, and the date of the plugging of the well, including therein the names of those who witnessed the plugging of the well.

The report shall be signed by the operator or the operator's agent who plugged the well and verified by the oath of the party so signing. For the purposes of this section, a deputy mine inspector may take acknowledgements and administer oaths to the parties signing the report.

Whenever, in compliance with this division, a well is to be reconditioned by a reservoir operator, the operator shall give to the division notice thereof as many days before the reconditioning is begun as will be necessary for the gas storage well inspector, or a deputy mine inspector, to be present at the reconditioning. No well shall be reconditioned if an inspector of the division is not present unless permission to do so has been granted by the chief. The reservoir operator, at the time of giving notice to the division as in this section required, also shall send a copy of the notice by certified mail or electronic format to the coal mine operator, if any, who sent to the reservoir operator the notice as provided in division (B), (C), or (D) of section 1571.03 of the Revised Code, in order that the coal mine operator or the coal mine operator's designated representative may attend and observe the manner in which the reconditioning of the well is done.

If the reservoir operator reconditions the well when the gas storage well inspector or a deputy mine inspector is not present to supervise the reconditioning, the reservoir operator shall make written report to the division describing the manner in which the reconditioning was done, and shall send to the coal mine operator a copy of the report by certified mail or electronic format.

(D) Wells that are required by this section to be plugged shall be plugged in the manner specified in sections 1509.13 to 1509.17 of the Revised Code, and the operator shall give the notifications and reports required by divisions (B) and (C) of this section. No such well shall be plugged or abandoned without the written approval of the division, and no such well shall be mudded, plugged, or abandoned without the gas storage well inspector or a deputy mine inspector present unless written permission has been granted by the chief or the gas storage well inspector. For purposes of this section, the chief of the division of mineral resources management has the authority given the chief of the division of oil and gas resources management in sections 1509.15 and 1509.17 of the Revised Code. If such a well has been plugged prior to the time plugging thereof is required by this section, and, on the basis of the data, information, and other evidence available it is determined that the plugging was done in the manner required by this section, or was done in accordance with statutes prescribing the manner of plugging wells in effect at the time the plugging was done, and that there is no evidence of leakage of gas from the well either at or below the surface, and that the plugging is sufficiently effective to prevent the leakage of gas from the well, the obligations imposed upon the reservoir operator by this section as to plugging the well shall be considered fully satisfied. The operator of a coal mine any part of the boundary of which is, or within nine months is expected or intended to be, within two thousand linear feet of the well may at any time raise a question as to whether the plugging of the well is sufficiently effective to prevent the leakage of gas therefrom, and the issue so made shall be determined by a conference or hearing as provided in section 1571.10 of the Revised Code.

(E) Wells that are to be reconditioned as required by this section shall be, or shall be made to be:

(1) Cased in accordance with the statutes of this state in effect at the time the wells were drilled, with the casing being, or made to be, sufficiently effective in that there is no evidence of any leakage of gas therefrom;

(2) Equipped with a producing string and well head composed of new pipe, or pipe as good as new, and fittings designed to operate with safety and to contain the stored gas at maximum pressures contemplated.

When a well that is to be reconditioned as required by this section has been reconditioned for use in the operation of the reservoir prior to the time prescribed in this section, and on the basis of the data, information, and other evidence available it is determined that at the time the well was so reconditioned the requirements prescribed in this division were met, and that there is no evidence of underground leakage of gas from the well, and that the reconditioning is sufficiently effective to prevent underground leakage from the well, the obligations imposed upon the reservoir operator by this section as to reconditioning the well shall be considered fully satisfied. Any operator of a coal mine any part of the boundary of which is, or within nine months is expected or intended to be, within two thousand linear feet of the well may at any time raise a question as to whether the reconditioning of the well is sufficiently effective to prevent underground leakage of gas therefrom, and the issue so made shall be determined by a conference or hearing as provided in section 1571.10 of the Revised Code.

If the gas storage well inspector at any time finds that a well that is drilled through the horizon of a coal mine and into or through the storage stratum or strata of a reservoir within the boundary of the reservoir or within its protective area is located within the boundary of the coal mine or within two thousand linear feet of the mine boundary, and was drilled prior to the time the statutes of this state required that wells be cased, and that the well fails to meet the casing and equipping requirements prescribed in this division, the gas storage well inspector shall promptly notify the operator of the reservoir thereof in writing, and the reservoir operator upon receipt of the notice shall promptly recondition the well in the manner prescribed in this division for reconditioning wells, unless, in a conference or hearing as provided in section 1571.10 of the Revised Code, a different course of action is agreed upon or ordered.

(F)(1) When a well within the boundary of a gas storage reservoir or within the reservoir's protective area penetrates the storage stratum or strata of the reservoir, but does not penetrate the coal seam within the boundary of a coal mine, the gas storage well inspector may, upon application of the operator of the storage reservoir, exempt the well from the requirements of this section. Either party affected by the action of the gas storage well inspector may request a conference and hearing with respect to the exemption.

(2) When a well located within the boundary of a storage reservoir or a reservoir's protective area is a producing well in a stratum above or below the storage stratum, the obligations imposed by this section shall not begin until the well ceases to be a producing well.

(G) When retreat mining reaches a point in a coal mine when the operator of the mine expects that within ninety days retreat work will be at the location of a pillar surrounding an active storage reservoir well, the operator of the mine shall promptly send by certified mail or electronic format notice to that effect to the operator of the reservoir. Thereupon the operators may by agreement determine whether it is necessary or advisable to temporarily inactivate the well. If inactivated, the well shall not be reactivated until a reasonable period of time has elapsed, such period of time to be determined by agreement by the operators. In the event that the parties cannot agree upon either of the foregoing matters, the question shall be submitted to the gas storage well inspector for a conference in accordance with section 1571.10 of the Revised Code.

(H)(1) The provisions of this section that require the plugging or reconditioning of wells shall not apply to such wells as are used to inject gas into, store gas in, or remove gas from a gas storage reservoir when the sole purpose of the injection, storage, or removal is testing. The operator of a gas storage reservoir who injects gas into, stores gas in, or removes gas from a reservoir for the sole purpose of testing shall be subject to all other provisions of this chapter that are applicable to operators of reservoirs.

(2) If the injection of gas into, or storage of gas in, a gas storage reservoir any part of which, or of the protective area of which, is within the boundary of a coal mine is begun after September 9, 1957, and if the injection or storage of gas is for the sole purpose of testing, the operator of the reservoir shall send by certified mail or electronic format to the operator of the coal mine, the division of oil and gas resources management, and the division of mineral resources management at least sixty days' notice of the date upon which the testing will be begun.

If at any time within the period of time during which testing of a reservoir is in progress, any part of the reservoir or of its protective area comes within any part of the boundary of a coal mine, the operator of the reservoir shall promptly send notice to that effect by certified mail or electronic format to the operator of the mine, the division of oil and gas resources management, and the division of mineral resources management.

(3) Any coal mine operator who receives a notice as provided for in division (H)(2) of this section may within thirty days of the receipt thereof file with the division objections to the testing. The gas storage well inspector also may, within the time within which a coal mine operator may file an objection, place in the files of the division objections to the testing. The reservoir operator shall comply throughout the period of the testing operations with all conditions and requirements agreed upon and approved in the conference on such objections conducted as provided in section 1571.10 of the Revised Code, or in an order made by the chief following a hearing in the matter as provided in section 1571.10 of the Revised Code. If in complying with the agreement or order either the reservoir operator or the coal mine operator encounters or discovers conditions that were not known to exist at the time of the conference or hearing and that materially affect the agreement or order, or the ability of the reservoir operator to comply therewith, either operator may apply for a rehearing or modification of the order.

(I) In addition to complying with all other provisions of this chapter and any lawful orders issued thereunder, the operator of each gas storage reservoir shall keep all wells drilled into or through the storage stratum or strata within the boundary of the operator's reservoir or within the reservoir's protective area in such condition, and operate the same in such manner, as to prevent the escape of gas therefrom into any coal mine, and shall operate and maintain the storage reservoir and its facilities in such manner and at such pressures as will prevent gas from escaping from the reservoir or its facilities into any coal mine.

Last updated August 9, 2023 at 1:32 PM

Section 1571.06 | Accuracy or correctness of maps.

• Effective: September 29, 2011
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly

(A) Distances between boundaries of gas storage reservoirs, reservoir protective areas, coal mines, coal mine protective areas, and wells, as shown on the most recent maps of storage reservoirs and of coal mines filed with the division of oil and gas resources management or the division of mineral resources management as required by this chapter and sections 1563.03 to 1563.05 of the Revised Code, may be accepted and relied upon as being accurate and correct, by operators of coal mines and operators of reservoirs. Data, statements, and reports filed with either division as required by this chapter and sections 1563.03 to 1563.05 of the Revised Code may be likewise accepted and relied upon. However, the gas storage well inspector or any reservoir operator or coal mine operator, or any other person having a direct interest in the matter, may at any time question the accuracy or correctness of any map, data, statement, or report so filed, with either division by notifying both divisions thereof in writing. Such notice shall state the reasons why the question is raised. When any such notice is so filed, the gas storage well inspector shall proceed promptly to hold a conference on the question thus raised, as provided in section 1571.10 of the Revised Code.

(B) If, in any proceeding under this chapter, the accuracy or correctness of any map, data, statement, or report, filed by any person pursuant to the requirements of this chapter is in question, the person so filing the same shall have the burden of proving the accuracy or correctness thereof.

(C) The operator of a gas storage reservoir shall, at all reasonable times, be permitted to inspect the premises and facilities of any coal mine any part of the boundary of which is within any part of the boundary of such gas storage reservoir or within its protective area, and the operator of a coal mine shall, at all reasonable times, be permitted to inspect the premises and facilities of any gas storage reservoir any part of the boundary of which or any part of the protective area of which is within the boundary of such coal mine. In the event that either such reservoir operator or such coal mine operator denies permission to make any such inspection, the chief of the division of oil and gas resources management on the chief's own motion, or on an application by the operator desiring to make such inspection, upon a hearing thereon if requested by either operator, after reasonable notice of such hearing, may make an order providing for such inspection.

Section 1571.07 | Prohibited acts - exceptions.

• Effective: October 29, 1995
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

(A) Irrespective of any other provision in this chapter, the injection of gas into or storage of gas in a mineable coal seam, whether or not such coal seam is being mined, and the injection of gas into or storage of gas in a coal seam which has been mined, and the appropriation of any coal seam or any interest therein, is prohibited.

(B) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit any necessary use of the surface of the earth above a coal mine, or the drilling of a well through a coal mine for use in storing gas in a gas storage reservoir or in producing natural gas or crude oil.

(C) Nothing in this chapter shall apply to the extraction of native natural gas, or the use of natural gas for recycling purposes in connection with the recovery of crude oil, or the primary or secondary recovery of crude oil, or shall prohibit the mining of coal.

Section 1571.08 | Use of alternate methods or materials - filing of objections.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Whenever in this chapter, the method or material to be used in discharging any obligations imposed by this chapter is specified, an alternative method or material may be used if approved by the gas storage well inspector or the chief of the division of oil and gas resources management. A person desiring to use such alternative method or material shall file with the division of oil and gas resources management an application for permission to do so. Such application shall describe such alternative method or material in reasonable detail. The gas storage well inspector shall promptly send by certified mail or electronic format notice of the filing of such application to any coal mine operator or reservoir operator whose mine or reservoir may be directly affected thereby. Any such coal mine operator or reservoir operator may within ten days following receipt of such notice, file with the division objections to such application. The gas storage well inspector may also file with the division an objection to such application at any time during which coal mine operators or reservoir operators are permitted to file objections. If no objections are filed within the ten-day period of time, the gas storage well inspector shall thereupon issue a permit approving the use of such alternative method or material. If any such objections are filed by any coal mine operator or reservoir operator, or by the gas storage well inspector, the question as to whether or not the use of such alternative method or material, or a modification thereof is approved, shall be determined by a conference or hearing as provided in section 1571.10 of the Revised Code.

(B) Whenever in this chapter, provision is made for the filing of objections with the division, such objections shall be in writing and shall state as definitely as is reasonably possible the reasons for such objections. Upon the filing of any such objection the gas storage well inspector shall promptly fix the time and place for holding a conference for the purpose of discussing and endeavoring to resolve by mutual agreement the issue raised by such objection. The gas storage well inspector shall send written notice thereof by certified mail or electronic format to each person having a direct interest therein. Thereupon the issue made by such objection shall be determined by a conference or hearing in accordance with the procedures for conferences and hearings as provided in section 1571.10 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 9, 2023 at 1:34 PM

Section 1571.09 | Records and facilities.

• Effective: September 29, 2011
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly

(A) The chief of the division of oil and gas resources management or any officer or employee of the division thereunto duly authorized by the chief may investigate, inspect, or examine records and facilities of any coal mine operator or reservoir operator, for the purpose of determining the accuracy or correctness of any map, data, statement, report, or other item or article, filed with or otherwise received by the division pursuant to this chapter. When a material question is raised by any reservoir operator or coal mine operator as to the accuracy or correctness of any such map, data, statement, report, or other item or article, which may directly affect the reservoir operator or coal mine operator, the matter shall be determined by a conference or hearing as provided in section 1571.10 of the Revised Code.

(B) The division of oil and gas resources management shall keep all maps, data, statements, reports, well logs, notices, or other items or articles filed with or otherwise received by it pursuant to this chapter in a safe place and conveniently accessible to persons entitled to examine them. It shall maintain indexes of all such items and articles so that any of them may be promptly located. None of such items or articles shall be open to public inspection, but: (1) any of such items or articles pertaining to a mine may be examined by: the operator, owner, lessee, or agent of such mine; persons financially interested in such mine; owners of land adjoining such mine; the operator, owner, lessee, or agent of a mine adjoining such mine; authorized representatives of the persons employed to work in such mine; the operator of a gas storage reservoir any part of the boundary of which or of the boundary of its protective area is within ten thousand linear feet of the boundary of such mine, or the agent of such reservoir operator thereunto authorized by such reservoir operator; or any employee of the division of geological survey in the department of natural resources thereunto duly authorized by the chief of that division; and (2) any of such items or articles pertaining to a gas storage reservoir may be examined by: the operator of such reservoir; the operator of a coal mine any part of the boundary of which is within ten thousand linear feet of the boundary of a gas storage reservoir or of the boundary of its protective area, or the agent of such mine operator thereunto authorized by such mine operator, or the authorized representatives of the persons employed to work in such mine; or any employee of the division of geological survey thereunto duly authorized by the chief of that division. The division of oil and gas resources management shall not permit any of such items or articles to be removed from its office, and it shall not furnish copies of any such items or articles to any person other than as provided in this chapter.

The division shall keep a docket of all proceedings arising under this chapter, in which shall be entered the dates of any notice received or issued, the names of all persons to whom it sends a notice, and the address of each, the dates of conferences and hearings, and all findings, determinations, decisions, rulings, and orders, or other actions by the division.

(C) Whenever any provision of this chapter requires the division to give notice to the operator of a coal mine of any proceeding to be held pursuant to this chapter, the division shall simultaneously give a copy of such notice to the authorized representatives of the persons employed to work in such mine.

Section 1571.10 | Request for conference - request for hearing by chief of division - procedures.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The gas storage well inspector or any person having a direct interest in the administration of this chapter may at any time file with the division of oil and gas resources management a written request that a conference be held for the purpose of discussing and endeavoring to resolve by mutual agreement any question or issue relating to the administration of this chapter, or to compliance with its provisions, or to any violation thereof. Such request shall describe the matter concerning which the conference is requested. Thereupon the gas storage well inspector shall promptly fix the time and place for the holding of such conference and shall send written notice thereof to each person having a direct interest therein. At such conference the gas storage well inspector or a representative of the division designated by the gas storage well inspector shall be in attendance, and shall preside at the conference, and the gas storage well inspector or designated representative may make such recommendations as the gas storage well inspector or designated representative deems proper. Any agreement reached at such conference shall be consistent with the requirements of this chapter and, if approved by the gas storage well inspector, it shall be reduced to writing and shall be effective. Any such agreement approved by the gas storage well inspector shall be kept on file in the division and a copy thereof shall be furnished to each of the persons having a direct interest therein. The conference shall be deemed terminated as of the date an approved agreement is reached or when any person having a direct interest therein refuses to confer thereafter. Such a conference shall be held in all cases prior to the holding of a hearing as provided in this section.

(B) Within ten days after the termination of a conference at which no approved agreement is reached, any person who participated in such conference and who has a direct interest in the subject matter thereof, or the gas storage well inspector, may file with the chief of the division of oil and gas resources management a request that the chief hear and determine the matter or matters, or any part thereof considered at the conference. Thereupon the chief shall promptly fix the time and place for the holding of such hearing and shall send written notice thereof to each person having a direct interest therein. The form of the request for such hearing and the conduct of the hearing shall be in accordance with rules that the chief adopts under section 1571.11 of the Revised Code. Consistent with the requirement for reasonable notice each such hearing shall be held promptly after the filing of the request therefor. Any person having a direct interest in the matter to be heard shall be entitled to appear and be heard in person or by attorney. The division may present at such hearing any evidence that is material to the matter being heard and that has come to the division's attention in any investigation or inspection made pursuant to this chapter.

(C) For the purpose of conducting such a hearing the chief may require the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, records, and papers, and the chief may, and at the request of any person having a direct interest in the matter being heard, the chief shall, issue subpoenas for witnesses or subpoenas duces tecum to compel the production of any books, records, or papers, directed to the sheriffs of the counties where such witnesses are found, which subpoenas shall be served and returned in the same manner as subpoenas in criminal cases are served and returned. The fees of sheriffs shall be the same as those allowed by the court of common pleas in criminal cases. Witnesses shall be paid the fees and mileage provided for under section 119.094 of the Revised Code. Such fee and mileage expenses shall be paid in advance by the persons at whose request they are incurred, and the remainder of such expenses shall be paid out of funds appropriated for the expenses of the division.

In case of disobedience or neglect of any subpoena served on any person, or the refusal of any witness to testify to any matter regarding which the witness may be lawfully interrogated, the court of common pleas of the county in which such disobedience, neglect, or refusal occurs, or any judge thereof, on application of the chief, shall compel obedience by attachment proceedings for contempt as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from such court or a refusal to testify therein. Witnesses at such hearings shall testify under oath, and the chief may administer oaths or affirmations to persons who so testify.

(D) With the consent of the chief, the testimony of any witness may be taken by deposition at the instance of a party to any hearing before the chief at any time after hearing has been formally commenced. The chief may, of the chief's own motion, order testimony to be taken by deposition at any stage in any hearing, proceeding, or investigation pending before the chief. Such deposition shall be taken in the manner prescribed by the laws of this state for taking depositions in civil cases in courts of record.

(E) After the conclusion of a hearing the chief shall make a determination and finding of facts. Every adjudication, determination, or finding by the chief shall be made by written order and shall contain a written finding by the chief of the facts upon which the adjudication, determination, or finding is based. Notice of the making of such order shall be given to the persons whose rights, duties, or privileges are affected thereby, by sending a certified copy thereof by certified mail or electronic format to each of such persons.

Adjudications, determinations, findings, and orders made by the chief shall not be governed by, or be subject to, Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 9, 2023 at 2:17 PM

Section 1571.11 | Rules governing administrative procedures.

• Effective: September 29, 2011
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly

The chief of the division of oil and gas resources management shall adopt rules governing administrative procedures to be followed in the administration of this chapter, which shall be of general application in all matters and to all persons affected by this chapter.

No rule adopted by the chief pursuant to this section shall be effective until the tenth day after a certified copy thereof has been filed in the office of the secretary of state.

All rules filed in the office of the secretary of state pursuant to this section shall be recorded by the secretary of state under a heading entitled "Regulations relating to the storage of gas in underground gas storage reservoirs" and shall be numbered consecutively under such heading and shall bear the date of filing. Such rules shall be public records open to public inspection.

No rule filed in the office of the secretary of state pursuant to this section shall be amended except by a rule that contains the entire rule as amended and that repeals the rule amended. Each rule that amends a rule shall bear the same consecutive rule number as the number of the rule that it amends, and it shall bear the date of filing.

No rule filed in the office of the secretary of state pursuant to this section shall be repealed except by a rule. Each rule that repeals a rule shall bear the same consecutive rule number as the number of the rule that it repeals, and it shall bear the date of filing.

The authority and the duty of the chief to adopt rules as provided in this section shall not be governed by, or be subject to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

The chief shall have available at all times copies of all rules adopted pursuant to this section, and shall furnish same free of charge to any person requesting same.

Section 1571.14 | Appeals to director of natural resources.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Any person claiming to be aggrieved or adversely affected by an order of the chief of the division of oil and gas resources management made as provided in section 1571.10 or 1571.16 of the Revised Code may appeal to the director of natural resources for an order vacating or modifying such order. Upon receipt of the appeal, the director shall appoint an individual who has knowledge of the laws and rules regarding the underground storage of gas and who shall act as a hearing officer in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code in hearing the appeal.

The person appealing to the director shall be known as appellant and the chief shall be known as appellee. The appellant and the appellee shall be deemed parties to the appeal.

The appeal shall be in writing and shall set forth the order complained of and the grounds upon which the appeal is based. The appeal shall be filed with the director within thirty days after the date upon which appellant received notice by certified mail or electronic format of the making of the order complained of, as required by section 1571.10 of the Revised Code. Notice of the filing of such appeal shall be delivered by appellant to the chief within three days after the appeal is filed with the director.

Within seven days after receipt of the notice of appeal the chief shall prepare and certify to the director at the expense of appellant a complete transcript of the proceedings out of which the appeal arises, including a transcript of the testimony submitted to the chief.

Upon the filing of the appeal the director shall fix the time and place at which the hearing on the appeal will be held, and shall give appellant and the chief at least ten days' written notice thereof by mail. The director may postpone or continue any hearing upon the director's own motion or upon application of appellant or of the chief.

The filing of an appeal provided for in this section does not automatically suspend or stay execution of the order appealed from, but upon application by the appellant the director may suspend or stay such execution pending determination of the appeal upon such terms as the director deems proper.

The hearing officer appointed by the director shall hear the appeal de novo, and either party to the appeal may submit such evidence as the hearing officer deems admissible.

For the purpose of conducting a hearing on an appeal, the hearing officer may require the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, records, and papers, and may, and at the request of any party shall, issue subpoenas for witnesses or subpoenas duces tecum to compel the production of any books, records, or papers, directed to the sheriffs of the counties where such witnesses are found, which subpoenas shall be served and returned in the same manner as subpoenas in criminal cases are served and returned. The fees of sheriffs shall be the same as those allowed by the court of common pleas in criminal cases. Witnesses shall be paid the fees and mileage provided for under section 119.094 of the Revised Code. Such fee and mileage expenses incurred at the request of appellant shall be paid in advance by appellant, and the remainder of such expenses shall be paid out of funds appropriated for the expenses of the division of oil and gas resources management.

In case of disobedience or neglect of any subpoena served on any person, or the refusal of any witness to testify to any matter regarding which the witness may be lawfully interrogated, the court of common pleas of the county in which such disobedience, neglect, or refusal occurs, or any judge thereof, on application of the director, shall compel obedience by attachment proceedings for contempt as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from such court or a refusal to testify therein. Witnesses at such hearings shall testify under oath, and the hearing officer may administer oaths or affirmations to persons who so testify.

At the request of any party to the appeal, a record of the testimony and other evidence submitted shall be taken by an official court reporter at the expense of the party making the request for the record. The record shall include all of the testimony and other evidence and the rulings on the admissibility thereof presented at the hearing. The hearing officer shall pass upon the admissibility of evidence, but any party may at the time object to the admission of any evidence and except to the ruling of the hearing officer thereon, and if the hearing officer refuses to admit evidence, the party offering same may make a proffer thereof, and such proffer shall be made a part of the record of such hearing.

If upon completion of the hearing the hearing officer finds that the order appealed from was lawful and reasonable, the hearing officer shall make a written order affirming the order appealed from. If the hearing officer finds that such order was unreasonable or unlawful, the hearing officer shall make a written order vacating the order appealed from and making the order that it finds the chief should have made. Every order made by the hearing officer shall contain a written finding by the hearing officer of the facts upon which the order is based. Notice of the making of such order shall be given forthwith to each party to the appeal by mailing a certified copy thereof to each such party by certified mail or electronic format.

Last updated August 9, 2023 at 2:19 PM

Section 1571.15 | Appeals to court of common pleas.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Any party adversely affected by an order of the hearing officer under section 1571.14 of the Revised Code may appeal to the court of common pleas of any county in which the well, or part of the gas storage reservoir, or part of the coal mine, involved in the order of the hearing officer which is being appealed, is located. Any party desiring to so appeal shall file with the director of natural resources a notice of appeal designating the order appealed from and stating whether the appeal is taken on questions of law or questions of law and fact. A copy of such notice shall also be filed by appellant with the court and shall be mailed or otherwise delivered to appellee. The notice shall be filed and mailed or otherwise delivered within thirty days after the date upon which appellant received notice from the hearing officer by certified mail or electronic format of the making of the order appealed from. No appeal bond shall be required to make either an appeal on questions of law or an appeal on questions of law and fact effective.

The filing of a notice of appeal shall not automatically operate as a suspension of the order of the hearing officer. If it appears to the court that an unjust hardship to the appellant will result from the execution of the hearing officer's order pending determination of the appeal, the court may grant a suspension of such order and fix its terms.

Within fifteen days after receipt of the notice of appeal the hearing officer shall prepare and file in the court the complete record of proceedings out of which the appeal arises, including a transcript of the testimony and other evidence which has been submitted before the hearing officer. The expense of preparing and transcribing such record shall be taxed as a part of the costs of the appeal. Appellant shall provide security for costs satisfactory to the court. Upon demand by a party the director shall furnish at the cost of the party requesting the same a copy of such record. In the event such complete record is not filed in the court within the time provided for in this section either party may apply to the court to have the case docketed, and the court shall order such record filed.

Appeals taken on questions of law shall be heard upon assignments of error filed in the cause or set out in the briefs of the appellant before the hearing. Errors not argued by brief may be disregarded, but the court may consider and decide errors which are not assigned or argued. Failure to file such briefs and assignments of error within the time prescribed by the court's rules shall be a cause for dismissal of such appeal.

In appeals taken on questions of law and fact, the hearing in the court shall be a hearing de novo of the appeal heard by the hearing officer in which the order appealed from was made. In such hearings any party may offer as evidence any part of the record of the proceedings out of which the appeal arises, certified to the court as provided for in this section, and any other evidence which the court deems admissible.

If the court finds that the order of the hearing officer appealed from was lawful and reasonable, it shall affirm such order. If the court finds that such order was unreasonable or unlawful, it shall vacate such order and make the order which it finds the hearing officer should have made. The judgment of the court is final unless reversed, vacated, or modified on appeal as in civil actions.

Last updated August 9, 2023 at 2:38 PM

Section 1571.16 | Filing of complaint - hearing - injunctions.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The gas storage well inspector or any person having a direct interest in the subject matter of this chapter may file with the division of oil and gas resources management a complaint in writing stating that a person is violating, or is about to violate, a provision or provisions of this chapter, or has done, or is about to do, an act, matter, or thing therein prohibited or declared to be unlawful, or has failed, omitted, neglected, or refused, or is about to fail, omit, neglect, or refuse, to perform a duty enjoined upon the person by this chapter. Upon the filing of such a complaint, the chief of the division of oil and gas resources management shall promptly fix the time for the holding of a hearing on such complaint and shall send by certified mail or electronic format to the person so complained of, a copy of such complaint together with at least five days' notice of the time and place at which such hearing will be held. Such notice of such hearing shall also be given to all persons having a direct interest in the matters complained of in such complaint. Such hearing shall be conducted in the same manner, and the chief and persons having a direct interest in the matter being heard, shall have the same powers, rights, and duties as provided in divisions (B), (C), (D), and (E) of section 1571.10 of the Revised Code, in connection with hearings by the chief, provided that if after conclusion of the hearing the chief finds that the charges against the person complained of, as stated in such complaint, have not been sustained by a preponderance of evidence, the chief shall make an order dismissing the complaint, and if the chief finds that the charges have been so sustained, the chief shall by appropriate order require compliance with those provisions.

(B) Whenever the chief is of the opinion that any person is violating, or is about to violate, any provision of this chapter, or has done, or is about to do, any act, matter, or thing therein prohibited or declared to be unlawful, or has failed, omitted, neglected, or refused, or is about to fail, omit, neglect, or refuse, to perform any duty enjoined upon the person by this chapter, or has failed, omitted, neglected, or refused, or is about to fail, omit, neglect, or refuse, to obey any lawful requirement or order made by the chief, or any final judgment, order, or decree made by any court pursuant to this chapter, then and in every such case, the chief may institute in a court of competent jurisdiction of the county or counties wherein the operation is situated, an action to enjoin or restrain such violations or to enforce obedience with law or the orders of the chief. No injunction bond shall be required to be filed in any such proceeding. Such persons or corporations as the court may deem necessary or proper to be joined as parties in order to make its judgment, order, or writ effective may be joined as parties. An appeal may be taken as in other civil actions.

(C) In addition to the other remedies as provided in divisions (A) and (B) of this section, any reservoir operator or coal mine operator affected by this chapter may proceed by injunction or other appropriate remedy to restrain violations or threatened violations of this chapter or of orders of the chief, or of the hearing officer appointed under section 1571.14 of the Revised Code, or the judgments, orders, or decrees of any court or to enforce obedience therewith.

(D) Each remedy prescribed in divisions (A), (B), and (C) of this section is deemed concurrent or contemporaneous with each other remedy prescribed therein, and the existence or exercise of any one such remedy shall not prevent the exercise of any other such remedy.

(E) The provisions of this chapter providing for conferences, hearings by the chief, appeals to the hearing officer from orders of the chief, and appeals to the court of common pleas from orders of the hearing officer, and the remedies prescribed in divisions (A), (B), (C), and (D) of this section, do not constitute the exclusive procedure that a person, who deems the person's rights to be unlawfully affected by any official action taken thereunder, must pursue in order to protect and preserve such rights, nor does this chapter constitute a procedure that such a person must pursue before the person may lawfully proceed by other actions, legal or equitable, to protect and preserve such rights.

Last updated August 9, 2023 at 2:47 PM

Section 1571.17 | Appropriation of private property.

• Effective: October 29, 1995
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

Any corporation organized under the laws of Ohio for the purpose of transporting, selling, or storing gas may appropriate for use in connection with the establishment, operation or protection of a gas storage reservoir, whether located entirely or in part in a coal bearing township or elsewhere, any private property or interest therein as is necessary for the establishment, operation or protection of such reservoir. The right to appropriate granted in this section shall be exercised in accordance with the law prescribing how appropriation of private property by corporations shall be made. A corporation instituting a proceeding to appropriate property for use in connection with a reservoir as in this section authorized, shall at such time own the right to store gas under at least sixty-five percent of the area of the surface of the earth under which such reservoir extends.

Section 1571.18 | Gas storage well regulatory fee.

• Effective: September 29, 2011
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly

After June 30, 2010, and not later than the thirty-first day of March each year, the owner of a well that is used for gas storage or of a well that is used to monitor a gas storage reservoir and that is located in a reservoir protective area shall pay to the chief of the division of oil and gas resources management a gas storage well regulatory fee of one hundred twenty-five dollars for each well that the owner owned as of the thirty-first day of December of the previous year for the purposes of administering this chapter and Chapter 1509. of the Revised Code. The chief may prescribe and provide a form for the collection of the fee imposed by this section and may adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code that are necessary for the administration of this section.

All money collected under this section shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the oil and gas well fund created in section 1509.02 of the Revised Code.

Section 1571.30 | Class VI injection wells.

• Effective: July 21, 2022
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 175 - 134th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "class VI injection well" means a well used to inject carbon dioxide into deep rock formations for geologic sequestration.

(B) Not later than ninety days after the effective date of this section, the department of natural resources shall initiate a process to work with the United States environmental protection agency and the United States department of energy to develop a statewide underground injection control program for class VI injection wells in order to obtain primary enforcement authority over those wells in this state from the United States environmental protection agency.

Last updated May 11, 2022 at 3:56 PM

Section 1571.99 | Penalty.

• Effective: September 29, 2011
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly

Any person who purposely violates any order of the chief of the division of oil and gas resources management, of a hearing officer appointed by the director of natural resources under section 1571.14 of the Revised Code, or of the director, made pursuant to this chapter shall be punished by a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars, or imprisoned in jail for a period not exceeding twelve months, or both, in the discretion of the court.