[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 43, Volume 2]
[Revised as of October 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 43CFR3162.5-1]

[Page 423-424]
 
                    TITLE 43--PUBLIC LANDS: INTERIOR
 
    CHAPTER II--BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
 
PART 3160--ONSHORE OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS--Table of Contents
 
  Subpart 3162--Requirements for Operating Rights Owners and Operators
 
Sec. 3162.5-1  Environmental obligations.

    (a) The operator shall conduct operations in a manner which protects 
the mineral resources, other natural resources, and environmental 
quality. In that respect, the operator shall comply with the pertinent 
orders of the authorized officer and other standards

[[Page 424]]

and procedures as set forth in the applicable laws, regulations, lease 
terms and conditions, and the approved drilling plan or subsequent 
operations plan. Before approving any Application for Permit to Drill 
submitted pursuant to Sec. 3162.3-1 of this title, or other plan 
requiring environmental review, the authorized officer shall prepare an 
environmental record of review or an environmental assessment, as 
appropriate. These environmental documents will be used in determining 
whether or not an environmental impact statement is required and in 
determining any appropriate terms and conditions of approval of the 
submitted plan.
    (b) The operator shall exercise due care and diligence to assure 
that leasehold operations do not result in undue damage to surface or 
subsurface resources or surface improvements. All produced water must be 
disposed of by injection into the subsurface, by approved pits, or by 
other methods which have been approved by the authorized officer. Upon 
the conclusion of operations, the operator shall reclaim the disturbed 
surface in a manner approved or reasonably prescribed by the authorized 
officer.
    (c) All spills or leakages of oil, gas, produced water, toxic 
liquids, or waste materials, blowouts, fires, personal injuries, and 
fatalities shall be reported by the operator in accordance with these 
regulations and as prescribed in applicable order or notices. The 
operator shall exercise due diligence in taking necessary measures, 
subject to approval by the authorized officer, to control and remove 
pollutants and to extinguish fires. An operator's compliance with the 
requirements of the regulations in this part shall not relieve the 
operator of the obligation to comply with other applicable laws and 
regulations.
    (d) When reasonably required by the authorized officer, a 
contingency plan shall be submitted describing procedures to be 
implemented to protect life, property, and the environment.
    (e) The operator's liability for damages to third parties shall be 
governed by applicable law.

[47 FR 47765, Oct. 27, 1982. Redesignated and amended at 48 FR 36583-
36586, Aug. 12, 1983, further amended at 53 FR 17363, May 16, 1988; 53 
FR 22847, June 17, 1988]