(a) In conjunction with well plugging and abandonment operations, any auxiliary holes, such as rat holes, shall be filled with earth and compacted properly; all construction materials, cellars, production pads, and piers shall be removed and the resulting excavations filled with earth and compacted properly to prevent settling; well locations shall be graded and cleared of equipment, trash, or other waste materials, and returned to as near a natural state as practicable. Well site restoration must be completed within 60 days following plugging and abandonment of the well.

(b) Sumps shall be closed in accordance with Regional Water Quality Control Board and Department of Toxic Substances Control requirements.

(c) Unstable slope conditions created during site preparation shall be mitigated in such a manner as to prevent slope collapse.

(d) Access roads to well locations generally will not be covered by these regulations; however, any condition that creates a hazard to public safety or property or causes interference with natural drainage will not be acceptable.

(e) Prior to the plugging and abandonment of the last well or group of wells on a lease, the operator shall submit a plan and schedule for completing lease restoration. The lease-restoration plan shall also include the locations of any existing or previously removed, where known, sumps, tanks, pipelines, and facility settings. Lease restoration must begin within three (3) months and be completed within one year after the plugging and abandonment of the last well(s) on the lease. However, the Supervisor may require or approve a different deadline for lease restoration.

(f) Lease restoration shall include the removal of all tanks, above-ground pipelines, debris, and other facilities and equipment. Remaining buried pipelines shall be purged of oil and filled with an inert fluid. Toxic or hazardous materials shall be removed and disposed of in accordance with Department of Toxic Substances Control requirements.

(g) Upon written request of the operator or property owner, exceptions to this section may be made provided the condition does not create a public nuisance or a hazard to public safety. Exceptions may also be granted by the Supervisor when these requirements conflict with local or federal regulations. If a written request for an exception is received from the operator, consent to the exception from the property owner may be required before it is approved by the Supervisor.