CFR > Title 30 - Mineral Resources > CHAPTER II—MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR > SUBCHAPTER B—OFFSHORE (parts 250 to 285) > PART 250—OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF > SUBPART Q—Decommissioning Activities (§250.1700 to §250.1754) > 250.1740—How must I verify that the site of a permanently plugged well, removed platform, or other removed facility is clear of obstructions?

250.1740—How must I verify that the site of a permanently plugged well, removed platform, or other removed facility is clear of obstructions?

Within 60 days after you permanently plug a well or remove a platform or other facility, you must verify that the site is clear of obstructions by using one of the following methods:
(a) For a well site, you must either:
(1) Drag a trawl over the site;
(2) Scan across the location using sonar equipment;
(3) Inspect the site using a diver;
(4) Videotape the site using a camera on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV); or
(5) Use another method approved by the District Manager if the particular site conditions warrant.
(b) For a platform or other facility site in water depths less than 300 feet, you must drag a trawl over the site.
(c) For a platform or other facility site in water depths 300 feet or more, you must either:
(1) Drag a trawl over the site;
(2) Scan across the site using sonar equipment; or
(3) Use another method approved by the Regional Supervisor if the particular site conditions warrant.

Code of Federal Regulations

[67 FR 35406, May 17, 2002; 67 FR 66049, Oct. 30, 2002]