Section 312IAC16-5-13. Disposal of salt water and other waste liquids

   (a) To prevent surface or underground pollution, a person must not dispose of a fluid that results from the development or production of a well for oil and gas purposes except as approved by the division.

  (b) Evaporation pits are prohibited.

  (c) A pit may be authorized under a permit for oil and gas purposes for backwash water, for emergency use, or in connection with a Class II well, if the pit:

(1) is surrounded by walls that prevent the entry of surface drainage from adjacent areas;

(2) is located at least one hundred (100) feet from any:

(A) stream;

(B) river;

(C) lake; or

(D) drainage way;

(3) conforms to IC 14-28-1, IC 14-28-3, and 312 IAC 10 and is constructed to prevent flooding during a regulatory flood;

(4) is:

(A) constructed according to plans approved by the division, including the placement of an impermeable liner; and

(B) found by a commission representative to conform to the plans before utilization;

(5) is maintained so that the level of contained fluids in the pit is kept at least two (2) feet below the top of the pit wall having the lowest elevation; and

(6) conforms to all other requirements of law, including those pertaining to Class II wells.

  (d) Fluids shall be removed from an emergency pit as soon as the emergency can be abated. Construction or maintenance of a pit other than as provided in subsection (c) and this subsection may result in revocation of any permit for oil and gas purposes associated with the pit.

  (e) Any pipe that conveys water or a fluid from or to a well for oil and gas purposes shall be kept in good repair and free from leaks. No discharge of water or a fluid shall occur between the place of origin and the authorized place of disposal. (Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 16-5-13; filed Feb 23, 1998, 11:30 a.m.: 21 IR 2342; readopted filed Nov 17, 2004, 11:00 a.m.: 28 IR 1315; filed Mar 4, 2008, 12:31 p.m.: 20080402-IR-312070486FRA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2010, 2:57 p.m.: 20100421-IR-312100033RFA; readopted filed Sep 30, 2015, 12:13 p.m.: 20151028-IR-312150224RFA)