BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Bakersfield City Council is slated to have a first reading of several proposed changes to the city’s municipal codes during its meeting on Wednesday, one of which is regarding construction and development near abandoned petroleum-drilling sites.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m. Nov. 5 at the City Hall Council Chambers at 1501 Truxtun Ave.
The proposed amendment would add a subsection to a chapter in the Bakersfield Municipal Code about drilling for and producing petroleum, the meeting agenda said.
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The amendment seeks to allow construction over or within 10 feet of a plugged and abandoned dry hole classified or identified by California Geologic Energy Management Division, according to the agenda.
The proposed subsection says construction would only be allowed for structures used for non-human habitation. According to Development Services, this refers to industrial-type structures such as warehouses, manufacturing and cold storage.
The proposed changes were brought by the Development Services Department and the City Attorney’s Office, according to city spokesperson Joe Conroy.
An applicant seeking to build a structure over or within 10 feet of a CalGEM-classified or identified plugged and abandoned dry hole would be required to give the city a certified written report from a California licensed professional engineer or geologist.
The report should demonstrate that the dry hole will not pose any significant risk to public health, safety, welfare or the environment, the amendment said.
The report should also provide any necessary measures to handle any long-term significant risks after the construction, according to the draft. Finally, it should include leak testing that follows CalGEM requirements.
According to the proposal, the applicant should execute an indemnity agreement in favor of the city for the structure and record a declaration of covenant identifying the dry hole.
The indemnity agreement would protect the city from financial loss or liability by having the applicant be responsible for compensation or legal fees if any issues arise.
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The applicant would also be responsible for giving the city a final approval from CalGEM proving the dry hole was properly plugged and abandoned, following up-to-date CalGEM regulations, according to the agenda.
If the ordinance is approved, the amendment would require all development and construction over a CalGEM-classified plugged and abandoned dry hole to include vent cone installation while following current industry standards. The installation should be approved by the city fire marshal.
The Bakersfield City Council will not be making a decision to adopt nor reject the ordinance to amend the municipal code at this meeting.
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