BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 The Bakersfield City Council is slated to have a first reading of several proposed changes to the city\u2019s municipal codes during its meeting on Wednesday, one of which is regarding construction and development near abandoned petroleum-drilling sites.<\/p>\n
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m. Nov. 5 at the City Hall Council Chambers at 1501 Truxtun Ave.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Adventist Health hosting free child immunization clinics in November <\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The proposed changes were brought by the Development Services Department and the City Attorney\u2019s Office, according to city spokesperson Joe Conroy.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n