S.B. 378 Summary

• Increases the minimum setback distance for new wells and tank batteries from occupied dwellings from 150 feet to 300 feet, effective upon amendment enactment, unless the dwelling owner consents in writing and the chief of the division of oil and gas resources management approves.

• Prohibits the chief from approving written consent when a well or tank battery would be located within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling under any circumstances.

• Removes the restriction limiting these setback requirements to only urbanized areas, applying them statewide to all occupied dwellings.

• Establishes new requirements for oil and brine storage tanks, including that they must be above ground, not exceed 3 feet above enclosing fencing, have secured hatches with functioning seals, have low-pressure relief valves, not use glass or plastic sight tubes, and include functioning lightning arrestors for oil tanks.

• Creates additional setback requirements for separators, heated vessels, and tank batteries relative to property lines, wells, oil tanks, and inhabited structures.