(1) An earthen pit, or sump used for the handling, storage, or disposal of any deleterious substance produced, obtained, or used in conjunction with drilling or operation of wells, shall be constructed of, or sealed with, an impervious material, and shall be used and operated at all times so as to prevent any escape of any deleterious substances.
(2) Every earthen pit, or sump shall be emptied and leveled within three months after drilling operations cease. For good cause shown by the operator, the supervisor may extend the period for emptying and leveling, but not to exceed six months.
(3) Except as to surface runoff from surface facilities, no earthen pit or sump shall be constructed or maintained so as to receive surface runoff and such pit shall be maintained at all times to provide reasonable safe fluid level control.
(4) An earthen pit or sump, at the discretion of the supervisor shall be flagged, screened, or otherwise protected from intrusions by wildlife before drilling operations begin and be maintained after operations cease, until such pits or sumps are reclaimed.
(5) No pit or sump shall be used for the ultimate disposal of salt water. Salt water and oil shall be periodically drained or removed, and properly disposed of, in accordance with methods and at locations approved by the department of ecology, from any pit or sump that is retained so the pit is kept reasonably free of salt water and oil.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
78.52.050 and chapter
78.52 RCW. WSR 82-12-052 (Order 3, Resolution No. 7), § 344-12-116, filed 6/1/82.]