Fountain Valley Municipal Code Ch. 16.08 Definitions

Note: Whenever reference is made to a county official or department, it shall be understood to refer to the comparable city official or department.

Unless the context otherwise requires, the definitions set forth in this chapter shall govern the meaning and the interpretation of these regulations. Words used in the present tense include the future, words in the singular number include the plural and words in the plural number include the singular: the word "shall" is mandatory and not directory.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Abandonment" is the restoration of the drill site as required by these regulations.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"A.P.I." is the American Petroleum Institute.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Approved" means approved by the superintendent. "Approved type," or "approved design," is and includes improvements, equipment or facilities of a type or design approved by the superintendent.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"A.S.M.E." is the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Blow-out" is the uncontrolled discharge of gas, liquid, or solids or a mixture thereof from a well into the atmosphere.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Blow-out preventer" is a mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic or other device or a combination of such devices secured to the top of a well casing, including valves, fittings and control mechanisms connected therewith designed and capable of preventing a blow-out.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Cellar" is an excavation around or above the top joint of the casing in a well.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

A well is completed, for the purpose of these regulations, thirty days after the drilling crew has been released, unless drilling or remedial operations are resumed before the end of the thirty days.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Derrick" is any frame work, tower, or mast together with all parts of and appurtenances to such structure, including any foundations, pump house, pipe racks, and each and every part thereof, which is or are required, or used, or useful for the drilling for and the production of oil, gas or other hydrocarbons from the earth except tanks used for storage purposes.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Desertion" is the cessation of operations at a drill site without compliance with the provisions of this ordinance relating to suspended operations or abandonment.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Diligence," is used in these regulations, means that the drilling derrick is in its operating position over the well, properly anchored and supported and that an operating crew is on duty at the drill site at all reasonable times.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Division of oil and gas" means the Division of Oil and Gas of the Department of Natural Resources of the state of California or any other state agency that may in the future be charged with its responsibilities.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Drilling" means digging a hole in earth formation with a power driven drill bit for the purpose of exploring for or developing of oil or gas. Drilling includes those operations that are concerned with the completion of a well.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Drill site" is the premises used during the drilling and subsequent life of a well or wells, which is necessary for the safe operation thereof.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Gas" means the gaseous components or vapors occurring in or derived from petroleum or natural gas.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Lessee" is the possessor of the right to exploit the premises for mineral.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Lessor" is the mineral right owner.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Maintenance" means and includes the repair and replacement of parts of a structure where same does not alter or lessen the strength or stability of a structure.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

A "natural gasoline plant" or "absorption plant," is a plant for the processing of natural gas from the production wells and processed into its various components.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Oil" includes petroleum, and petroleum includes oil.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Operator" is the person, whether proprietor, lessee or independent contractor, actually in charge and in control of the drilling, maintenance, operation or pumping of a well or lease.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

Where several contiguous parcels of land in one or different ownerships are operated as a single oil or gas lease or operating unit, the term "outer boundary line" means the exterior limits of the land included in the lease or unit. In determining the contiguity of any such parcels of land, no street, road or alley lying within the lease or unit shall be deemed to interrupt such contiguity.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Owner" is the person who owns a legal or equitable title in and to the surfaces of the drill site.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Person" includes any individual, firm, association, corporation, joint venture, or any other group or combination acting as a unit.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Redrilling" means the deepening of an existing oil well or otherwise drilling beyond the extremities of the existing well casing. The provisions of this title relating to drilling shall be equally applicable to redrilling.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Source of ignition" means any flame, are, spark, or heated object or surface capable of igniting flammable liquids, gases, or vapors.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Structure" is that which is built or constructed; a tank, edifice, or a building of any kind.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Superintendent" means and includes the superintendent of building and safety of the county of Orange, his assistants, deputies, inspectors, and officers of the department of building and safety of the county of Orange.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Suspended operations" is the approved, temporary suspension of drilling or redrilling operations pending a resumption of operations or abandonment.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

A "tank" is a container, covered or uncovered, used in conjunction with the drilling or production of an oil well, for holding or storing liquids at or near atmospheric pressure.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

A "well" or "oil well" is a well or hole drilled into the earth for the purpose of exploring for or extracting from the earth oil, gas, or other hydrocarbon substances, or a well or hole in the earth by means of and through which oil, gas, and other hydrocarbon substances are extracted, produced, or capable of being produced from the earth, or a well or hole for the purpose of secondary recovery or disposal thereof.

(Ord. 27, 1959)

"Well servicing" is remedial or maintenance work performed within any existing well which does not involve drilling or redrilling.

(Ord. 27, 1959)