57.1 OIL AND GAS DRILLING AND PROCESSING

57.1.1 Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to provide for development of new or expanded oil and gas wells and pipelines in the least environmentally damaging location and manner feasible, and to provide for public review of proposed oil and gas wells and associated development in order to effectuate this purpose. (Former Section CZ#A314-27(A))

57.1.2 Applicability. These regulations shall apply in all zones in which the Oil and Gas Drilling and Processing use type is permitted. (Former Section CZ#A314-27(B))

57.1.3 Supplemental Permit Application Materials. In addition to the application materials required to be submitted under the permit procedure in this Code, applications for oil and gas wells and associated facilities shall contain information sufficient to determine that the project will be so sited and designed as to mitigate, to the maximum extent feasible, adverse environmental effects. Application materials shall include, but are not limited to, the following: (Former Section CZ#A314-27(C))

57.1.3.1 A plot plan of the entire area under lease or ownership, showing the relationship of the proposed facilities to the ultimate potential development; (Former Section CZ#A314-27(C)(1))

57.1.3.2 A contour or topographic map of the subject site, showing the relationship of existing and proposed structures and facilities with natural and/or artificial features; (Former Section CZ#A314-27(C)(2))

The Humboldt County Code is current through Ordinance 2784, passed March 10, 2026.

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57.1.3.3 Proposed procedures for the transport and disposal of all solid and liquid wastes; (Former Section CZ#A314-27(C)(3))

57.1.3.4 Grading plans and procedures for minimizing erosion; (Former Section CZ#A314-27(C)(4))

57.1.3.5 Where the proposed facilities are located within a designated Coastal View Area or Coastal Scenic Area, or in an area zoned AE Agricultural Exclusive, landscaping plans and measures for minimizing visual impacts; (Former Section CZ#A314-27(C)(5))

57.1.3.6 Fire prevention procedures; (Former Section CZ#A314-27(C)(6))

57.1.3.7 Air pollution control procedures; (Former Section CZ#A314-27(C)(7))

57.1.3.8 Oil spill contingency procedures; (Former Section CZ#A314-27(C)(8))

57.1.3.9 For production facilities, a phasing plan for the staging of development indicating the approximate anticipated timetable and production levels for the project; and (Former Section CZ#A314-27(C)(9))

57.1.3.10 Procedures for abandonment and restoration of the site. (Former Section CZ#A314-27(C)(10))

57.1.4 Drillsite Density. Where feasible, drillsites shall be established at a maximum density of one (1) site per eighty acres (80a). (Former Section CZ#A314-27(D))

57.1.5 Permit Processing. Separate permits shall be required for drillsites and production facilities. Applications for new drillsites or production facilities shall be referred to the Hearing Officer for disposition after a noticed public hearing. Applications for additional wells at approved wellsites or for expanded production facilities require a Special Permit. (Former Section CZ#A314-27(E))

57.1.6 Required Mitigation. Oil and/or gas drilling and processing operations shall incorporate the following mitigation: (Former Section CZ#A314-27(F))

57.1.6.1 With respect to new facilities, all oil field brines will be reinjected into oil-producing zones except where: (Former Section CZ#A314-27(F)(1))

57.1.6.1.1 The Division of Oil and Gas of the State Department of Conservation determines that to do so would adversely affect production of the reservoirs; and (Former Section CZ#A314-27(F)(1)(a))

57.1.6.1.2 Injection into other subsurface zones will reduce environmental risks; or (Former Section CZ#A314-27(F)(1)(b))

57.1.6.1.3 Disposal into ocean waters will be consistent with the Ocean Water Discharge Plans of the State Water Resources Control Board, and adequate provisions will be made for the elimination of petroleum odors and water quality problems. (Former Section CZ#A314-27(F)(1)(c))

57.1.6.2 Where oil or gas wells are proposed in or near designated Wetland Areas and Transitional Agricultural Land, or Riparian Corridors as defined in these regulations, directional drilling shall be employed to avoid these sensitive habitat areas, except where an independent engineering contractor, selected by the

The Humboldt County Code is current through Ordinance 2784, passed March 10, 2026.

Page 279 of 1183

Title III Land Use and Development | Humboldt County Code

County, determines that to do so would not be feasible. Where directional drilling is not feasible, mitigation measures shall include either acquisition of equivalent areas of equal or greater biological productivity or alternative mitigation consistent with Public Resources Code Section 30607.1. (Former Section CZ#A314-27(F)(2))

57.1.6.3 The disposal of waste from drilling operations which may damage soil, plant life or surface or subsurface water supplies, shall not be permitted. All liquid drilling discharge wastes shall be accumulated in steel tanks prior to disposal at any approved disposal site; and such steel tanks shall be removed within thirty (30) days after completion or abandonment of the subject wells. (Former Section CZ#A314-27(F)(3))

57.1.6.4 Solid drilling waste materials may be temporarily deposited in an earthen depression with the final deposition of the solid waste materials to be accomplished in compliance with the requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Disposal of oil field wastes which may pollute surface or subsurface water shall not be permitted. (Former Section CZ#A314-27(F)(4))

57.1.6.5 Upon discontinuance of production at a well site, all earthen sumps or other depressions containing drilling mud, oil or other waste products from the drilling operation shall be cleaned up by removing such waste products or by consolidating them into the land by diking, harrowing, regrading and recontouring to restore the site to its original condition. The site shall be reseeded and planted to conform with the surrounding vegetation. (Former Section CZ#A314-27(F)(5))

57.1.7 Required Findings. Oil and gas drilling and processing shall be approved only if the applicable Extractive Development Impact Findings of Chapter 2, Procedures, Supplemental Findings (312-2.19), are made. (Former Section CZ#A314-27(G))

313-58 through 313-60 (Sections Reserved for Future Use)

313-61