Sec. 16. (a) This section does not do any of the following:
(1) Relieve a person otherwise legally responsible from an obligation to plug, replug, or repair a test hole.
(2) Limit the authority of the commission to require the proper plugging, replugging, or repair of a test hole.
(b) This section and sections 17 through 20 of this chapter are a supplemental remedy if any of the following conditions exist:
(1) A person obligated to plug, replug, or repair a test hole fails to do so.
(2) The identity of the obligated person cannot be determined.
(c) If:
(1) after notice and hearing the department finds that a test hole drilled has been abandoned and:
(A) is leaking; or
(B) may result in the leaking of;
fluid into a fresh water formation or onto the surface of the land in the vicinity of the test hole; and
(2) after thirty (30) days from the date of the finding by the department the test hole has not been properly plugged, replugged, or repaired to remedy the situation;
the department or a person or an agency authorized by order of the department may enter upon the land upon which the test hole is located and plug, replug, or repair the test hole as is reasonably required to remedy the condition.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 13-4-5-10(a), (b) part.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.31.
Structure Indiana Code
Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources
Article 38. Other Petroleum Regulation
Chapter 2. Test Hole Pollution Control and Waste
14-38-2-1. Applicability of Chapter
14-38-2-2. Public Interest in Preventing Pollution, Impairment, and Waste of Natural Resources
14-38-2-3. "Plug" or "Plugging" Defined
14-38-2-4. "Test Hole" Defined
14-38-2-5. Enforcement by Department
14-38-2-6. Application and Permit Fee
14-38-2-7. Duties of Commission
14-38-2-8. Expiration of Permit
14-38-2-10. Plugging and Abandoning Hole
14-38-2-11. Notice Before Plugging
14-38-2-12. Affidavit of Plugging and Abandoning
14-38-2-13. Actions to Restrain Violations
14-38-2-14. Secretary of State as Agent for Service of Process Upon Nonresident
14-38-2-15. Filing Action Against Nonresident; Service of Process; Affidavit; Continuances
14-38-2-16. Department, Person, or Agency Entering Land to Plug, Replug, or Repair Test Hole
14-38-2-17. Entry Onto Land Without Notice or Hearing
14-38-2-18. Liability of Persons Entering Land to Plug, Replug, or Repair Test Hole
14-38-2-19. Remedying Condition of Test Hole Not Admission of Liability or Discharge of Action
14-38-2-20. Cause of Action for Plugging, Replugging, or Repairing Test Hole