HomeMy WebLinkAbout08294 ORD - 12/21/1966Revised Pages to
FINAL DRAFT dated
October 25, 1966
AN ORDINANCE
NO.Ll ,
AMENDING SECTION 24 -55 OF THE CORPUS CHRISTI CITY CODE, 1958, AS
AMENDED, DEALING WITH OPERATIONS FOR PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS,
BY SUBSTITUTION OF THIS ORDINANCE AND REPEALING SECTION 7 OF ORDI-
NANCE NO. 2818 PASSED AND APPROVED ON JULY 11, 1950, ORDINANCE NO.
2953, PASSED AND APPROVED ON DECEMBER 19, 1950, ORDINANCE NO. 7201,
PASSED AND APPROVED ON APRIL 22, 1964, AND ORDINANCE NO. 7715,
PASSED AND APPROVED ON SEPTEMBER 8, 1965, ORDINANCE NO. 7983, PASSED
AND APPROVED ON APRIL 20, 1966, ORDINANCE NO. 7999, PASSED AND AP-
PROVED ON APRIL 27, 1966, AND ORDINANCE NO. 8045, PASSED AND AP-
PROVED ON JUNE 1, 1966, EACH OF WHICH AMENDED SAID SECTION 7 OF SAID
ORDINANCE NO. 2818 (SECTION 24 -55 CORPUS CHRISTI CITY CODE, 1958, AS
AMENDED) SO AS TO PROVIDE SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATIVE TO CORPUS
CHRISTI BAY, NUECES BAY AND LAGUNA MADRE; DELETING SECTION 24 -55
FROM THE CORPUS CHRISTI CITY CODE EXCEPT TO RECITE: THIS SECTION
HAS BEEN AMENDED AND NOW EXISTS IN THE FORM OF A SEPARATE ORDINANCE.
WHEREAS, operations for the production of oil and gas with-
in the city limits of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, are reg-
ulated by the provisions of the "Corpus Christi Oil and Gas Ordi-
nance," being Ordinance No. 2818, passed and approved by the City
Council on July 11, 1950, as the same has been amended from time to
time and as the same appears in Section 24 of the Corpus Christi
City Code of 1958, as amended; and
WHEREAS, such operations in certain bay areas have been
regulated particularly by the provisions of Section 24 -55 of said
Code, being Section 7 of said Ordinance No. 2818, as the same has
been amended from time to time; and
WHEREAS, developments in these bay areas and in the City
of Corpus Christi and its environs require that these provisions
for regulation of operations for such production be further amended;
and
WHEREAS, it is recognized that lessees of oil and gas
leases in the area covered by this Ordinance own the right to search
for and produce oil and /or gas underlying such leases and are en-
titled to reasonable means of extracting such substances; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires and intends by this
Ordinance to protect the public health, safety, morals and general
welfare within its jurisdiction, and in so doing to regulate
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the use of property and the conduct of persons to any required extent
within its municipal powers, with due regard for the legal rights of
all; and
WHEREAS, this Ordinance governs the exploration, drilling
and production of oil, gas and other hydrocarbons, but it is intended,
insofar as applicable to Corpus Christi Bay, to be primarily appli-
cable to the exploration, drilling and production of gas and gas
condensate, and it is recognized that in the event additional oil is
discovered in commercial quantitites in Corpus Christi Bay, con-
ditions may arise which will necessitate a revision in the provisions
of this Ordinance but until such other or different classification
and regulation is adopted, shall be governed by the provisions here-
of; and
WHEREAS, it is recognized that certain bay areas, and par-
ticularly those annexed to the City of Corpus Christi since June 1,
1966, present peculiar problems for regulation because of differing
development history, subsurface conditions, and available facts as
to subsurface conditions to the end that reasonable classification
of such differing areas is now required, and that bay areas annexed
since June 1, 1966, may hereafter require other or different classi-
fication and regulation; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has made extensive investigation
in the premises, directly and through its authorized agents, and
has afforded ample opportunity for all segments of the economy and
of the public to be heard prior and subsequent to the first publi-
cation of this Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council therefore finds that adoption
of the following Ordinance is in the public interest, and intending
in this act to exercise any and all governmental powers of whatever
nature vested in it by law:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of
the City of Corpus Christi, Texas:
Section 1. Repeal and Replacement
1.1 Section 7 of Ordinance No. 2818, passed and
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approved by the City Council of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas,
on the 11th day of July, 1950, (now Section 24 -55 of the Corpus
Christi City Code, 1958, as amended), Ordinance No. 2953 passed
and approved by said City Council on the 19th day of December, 1950,
Ordinance No. 7201 passed and approved by said City Council on
April 22, 1964, Ordinance No, 7715 passed and approved by said City
Council on September 8, 1965, Ordinance No. 7983 passed and approved
by said City Council on April 20, 1966, Ordinance No. 7999 passed
and approved by said City Council on April 27, 1966, and Ordinance
No. 8045 passed and approved by said City Council on June 1, 1966,
be and the same hereby are repealed and replaced by this Ordinance
as a separate Ordinance no longer a part of said City Code, but in
effect in addition to said Code, and by noting in said Code at
Section 24 -55 the words 'This Section has been amended and now exists
in the form of a separate Ordinance.'
Section 2. Area and Scope of Ordinance
2.1 This Ordinance shall apply only to the area of Corpus
Christi Bay, Nueces Bay and Laguna Madre lying below the line of
mean higher high tide, (as that line exists on the effective date
hereof), and within the boundaries of the City of Corpus Christi,
(as such boundaries may exist from time to time), including all nat-
ural or artificial islands, spoil banks, and other territory, whether
submerged or exposed, situated within such area. No other provision
of the Corpus Christi Oil and Gas Ordinance or of the provisions of
Chapter 24 of the Corpus Christi City Code (1958), as now or here-
after amended, shall apply to the area covered by this Ordinance un-
less specifically made applicable thereto by Ordinance.
2.2 No operations for production, treating, transporting,
or for exploring, drilling or reworking for production of oil, gas
or other mineral shall be conducted in the area defined in paragraph
2.1 above except as provided in this Ordinance.
2.3 All regulations and prohibitions herein imposed shall
be in addition to the regulations of all other state or federal
regulatory bodies having jurisdiction, including but
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not limited to the Railroad Commission of Texas, the Commissioner
of the General Land Office of Texas, the Parks and Wildlife Com-
mission of Texas, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the
United States Coast Guard, and any other department of the United
States government.
Section 3. Definitions
The following words and terms wherever used or appear-
ing in this Ordinance, in the singular or plural form, shall
have the scope and meaning here indicated, unless the context
clearly indicates otherwise, viz:
3.1 The term "effective date" shall mean the date of
final passage of this Ordinance by the City Council.
3.2 The word "person" shall include any natural per-
son, persons or group of persons, whether acting individually,
in concert, or in any representative capacity, and any partner-
ship, private or public corporation, trust, estate, agency,
trustee, executor, administrator, receiver, agent or other legal
entity.
3.3 The term "well" means any hole, excavation or
bore made downward from the surface intended to extend 200 feet
or more into the subsurface, by any means or manner, for the
purpose of exploring for, discovering, producing, injecting or
re- injecting oil, gas or other mineral including, without limi-
tation, sulphur, salt, any form of hydrocarbon, distillate,
waste, and fresh or salt water.
3.4 The term "lessee" means any person who owns all
or part of an oil and gas lease subject to this Ordinance, or
who has obtained the right from the owner of such a lease to
conduct operations in search of oil and /or gas underlying such
lease.
3.5 The term "applicant" means any person who applies
for a permit under the provisions of this Ordinance.
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3.6 The term "permit" means a permit granted
pursuant to this Ordinance.
3.7 A "permittee" is any person holding a permit
granted under this Ordinance.
3.8 The term "State Lease Tract" means the entire
surface and subsurface area included and embraced within a
single State Numbered Lease Tract in Corpus Christi Bay, Nueces
Bay or Laguna Madre, as shown on the official maps on file in
the General Land Office of the State of Texas, except as modi-
fied by paragraph 7.11A of Section 7 hereof.
3.9 The term "straight well" means a well intended
to be drilled from the surface to the bottom thereof with no
portion of the hole having a deviation of more than five (5)
degrees from vertical.
3.10 The term "directional well" means a well intended
to be drilled from the surface to the bottom thereof with some
portion of the hole having a deviation of more than five (5)
degrees from vertical.
3.11 The term "existing well" means a well in the
process of being drilled under a lawful permit, authorized by
the Council, or a completed well producing or capable of producing
oil or gas in paying quantities, on the effective date of this
Ordinance.
3.12 The term "sub -mud" as used in reference to a
well completion or well producing structure means a device or
scheme in which no part of the wellhead installation, including
any and all appurtenances thereto, extends above the bottom
of the Bay.
3.13 THE TERM "RELIEF WELL" MEANS A WELL DRILLED OR ADAPTED UNDER
EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH AN EXISTING WELL, TO CORRECT
OR SAFEGUARD AGAINST UNEXPECTED AND INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS.
3.14 The terms "bay area" and "bay areas" means all
of the area covered by this Ordinance as defined in paragraph
2.1 of Section 2 hereof.
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3.15 The words "Bay Park and Recreation Area" (also
sometimes referred to as "Bay Park Area "), means that portion of
water, land, and submerged land in Corpus Christi Bay described
in paragraph 6.1 of Section 6 hereof.
3.16 The "Bay Drilling Committee" or the "Committee"
means the Committee established in Section 4 hereof.
3.17 The words "well surface structure" shall have
the meaning defined in paragraph 7.6 of Section 7 hereof.
3.18 The words "cluster area" shall have the meaning
defined in paragraphs 7.10, 7.11, and 7.12 of Section 7 hereof.
3.19 A "regular location" is the surface location of
any well or relief well within a cluster area as designated
under this Ordinance.
3.20 An "exceptional location" is the surface location
of any well that is not a regular location.
3.21 The words "permanent permit" and "temporary per-
mit" shall have the meaning defined in paragraph 21.9 of Section
21 hereof.
3.22 The terms "Mayor," "City Manager," "City Council,"
"Council," and "City Secretary" refer to those of the City of
Corpus Christi, Texas, unless otherwise expressly indicated.
3.23 The term "City Petroleum Superintendent," or "Super-
intendent" means the head of the Division of Petroleum Inspection
of the City of Corpus Christi.
Section 4. Bay Drilling Committee
4.1 There is hereby established as an advisory body
to assist the City Council in its function hereunder, the Bay
Drilling Committee, to exist until abolished by the Council. The
membership of this Committee shall be composed of six (6) persons
who are residents of the City of Corpus Christi, two (2) of whom
shall be members of the City Council, two (2) of whom shall
be selected from among the general public not connected
with the business of exploring or drilling for, or producing oil,
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gas and other hydrocarbons, and two (2) of.whom shall be selected
from the oil and gas industry. The council members shall be
elected by majority vote of the Council; the public members shall
be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the Council, and
the industry members shall be appointed by the Mayor with the ap-
proval of the Council from those persons nominated by the oil and
gas industry as hereinafter provided. Not later than one (1)
month prior to the beginning of a new term for each industry mem-
ber, or within one (1) month after occurrence of a vacancy in the
position of such a member, any lessee may nominate one person
from his or its own organization for the position of industry mem-
ber of the Committee. Such nomination shall be in writing and
filed with the City Secretary, and the industry members of the
Committee shall be appointed from such nominees. In making such
appointments, the Mayor shall give due consideration to the ex-
tent of interest owned by each lessee making a nomination in the
area covered by this Ordinance. In the event that no such nom-
ination is submitted or, in the event no person so nominated is
appointed and approved, the Mayor shall appoint any person he
deems suitable with the approval of the Council to fill the posi-
tion of industry member of the Committee.
4.2 Except as provided herein, members of the Com-
mittee shall be appointed for terms of three (3) years, and may
succeed themselves. To establish rotation of membership, the
terms of the first Committee shall extend from selection to the
end of the day indicated „ viz: One council member - to December
31, 1966 and one council member - to December 31, 1967; one pub-
lic member - to December 31, 1966, and one public member - to
December 31, 1968; one industry member - to December 31, 1967
and one industry member - to December 31, 1968. The Committee
term of any council member shall terminate when he ceases to be
a member of the Council. vacancies on the Committee, however
brought about, shall be filled as provided in Section 4.1 for a
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new term or for the balance of any unexpired term vacated, as
the case may be. A member of the Committee may resign at any
time upon written notice to the SUPERINTENDENT', or any member
may be removed at any time by a majority vote of the Council
for cause deemed sufficient by it.
4.3 A Chairman, a First Vice- chairman and a Second
Vice- chairman shall be designated from among the membership of
the First Committee by the Mayor, with the approval of the
Council, to serve until the end of the calendar year. Thereafter,
the Committee shall annually elect its own Chairman and Vice-
chairmen. In the absence of the Chairman, the First Vice-chair-
man or in his absence the Second Vice - chairman shall act in
place of the Chairman on any matter on which action of the
Chairman is called for by this Ordinance.
4.4 The Committee shall make and adopt rules of pro-
cedure governing its own actions, not inconsistent with this
Ordinance, and shall hold such meetings and hearings as may be
required for its proper function hereunder. Each member of the
Committee shall be entitled to one vote upon all matters coming
before the Committee.
4.5 Four members shall constitute a quorum for action
at any meeting held or hearing conducted by the Committee. Meet-
ings of the Committee shall be called by the Chairman, or by the
ranking Vice - chairman in the absence of the Chairman, or by any
three members of the Committee, by written notice to each member
delivered at least twenty -four (24) hours or mailed at least
forty -eight (48) hours in advance of the proposed time of meeting,
which notice may be waived by any member as to himself. All
public hearings before the Committee shall be called only upon
authorization by a quorum of the Committee and shall be set for
such date as will enable the Committee to comply with all time
requirements of this Ordinance.
4.6 The SUPERINTENDENT or such other person as may be
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designated by the Committee shall keep and retain such records
of the Committee's proceedings as the Committee or the Council
may direct, and all such records shall be filed in the office
of the ' SUPERINTENDENT. The City Manager and the Superintendent
shall assist the Committee at its request, each consistent with
the other demands of his office.
4.7 Members of the Committee shall receive no compen-
sation for their services as such, but any and all expense reasonably
and necessarily incurred by the Committee, or any member duly
authorized, shall be borne by the City; provided, however, that
the same shall have been duly authorized or approved by specific
or general action of the Council or the City Manager, as the case
may be, prior to incurring such expenses.
4.8 The Bay Drilling Committee is hereby designated as
an advisory agency of the Council for all purposes stated or
reasonably implied in this Ordinance. This Committee shall make
a continuing study of operations for the exploration, drilling,
and production of oil, gas and other minerals in the bay areas
within the city limits, and the possible effect of same upon the
public health, safety and general welfare of the City of Corpus
Christi. It shall make such reports and recommendations from
time to time as it deems advisable to the Council for the amend-
ment and revision of this Ordinance and all other regulations per-
taining to said activities. The Committee shall have all of the
powers and duties imposed upon it by any other provision of this
Ordinance.
Section 5. Division of Petroleum Inspection of the
Department of Public Works.
5.1 There is hereby established as an administrative
Division in the Department of Public Works of the City of Corpus
Christi the "Division of Petroleum Inspection."
5.2 The head of the Division of Petroleum Inspection
shall be a person called the "City Petroleum Superintendent" who shall
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be appointed by the City Manager, subject to confirmation by
vote of a majority of the members of the Council. The City
Petroleum Superintendent (also referred to herein as "Superin-
tendent"), shall be a technically qualified person with respect
to the type of oil and gas activity prevalent in the area
covered by this Ordinance, and the Council shall prescribe such
compensation for his services and other terms of employment as
may appear to be reasonable and proper. Before appointment,
any person being considered for the post of Superintendent
shall make a full disclosure to the City Manager and the Council
of any employment, stock ownership or other pecuniary or busi-
ness relationship with any lessee and during his term of office,
and the Superintendent shall make the same disclosure as to any
changes in such matters.
5.3 The Superintendent shall advise the Council, the
City Manager and the Committee with respect to the matters reg-
ulated by this Ordinance, shall have the duties and authority
prescribed by this Ordinance, and shall perform such other duties
as may be properly prescribed by the Council or the City Manager.
5.4 In the event it appears necessary or advisable,
the Superintendent shall recommend to the City Manager the hiring
of inspectors or other personnel in order to fully enforce the
provisions of this Ordinance. Upon authorization of such
positions by the Council, any such personnel shall be appointed
by the City Manager.
Section 6. Bay Park and Recreation Area
6.1 There is hereby designated an area to be known as
the "Bay Park and Recreation Area," (also referred to herein as
"Bay Park Area "), which shall consist of all that portion of water,
land and submerged land in Corpus Christi..Bay which lies between
a line formed by the line of mean higher high tide on the shore-
line of said Bay and the center line of Nueces Bay Causeway desig-
nated for northbound traffic,(U. S. Highway 181), (as both exist
as of the effective date of this Ordinance), and the following
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described line (which is approximately one (1) mile 15280 feet]
from the center line of Ocean Drive and Shore Line Drive in the
City of Corpus. Christi):
Beginning at a point in the line common to State Tracts
67 and 79 as shown on "Map of Corpus Christi Bay in Nueces County
showing subdivision for Mineral Development" issued by General
Land Office, May 5, 1950, the Lambert Grid Coordinates (Texas
South Zone) of said point being X = 859521.14 and Y = 269851.07;
said point being on the East boundary line of the City Limits of
Corpus Christi as set out in call No. 77 of the Corpus Christi
Annexation Ordinance No. 6636.
Thence North 69 degrees 07 minutes 26 seconds West
2665.57 varas to a point, X = 857030.56 and Y = 270800.94;
Thence North 65 degrees 30 minutes 47 seconds West 1844.31
varas to a point, X = 855352.14 and Y = 271565.38;
Thence North 56 degrees 54 minutes 51 seconds West 1765.57
varas to a point, X = 853872.85 and Y = 272529.20;
Thence North 44 degrees 25 minutes 40 seconds West 1727.83
varas to a point, X = 852663.35 and Y = 273763.10;
Thence North 18 degrees 43 minutes 02 seconds West 1927.46
varas to a point, X = 852044.83 and Y = 275588.62;
Thence North 42 degrees 37 minutes 15 seconds West 1729.23
varas to a point, X = 850873.89 and Y = 276861.08;
Thence North 11 degrees 20 minutes 31 seconds West 852.12
varas to a point, X = 850706.31 and Y = 277696.56;
Thence North 8 degrees 13 minutes 08 seconds East 1702.83
varas to a point, X = 850949.74 and Y = 279381.90;
Thence North 7 degrees 27 minutes 43 seconds West 596.32
varas to a point, X = 850872.30 and Y = 279973.17;
Thence North 15 degrees 48 minutes 15 seconds East 1978.58
varas to a point, X = 851411.17 and Y = 281876.96;
Thence North 29 degrees 48 minutes 24 seconds East 1111.98
varas to a point, X = 851963.91 and Y = 282841.83;
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Thence North 49 degrees 19 minutes 59 seconds East 2389.11
varas to a point, X = 853776.07 and Y = 284398.72;
Thence North 53 degrees 56 minutes 18 seconds East 2145.85
varas to a point on the line common to State Tracts 26 and 40,
X = 855510.74 and Y = 285661.89; said point being South 45 degrees
O1 minutes 50 seconds East 1195.15 varas along the line common to
State Tracts 40 and 26 from the most easterly corner of State Tract
No. 41, X = 854665.19 and Y = 286506.53. This point being common
to call number 65 in the City of Corpus Christi Annexation Ordinance
No. 6636.
Thence North 56 degrees 20 minutes 51 seconds East 1939.25
varas to a point, X = 857125.00 and Y = 286736.54;
Thence North 67 degrees 43 minutes 19 seconds East 4122.74
varas to a point, -X = 860940.00 and Y = 288299.48;
Thence North 66 degrees 26 minutes 56 seconds East 2291.94
varas to a point on the Fairway Limits of LaQuinta Channel,
X = 8.63041.03 and Y = 289215.26;
Thence with the Fairway Limits of LaQuinta Channel South
77 degrees 31 minutes 20 seconds East 1846.81 varas to a point,
X = 864844.10 and Y = 288816.26;
Thence with the Fairway Limits of LaQuinta Channel and
a projection thereof South 23 degrees 45 minutes 14 seconds East
8226.99 varas to a point, X = 868158.00 and Y = 281286.23;
Thence South 71 degrees 24 minutes 58 seconds East 1139.41
varas to a point, X = 869238.00 and Y = 280923.11;
Thence South 82 degrees 32 minutes 32 seconds East 1198.14
varas to a point on the Southeast line of State Tract 420,.
X = 870426.00 and Y = 280767.60, said point being on the East bound-
ary line of the City Limits of Corpus Christi as set out in call
No. 77 of the Corpus Christi Annexation ordinance No. 6636, said
point being South 44 degrees 58 minutes 10 seconds West 524.80
varas from the East corner of said State Tract No. 420,
6.2 Subject only to the other provisions of this Sec-
tion 6, no well other than an existing well shall be drilled,
operated or produced from any surface location within the Bay Park
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Area and no derrick, platform, rig, piling, tank, pump, Christmas
tree, well -head connection, or any other equipment of any nature
whatsoever used in the drilling, production, storing, processing
or treating of oil, gas or other mineral shall be operated for
such purposes within the Bay Park Area after the effective date of
this Ordinance. No permit hereunder shall ever be issued for any
such purpose; provided only that the Council may grant exceptions
as follows:
(a) Sub -mud well producing structures may be permitted,
and wells which will be completed with sub -mud well producing
structures may be permitted to be drilled from surface locations
in the Bay Park area; provided that no such surface location or
sub -mud well producing structure shall be situated closer to the
shoreline of Corpus Christi Bay than at a point which is Four
Thousand.Two Hundred Eighty (4280) feet from the seaward bound-
ary of the Bay Park Area as such boundary is hereinabove specif-
ically described by metes and bounds.
(b) Other exceptions to this Section may be granted by
the City Council upon application for a permit hereunder, and an
affirmative showing by applicant that the requested exception is
necessary to prevent confiscation of property. The term "confis-
cation of property" as used in this instance shall not be deemed
to exist unless it is established by applicant that (1) use of a
surface location outside the Bay Park Area, either on water or
on land, renders it physically impossible to make a bottom hole
completion within such Area; and (2) pooling or unitization of
the minerals alleged to be confiscated will not eliminate the
need for the well or, if pooling or unitization would so eliminate
necessity for the well, that good -faith efforts by applicant so
to pool or unitize.on a reasonable basis had been made by appli-
cant and failed; and (3) applicant is suffering loss through
uncompensated drainage of its lease, or is in imminent danger of
such loss or is in imminent danger of losing its lease; and
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(4) subject to item (a) immediately preceding, no sub -mud com-
pletion is practicable for engineering reasons.
6.3 Drilling of a relief well from a surface location
in the Bay Park Area may be commenced without first securing a
Permit if such action is deemed necessary in the good -faith
opinion of the lessee. Lessee shall make all reasonable efforts
to notify the Superintendent by telephone as soon as feasible,
but failure to make such notification shall not be deemed a
violation of this Ordinance. Within twenty -four (24) hours after
the commencement of operations for the drilling of such a relief
Petroleum Superintend-
well, the lessee drilling the same shall notify the City /Seex°et ent
that such operations have been commenced, stating fully the
reasons therefor, and such lessee shall within five (5) days after
such commencement of operations make application for a permit to
drill said well as elsewhere provided in this Ordinance. The
lessee drilling such relief well shall also furnish promptly any
information with respect to such relief well as may be requested
from time to time by the Council, the Committee, the Superintendent
or any other authorized official or employee of the City. No such
well drilled as a relief well under the provisions of this paragraph
6.3 shall be completed as a producing well unless a permit therefor
shall have been issued in the same manner as is required hereunder
FOR THE DRILLING OF ANY OTHER WELL. ANY RELIEF WELL NOT COMPLETED AS A PRODUCING
WELL WITHIN SIX MONTHS AFTER COMMENCEMENT OF DRILLING OPERATIONS,UNLESS AN EX-
TENSION IS OBTAINED FROM THE CITY COUNCIL, SHALL BE PLUGGED AND ABANDONED.
EXTENSIONS NOT EXCEEDING A SIX -MONTH PERIOD MAY BE GRANTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL.
6.4 ANY EXISTING WELL OR WELL PERMITTED TO BE DRILLED IN THE BAY PARK
AREA UNDER PARAGRAPHS 6.2 AND/OR 6.3 ABOVE, AND APPURTENANCES THERETO, SHALL BE
SUBJECT TO ALL OTHER APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THIS ORDINANCE. -
6.5 THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 6 ARE DOMINANT AND CONTROLLING
OVER ANY OTHER SECTION, PARAGRAPH OR PROVISION OF THIS ORDINANCE INSOFAR AS THE
BAY PARK AREA IS CONCERNED.
SECTION 7. LOCATION OF WELLS AND SURFACE STRUCTURES IN LAGUNA MADRE
AND IN CORPUS CHRISTI BAY OUTSIDE THE BAY PARK AND RECREATION AREA.
7.1 THIS SECTION SHALL APPLY ONLY TO LAGUNA MADRE AND TO THAT PORTION
OF CORPUS CHRISTI BAY WHICH IS NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE BAY PARK AND RECREATION
AREA (EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 6.4 OF SECTION 6 HEREOF).
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7.2 No rig, platform, piling structure, derrick, tank,
Christmas tree, pipe, tube, meter, separator, or any other equip-
ment whatsoever used in the drilling or operation of a well or in
the procuction, treating or storing of oil, gas or other minerals
shall be erected, constructed, installed, maintained, operated or
allowed to exist in the area covered by this Section 7 except as
permitted by this Ordinance. No barge, rig, boat or ship shall be
moored, anchored or sunk in place in the area covered by this Sec-
tion 7 for the purpose of drilling or operating a well or of pro-
ducing, processing, treating or storing oil, gas or other minerals
except as permitted by this Ordinance.
7.3 Any item or thing enumerated in paragraph 7.2 of
this Section 7 may be situated in the area covered by this Section
7 for a period not to exceed six (6) months, provided that a tem-
porary permit therefor be obtained as prescribed by Section 20 of
this Ordinance, prior to the commencement of erection, construction,
installation or emplacement thereof. Such temporary permit shall
be limited to such period of time as the applicant therefor may re-
quest, or as may be determined to be reasonably necessary to ac-
complish the purpose for which such permit is requested, but in no
event shall such permit be valid for a period in excess of six (6)
months. Any such item or thing allowed under a temporary permit
shall be removed prior to the expiration of the period for which
such permit is granted. No permit shall be necessary with respect
to any rig, barge, piling or other structures or equipment used
in the drilling, completing, re- working, cleaning, repair or test-
ing of a well for which a valid and subsisting permanent permit
shall have been issued hereunder, provided notice of such operation shall
have been given to the SUPERINTENDENT within seventy -two (72) hours
and provided that any such structure or equipment shall be removed within thirty
(30) days after completion of the well or completion of the workover, cleaning,
testing or repairing, said thirty (30) day period to be automatically extended
for a reasonable period of time if forces beyond the reason-
-15-
10-25-66
able control of lessee prevent removal within said period, pro-
vided, that before the expiration of said period, lessee shall
PETROLEUM SUPERINTENDENT
notify the City /,&�,Qrj"gy of its inability to comply with this
provision and the reasons therefor.
7.4 No well shall be drilled without a permit duly
issued and subsisting under this Ordinance, provided that drilling
of a relief well maybe commenced without first securing a permit
if such action is deemed necessary in thb good -faith opinion of
the lessee. Lessee shall make all reasonable efforts to notify
the Superintendent by telephone as soon as feasible of the drilling
of such relief well, but the failure to make such notification
shall not be deemed a violation of this Ordinance. Within twenty -
four (24) hours after the commencement of operations for the
drilling of such a relief well, the lessee drilling the same
PETROLEUM SUPERINTENDENT
shall notify the City / ?tarW that such operations have been
commenced, stating fully the reasons therefor, and such lessee
shall within five (5) days after such commencement of operations
make application for a permit to drill said well as elsewhere
provided in this Ordinance. The lessee drilling such relief well
shall also furnish promptly any information with respect to such
relief well as may be requested from time to time by the Council,
the Committee, the Superintendent or any authorized official or
employee of the City. No well drilled as a relief well under
the provisions hereof shall be completed as a producing well
unless a permit therefor as for any well in the Bay Area shall
have been issued in the same manner as is required hereunder for
the drilling of any other well. In connection with any such
permit, an exception to the provisions of paragraphs 7.10, 7.11,
or 7.12 of this Section 7 may be granted by the Council if the
Council determines that: (i) a well surface location not conforming
to the provisions of paragraphs 7.10, 7.11, or 7.12 of this Section 7
is necessary in order to complete such relief well as a producing
well; and (ii) the denial of such permit would work an undue
economic hardship on the applicant; and (iii) the granting of
such exception would not be unduly inimical to the general pattern
of spacing of we71 surface structures established by this Section
detrimental
7 and would not otherwise be/� to the public health, safety
-16-
or welfare. Any relief well not completed as a producing well
shall be plugged and abandoned within six (6) months of commencement of
drilling operations unless an extension is obtained from the City Council.
7.5 Any permit issued for the drilling of a well shall
be deemed to cover and include all rigs, barges, pilings, struc-
tures, and equipment used in drilling, testing and completing such
well. If a well is completed as a dry hole or if a well that once
produced becomes depleted, or if a well used as an injection well
or for other purposes ceases to be so used, and any such well is
abandoned because not suitable for any use within the reasonably
foreseeable future, then the well shall be plugged and abandoned
in accordance with the regulations of the Railroad Commission of
Texas or other regulatory body having jurisdiction, and within
sixty (60) days after the well is plugged, all .surface structures
and other surface equipment appurtenant to such well or used in
connection therewith shall be removed; said sixty (60) day period
to be automatically extended for a reasonable period of time if
forces beyond the reasonable control of lessee prevent removal
within the sixty (60) day period, provided that before the expir-
ation of said sixty {60) day period, lessee shall notify the City
Secretary of its inability to comply with said sixty (60) day pro-
vision and the reasons therefor.
7.6 If a well is completed as a producer (including wells
capable of paying production but shut -in), no structures or equip-
ment appurtenant to such well shall be constructed, erected, in-
stalled, maintained or operated in, on or above the waters. of
Corpus Christi Bay or Laguna Madre, except the following: Christmas
tree, meters, valves, flow lines, pipelines, free water knock -out,
skimming and chemical injection equipment, and any other equipment
required by this Ordinance or other regulatory authority having
jurisdiction, all of which shall, to the extent possible consistent
with generally accepted industry safety practices, be enclosed
within a protective structure, all of which shall collectively be
termed and referred to hereinafter as a "well surface structure ".
17-
AS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE AND FROM TIME TO TIME THEREAFTER, THE
CITY COUNCIL SHALL PRESCRIBE BY RESOLUTION REASONABLE DESIGNS FOR THE PROTECTIVE
STRUCTURES TO BE USED ON COMPLETED WELLS AND ANY DESIGN SO APPROVED MAY BE USED
BY ANY LESSEE. ALL EQUIPMENT COMPRISING A WELL SURFACE STRUCTURE WHICH CAN FEASIBLY
BE SUBMERGED IN ACCORDANCE WITH GENERALLY ACCEPTED INDUSTRY SAFETY PRACTICES AT
TIME OF SUCH INSTALLATION, SHALL BE SUBMERGED UNDER SUCH PROTECTIVE STRUCTURE.
7.7 AS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE AND FROM TIME TO TIME
THEREAFTER THE CITY COUNCIL SHALL PRESCRIBE BY ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION THE
APPROVED EXPOSED SILHOUETTES OF WELL SURFACE STRUCTURES CONSISTENT WITH ACCEPTED
SAFETY STANDARDS, WHICH ARE TO BE INSTALLED IN THE WATERS OF CORPUS CHRISTI BAY
WITHIN A DISTANCE OF TWO MILES FROM THE SHORELINE OF CORPUS CHRISTI BAY OR LAGUNA
MADRE. (IF THE LOCATION IS SEAWARD OF THE BAY PARK RECREATION AREA, A LINE DRAWN
PARALLEL TOE AND ONE MILE SEAWARD OF, THE LINE WHICH IS SPECIFICALLY DESCRIBED IN
SECTION 6.1 AS THE SEAWARD BOUNDARY OF THE BAY PARK RECREATION AREA SHALL BE "TWO
MILES FROM THE SHORELINE'S AS SUCH PHRASE IS USED IN THIS SECTION). THE RULES
ADOPTED AS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE ARE AS FOLLOWS: (1) WITHIN
SUCH TWO -MILE AREAS CHRISTMAS TREES SHALL BE LOCATED AS LOW UPON THE WATER,
AND SHALL BE OF THE MINIMUM HEIGHT REQUIRED IN ORDER TO PERMIT THEM TO SERVE THE
FUNCTIONS FOR WHICH INSTALLED COMPLY WITH REGULATIONS OF APPLICABLE GOVERNMENTAL
BODIES, AND CONSISTENT WITH ACCEPTED SAFETY STANDARDS. (Z) WELL PROTECTIVE
STRUCTURES SHALL BE NO TALLER THAN THE CHRISTMAS TREE THEY PROTECT AND SHALL BE
NO WIDER THAN REASONABLY REQUIRED IN ORDER TO PERFORM THE FUNCTION FOR WHICH
DESIGNED AND TO MEET REASONABLE OPERATING REQUIREMENTS.
7.8 SUB -MUD WELL PRODUCING STRUCTURES SHALL BE PERMITTED TO BE IN-
STALLED AT ANY LOCATION IN THE AREA COVERED BY THIS SECTION 7, AND THE DRILLING
OF WELLS WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED WITH SUB -MUD WELL PRODUCING STRUCTURES SHALL BE
PERMITTED FROM ANY SURFACE LOCATION IN THE AREA COVERED BY THIS SECTION 7.
7.9 NO WELL SURFACE STRUCTURE SHALL BE LOCATED IN THE AREA COVERED BY
THIS SECTION 7 EXCEPT IN CONFORMITY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 7.
7.10 SUBJECT TO THE EXCEPTIONS HEREAFTER PROVIDED IN THIS ORDINANCE,
IN ANY STATE LEASE TRACT ON WHICH THERE IS NO WELL SURFACE STRUCTURE LOCATED AS
OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE, ALL WELL SURFACE STRUCTURES SHALL BE
LOCATED WITHIN AN AREA IN THE FORM OF A SQUARE WITH DIMENSIONS OF 500
FEET BY 500 FEET. THE CENTER OF SUCH AREAS NORTH OF THE SHIP CHANNEL
-18-
known as the Port Aransas - Corpus Christi Waterway shall be a
point anywhere from 467 feet to 660 feet from the northwest
boundary line and 467 feet to 660 feet from the northeast bound-
ary line of said tract. The center of such areas south of the
ship channel known as the Port Aransas - Corpus Christi Waterway
shall be a point anywhere from 467 feet to 660 feet from the
northwest boundary line, and from 467 feet to 660 feet from the
southwest boundary line of said tract. The center of each such
area shall be designated in the permit for the first well to be
drilled from such area. Each such area shall be termed and re-
ferred to hereinafter as the "cluster area ". The first well sur-
face structure placed on any such tract may be located at any
location within such cluster area but additional well surface struc-
tures shall be located not more than two hundred fifty (250) feet
from the nearest existing well surface structure, except that the
distance from center to corner wells in a cluster area may be no
more than three hundred fifty -four (354) feet.
7.11 In any State Lease Tract which contains well sur-
face structures in existence as of the effective date of this
Ordinance, all additional well surface structures placed in such
tract shall be located in an area in the form of a square, with
dimensions of,500 feet by 500 feet, within which the existing well
surface structure shall be located, which area shall be termed and
referred to as the' "cluster area".- Additional well surface struc-
tures shall be located not more than two hundred fifty (250) feet
from the nearest existing well surface structure, except that the
distance from center to corner wells in a cluster area may be no
more than three hundred fifty -four (354) feet. In the event that
any State Lease Tract contains two or more existing well surface
structures on the effective date of this Ordinance, which are lo-
cated so close together that the cluster area assigned to each
would overlap, then only one cluster area shall be permitted,
within which the existing well surface structure which is located
closest to a corner of such tract shall be located; provided
-19-
a0 -25 -66
i
that with the acquiescence of the lessees of adjoining State
Lease Tracts, the lessee of such tract may designate another
existing well surface structure around which the cluster area
shall be located. The first permit granted hereunder within
any such State Lease Tract shall specify the location of the
cluster area. In the event that any State Lease Tract contains
two or more existing well surface structures on the effective
date of this Ordinance which are located so far apart that the
cluster area assigned to each would not overlap, then additional
well surface structures may be placed in each of such cluster
areas. Well surface structures appurtenant to an abandoned well
shall not be considered to be a well surface structure for the
purposes of this paragraph.
7.11A With respect to state leases which cover only
an area approximately 320 acres in size, the term "State Lease
Tract" as used in paragraphs 7.10 and 7.11 of Section 7 hereof
shall be deemed to mean and require an area approximately 640
acres in size which shall be formed by combining two of said
state leases along the abutting long sides thereof, with such
combinations to be commenced on the most westerly side of Corpus
Christi Bay where said leases are found and to be carried forward
contiguously in an eastwardly direction so as to form areas of
approximately 640 acres in size in the shape of a square.
Specifically, but not by way of limitation, each pair of the
following listed pairs of State Lease Tracts shall be deemed to
constitute but one State Lease Tract for purposes of paragraphs
7.10 and 7.11 of this Section 7, to -wit:
1.
State
Lease
Tracts
Nos.
415
and
416
2.
State
Lease
Tracts
Nos.
417
and
418
3.
State
Lease
Tracts
Nos.
419
and
420
4.
State
Lease
Tracts
Nos.
421
and
422
5.
State
Lease
Tracts
Nos.
443
and
444
6.
State
Lease
Tracts
Nos.
445
and
446
7.
State
Lease
Tracts
Nos.
447
and
448
8.
State
Lease
Tracts
Nos.
449
and
450
9.
State
Lease
Tracts
Nos.
451
and
452
10.
State
Lease
Tracts
Nos.
453
and
454
11.
State
Lease
Tracts
Nos.
455
and
456
12.
State
Lease
Tracts
Nos.
469
and
470
13.
State
Lease
Tracts
Nos.
471
and
472
14.
State
Lease
Tracts
Nos.
473
and
474
15.
State
Lease
Tracts
Nos.
475
and
476
-20-
0 1 . . to -z5 -66 •
i
7.12 If the location prescribed for a cluster area
in paragraph 7.10 above is situated within the Bay Park Area,
ship channels or seaplane landing restricted area or any other
area where surface structures are prohibited by other governmental
authorities, upon application the Council shall prescribe an
alternate cluster area; provided that no cluster area will be
prescribed in the Bay Park Area except as contemplated in Section
6 of this Ordinance.
7.13 Exceptions to paragraphs 7.10 and 7.11 hereof
may be granted by the City Council upon application for a permit
hereunder and an affirmative showing by a lessee of any oil, gas
or mineral lease situated within the area covered by this Section
7 that an exception is necessary to prevent confiscation of
property. The term "confiscation of property" as used herein
shall not be deemed to exist unless it is affirmatively established
by lessee that use of a surface location in the applicable cluster
area renders it physically impossible to make a bottom hole
completion within the applicable State Lease Tract, and the
certificate required under Section 10 of this Ordinance is filed.
Section 8. Production Platforms
8.1 This Section shall apply only to the area of
Corpus Christi Bay and Laguna Madre defined in paragraph 2.1 of
Section 2 of this Ordinance.
-20a-
8.2 No production platform or facility shall be erected,
constructed, installed, maintained, operated or allowed to exist
without a permit duly issued or subsisting under this Ordinance.
As used in this Section 8, the term "production platform or facil-
ity" shall mean any structure or island (other than a well surface
structure) which holds or contains equipment for the handling,
processing or treatment of oil, gas or other hydrocarbons, or any
aggregation of equipment and facilities designed for any of such
purposes. No production platform or facility may be materially
altered in height or area without a permit hereunder. Any change
in such facilities which materially affect the architectural ap-
pearance shall be submitted to the Committee in advance.
8.3 Any structure or facility in existence on the ef-
fective date of this Ordinance and which covers less than four
hundred (400) square feet in surface area and which has appur-
tenances extending no more than forty (40) feet in height above
mean sea level shall not be deemed to be a production platform
or facility for purposes of paragraph 8.5 of this Section 8, and
shall be allowed to be maintained and operated subject to the
pertinent provisions of the other paragraphs and Sections of this
Ordinance, provided that no enlargement of such.structure or
facility exceeding fifty percent (50 %) of the surface area cov-
ered thereby on the effective date of this Ordinance or fifty
percent (50 %) of the height of the appurtenances thereto on said
date shall be allowed unless a permit therefor is granted by the
Council.
8.4 Any structure or facility for which a permit has
been granted under the provisions of Ordinance No. 7983 of the
City of Corpus Christi, as amended, and which is in existence on
the effective date of this Ordinance and which is situated on
any spoil bank or spoil island shall not be deemed tq be a pro-
duction platform or facility for purposes of paragraph 8.5 of
-21-
this Section 8, and shall be allowed to be maintained and operated
subject to the pertinent provisions of the other paragraphs and
Sections of this Ordinance, provided that no enlargement of such
structure or facility exceeding fifty percent (50%) of the surface
area covered thereby on the effective date of this Ordinance or
fifty percent (50 %) of the height of the appurtenances thereto on
said date shall be allowed unless a permit therefor is granted by
the Council.
8.5 No more than three (3) production platforms (not
including the structures excepted herefrom in paragraphs 8.3 and
8.4 of this Section 8) shall be allowed to be maintained at any
one time in that portion of Corpus Christi Bay situated within
the boundaries of the City of Corpus Christi as such boundaries
existed on June 1, 1966. One of said production platforms shall
be permitted to be located north of the ship channel known as the
Port Aransas - Corpus Christi Waterway and the remaining two of
said production platforms shall be permitted to be located south
of said ship channel. No production platform shall be located
within three (3) miles of the shoreline of Corpus Christi Bay
and no production platform shall be located within three (3)
miles of any existing production platform.
8.6 The proposed location of any production platform
for which a permit is requested must be approved by the Council,
which approval shall be signified by the issuance of a permit
setting forth the location for such production platform. In de-
termining the location of production platforms hereunder, the City
Council shall consider, but shall not be limited to, the follow=
ing factors: the opinions of other lessees in the area to be
served by the production platform; convenience of the proposed
location with respect to all then existing production and any
future production (insofar as same can be determined) in the
area to be served by the production platform; sufficiency of the
-22
proposed facilities for present production and such future pro-
duction as reasonably can be estimated; appearance of the pro-
posed facilities, including compactness and height; willingness
of the operator of the proposed platform to serve all parties
within the area to be served by the platform and reasonableness
of terms for so doing; experience, capability, integrity and
financial stability of the operator of the proposed platform;
availability of other means for disposing of such production; and
effect of the type of facilities proposed upon the public health,
safety and general welfare.
8.7 Any permit issued for a production platform shall
be conditioned upon (i) the agreement of the applicant that it
will take and handle on fair and reasonable terms on such pro-
duction platform all hydrocarbon production brought to such pro-
duction platform from any well having,a well surface structure
location within a radius of three (3) miles from the center of
such production platform; (ii) the agreement of the applicant
that it will treat all lessees within the area to be served by
such production platform in as equal a manner as possible; and
that in the event production is submitted for handling on such
production platform in greater volume or of differing quality
than the facilities thereon are capable of handling, or should
separate facilities be required for marketing purposes, the ap-
plicant will install, or permit other lessees to install, addi-
tional facilities thereon (including enlargement of such produc-
tion platform if necessary) so as to provide for the handling of
all production brought to such production platform; and (iii)
the agreement of the applicant that in the event it is unable to
reach an agreement with any other lessee desiring to have pro-
duction handled on such production platform as to fair and reason-
able terms for handling such production or for the enlargement
of such production platform or the installation of additional
facilities thereon, then the applicant will be willing to submit
-23-
76-25 -66
•
such dispute to arbitration under the Rules of the American
Arbitration Association and be bound by any decision rendered
thereunder.
Section 9. Nueces Bay
9.1 This Section 9 shall apply only to Nueces Bay,
which for purposes hereof is defined as the bay area west of the
Nueces Bay Causeway (U. S. Highway No. 181).
9.2 No well shall hereafter be drilled without a permit
duly issued and subsisting under this Ordinance, provided that
drilling of a relief well may be commenced without securing a
permit if such action is deemed necessary in the good -faith opinion
of the lessee. Lessee shall make all reasonable efforts to notify
the Superintendent by telephone as soon as feasible of the drilling
of such relief well, but failure to make such notification shall
not be deemed a violation of this Ordinance. Within twenty -four
(24) hours after the commencement of operations for the drilling
of such a relief well, the lessee drilling the same shall notify
the SUPERINTENDENT that such operations have been commenced, and
such lessee shall within five (5) days after such commencement of
operations make application for a permit to drill said well as
elsewhere provided in this Ordinance. The lessee drilling such
relief well shall also furnish promptly any information with
respect to such relief well as may be requested from time to time
by the Council, the Committee, the Superintendent or any authorized
official or employee of the City. No well drilled as a relief well
under the provisions hereof shall be completed as a producing well
unless a permit therefor shall have been issued in the same manner
as is required hereunder for any other well. Any relief well not completed
as a producing well shall be plugged and abandoned within six (6) months of commence-
ment of drilling operations unless an extension is obtained from the City Council.
9.3 If a well is completed as a dry hole or if a well
that once produced becomes depleted, or if a well used as an
injection well or for other purposes ceases to be so used, and any
such well is abandoned because not suitable for any use within the
reasonably foreseeable future, then the well shall be plugged
and abandoned in accordance with the regulations of the Railroad
Commission of Texas or other regulatory body having jurisdiction,
and within thirty (30) days after the well is plugged, all well
24
0 1o_z5 -66
surface structures and equipment appurtenant thereto or used in
connection therewith shall be removed, said thirty (30) days to
be automatically extended for a reasonable period of time if forces
beyond the reasonable control of lessee prevent removal within the
thirty (30) day period, provided that before the expiration of
said thirty (30) day period, lessee shall notify the SUPERINTENDENT
of its inability to comply with said thirty (30) day provision and
the reasons therefor.
9.4 Except for appurtenances to a well for which a
permanent permit has been issued, no platform, piling, structure,
derrick, tank, Christmas tree, tube, meter, separator, or any
other equipment whatsoever used in the drilling or operation of
a well or in the production, processing, treating or storing of
oil and gas shall be erected, constructed, installed, maintained,
operated or allowed to exist in the area covered by this Section
9 without a permit first being duly issued or subsisting, as
prescribed in this Ordinance; provided, that this provision shall
not be applicable to any such platform, piling, structure, derrick,
tank, Christmas tree, tube, meter, separator or other equipment
being maintained or operated in the area covered by this Section
9 on the effective date of this Ordinance. No barge, rig, boat
or ship shall be moored, anchored or sunk in place in the area
covered by. this Section 9 for the purposes of drilling or
operating a well or producing or storing oil and gas without a
permit first being issued as prescribed in this Ordinance.
9.5 A temporary permit may be granted with respect
to the area covered by this Section 9 on the same bases and for
the same purposes as are allowed under paragraph 7.3 -f Section
7 of this Ordinance.
9.6 Upon application for any permit required under this
Section 9, the City Council shall grant such permit in the form and
manner prescribed in this Ordinance, provided that the applicant
shall comply with the pertinent provisions of the remaining sections
of this Ordinance.
Section 10. Pooling and Unitization
10.1 No permit for the drilling of a well in Corpus
Christi Bay or Laguna Madre shall be issued under this Ordinance
-25-
unless the applicant therefor shall have filed the certificate
prescribed in this Section 10, which shall thereupon become a
part of the application and permit for all purposes of this
Ordinance.
10.2 Such certificate shall be in duplicate, under oath,
and shall assert as fact that: (a) the possibility of eliminating
the necessity for drilling the well by pooling or unitization has
been seriously considered by applicant; and (b) such consideration
has included discussion of such possibility at a meeting or meet-
ings, held within ninety (90) days of the date of filing between
those with power to pool or unitize, or to effectively recommend
the same, of applicant and the owners of all operating rights in
any lease or leases situated, in whole or in part, within four
thousand (4000) feet of the proposed bottom -hole location of the
well; and (c) it is not feasible to eliminate the necessity for
drilling the well by pooling or unitization.
10.3 Absent circumstances giving rise to reasonable
doubt that the certificate was made in good faith, and if upon
its face it complies in all respects with the requirements of
this Section 10, it shall be conclusive of the matters stated
therein for the purposes of granting the permit sought.
Section 11. Regulation of Pipelines
11.1 No pipeline for the purpose of gathering, flow-
ing or transmitting oil, gas, water, products, hydrocarbons or
any other substance shall hereafter be laid, relaid, moved,
maintained or operated in the area covered by this Ordinance
except as authorized by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (here-
inafter called "Corps ").
11.2 The owner of each pipeline hereafter laid in the
area covered by this Ordinance shall furnish the City Secretary
a copy of each instrument (including plats) concerning the pipe-
line which is filed with the Corps, as well as a copy of the per-
-26-
MIT, RULING OR OTHER REPLY ISSUED BY THE CORPS. THE OWNER SHALL MAINTAIN
IN ITS OFFICE LOCATED IN OR NEAREST TO THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI A
PERMANENT RECORD SHOWING THE LOCATION OF ALL PIPELINES WHICH IT MAY HERE-
AFTER LAY IN THE AREA COVERED BY THIS ORDINANCES WHICH RECORD SHALL BE
OPEN AT ALL REASONABLE TIMES TO INSPECTION BY ANY AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL OR
EMPLOYEE OF THE CITY.
SECTION 12. REMOVAL OF FACILITIES
12.1 ALL WELL SURFACE STRUCTURES OR OTHER EQUIPMENT APPURTENANT
TO A WELL, ALL PRODUCTION PLATFORMS, AND ALL OTHER STRUCTURES, PLATFORMS
FACILITIES OR EQUIPMENT FOR WHICH A PERMIT HAS BEEN ISSUED BY THE CITY OF
CORPUS CHRISTI HEREUNDER SHALL BE REMOVED BY THE PARTY TO WHOM THE PERMIT
WAS ISSUED OR TRANSFERRED UPON THE PERMANENT CESSATION OF SAME. SHELL
MATS LAID ON THE FLOOR OF THE BAY NEED NOT BE REMOVED UPON ABANDONMENT.
SECTION 13. PROHIBITION OF POLLUTION
13.1 ALL OPERATIONS SUBJECT TO REGULATION BY THIS ORDINANCE
SHALL BE CONDUCTED IN STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH ALL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY,
AND ALL LAWSI RULES AND REGULATIONS OF OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES HAVING
JUR15DICTIONI RELATING TO POLLUTION AND CONTAMINATION.
SECTION off. PAINTING AND LIGHTING OF STRUCTURES
14.1 ALL PARTS OF WELL SURFACE STRUCTURES, LOCATED ABOVE WATER
IN THE AREA COVERED BY THIS ORDINANCE AND COMPOSED OF MATERIALS GENERALLY
PAINTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CUSTOMARY MARINE INDUSTRIAL STANDARDS SHALL BE
PAINTED A CONSPICUOUS COLOR UNLESS ANOTHER COLOR 15 DESIGNATED BY RESO-
LUTION OF THE COUNCIL AND SHALL BE REPAINTED AT SUFFICIENTLY FREQUENT
INTERVALS TO MAINTAIN SAME IN GOOD CONDITION. ALL PRODUCTION PLATFORMS
AND OTHER STRUCTURES AND FACILITIES, EXCEPTING WELL SURFACE STRUCTURE5�
LOCATED ABOVE WATER IN THE AREA COVERED BY THIS ORDINANCE AND COMPOSED
OF MATERIALS GENERALLY PAINTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CUSTOMARY MARINE IN-
DUSTRIAL STANDARDS SHALL BE PAINTED AN INCONSPICUOUS COLOR UNLESS ANOTHER
COLOR IS DESIGNATED BY RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL, AND SHALL BE REPAINTED
AT SUFFICIEN'T'LY FREQUENT INTERVALS TO MAINTAIN SAME IN GOOD CONDITION.
14.2 ALL SURFACE STRUCTURES, PRODUCTION PLATFORMS, AND OTHER
STRUCTURES OR FACILITIES SITUATED IN THE AREA COVERED BY THIS
ORDINANCE SHALL BE LIGHTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
-27-
United States Coast Guard regulations and /or regulations not
in conflict with those of the Coast Guard issued pursuant to
paragraph 19.16 of Section 19 of this Ordinance. Each permittee
shall determine at least twice each month that the lighting on
each facility for which a permit is held is operating in con-
formity with such regulations, and if thereby or otherwise found
not to be so operating, then the lighting shall be immediately
restored so as to conform with such regulations.
Section 15. Prohibition of Signs and Advertising
15.1 No sign, poster, advertisement, light, or beacon
shall be affixed to or placed on or about any surface structure,
production platform, or other structure, equipment or facility
for which a permit is issued hereunder, except (.i,)- working lights,
(ii) signs such as "No Smoking" and "No Trespassing" where de-
sired by the lessee, and (iii) such signs, lights and warning
devices as may be required under the provisions of this Ordinance
or by any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction,.
Section 16. Right of Access
16.1 THE SUPER I NTEN DENT, OR ANY duly authorized official,
representative or employee of the City shall have the right of
access for purposes of inspection at all reasonable times to any
drilling location, surface structure, production platform or
other facility for which a permit is required or issued hereunder.
16.2 Upon request by any duly authorized official,
representative or employee of the City, any lessee or permittee
shall furnish such geological data as lessee files with the
Railroad Commission of Texas.
Section 17. Insurance
17.1 The holder of any permit issued hereunder shall
obtain and maintain in force a policy or pblicies of public
liability and property damage insurance issued by a reliable
insurance company or companies authorized to do business in Texas
-28-
and having a Policyholder Rating of Excellent or better and
Financial Rating of BBBB or better according to the ratings
issued by the Best Insurance Guide, insuring the permittee against
claims for bodily injury or property damage which might be sus-
tained by the City or any member of the public by reason of any
operations conducted under said permit, with coverage limits
for bodily injury or death to any one person of riot less than
$100,000.00 and not less than $1,000,000.00 for any one accident,
and for property damage of not less than $1,000,000.00 for any one
occurrence; with endorsements to said policies running to the
City for the benefit of it and members of the public, and ob-
ligating the insurers to give the SUPERINTENDENT written notice
of cancellation of such insurance not less than fifteen (15) days
prior to the date of cancellation.
Section 18. Bonds
18.1 The holder of any permit issued hereunder shall
post a corporate surety bond in the sum of Twenty -five Thousand
Dollars ($25,000), executed by the permittee as principal and by
a surety company acceptable to the City, as surety, and condi-
tioned that the principal named in the bond shall faithfully com-
ply with all of the provisions of this Ordinance and of the permit
until the said permit shall have been released by the principal
and the release shall have been approved by the City as pro-
vided herein. Such bond shall secure the City against all costs,
charges and expenses incurred by it by reason of the failure of
the principal to fully comply with the provisions of the permit
and of this Ordinance. In lieu of a bond for each permit held,
(i) any permittee may post a blanket bond covering all permits
issued to the permittee hereunder in the sum of $100,000, which
shall be conditioned in the same manner aforesaid, or (ii) in
the sole discretion of the Council, a permittee may be allowed
to post an indemnity agreement with the City conditioned in the
V
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10 -25 -66
•
C
same manner as a bond required hereunder if such permittee files
a balance sheet and statement certified by a recognized firm of
certified public accountants reflecting the net worth of
permittee to be in excess of ten million dollars (10,000,000).
Section 19. Technical Regulations
19.1 No well shall be completed or operated in a sand
or horizon which would result in surface shut -in pressure in
excess of the working pressure rating of standard A.P.I. wellhead
equipment on the well.
19.2 Each well drilled or operated will be equipped
with casingheads, tubingheads, and wellhead connections which
conform to A.P.I. standards. The casingheads shall have a work-
ing pressure of not less than three thousand pounds (3000) per
square inch. The tubingheads and wellhead connections shall
have a working pressure in excess of the well's shut -in surface
pressure. All wells with a surface shut -in pressure of three
thousand pounds (3000) per square inch or less shall be equipped
with at least one master valve and one wing valve. All wells
with a surface shut -in pressure in excess of three thousand
pounds (3000) per square inch shall be equipped with at least
two master valves and a wing valve, and all connections upstream
of the surface safety valve shall be flanged.
19.3 A surface safety valve shall be installed on all
wells with a surface shut -in pressure in excess of three thousand
pounds (3000) per square inch.
19.4 All flowing wells shall be equipped with a sub-
surface safety valve (storm choke) installed in the tubing string,
unless a tubingless completion is involved. This valve shall be
pulled and inspected between April 1 and October 1 of each year
and more often if desired by lessee.
19.5 Each well drilled or operated will be equipped
with tubulars that conform to American Petroleum Institute standards.
The production string and the tubing string shall have a working
-30-
pressure capacity in excess of the well's surface shut-in pressure,
The tubing shall be protected from well effluent corrosion as re -.
quired by internal coating and /or periodic chemical inhibitor in-
jection, and periodic checks on iron count in well effluent shall
be made and reported to the SUPERINTENDENT UPON REQUEST.
19.6 Each well drilled will be equipped with blowout
preventers from the time the surface casing is set. The minimum
preventer stacks to be installed on the surface casing will con-
sist of one set equipped with blanks, one set equipped with rams,
and one Hydril type. The minimum preventer stack to be installed
on protection and subsequent casing strings will consist of one
set equipped with blanks, two sets equipped with rams, and one
Hydril type. The blowout preventers will be worked before each
trip and pressure tested at the time of installation on each cas-
ing string. A choke manifold will be installed immediately under
the blowout preventer stack and will have the same working pressure
or greater.
19.7 Each -well drilled will use a drilling fluid and /or
procedure which will provide a hydrostatic head greater than the
formation pressure expected to be encountered, or other recognized
method to accomplish well surface pressure control.
19.8 Drill stem tests may only be started during day-
light hours. If a hydrocarbon well effluent is produced during
the test, it will be flowed through an adequate separator to
storage or flared. No liquid hydrocarbons shall be deposited in
the waters of the bay area.
19.9 When any part of the area covered hereby is in
the projected path of winds classified by the United States
Weather Bureau to be of hurricane proportions, then at such time
as the frontal edge is estimated to be not less than twenty -four
(24) hours away, all lessees operating in the area covered hereby
shall immediately shut down all drilling and producing oper-
ations and all drill pipe shall either be laid down and secure-
-31-
ly fastened or left in the well hole.
19.10 When a well is abandoned it shall be plugged
in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Railroad
Commission of Texas. All strings of pipe will be cut off at
the elevation specified by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers,
but at least fifteen (15) feet below the mud line. After re-
moving the rig, the location shall be dragged for obstacles.
19.11 The movement of hydrocarbons from wells to
storage shall be made in such manner as to prevent the escape
of hydrocarbons. All flow lines leading from wells to produc-
tion platforms shall be tested to two thousand (2000) pounds
per square inch water pressure or at least one thousand (1000)
pounds per square inch in excess of the anticipated working
pressure of the line for all working pressures in excess of one
thousand (1000) pounds per square inch. All lines shall be placed
in.conformity with regulations of the U. S. Army Corps of
Engineers. Each line shall be constructed from new or recon-
ditioned pipe in first class condition, and before it is sub-
merged shall be doped and treated in such manner as to offer
reasonable resistance to salt water corrosion.
19.12 All wells shall be cleaned, tested and pro-
duced in a manner to prevent pollution and utilize procedures
and equipment that will eliminate or minimize any fire hazard.
19•13 WHEN R LEAK OCCURS IN A PIPELINE OR FLOW LINE, THE FLOW
OF SUBSTANCE THEREIN WILL BE STOPPED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER BEING DETECTED,
AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE STOPPED UNTIL REPAIRS HAVE BEEN EFFECTED IN THE MOST
EXPEDIENT MANNER TO PREVENT POLLUTION AND HAZARD.
19.14 All steel members of a production platform
below the water line shall be cathodically protected.
19.15 The use of wooden derricks and steam powered
rigs for drilling purposes are prohibited.
19.16 The Council may, from time to time, issue such
ru169 end rOgUlALtiO110 110t inaonnistent with but in iMplementa-
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lU_Z� oD
Ll
tion of this Section 19, copies of which shall be made available
to the public in the office of the SUPERINTENDENT r-
19-17 Tubingless completions are permitted if a permit
therefor shall have been obtained from each other governmental
agency requiring the same, copies of which shall be furnished to
the SUPERINTENDENT and all other requirements of this
Ordinance are complied with.
Section 20. Permits
20.1 All permits required by this Ordinance shall be
issued in the form prescribed in this Section 20, except as pro-
vided in Section 30 for existing structures and facilities.
20.2 No permit shall be issued except upon application
by the owner or owners of the property right to which the permit
relates. No application shall apply for more than one permit and
no permit shall cover more than one subject matter. All applications
for permits and permits shall be in the form prescribed in the
Exhibits to this Ordinance and shall contain the information and
Exhibits required by this Ordinance. Such forms may be changed
from time to time by amendment of this Ordinance. All applications
for permits shall be signed and sworn to before a notary public by
the applicant or some representative of the applicant having due
and legal authority to enter into contracts binding upon the
applicant. All applications for permits shall be filed in duplicate
with the SUPERINTENDENT All applications forpermits to drill a well or
erect a production platform shall be accompanied by a filing fee of $500; all
applications for permanent permits for other purposes and all temporary permits
shall be accompanied by a fee of $100. A fee paid for a temporary permit shall
be credited orr the fee charged for a permanent permit in event a temporary permit
is applied for conversion to a permanent permit. All applications shall contain an
agreement by the applicant to provide boat transportation during normal working
hours for the Superintendent or any other duly authorized city official
or employee forthe purpose of inspecting wells or the facilities
for which the permit is requested, with the understanding that
the furnishing of such transportation shall create no extra duty
of care.
20.3 All applications for a permit to drill a well
shall contain at least the following; information:
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(a) the names and addresses of all owners of working
interest in the well;
(b) the name of the drilling contractor, if same be
a different party than the applicant. If the identity of the
drilling contractor is not known at the time the application is
made, the name of the drilling contractor shall be furnished to
the SUPERINTENDENT prior to the commencement of drilling operations;
(c) the location from which the well is to be drilled,
the approximate location of the surface structures appurtenant
to the well, and the approximate bottom hole location of the
well;
(d) the vertical depth to which it is proposed that
the well be drilled, a statement as =to whether the well is to
be drilled as a straight hole or as a directional well, and if
the latter, the general plan of deviation;
(e) a general but accurate summary, including draw-
ings where necessary, to indicate (i) the surface equipment and
installations contemplated during the drilling stage (including
temporary installations.) and (ii) all surface equipment (i.e.,
equipment located at or above the floor of the bay) that will
be installed and maintained-if the well is completed as a pro-
ducer, including any and all pipeline connections to the well
insofar as possible;
(f) a general but accurate'_sta;ement as to anti-
cipated time of commencement and duration of drilling, testing
and completion procedures (including any unusual circumstances).
All applications for permits to drill a well shall have attached
thereto the following:
(1) certified or photostatic copy of all pertinent
oil and gas leases and assignments thereof, with recording data,
showing the applicant to be the owner of all or a part of the
mineral leasehold working interest under the particular State
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16 10 -25 -66
Lease Tract:
(2) copies of all permits or authorizations for the
particular well granted by other governmental agencies, or
applications therefor that are pending;
(3) a certificate from an insurance company that
the applicant has in force insurance complying with the pro-
visions of this Ordinance, and a copy of a bond (or indemnity
in lieu thereof) complying with the provisions of this Ordinance.
(4) with respect to applications covering wells to be
drilled in Corpus Christi Bay or Laguna Madre, a copy of the
Certificate required by Section 10 of this Ordinance.
20.4 Each application for a permit to drill a well
shall contain an agreement by the applicant to allow the lessee
of State Lease Tracts adjacent to the applicant's cluster area
to drill wells from a surface location in said cluster area to
a bottom hole location on the adjoining State Lease Tract, and
to place the surface structure for such well within the appli-
cant's cluster area, to the extent that applicant has the power
to do so; provided, that such lessee shall agree to indemnify the
applicant for any damage caused by such lessee and further pro-
vided that the applicant or other lessees have not utilized
all of the locations within his cluster area prior to the time
that such lessee notifies applicant of his desire to drill.
20.5 All applications for permit to erect and main-
tain a production platform shall contain the following infor-
mation:
(a) the names of all parties who will own an inter-
est in the production platform;
(b) the name of the contractor who shall construct'
the platform, if same be a different party than the applicant.
If the name of the contractor is not known at the time the appli-
cation is made, the name of the contractor shall be furnished to
the SUPERINTENDENT before construction is commenced;
(c) the proposed location of the production platform;
(d) the names of all lessees of State Leases within a
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three -mile radius of the proposed location of the production
platform.
All applications for a permit to erect and maintain a production
platform shall be accompanied by the following:
(1) adequate evidence of applicant's authority to
place a production platform at the proposed location;
(2) a current certificate from an insurance company
that the applicant has in force insurance complying with the
provisions of this Ordinance, and a copy of a bond (or indemnity
agreement in lieu of bond) complying with the provisions of this
Ordinance;
(3) a plat of the proposed location of the production
platform and reflecting lease ownership and well surface struc-
tures within a three -mile radius of such location;
(4) drawings, sketches or blueprints accurately re-
flecting the dimensions of the production platform and the
equipment to be placed thereon;
(5) a general but accurate statement as to the purpose
of the platform, and the activities to be carried out thereon;
(6) a general but accurate statement as to the terms
and conditions upon which production other than that owned by
the applicant will be handled through the production platform;
(7) a certificate that applicant has given written
notice of the application for such permit to each lessee of a
State Lease Tract located within the three -mile radius of the
proposed location of such production platform.
20.6' All applications for a permit to erect and main-
tain a production platform shall contain an agreement by the
applicant to comply with the provisions of paragraph 8.7 of
Section 8 of this Ordinance.
20.7 All applications for permanent permits for any
purpose not otherwise covered by this Section 20, and all ap-
plications for temporary permits shall contain full informa-
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10 -25 -66
TION AS TO THE NATURE AND PURPOSE OF THE ACTIVITY FOR WHICH SUCH PERMIT
15 REQUESTED AND A FULL STATEMENT DESCRIBING ALL STRUCTURES AND EQUIP-
MENT TO BE COVERED BY SUCH PERMIT, AND SHALL BE ACCOMPANIED BY SUCH OF
THE ITEMS SPECIFIED IN SUBPARAGRAPHS (1) THROUGH (4) IN SUBSECTION 20.3
OF THIS SECTION 20 AS MAY BE PERTINENT TO THE APPLICATION.
20.8 IF ANY INFORMATIONS EXHIBIT OR OTHER MATERIAL REQUIRED
IN THIS SECTION 20 HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN FURNISHED TO THE CITY OF CORPUS
CHRISTI, SUCH REQUIREMENT SHALL BE SATISFIED BY REFERENCE TO THE CITY
FILE NUMBER IN WHICH SUCH INFORMAT ION, EXHIBIT OR OTHER MATERIAL IS
CONTAINED.
SECTION 21. ACTION UPON APPLICATION FOR PERMIT
21.1 UPON RECEIPT OF A PROPERLY SUBMITTED APPLICATION FOR ANY
PERMIT HEREUNDER, IN DUPLICATES THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL SET UP A
PERMANENT RECORD AND FILE THEREON, AND SHALL FORWARD ONE COPY OF THE APPLI-
CATION AND ALL MATERIALS SUBMITTED THEREWITH TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BAY
DRILLING COMMITTEE, EACH OF WHOM SHALL PROMPTLY REVIEW THE APPLICATION.
IN THE EVENT THAT THE POSITION OF SUPERINTENDENT 15 NOT FILLED OR THE
SUPERINTENDENT IS ABSENT OR OTHERWISE INCAPABLE OF CARRYING OUT HIS DUTIES
AS IMPOSED HEREIN ALL APPLICATIONS FOR PERMITS SHALL BE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY
TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BAY DRILLING COMMITTEE, WHO SHALL IN SUCH CASE ACT
AS THE SUPERINTENDENT IN PROCESSING THE APPLICATION HEREUNDER.
21.2 IF THE SUPERINTENDENT FINDS THAT THE APPLICATION 15 FOR
A REGULAR LOCATION OF A WELL AND 15 IN ALL THINGS IN FULL COMPLIANCE WITH
THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS ORDINANCE, HE SHALL WITHIN SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER
RECEIPT SUBMIT TO THE COUNCIL HIS WRITTEN REPORT CERTIFYING TO SUCH FACTS
AND RECOMMENDING APPROVALS AND A COPY OF THE REPORT SHALL BE CONTEMPO-
RANEOUSLY DELIVERED TO EACH MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE. IF THE
CHAIRMAN AGREES HE SHALL SO PROMPTLY NOTIFY THE COUNCIL IN WRITING.
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10-25-66
Chairman so agees, or if -1.iie rman does not submit t-
_,aerin �enlm %,
within five (5) days aft:;-2 receipt of the,
a statement tl�at he or the Committee does not
i
'1-ith ti-e conclusion and/or recommendation of the
Zouncil shall approve the application at its next regular or
"'led meeting unless the Council shall itself disagree with such
conclusion and/or recommendation. 1n; the event of any such diz-
ag reco,-=,endation of approval, the
2��e;.icnt with the /i"
an-,licant shall be promptly notified and, if the objections are
-Lot cured or removed otherwise, the application shall be further
processed as provided hereafter for applications for exceptional
location of a well.
21.3 Applications for types of permits required here-
under other than for a regular location of a well, which pre-
sent on their face situations of routine compliance with this
Ordinance, (but not including applications for exceptional
location of a well or for construction of a platform), may be
processed as provided in paragraph 21.2 above.
21.4 All application* for permits not processed as
provided in paragraphs 21.2 or 21.3 above shall be processed
as provided in the next succeeding paragraphs 21.5 and 21.6
of this Section 21.
.44
21.5 The/4R*&*eei- shall, within seven (7) days after
receipt of an application, submit to the Committee his written
report on the application, including any recommendation for
its disposition or further handling as to,him appears proper,
a copy of which shall be contemporaneously delivered or mailed
to applicant. At the'request of applicant or any other Inter-
ested party, the Committee shall, or upon Its own motio Mal
S,,We91717
within ten (10) days after its receipt of the /11� �s report
hold a hearing on any application for a permit at which any
interested party shall be allowed to submit to the Committee
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0' 10 -z5 -66
_nv _1.tten statement or evidence an shall be afforded a
roasonable opportunity to pre3ant oral testimony or other per-
tinent evidence to the Committee. Al! proceedings before the
Committee shall be orderly but i%-Xorm.al and rules of proecnure
and evidence (including the cross -- examination of witnesses)
norm-al in court proceedings shall not be followed except to
the extent permitted or required by the Committee. At the
request of any applicant, a written record of the proceedings
of any such hearing shall be kept, provided that applicant
shall pay for all cost and expense of making such record.
21.6 Not later than thirty (30) days after receiv-
C' erliIim-lea1T
ing the written report of the/ or after receipt of an
application without such report, the Committee shall make a
written recommendation to the Council as to whether the applica-
tion should be granted, denied, modified or otherwise disposed
of. All written materials, statements, proceedings had in
public hearings, and the report of bhe�s� er /a9 /sham be trans-
mitted to the.Council with.such recommendation. A true copy
of said recommendation shall be delivered to the applicant who
shall have five (5) days within which to file with the City
Secretary a written protest to the Council of the Committee's
recommendation, setting forth therein the grounds for any ob-
jection. The failure to file any such objection to the recom-
mendation of the Committee shall be deemed to be a walver.of
any objection by the applicant. Upon the filing of said recom-
mendation by the Committee and of said objection, if any, by
the applicant, or upon the failure of the Committee to make
such recd =endation; to the Council within the thirty (30) day
period herein provided for, the Council shall promptly act
upon the application for permit. Except in instances in which
th± applicant has failed to provide information required by this
Ordinance and in which the Council determines that additional
-39-
information pertaining to such application should be furnished,
the Council shall.take final action upon such application not
later than thirty (30) days after such application properly
comes before the Council. The ICouncil may act upon the basis
of the written recommendation and other reports submitted to
it, provided, however, that the Council may in its discretion
order such further or additional hearings before the Committee
or before the Council as it may deem appropriate.
21.7 Regardless of any time period suggested or
prescribed in this Ordinance, no inaction or failure to act by
the Council shall constitute its action or approval by default.
21.8 Any permit issued hereunder shall be issued
over the signature of the City Manager under the authority of
the Council. The permit shall be in duplicate, with one counter-
part to be delivered to the permittee after the permittee has
executed an acceptance on the other counterpart to be retained
by the SUPERINTENDENT
21.9 Any permit other than a temporary permit shall
be termed and referred to as a permanent permit. The term of
a temporary permit shall be for such period as is prescribed
therein, but not to exceed a period of six (6) months. The
term of a permanent permit shall be for a period of one (1)
year within which to commence work thereunder, and shall con-
tinue in force as long thereafter as the use of the facility
for which the permit is granted shall not be abandoned, or in
the case of a permit to drill a well in search of oil and /or
gas, as long thereafter as the permittee is engaged in con-
tinuous drilling operations, or oil, gas or other hydrocarbons
are produced (or capable of being produced) from the well
drilled pursuant to such permit, or if the well is completed
as a dry hole, so long thereafter as lessee has an intended
future use for the well in connection with oil and gas operations
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10 -25 -66
NOT OTHERWISE PROHIBITED BY LAW; PROVIDED THAT IF AT ANY TIME AFTER PRO-
DUCTION OF OIL OR GAS THEREFROM HAS COMMENCED, SUCH PRODUCTION SHOULD
CEASE, THE PERMIT SHALL NOT TERMINATE IF EITHER (1) THE WELL IS SHUT IN,
OR (2) THE PERMITTEE COMMENCES OPERATIONS IN AN EFFORT TO RESTORE PRO-
DUCTION WITHIN NINETY (90) DAYS THEREAFTER, AND PROSECUTES SUCH OPERATIONS
WITHOUT CESSATION OF MORE THAN NINETY (90) CONSECUTIVE DAYS AND IF SUCH
OPERATIONS RESULT IN THE PRODUCTION OF OIL OR GAS, THEN 50 LONG THEREAFTER
AS OIL OR GAS IS PRODUCED FROM SAID WELL, OR (3) PERMITTEE ELECTS TO USE
SUCH WELL AT THAT TIME OR ANYTIME THEREAFTER FOR ANY PURPOSE CONNECTED WITH
OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROHIBITED BY LAW, PROVIDED THAT PER-
MITTEE SHALL NOTIFY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SUCH USE PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT
OF OPERATIONS FOR SUCH USE.
21.10 ANY PERMIT ISSUED HEREUNDER MAY BE TRANSFERRED, PROVIDED
THAT THE TRANSFEREE MEETS ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS ORDINANCE, IN-
CLUDING THE POSTING OF INSURANCE AND BONDS REQUIRED HEREIN. A NOTICE OF
TRANSFER SHALL BE FILED WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT. WITHIN FIFTEEN (15) DAYS
AFTER SUCH FILING, THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL NOTIFY THE TRANSFEROR AND
TRANSFEREE THROUGH THE CITY MANAGER WHETHER OR NOT THE TRANSFEREE MEETS
THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS ORDINANCE. THE TRANSFEROR SHALL NEVERTHELESS
BE LIABLE FOR ALL OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE PERMIT ACCRUING PRIOR TO THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE TRANSFER.
SECTION 22. EFFECT OF ACCEPTANCE OF PERMIT
22.1 THE ISSUANCE OF A PERMIT AND ITS ACCEPTANCE BY THE PERMITTEE
SHALL IPSO FACTO BIND AND OBLIGATE THE PERMITTEE, HIS OR ITS EXECUTORS,
ADMINISTRATORS, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, FOR SO LONG AS ANY DRILLING, PRO-
DUCING, PROCESSING, TRANSPORTING, HANDLING, TREATING, OR OTHER OPERATIONS
ARE BEING CONDUCTED ON OR WITH REFERENCE TO THE PERMITTED WELL OR OTHER
FACILITY AS FOLLOWS:
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10 -25 -b6
(a) to maintain'in fc__-e ._:d ofiect a licy or
_i_-Lc , of public liability ana pro;: _,rty damage insurance with
coverages specifies in this Ordinance and to furnish
�_•.�,. .ay to the SUPERINTENDENT c- arre't certificates of insurance
:__dorse-:'Icnts corresponding to those required herein;
(b) to indemnify the City of Corpus Christi against,
and to promptly pay the City for all property damage of every
kind snd nature caused to property owned by the City that may
ariae because of wilful or negligent act of permittee or the
failure of permittee to comply with the provisions of this
Ordinance;
(c) to fully Comply with all of the terms and re-
quirements of the permit and of this Ordinance and all other
applicable ordinances of the City, as any of the same may be
amended from time to time, and to fully comply with all ap -.
plicable requirements of Federal and State laws and of all
Federal and State regulatory bodies having jurisdiction;
(d) to conduct all operations relative to the pur-
pose for which the permit is obtained with adequate rigs, tools,
machinery and equipment, employing recognized procedures in .a.
prudent manner so as to provide maximum protection and safe-
guards akainst possible injury to persona or damage to property,
public or private, to prevent blowout, eratering, fire, ex-
plosion, surface property damage, pollution or contamination
of the waters of the bay and hazards to navigation.
Section 23. inspection.
23.1 Each well, production platform, or other.strue-
ture or facility for which a permanent or temporary permit has
been issued and is still in effect shall be inspected, insofar,
as it is feasible to do so, at least annually by the B/Yiaf� /1ole"
(or y an-inspector or other employee of the City designated uw
pur_uant hereto) and at such other times as may be directed by
_42-
�10 -25 -66 •
THE COUNCIL OR THE COMMITTEE.
23.2 IF THE SUPERINTENDENT (OR OTHER PROPERLY DESIGNATED
OFFICIAL) SHALL FIND THAT NO VIOLATION OF THIS ORDINANCES THE APPLICABLE
PERMITS OR OTHER REGULATION, HAS OCCURRED HE SHALL SO CERTIFY TO THE
COMMITTEE AND THE COUNCIL.
23.3 IF THE SUPERINTENDENT (OR OTHER PROPERLY DESIGNATED
OFFICIAL) SHALL FIND A VIOLATION OF THIS ORDINANCE, THE APPLICABLE PERMIT,
OR ANY OTHER REGULATION, HE SHALL MAKE A REPORT SPECIFYING SUCH VIOLATION TO
THE COMMITTEE AND THE COUNCIL.
23.4 THE LOCATION OF ANY WELL FOR WHICH A PERMIT IS GRANTED
HEREUNDER MAY BE INSPECTED PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF DRILLING,BY THE
SUPERINTENDENT (OR SOME OTHER OFFICIAL DULY AUTHORIZED HEREUNDER) IF
DEEMED ADVISABLE IN WHICH CASE HE SHALL CERTIFY THAT SUCH LOCATION IS IN
COMPLIANCE WITH THE APPLICABLE PERMIT AND THIS ORDINANCE.
SECTION 24. RELINQUISHMENT OF PERMIT
24.1 IN THE EVENT OF ABANDONMENT OF A WELD OR THE PERMANENT
CESSATION OF USE OF A PRODUCTION PLATFORM, OR OTHER STRUCTURE OR FACILITY
FOR WHICH A TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT PERMIT HAS BEEN ISSUED HEREUNDER SUCH
PERMIT SHALL BE RELINQUISHED BY THE PARTIES TO WHOM IT WAS GRANTED OR
TRANSFERRED. THE PERMITTEE SHALL PROMPTLY NOTIFY THE SUPERINTENDENT IN
WRITING WHENEVER SUCH PERMIT SHOULD BE RELINQUISHED UNDER THE PROVISIONS
OF THIS SECTION. THE SUPERINTENDENT (OR ANY INSPECTOR OR OTHER OFFICIAL
DULY AUTHORIZED HEREUNDER) SHALL FORTHWITH MAKE AN INSPECTION TO DETERMINE
IF ALL REQUIREMENTS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS ORDINANCE HAVE BEEN COMPLIED
WITH, AND IF SO FOUND, THEN THE CITY MANAGER SHALL ISSUE A RELEASE TO THE
HOLDER OF SUCH PERMIT AND SUCH PERMITTEE AS WELL AS HIS SURETIES SHALL
THEREAFTER BE RELIEVED OF ALL OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER, EXCEPT THAT THE
PERMITTEE AND SURETIES SHALL NOT THEREBY BE RELIEVED OF OBLIGATION WITH
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•
respect to any legal cause of action which may have accrued
prior thereto in favor of the City, or any other person, until
the applicable statute of limitation shall have barred any
such cause of action.
Section 25. Required Sign
25.1 All surface structures, production platforms,
and other facilities for which a permit is issued hereunder
shall have affixed thereto a sign made of some permanent mater-
ial, which shall reflect the name of the permittee and the
number of the permit issued therefor.
Section 26. Annual Report of Permit
26.1 On or before the 1st day of August of each year,
every holder of a permit or permits issued hereunder, or issued
under any other Ordinance or previous Ordinance pertaining to
the area covered by this Ordinance, shall file with the City
Secretary a report listing by number each and every permit held
by the holder and currently in use.
Section 27. Emergency Operations by Lessee Without
First Obtaining a Permit..
27.1 In the event that an emergency arises in the
course of conducting its operations which in the good faith
opinion.of lessee constitutes a serious hazard to life and
property, lessee may undertake such emergency operations as
lessee deems necessary under the circumstances without first
obtaining a permit, such emergency action to include without
limitation the drilling of a relief well (as elsewhere herein
provided), the intentional deviation of a well not originally
intended to be deviated, or other emergency operations. Such
emergency operations shall not be considered as a violation
or offense of this Ordinance or any other ordinance of the
City.
27.2 Within twenty -four (24) hours after the com-
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io -25 -66 .
n "'.,:::nt of any such emergency open ticns, lessee shall notify
he SUPERINTENDENT that such otporations _lave been commenced, and
as soon as practicable but in any event within seven (7) days,
lessee shall file a written repo.^t to the SUPERINTENDENT with
co..ins to the chairman of the Committee setting
fort'':: a su ,:nary of the emergency and the actions taken by the
lessee to combat it.
Section 28, Violationz and Penalties and Other Rem ecies
28.1 It shall be unlawful and an offense for any per-
son to violate,or fail to comply with any provision of this
Ordinance or any provision of a permit issued hereunder. Any
violation, or failure to comply with the laws of the State of
Texas, or any rule, regulation, or requirement of any State or
Federal regulatory body having jurisdiction with respect to drill-
ing, completing, equipping, operating„ producing, or abandoning
an oil or gas well or related appurtenances, equipment or facil-
ities or with respect to the storage and transportation of oil,
gas and other hydrocarbons, or in reference to fire protection,
blowout protection, safety protection, water or bay pollution,
or navigation, shall also be unlawful and.an offense under this''
Ordinance.
28.2 Any person who shall do or perform an unlawful
act or commit an offense as specified in paragraph 28.1 of this
Section, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, on
conviction thereof, be fined in any sum;; not less than ,"x5.00 and
not more than $200.00; and the violation of each separate pro-
vision, law, rule,.regulation and requirement shall be considered
a separate offense, and each day's violation of each separate
provision, law, rule,, regulation, and requirement, shall be con-
sidered a separate offense. In audition to the foregoing pen-
alties, it is further provided that the Council, at any regular
or special m0 atiny thereof, may revoke any permit issued ;ere- �
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•
0
under in the event the permittee has intentionally or repeated-
ly done or performed an unlawful act or committed an offense
.as specified herein, provided, that if the violation is such
as could be remedied by permittee, the permit shall not be re-
voked unless permittee has been notified in accordance with
paragraph 28.3 of this Section and has thereafter failed or
refused to remedy such violation, and further provided that
ten (10) days' notice shall be given to the permittee that
revocation is to be considered at such meeting. In the event
the permit is revoked, the permittee may make application to
the Council for a reissuance of such permit.
28.3 In addition to all other penalties provided
herein, any violation of the provisions of.this- Ordinance
which may be cured by remedial action shall be remedied by
the person committing such violation within ten (10) days
after notification of the specific remedial action required
by the Council, and upon failure of such person to take the
action required in the notification by the Council, the Council
may direct any official or agency of the City to do and perform
all such remedial action as may be necessary to cure said vi-
olation, which shall be done at the sole cost and expense of
the person committing such violation, and such person shall
immediately reimburse the City for all costs so incurred upon
notification thereof.
28.4 In addition to any other penalty provided by
this Section, the Council may direct the City Attorney to in-
stitute an action in any court having competent jurisdiction
to enjoin any violation of the provisions of this Ordinance or
for an injunction to compel compliance with any provision of
this Ordinance.
28.5 The penalties and remedies provided in this
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-to -z5 =66
_v_. _ fo violations of t? is _.s dir....:ce shall be cumulative,
nothir.E herein container: s-.. -11 bc deemed to require the
Council, or any officer or employee of the City, to elect to
pursue one penalty or remedy hereunder to the exclusion of any
other remedy or penalty for which.provision is herein made, or
to be to the exclusion of any remedy at law or in equity, nor
shall any action taken or caused to be taken by the Council or
any officer or employee of the City, be construed to be such
an election.
Section 29. Continuation of Prior Permits_
29.1 Any permit or license granted prior to the ef-
fective date of this Ordinance by the City with respect to any
matter for which a permit is required by this Ordinance is here-
by declared to be a valid and subsisting permit under this Ordi-
nance, provided that all such permits and licenses shall be sub-
ject to all of the provisions of this Ordinance (except that a
new permit need not be obtained hereunder:)
Section 30. Prospective Effect - ExistinZ Facilities
30.1 This Ordinance is prospective in its effect. All
wells and all equipment, structures or installations in existence
upon the effective date of this Ordinance within the area defined
in Section 2.1, and for which no permit has been issued hereunder,
shall be deemed to be permitted under this Ordinance and the owner
and operator thereof is deemed hereafter to be the holder of a
permit duly issued and accepted under this Ordinance for all pur-
poses. Except as otherwise particularly required hereunder., or as
may be hereafter particularly required by the Council in the im-
plementation of regulation under this Ordinance, no application
for or issuance of a formal permit is required as to such exist -
ing facilities. But any and all other requirements of this Ordi-
nance as to permits and permi.ttees shall apply,.and the Council;
7�c APY /ra��s��Ps?�.
or the or Committee acting under its direction, may
_47-
hereafter require application for and issuance of a formal per-
mit for any such existing and heretofore non - permitted facility.
In such case, the application and permit may cover more than one
subject matter, and no fee shall be required.
Section 31. Effect of Zoning Ordinance
31.1 It is hereby determined by the Council that any
well structure, facility or installation as herein regulated
shall, if permitted bg a permit duly issued and subsisting here-
under, in no wise be considered in violation of the zoning ordi-
nance of the City, or to require compliance with the Building
Code.
Section 32. Non - Repeal of Certain Ordinances
32.1 This Ordinance shall not be construed as repeal-
ing, altering, or otherwise affecting the validity and binding
force of any ordinance pertaining to fire prevention, health,
sanitation, or safety of persons or property heretofore enacted
by the City, except as specifically repealed hereby.
Section 33. Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances
33.1 All ordinances and parts of ordinances in con-
flict with any of the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby
expressly repealed. If ever and whenever in this Ordinance, re-
strictions, prohibitions, or provisions conflict, and if ever
and whenever restrictions, prohibitions or provisions in this
Ordinance conflict with laws of the State of Texas, or with
regulations of State or Federal Regulatory Bodies having juris-
diction, in.each instance the more restrictive restriction,
regulation, prohibition, or provision shall apply.
Section 34. Severability
34.1 If any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause,
phrase or provision of this Ordinance shall, for any reason, be
adjudged invalid.or held to be unconstitutional, the invalidity
or unconstitutionality of such particular section, paragraph,
48-
•
subdivision,clause, phrase or provision so declared shall not
affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining pro-
visions hereof, but the same, and each of them, shall remain
in full force and effect.
Section 35. Headings of Sections
35.1 The headings of the several sections of this
Ordinance are inserted for convenience only and shall not have
any operative effect and shall not control or affect the mean-
ing or construction of any of the provisions of this Ordinance.
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a �
THAT THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE WAS R A-FOR THE FIRST AE
PAS ED TO ITS SECOND READING ON THIS THE DAY OF ,
19, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
DR. MCIVER FURMAN
JACK BLACKMON
PATRICK J. DONNE
DR. P. JIMENEZ, JR.
KEN MCDANIEL
RONNIE SIZEMORE
WM. H. WALLACE
THAT THE FOREGOING ORDINAN AS READ
TO ITS THIRD READING ON THIS THE DAY OF
BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
DR. MCIVER FURMAN
JACK BLACKMON
PATRICK J. DONNE
DR. P. JIMENEZ, JR.
KEN MCDANIEL
RONNIE SIZEMORE
WM. H. WALLACE
THAT THE FO 0 G ORDINANCE JREAD FOR THE
FINALLY ON THIS THE DAY OF ,
FOLLOWING VOTE:
DR. MCIVER FURMAN
JACK BLACKMON
PATRICK J. DONNE
DR. P. JIMENEZ, JR.
KEN MCDANIEL
RONNIE SIZEMORE
WM. H. WALLACE
PASSED AND APPROVED, THIS THE DAY OF
ATTEST:"
CITY SECRE ARY
Sx D
ED
APPROVED AS 1` LE PAL FORM T/ % /J
DAY OF
MAYOR
THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
CITY ATTORNE
STATE OF TEXAS, f t9s:
County of Nueces.
Before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public, this day personally came ... ...............................
L.el.and G.,j ... BaTnes ................................. who being first duly sworn, according to law, says that he is the
.. .... ....... --- ----- ------
91.4-19.UUO Aav=U;3.Iu9 ... U3xla 9 2X of the Corpus Christi Caller and The Corpus Christi Times,
Dail3P Newspapers published at Corpus Christi, Texas, in said County and State, and that the publication of
LEGAL—Notice of Passa7,e of Q�2dj .......
of which the annexed is a true copy, was published in Tirn'p-a ................................................................
on the 3.1 day of ............. .D.eo..emb.ar ----- 19 6.2 amkMMMamix --------------------------- vieratftwuK..................
............... I .......... ---Times.
$ ..................................
0:a 4-1 p4erww�Qo4i�anager ................ . . ..
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 9 .....day ot LMW.Y.- .................... — 19 ...67......
Louise Vick
--- - ------------------ i� - ------------- - ---
otary Pub ueces County, exas
ING SECTION 2455 OF
CORPUS CHRISTI CITY
19M AS AMENDED, DEAL -
VITH OPERATIONS FOR
CTION OF OIL AND GAS,
BSTITUTION OF THIS OR
:F AND REPEALING SEC -
OF ORDINANCE NO. 2616
I AND APPROVED ON JULY
1, ORDINANCE NO, 2953,
1115, PASSED
ON SEPTEM-
ORDINANCE N0.
D APPROVED ON
ORDINANCE NO.
\ND APPROVED
1966, AND ORDI-
PASSED AND Al
E i, 1966, EACH OF
D SAID SECTION
NANCE Nn) 1AlA
rvUECES BAY AND
LAGUMA MAORE; DELETING
SECTION 24-55 FROM THE COR�
PUS CHRISTI CITY CODE EX-
CEPT TO RECITE; Tf - SECTION
HAS BEEN AMENDE`- " "`
EXISTS IN THE FORM ur A S NEPOW
-
ARATE ORDINANCE. WAS PASSED
AND APPROVED by' City C- -
II of tha City of Co"n' C"Nli,
Tc xos, nt ins regclor mee ling of
2A0 p.m., o the 21st doy of D,
'So, pnrovaido salhe� Ih
pcbllcabon e e time In the official
Publication one thm oenauy nor v
lolion shall be a Pn1, gf of e
ceedI'g Two Hundred ($200.00) Dnl-
R Rny Kring
"y RfYCon sG ChrlsfI,eC Texas
(SPAL) (21