The text
Unless the context otherwise requires, the definitions hereinafter set forth shall govern the meaning and the interpretation of these regulations. Words used in the present tense include the future, words in the singular number include the plural and words in the plural number include the singular; the word "shall" is mandatory and not directory.
(1)
Abandonment. "Abandonment" is the restoration of the drill site as required by these regulations.
(2)
A.P.I. "A.P.I." is the American Petroleum Institute.
(3)
Approved. "Approved by the fire chief", "approved type", or "approved design", is and includes improvements, equipment or facilities of a type or design approved by the fire chief.
(4)
A.S.M.E. "A.S.M.E". is the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
(5)
Blow-out. "Blow-out" is the uncontrolled discharge of gas, liquid, or solids or a mixture thereof from a well into the atmosphere.
(6)
Blow-out Preventer. "Blow-out preventer" is a hydraulic or pneumatic or other device or a combination of such devices secured to the top of a well casing, including valves, fittings and control mechanisms connected therewith designed and capable of preventing a blow-out.
(7)
Cellar. "Cellar" is an excavation around or above the top joint of the casing in a well.
(8)
Fire Chief. "Fire chief" means the fire chief of the city of Commerce.
(9)
Completion of Drilling. A well is completed, for the purpose of these regulations, thirty days after the drilling crew has been released, unless drilling or remedial operations are resumed before the end of the thirty days.
(10)
Derrick. "Derrick" is any frame work, tower or mast which is used in connection with the drilling, redrilling or well servicing of, or in, any oil or gas well.
(11)
Desertion. "Desertion" is the cessation of operations on the property with the intent to abandon the property without compliance with the provisions of this code.
(12)
Division of Oil and Gas. "Division of oil and gas" means the division of oil and gas of the department of natural resources of the state of California, or any other state agency that may in the future be charged with its responsibilities.
(13)
Drilling. "Drilling" means digging a hole in the earth formation for a well, as such term is defined herein.
(14)
Gas. "Gas" means the gaseous components or vapors occurred in or derived from petroleum or natural gas.
(15)
Natural Gasoline Plant. "Natural gasoline plant", or "absorption plant", is a plant for the processing of natural gas for the purpose of extracting gasoline or liquefied petroleum gas from natural gas produced from wells.
(16)
Oil. "Oil" is a hydrocarbon which is liquid in its natural state and does not include gasoline or liquefied petroleum gas.
(17)
Operator. "Operator" is the person actually in charge and in control of the drilling, maintenance, operation or pumping of a well or lease.
(18)
Outer Boundary Line. Where several contiguous parcels of land in one or different ownerships are operated as a single oil or gas lease or operating unit, "outer boundary line" means the exterior limits of the land included in the lease or unit. In determining the contiguity of any such parcels of land, no street, road or alley lying within the lease or unit shall be deemed to interrupt such contiguity.
(19)
Person. Person includes anyone defined as such in Section 1.04.060.
(20)
Redrilling. "Redrilling" means the drilling of an existing oil well beyond the limits of the existing hole. Except with reference to permit procedure, the provisions of this ordinance relating to drilling shall be equally applicable to redrilling.
(21)
Source of Ignition. "Source of ignition" means any flame, arc, spark, or heated object or surface capable of igniting flammable liquids, gases, or vapors.
(22)
Structure. "Structure" is that which is built or constructed, including but not limited to a tank, edifice, or building of any kind.
(23)
Superintendent. "Superintendent" means the superintendent of building and safety of the city of Commerce.
(24)
Tank. A "tank" is a container, covered or uncovered, used in conjunction with the drilling or production of an oil well, for holding or storing liquids at or near atmospheric pressure.
(25)
Well. A "well" or "oil well" is a well or hole drilled into the earth for the purpose of exploring for or extracting from the earth oil, gas or other hydrocarbon substances, or a well or hole in the earth by means of and through which oil, gas and other hydrocarbon substances are extracted, produced, or capable of being produced from the earth, or a well or hole for the purpose of secondary recovery or waste disposal. A temporary core or test hole drilled for the purpose of seismic or geophysical operations shall not be considered as a well within the meaning of this code.
(26)
Well Servicing. "Well servicing" is remedial or maintenance work performed within any existing well which does not involve drilling or redrilling.
(Ord. 58 §1 (part), 1962: prior code §3902).