(a) The commission shall adopt regulations under AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act), issue orders, and take other appropriate action to carry out the purposes and intent of this chapter, including adopting regulations to prevent
(1) geothermal resources, water or other fluids, and gases from escaping into strata other than that in which they are found, unless in accordance with an approved reinjection program;
(2) contamination of surface and groundwater;
(3) premature degradation of a geothermal system by water encroachment or otherwise;
(4) blowouts, cavings, and seepage; and
(5) unreasonable disturbance or injury to neighboring properties, prior water rights, prior oil or gas rights, human life, health, and the natural environment.
(b) The commission shall require the operator of a geothermal well to file an adequate individual or blanket surety bond to ensure compliance with regulations adopted under this section.
(c) The commission shall require a geothermal operator to notify the commission if the operator discovers significant quantities of hydrocarbon substances, helium, or fissionable materials.
(d) The commission and its staff may enter upon any property, public or private, to inspect a geothermal operation for compliance with regulations adopted under this section.
(e) [Repealed, Sec. 18 ch 38 SLA 2010].
Section: Previous 41.06.005 41.06.010 41.06.020 41.06.030 41.06.035 41.06.040 41.06.050 41.06.055 41.06.060 NextLast modified: November 15, 2016