§ 26-277. Storage tanks; separators.

It shall be unlawful and an offense for any person to use, construct or operate in connection with any producing well within the city limits any crude oil storage tanks, except to the extent of two tanks for oil storage, not exceeding 1,000 barrels capacity for each completion connected thereto, and so constructed and maintained as to be vaportight and properly vented. An operator may use, construct and operate a steel conventional separator, and such other approved tanks and appurtenances as are necessary for separating oil water mixtures and treating oil, with each of such facilities to be so constructed and maintained as to be vaportight. Each oil/gas separator shall be equipped with both a regulation pressure relief safety valve and a bursting head. Such tanks may be placed either underground or aboveground, and if aboveground shall be placed upon a suitable earth or concrete pad, and meet the following requirements:

(1)

The use of a central tank battery is permitted so long as not more than two tanks as specified in this section are used for each well connected to the battery.

(2)

The tank or tanks shall be enclosed within a conventional type firewall constructed of compacted earth. Sufficient water shall be used during the firewall construction to ensure adequate compaction. The firewall enclosing the tanks shall be of adequate size to contain 1½ times the capacity of the tanks.

(3)

The location of the tank site shall be approved by the city engineer.

(4)

The tanks shall be recessed within the firewall enclosed to such depth as will ensure them of being practically sight clear when viewed from without the fenced enclosure and painted dark green or brown.

(5)

The separators shall be installed in a manner that will ensure them of being practically sight clear when viewed from without the fenced enclosure and painted dark green or brown.

(Code 2005, § 26-277; Ord. No. 2012-36, § 2, 2-4-2013)