§ 43-21. Screening and signage.

(a)

Throughout the entire exploration, drilling, and production process there shall be screening improvements (fences, walls, berms and landscaping) required during each phase of the process.

(1)

Exploration through completion (drilling phase). Once the pad site has been prepared a temporary chain link fence at least six feet in height shall be established around the entire operation site. The temporary fence shall remain standing and in a serviceable condition throughout this phase. A secured entrance gate shall be required. All gates are to be kept locked when the operator or his or her employees are not within the enclosure. A "Knox Padlock" or "Knox Box with a key" shall be provided to access the well site to be used only in case of an emergency.

(2)

Completion through abandonment. Within 90 days of completion of initial drilling of any well on a drill site a masonry wall with landscaping shall be installed to enclose and visually screen the well and all associated equipment. The fence location will be site specific and determined by the city planning/engineering departments. An operator may appeal the decision of the city planning/engineering departments to the city council pursuant to section 43-27 of this chapter. The masonry walls, berms, and landscaping required by this section shall comply with standard engineering and design practices and shall meet the following minimum requirements:

a.

The masonry wall material and design shall be generally compatible with the design of similar facilities, buildings and structures on and adjacent to the site; and

b.

Masonry walls shall be at least eight feet in height.

c.

An earthen berm shall be required where needed to augment the height of an eight-foot masonry wall to screen the well and any associated equipment from public view.

d.

All landscape improvements shall be maintained in an attractive and healthy state to ensure the effective visual screening of the site throughout its use.

e.

Screening shrubs and trees shall be installed in conjunction with the required masonry walls and/or berms in order to supplement both the visual screening and noise mitigation of the well site and associated equipment. Screening shrubs shall be a minimum of five feet in height at planting, having the potential to grow to a mature height of at least eight feet, be planted on four-foot centers and must have an irrigation system that provides total water coverage to all plant materials. Screening trees shall be planted on 20-foot centers. Trees must be a minimum of three-inch caliper at time of planting and be irrigated as above. All screening shrubs and trees shall comply with the evergreen species listed within the general plant list as part of the city's landscape regulations. Plans for landscape and irrigation shall be submitted to the City of Haltom City Planning Department for approval. Installation may be deferred to cooler months with the permission of the city planning/engineering departments. An operator may appeal the decision of the city planning/engineering departments to the city council pursuant to section 43-27 of this chapter.

(b)

Reserved.

(c)

Gate specifications. All masonry walls shall be equipped with at least one gate. The gate shall meet the following specifications:

(1)

Each gate shall be not less than 12 feet wide and be composed of two gate doors, each of which is not less than six feet wide, or one sliding gate door not less than 12 feet wide. If two gate doors are used, gates shall latch and lock in the center of the span;

(2)

The gates shall be of chain link construction that meets the applicable specifications, or of other approved material that, for safety reasons, shall be at least as secure as a chain link fence;

(3)

The gates shall be provided with a combination catch and locking attachment device for a padlock, and shall be kept locked except when being used for access to the site; and

(4)

Operator must provide the city fire chief with a "Knox Padlock" or "Knox Box with a key" to access the well site to be used only in case of an emergency.

(d)

Signs.

(1)

A sign shall be immediately and prominently displayed at the gate on the temporary and permanent site fencing erected. Such sign shall be durable material, maintained in good condition and, unless otherwise required by the commission, shall have a surface area of not less than two square feet nor more than four square feet and shall be lettered with the following:

a.

Well name and number;

b.

Name of operator;

c.

The emergency 911 number; and

d.

Telephone numbers of two persons responsible for the well who may be contacted in case of emergency.

(2)

Permanent weatherproof signs reading "DANGER NO SMOKING ALLOWED" and "NO TRESPASSING" shall be posted immediately upon completion of the well site fencing at the entrance of each well site and tank battery or in any other location approved or designated by the fire chief of the city. Sign lettering shall be four inches in height and shall be red on a white background or white on a red background. Each sign shall include the emergency notification numbers of the fire department and the operator, well and lease designations required by the commission.

(Ord. No. O-2011-010-11, § 1(Exh. A), 9-12-11)