---
kind: "range"
citation: "30 C.F.R. §§ 250.1740–250.1742"
title: "30"
from: "250.1740"
to: "250.1742"
count: 3
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/30/250.1740..250.1742"
---

# §250.1740. How must I verify that the site of a permanently plugged well, removed platform, or other removed facility is clear of obstructions?


Within 60 days after you permanently plug a well or remove a platform or other facility, you must verify that the site is clear of obstructions by using one of the following methods:

- (a) For a well site, you must either:
  - (1) Drag a trawl over the site;
  - (2) Scan across the location using sonar equipment;
  - (3) Inspect the site using a diver;
  - (4) Videotape the site using a camera on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV); or
  - (5) **Use another method approved by the District Manager if the particular site conditions warrant.**
- (b) For a platform or other facility site in water depths less than 300 feet, you must drag a trawl over the site.
- (c) For a platform or other facility site in water depths 300 feet or more, you must either:
  - (1) Drag a trawl over the site;
  - (2) Scan across the site using sonar equipment; or
  - (3) **Use another method approved by the Regional Supervisor if the particular site conditions warrant.**

# §250.1741. If I drag a trawl across a site, what requirements must I meet?


If you drag a trawl across the site in accordance with [§ 250.1740](/cfr/30/250.1740.md), you must meet all of the requirements of this section.

- (a) You must drag the trawl in a grid-like pattern as shown in the following table:
- (b) You must trawl 100 percent of the limits described in [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section in two directions.
- (c) You must mark the area to be cleared as a hazard to navigation according to USCG requirements until you complete the site clearance procedures.
- (d) You must use a trawling vessel equipped with a calibrated navigational positioning system capable of providing position accuracy of ±30 feet.
- (e) You must use a trawling net that is representative of those used in the commercial fishing industry (one that has a net strength equal or greater than that provided by No. 18 twine).
- (f) You must ensure that you trawl no closer than 300 feet from a shipwreck, and 500 feet from a sensitive biological feature.
- (g) If you trawl near an active pipeline, you must meet the requirements in the following table:
- (h) You must ensure that any trawling contractor you may use:
  - (1) Has no corporate or other financial ties to you; and
  - (2) **Has a valid commercial trawling license for both the vessel and its captain.**

# §250.1742. What other methods can I use to verify that a site is clear?


If you do not trawl a site, you can verify that the site is clear of obstructions by using any of the methods shown in the following table: