---
kind: "section"
citation: "50 C.F.R. § 29.118"
title: "50"
number: "29.118"
heading: "What additional operating standards apply to geophysical operations?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/50/29.118"
---

# §29.118. What additional operating standards apply to geophysical operations?


If you conduct geophysical operations, you must do all of the following:

- (a) **Use surveying methods that minimize the need for vegetative trimming and removal.**
- (b) Locate source points using industry-accepted minimum safe-offset distances from pipelines, telephone lines, railroad tracks, roads, power lines, water wells, oil and gas wells, oil- and gas-production facilities, and buildings.
- (c) Use equipment and methods that, based upon the specific environment, will minimize impacts to Service-administered lands and waters, and resources of refuges; visitor uses and experiences; and visitor and employee health and safety.
- (d) If you use shot holes, you must:
  - (1) Use biodegradable charges;
  - (2) Plug all shot holes to prevent a pathway for migration for fluids along any portion of the bore; and
  - (3) Leave the site in a clean and safe condition that will not impede surface reclamation or pose a hazard to wildlife or human health and safety.

## Notes

### Source

Source: 81 FR 79971, Nov. 14, 2016, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd, 685, 690d, 715i, 725, 3161; 30 U.S.C. 185; 31 U.S.C. 3711, 9701; 40 U.S.C. 319; 43 U.S.C. 315a; 113 Stat. 1501A-140.

### Source

Source: 31 FR 16026, Dec. 15, 1966, unless otherwise noted.