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

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t30/s250.1740"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "30 CFR § 250.1740 - How must I verify that the site of a permanently plugged well, removed platform, or other removed facility is clear of obstructions?"
title_number: 30
title_name: "Mineral Resources"
section_number: "250.1740"
section_name: "How must I verify that the site of a permanently plugged well, removed platform, or other removed facility is clear of obstructions?"
chapter_name: "BUREAU OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR"
subchapter_number: "B"
subchapter_name: "OFFSHORE"
part_number: "250"
part_name: "OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "30 U.S.C. 1751, 31 U.S.C. 9701, 33 U.S.C. 1321(j)(1)(C), 43 U.S.C. 1334."
regulatory_source: "76 FR 64462, Oct. 18, 2011, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "250"
---

# 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.