(a) Upon satisfactory completion of regrading and revegetation of all disturbed areas except active work areas and access roads needed for oil or gas production, the supervisor may release one-third (⅓) of the reclamation bond upon written request by the operator or as determined by the supervisor. After plugging, and upon final reclamation and satisfactory survival of the vegetation as determined by the supervisor, the supervisor may release the remainder of the reclamation bond upon written request of the operator or as determined by the supervisor.
(b) For the purposes of this section, “active work area” means that portion of the initially disturbed area necessary for production-related equipment, materials and facilities, as determined by the supervisor.