Section R12-15-817. Exploration Wells

A.      Notification. Prior to drilling one or more exploration wells, the well owner, lessee, or exploration firm shall file a notice of intention to drill on forms provided by the Director. If the notice of intention to drill is filed for the project as a whole, the drilling card shall be issued for the project as a whole.

B.       Construction and abandonment.

1.        If an exploration well which is to be left open for re-entry at a later date encounters groundwater, it shall be cased and capped in accordance with R12-15-811, R12-15-812, and R12-15-822. The minimal length of surface seal shall be either 20 feet, or five feet into the first encountered consolidated formation, whichever is less. If no ground- water is encountered, the well shall be cased, grouted and capped in such a manner so as to prevent contamination of the well bore from the surface.

2.        Exploration wells not left open for re-entry shall be aban- doned in accordance with R12-15-816.

C.      Completion report. Within 30 days of project completion, the well owner, lessee, or exploration firm shall submit a project completion report on forms provided by the Director. The report shall include:

1.        The exact number of wells drilled.

2.        The depth to water encountered or detected, with refer- ence to specific wells.

3.        The abandonment method utilized, or construction details if completed for re-entry.

4.        Any other information which the Director may require.

Historical Note

Adopted effective March 5, 1984 (Supp. 84-2). Amended

effective June 18, 1990 (Supp. 90-2).