15A NCAC 05D .0109. PLUGGING OF WELLS

(a)  The operator or owner shall not permit any well drilled for oil or gas or any other purpose in connection with the production of oil or gas to remain unplugged for a period exceeding 30 days from termination of drilling activities without prior approval.  Prior to this date, the operator must submit to the director his intention to plug and abandon or complete the well.  A written request on the form prescribed, accompanied by a fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) must be submitted prior to commencement of plugging operations.  The form shall contain the following information:

(1)           location of well, name and number of well;

(2)           name of operator;

(3)           projected plugging date;

(4)           casing, cement, pipe to remain in the hole;

(5)           types of borehole geophysical logs run;

(6)           proposed plugging procedure.

(b)  The director shall determine the proper plugging procedure to be used and will provide a representative to witness the plugging operation.

(c)  If the well is a dry hole, written notification can be waived in favor of verbal notification at the discretion of the director.  However, the written forms must be submitted following plugging operations prior to release of the bond.

(d)  Upon the director finding that all the rules regarding the plugging of such wells have been complied with, the bond, referred to in Regulation .0004 of this Subchapter, given to guarantee proper plugging, may be released.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113‑391; 113‑395;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Amended Eff. October 1, 1984.