N.M. Admin. Code § 19.15.25.10

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 23, December 10, 2024

Section 19.15.25.10 - PLUGGING

A. Before an operator abandons a well, the operator shall plug the well in a manner that permanently confines all oil, gas and water in the separate strata in which they are originally found. The operator may accomplish this by using mud-laden fluid, cement and plugs singly or in combination as approved by the division on the notice of intention to plug.

B. The operator shall mark the exact location of plugged and abandoned wells with a steel marker not less than four inches in diameter set in cement and extending at least four feet above mean ground level. The operator name, lease name and well number and location, including unit letter, section, township and range, shall be welded, stamped or otherwise permanently engraved into the marker's metal. A person shall not build permanent structures preventing access to the wellhead over a plugged and abandoned well without the division's written approval. A person shall not remove a plugged and abandonment marker without the division's written approval.

C. The operator may use below-ground plugged and abandonment markers only with the division's written approval when an above-ground marker would interfere with agricultural endeavors. The below-ground marker shall have a steel plate welded onto the abandoned well's surface or conductor pipe and shall be at least three feet below the ground surface and of sufficient size so that all the information 19.15.16.8 NMAC requires can be stenciled into the steel or welded onto the steel plate's surface. The division may require a re-survey of the well location.

D. As soon as practical, but no later than one year after the completion of plugging operations, the operator shall:

(1) level the location;

(2) remove deadmen and other junk; and

(3) take other measures necessary or required by the division to restore the location to a safe and clean condition.

E. The operator shall close all pits and below-grade tanks pursuant to 19.15.17 NMAC.

F. Upon completion of plugging and clean up restoration operations as required, the operator shall contact the appropriate division district office to arrange for an inspection of the well and location.

N.M. Admin. Code § 19.15.25.10

19.15.25.10 NMAC - Rp, 19.15.4.202 NMAC, 12/1/08