S.C. Code Regs. § § 121-8.9

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 11, November 22, 2024

Section 121-8.9 - Spacing of Wells

A. Wells drilled in search of oil or gas in areas not covered by field rules shall not be located nearer than three hundred thirty (330) feet from every lease boundary. Wells drilled in search of oil shall not be located nearer than nine hundred (900) feet from any other well completed in, drilling to, or for which a permit has been granted to drill to, the same pool. Wells drilled in search of gas shall not be located nearer than two thousand (2,000) feet from any other well completed in, drilled to, or for which a permit has been granted, to drill to the same pool.

The Commission may grant exceptions to the general spacing requirement if the applicant can demonstrate that such exception is justified. Any well at an exceptional location shall be allowed to produce on a test basis until the Commission creates a drilling unit for said exceptional location.

Spacing requirements as required in this section shall not apply to wells for the purpose of fluid injection or disposal.

B. If a well is completed as a producer, the Commission, as specified in 121-8.20, shall consider, at a public hearing, the establishment of temporary field rules. Those rules shall include the establishment of the allowable, the production unit, if applicable, well spacing requirements, and other matters incidental to hydrocarbon production, as soon as is reasonably possible after sufficient technical data become available to establish such temporary field rules. A public hearing to establish temporary field rules shall be called either by the Commission or upon application by any interested person. Prior to the establishment of temporary field rules, drilling of permitted exploratory wells within the pool area may continue, and wells may produce according to temporary allowables established by the Commission. Temporary field rules may be changed by the Commission on the basis of sufficient technical information after notice and hearing.

C. The Commission may grant exceptions to established field rules if the Commission determines, after notice and public hearing, that such exceptions are necessary to prevent the waste of oil or gas or to protect correlative rights.

S.C. Code Regs. § 121-8.9