Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 36 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION
Chapter 36.22 - OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION
Subchapter 36.22.10 - Drilling
Rule 36.22.1003 - VERTICAL DRILLING REQUIRED - DEVIATION

(1) All wells shall be so drilled that the horizontal distance between the bottom of the hole and the location at the top of the hole shall be at all times at a practical minimum unless authorization for controlled directional drilling has been obtained.

(2) Before beginning controlled directional drilling, except for the purpose of straightening the hole, sidetracking junk, or correcting mechanical difficulties, where the intent is to direct the bottom of the hole away from the vertical, notice of the intention to do so shall be filed with the board on Form No. 2 and administrative approval obtained. Such notice shall state clearly the depth, exact surface location of the well bore, proposed direction of deviation, and proposed horizontal distance between the bottom of the hole and the surface location. If approval is obtained, the owner shall file with the board within 30 days after the completion of the work an accurate and complete copy of the survey made. Administrative approval for controlled directional drilling is not available where the proposed bottomhole location is not in compliance with applicable field or statewide well locations rules.