Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 36 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION
Chapter 36.22 - OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION
Subchapter 36.22.13 - Abandonment, Plugging, and Restoration
Rule 36.22.1301 - NOTICE AND APPROVAL OF INTENTION TO ABANDON REPORT

(1) Before any work is commenced to abandon stratigraphic tests or any new well drilled in search of oil or gas, for saltwater disposal, or for any other purpose related to oil field operations in which no casing has been run, other than surface pipe, the owner thereof shall give oral notice to and obtain approval from the petroleum engineer or his authorized agent prior to commencing plugging operations. The petroleum engineer may send an authorized agent to the location specified to witness the plugging operation. Within 15 days after final abandonment, the owner shall submit to the board on Form No. 2 a subsequent report of abandonment setting forth in such report the terms and conditions of the plugging and abandonment as approved orally by the petroleum engineer or his authorized agent.

(2) Before any work is commenced to abandon any well drilled in search of oil or gas, for saltwater disposal, or for any other purpose related to oil field operations in which casing has been run, except surface pipe, the owner thereof shall give written notice to the board on Form No. 2 setting forth the method of plugging, the depths and number of plugs, and any other information required under ARM 36.22.1305 and 36.22.1309. Upon approval of such notice by the petroleum engineer or his authorized agent, the owner may proceed with plugging and abandonment operations. The petroleum engineer may send an authorized agent to the location specified to witness the plugging operations. Within 15 days after final abandonment, the owner shall submit a subsequent report of abandonment as required by ARM 36.22.1309.