Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 36 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION
Chapter 36.22 - OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION
Subchapter 36.22.6 - Permit to Drill
Rule 36.22.604 - PERMIT ISSUANCE - EXPIRATION - EXTENSION

(1) If no written demand for hearing has been filed within ten (10) days following the date of publication of the notice as specified in ARM 36.22.601 and the planned drilling operations do not require further environmental review, and the application complies in all respects with the applicable rules of the board, a permit shall be issued promptly by the petroleum engineer or his authorized agent.

(2) If the application for permit does not comply in all respects with such rules, said application shall be disallowed, and the petroleum engineer or his authorized agent shall promptly notify the person of the reason or reasons for such disallowance.

(3) If drilling 1s not commenced, no such permit to drill shall be valid after the expiration of a period of six months from the date of the issuance thereof by the board or its authorized agents. Any permittee who fails to commence drilling within the six months period of the permit must file a new application for permit to drill and pay the fee therefor.

(4) A permittee must advise the board, either verbally or in writing, of the date of spudding a permitted well within 72 hours of commencing drilling.