Nevada Administrative Code
Chapter 534B - DISSOLVED MINERAL RESOURCES
PERMITS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR DRILLING
Exploration Wells
Section 534B.145 - Limitations on location of well; application for exception

Universal Citation: NV Admin Code 534B.145

Current through December 31, 2024

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a dissolved mineral resource exploration well may not be drilled within:

(a) One hundred feet of:
(1) The boundary of any land that is not under the lease, ownership or control of the operator; or

(2) An existing well for which a permit was issued by the Division of Water Resources of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; and

(b) Two hundred and fifty feet of an existing oil, gas or geothermal well for which a permit was issued by the Division.

2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a dissolved mineral resource exploration well that is located within a boundary designated by the Division as an "area with limitations," as delineated on the map maintained by the Division and titled, "Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources and Groundwater Basins with High Temperature Gradients" available on the Internet website of the Division, must:

(a) Not be drilled to a depth greater than 3,000 feet without the use of blowout prevention equipment meeting the requirements of section 32.

(b) Have the temperature of the mud that is returned up the hole monitored continuously by the operator during the drilling of the well whenever temperatures of the drilling fluids at the surface reach 125 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of the mud must be recorded by the well driller after each joint of the pipe is drilled.

(c) Be designed, drilled and operated so as not to degrade an aquifer, or an oil, gas or geothermal resource.

3. Upon written application, the Administrator may grant an exception to the provisions of subsection 1 or 2. When considering whether to grant an exception, the Administrator may consider, without limitation:

(a) The topographic, hydrologic and geologic characteristics of the area and the characteristics of the reservoir;

(b) The protection of the environment;

(c) Workplace safety; and

(d) Any existing rights.

Added to NAC by Comm'n on Mineral Resources by R109-17AP, eff. 5/16/2018

Section 20 of Assembly Bill No. 52, chapter 507, Statutes of Nevada 2017, at page 3414 (NRS 534B.120)

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