New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 19 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE
Chapter 14 - GEOTHERMAL POWER
Part 23 - WELL SPACING
Section 19.14.23.10 - NON-STANDARD LOCATIONS
Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024
A. The division director shall have the authority to grant an exception to the well location requirements of Rules B (1) , (2) , and (3) [now Subsections A, B and C of 19.14.23.9 NMAC] above without notice and hearing when such application is based upon topographical or geologic or engineering considerations.
B. Applications for such administrative approval shall be filed in duplicate and shall be accompanied by a plat showing the ownership of surrounding lands (within a 990-foot radius of the proposed location if application is for exception to Rule G-104 B (1) [now Subsection A of 19.14.23.9 NMAC] exploration wells; within a 495-foot radius of the proposed location if application is for exception to Rule G-104 B (2) [now Subsection B of 19.14.23.9 NMAC] development wells; within a 990-foot radius of the proposed location if application is for exception to Rule G-104 B (3) [now Subsection C of 19.14.23.9 NMAC] injection wells; and all drilling or completed wells thereon. If the proposed non-standard location is based upon topography, the plat shall also show the existent topographical conditions. If it is based upon geologic or engineering considerations, the application shall be accompanied by a geologic or engineering analysis, explaining the necessity for the non-standard location.
C. A copy of the application and accompanying plats and documents shall also be sent to the other owners, if any there be, within the above prescribed radii of the proposed non-standard location and the application shall state that such required copies have been so furnished. The division director may approve the non-standard location upon receipt of waivers from the above other owners or if no such other owner has entered an objection to the non-standard location within 20 days after receipt of the application by the division. If such objection is received, the matter will be set for hearing if the applicant so desires. If the director is not convinced of the necessity or desirability of such exception, he may require supplemental information to justify the exception, or set the matter for hearing if the applicant so desires.
