New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 19 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE
Chapter 15 - OIL AND GAS
Part 25 - PLUGGING AND ABANDONMENT OF WELLS
Section 19.15.25.13 - REQUEST FOR APPROVAL AND PERMIT FOR APPROVED TEMPORARY ABANDONMENT

Universal Citation: 19 NM Admin Code 19.15.25.13

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024

A. An operator seeking approval for approved temporary abandonment shall submit on form C-103 a notice of intent to seek approved temporary abandonment for the well describing the proposed temporary abandonment procedure the operator will use. The operator shall not commence work until the division has approved the request. The operator shall give 24 hours' notice to the appropriate division district office before beginning work.

B. The division shall not approve a permit for approved temporary abandonment until the operator furnishes evidence demonstrating that the well's casing and cementing are mechanically and physically sound and in such condition as to prevent:

(1) damage to the producing zone;

(2) migration of hydrocarbons or water;

(3) the contamination of fresh water or other natural resources; and

(4) the leakage of a substance at the surface.

C. The operator shall demonstrate both internal and external mechanical integrity pursuant to Subsection A of 19.15.25.14 NMAC.

D. Upon successful completion of the work on the temporarily abandoned well, the operator shall submit a request for approved temporary abandonment to the appropriate division district office on form C-103 together with other information Subsection E of 19.15.7.14 NMAC requires.

E. The division shall not approve a permit for approved temporary abandonment until the operator provides financial assurance for the well that complies with Subsection D of 19.15.8.9 NMAC.

F. The division shall specify the permit's expiration date, which shall be not more than five years from the date of approval.

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