New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 19 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE
Chapter 15 - OIL AND GAS
Part 39 - SPECIAL RULES
Section 19.15.39.10 - ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATIONS TO DRILL, RE-ENTER OR DEEPEN WELLS SUBJECT TO AN EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Universal Citation: 19 NM Admin Code 19.15.39.10

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

A. An application for permit to drill, re-enter or deepen a well that requires an exploration and development plan pursuant to 19.15.39.9 NMAC shall include the following in addition to meeting the requirements set out in 19.15.14 NMAC:

(1) a permit application pursuant to 19.15.17 NMAC;

(2) global positioning system coordinates to the sixth decimal point to identify the location of a well to be drilled in an un-surveyed area; and

(3) any additional information required by the operator's approved exploration and development plan.

B. Unless otherwise specified in an approved exploration and development plan, a permit to drill, re-enter or deepen a well that requires an exploration and development plan shall be subject to the following conditions:

(1) the operator shall drill the well using a closed loop system that uses above ground steel tanks for the management of drilling or workover fluids without using below-grade tanks or pits;

(2) the operator shall not use the on-site closure methods identified in Subsection F of 19.15.17.13 NMAC;

(3) the operator shall run logs from total depth to surface that will determine porosity and water saturation;

(4) a mud-logger shall be on site during drilling from surface to total depth and shall submit the logs and a written report daily to the supervisor of the appropriate district office;

(5) the operator shall isolate all fresh water zones and aquifers throughout their vertical extent with at least two cemented casing strings;

(6) the operator shall circulate cement to surface on all casing strings, except that the smallest diameter casing shall have cement to at least 100 feet above the casing shoe of the next larger diameter casing;

(7) the operator shall run cement bond logs acceptable to the division after each casing string is cemented and file the logs with the appropriate district office; and

(8) the operator of a well awaiting gas pipeline connection shall place that well on approved temporary abandonment status, setting a drillable bridge plug above any open perforations.

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