Utah Administrative Code
Topic - Natural Resources
Title R649 - Oil, Gas and Mining; Oil and Gas
Rule R649-3 - Drilling and Operating Practices
Section R649-3-36 - Shut-in and Temporarily Abandoned Wells
Current through Bulletin 2024-18, September 15, 2024
1. Wells may be initially shut-in or temporarily abandoned for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months. If a well is to be shut-in or temporarily abandoned for a period exceeding twelve (12) consecutive months, the operator shall file a Sundry Notice providing the following information:
2. After review the division will either approve the continued shut-in or temporarily abandoned status or require remedial action to be taken to establish and maintain the well's integrity.
3. After five (5) years of nonactivity or nonproductivity, the well shall be plugged in accordance with Subsection R649-3-24, unless approval for extended shut-in time is given by the division upon a showing of good cause by the operator.
4. If after a five (5) year period the well is ordered plugged by the division, and the operator does not comply, the operator shall forfeit the drilling and reclamation bond and the well shall be properly plugged and abandoned under the direction of the division.