43 C.F.R. § 3162.2-11

Current through October 31, 2024
Section 3162.2-11 - How soon after I know of the likelihood of drainage must I take protective action?
(a) You must take protective action within a reasonable time after the earlier of:
(1) The date you knew or had constructive notice that the potentially draining well had begun to produce oil or gas; or
(2) The date we issued a demand letter for protective action.
(b) Since the time required to drill and produce a protective well varies according to the location and conditions of the oil and gas reservoir, BLM will determine this on a case-by-case basis. When we determine whether you took protective action within a reasonable time, we will consider several factors including, but not limited to:
(1) Time required to evaluate the characteristics and performance of the draining well;
(2) Rig availability;
(3) Well depth;
(4) Required environmental analysis;
(5) Special lease stipulations which provide limited time frames in which to drill; and
(6) Weather conditions.
(c) If BLM determines that you did not take protection action timely, you will owe compensatory royalty for the period of the delay under § 3162.2-12 .

43 C.F.R. §3162.2-11

66 FR 1894 , Jan. 10, 2001