N.M. Admin. Code § 19.15.16.9

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 23, December 10, 2024

Section 19.15.16.9 - SEALING OFF STRATA

A. During the drilling of an oil well, injection well or other service well, the operator shall seal and separate the oil, gas and water strata above the producing or injection horizon to prevent their contents from passing into other strata.

B. The operator shall ensure that fresh waters and waters of present or probable value for domestic, commercial or stock purposes are confined to their respective strata and are adequately protected by division-approved methods. The operator shall take special precautions by methods satisfactory to the division in drilling and abandoning wells to guard against loss of artesian water from the strata in which it occurs, and the contamination of artesian water by objectionable water, oil or gas.

C. The operator shall ensure that water is shut off and excluded from the various oil- and gas-bearing strata that are penetrated. The operator shall ordinarily make water shut-offs by cementing casing.

N.M. Admin. Code § 19.15.16.9

19.15.16.9 NMAC - Rp, 19.15.3.106 NMAC, 12/1/08