Any person, firm, or corporation drilling a mine drill hole that penetrates a water-bearing stratum, whether confined or unconfined, shall immediately notify the state engineer by filing an application for permit to drill an exploratory well. The person, firm, or corporation shall file a well plugging plan of operations in accordance with Subsection C of 19.27.4.30 NMAC or Subsection K of 19.27.4.31 NMAC concurrently with the application for permit. Upon the state engineer's approval of the well plugging plan of operations, the person, firm, or corporation shall have the mine drill hole plugged within the timeframe stated on the conditions of approval.
N.M. Admin. Code § 19.27.4.36