43 CFR § 3137.90 - Who must operate wells that do not meet the productivity criteria?

(a) If a well not meeting the productivity criteria was drilled before the unit was formed and is not included in the participating area, the operator of the well at the time the unit was formed may continue as operator.

(b) As unit operator, you must continue to operate wells drilled after unit formation not meeting the productivity criteria unless BLM approves a change in the designation of operator for those wells.