Ariz. Admin. Code § R12-15-817 - Exploration Wells

A. Notification. Prior to drilling one or more exploration wells, the well owner, lessee, or exploration firm shall file a notice of intention to drill on forms provided by the Director. If the notice of intention to drill is filed for the project as a whole, the drilling card shall be issued for the project as a whole.

B. Construction and abandonment.

1. If an exploration well which is to be left open for re-entry at a later date encounters groundwater, it shall be cased and capped in accordance with R12-15-811, R12-15-812, and R12-15-822. The minimal length of surface seal shall be either 20 feet, or five feet into the first encountered consolidated formation, whichever is less. If no groundwater is encountered, the well shall be cased, grouted and capped in such a manner so as to prevent contamination of the well bore from the surface.

2. Exploration wells not left open for re-entry shall be abandoned in accordance with R12-15-816.

C. Completion report. Within 30 days of project completion, the well owner, lessee, or exploration firm shall submit a project completion report on forms provided by the Director. The report shall include:

1. The exact number of wells drilled.

2. The depth to water encountered or detected, with reference to specific wells.

3. The abandonment method utilized, or construction details if completed for re-entry.

4. Any other information which the Director may require.

Notes

Ariz. Admin. Code § R12-15-817

Adopted effective March 5, 1984 (Supp. 84-2). Amended effective June 18, 1990 (Supp. 90-2).