Ariz. Admin. Code § R12-7-115 - Deviation of Hole and Directional Drilling

A. An operator drilling a well shall not intentionally deviate from the normal vertical course of the well unless the operator first files an application and obtains approval from the Commission after notice and hearing. The normal vertical course of a well is defined by an average deviation from vertical of not more than five degrees in any 500-foot interval. The operator shall test any vertical or deviated well that is drilled or deepened at least once each 500 feet or at the first bit change succeeding 500 feet. The operator shall tabulate all deviation tests run and file the tabulation with the Commission within 30 days after drilling is completed. Deviation from the vertical for short distances is permitted in the drilling of a well without special approval only to straighten the hole, sidetrack junk, or correct other mechanical difficulties.

B. An application for directional drilling shall include:

1. The name, address, and telephone number of the operator;

2. The field name, lease name, well number, state permit number, reservoir name, and county where the proposed well is located;

3. A plat or sketch showing the distance from the surface location to section and lease lines and to the target location within the intended producing interval;

4. The reason for the intentional deviation; and

5. The signature of the operator.

C. The operator of any well capable of production and whose producing interval or any portion of the producing interval is located 330 feet or less in the case of an oil well or 1,660 feet or less in the case of a gas well from the boundary of any drilling unit shall run a directional survey before running the production casing.

D. In order to ensure compliance with this Section, the Commission may require the operator to run a directional survey of any hole at the operator's expense. The Commission may require an operator to run a directional survey of any hole at the request of an offset operator at the expense and risk of the offset operator unless the survey shows that the well is completed at a point outside the drilling unit or at an unauthorized point.

E. Within 30 days following the completion of drilling a directionally-drilled well, the operator shall file with the Commission a complete angular deviation and directional survey of the well, obtained by a well survey company.

F. An operator shall not drill a well in a manner that results in the well crossing drilling unit lines, except by approval obtained from the Commission after notice and hearing.

Notes

Ariz. Admin. Code § R12-7-115

Former Rule 114; Former Section R12-7-115 renumbered and amended as Section R12-7-116, former Section R12-7-114 renumbered and amended as Section R12-7-115 effective September 29, 1982 (Supp. 82-5). Amended effective January 19, 1994 (Supp. 94-1). Amended by final rulemaking at 13 A.A.R. 4596, effective February 2, 2008 (Supp. 07-4).