36.22.1304    PLUGGING METHODS AND PROCEDURE

(1) All abandoned wells shall be marked with a permanent monument which shall consist of a piece of pipe not less than four inches in diameter and not less than ten feet in length of which four feet shall be above the general ground level and the remainder shall be imbedded in cement or shall be welded to the surface casing. The top of the pipe must be sealed with a screw cap, cement plug, or other approved method.

(2) The owner shall inscribe on the marker pipe by welding or other suitable method the name of the well, the location (quarter section, section, township, and range), total depth, and elevation.

(3) At the request of the surface owner of a lease on which a well is to be plugged, the requirement for a marker set forth above may be waived. In this event, a plug or seal shall be placed in the hole in such manner as not to interfere with soil cultivation or other surface use.

History: 82-11-111, MCA; IMP, 82-11-123, 82-11-124, MCA; Eff. 12/31/72.