Table of Contents

Title 43
NATURAL RESOURCES

Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations

Subpart 1. Statewide Order No. 29-B

Chapter 1. ..........................................................................................................................General Provisions 1

Subpart 2. Statewide Order No. 29-R

Chapter 7. ................................................................................................................................................ Fees 43

Subpart 3. Statewide Order No. 25

Chapter 9. ........................................................................................................................................Reporting 47

Subpart 4. Statewide Order No. 29-B-a

Chapter 11. ..................................................................................................... Required Use of Storm Chokes 51

Subpart 5. Statewide Order No. 29-C-4

Chapter 13. ................................................................................................................... Multiple Completions 53

Subpart 6. Statewide Order No. 29-D-1

Chapter 15. ........................................................................ Commingling of Oil and Gas Production Onshore 55
Chapter 17. ........................................................................Commingling of Oil and Gas Production Offshore 58

Subpart 7. Statewide Order No. 29-E

Chapter 19. ............................................................................................................. Oil and Gas Well Spacing 61

Subpart 8. Statewide Order No. 29-F

Chapter 21. ............................................................................................Allowable Production of Natural Gas 63

Subpart 9. Statewide Order No. 29-G-1

Chapter 23. ......................................................................................................... Automatic Custody Transfer 67

Subpart 10. Statewide Order No. 29-H-1

Chapter 25. .................................................................................................................................... New Pools 69

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 Table of Contents

Subpart 11. Statewide Order No. 29-J

Chapter 27. ................................................................................................................Tubingless Completions 71

Subpart 12. Statewide Order No. 29-K-1

Chapter 29. .................................................................................................................... Substitute Unit Wells 75

Subpart 13. Statewide Order No. 29-L-2

Chapter 31. .....................................................................................................................Termination of Units 77

Subpart 14. Statewide Order No. 31-A

Chapter 33. ................................................................................................ Record Keeping and Report Filing 79

Subpart 15. Statewide Order No. 45-I-A

Chapter 35. ................................................................Gas/Oil Ratios, Allowables and Venting of Natural Gas 81

Subpart 16. Statewide Order No. 151-A-2

Chapter 37. ...............................................................Statewide Crude Oil Depth Bracket Allowable Schedule 85

Subpart 17. Procedures for Hearings and Unit and Survey Plat Requirements
Chapter 39. ....................................................................................................................................... Hearings 87
Chapter 41. ................................................................................................................... Unit and Survey Plats 93

Subpart 18. Statewide Order No. 29-S

Chapter 43. ................................................................................................................Austin Chalk Formation 95

Subpart 19. Enhanced Recovery

Chapter 45. .............................................................................................. Produced Water Injection Incentive 97

Index............................................................................................................................................................... 99

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 Title 43
NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations
Subpart 1. Statewide Order No. 29-B

Chapter 1. General Provisions The department's agent shall designate suitable suffices to
the well number which will serve as reference to each
§101. Definitions producing sand.

Unless the context otherwise requires, the words defined C. No well shall be drilled, nor shall the drilling of a well
in this Section shall have the following meanings when be commenced, before a permit for such well has been
found in this order: issued by the Department of Conservation; furthermore, any
work, such as digging pits, erecting buildings, derricks, etc.,
DepartmentC the Department of Conservation of the which the operator may do or have done, will be done at his
state of Louisiana. own risk and with the full understanding that the Department
District ManagerC the head of any one of the districts of of Conservation may find it necessary to change the location
the state under the Division of Minerals, and as used, refers or deny the permit because of the rules and regulations
specifically to the manager within whose district the well or applying in that instance.
wells are located. D. No well shall commence drilling below the surface
AgentC the director of the Division of Minerals, the casing until a sign has been posted on the derrick, and
chief engineer thereof, or any of the district managers or subsequently on the well if it is a producer, showing the
their aides. ownership and designation of the well, name of lease,
section, township, range, and the serial number under which
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. the permit was issued. The obligation to maintain a legible
30:4 et seq.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
sign remains until abandonment.
Conservation (August 1943).
In order to make the designation of the well, as referred to
§103. Application to Drill above, more uniform throughout the state, and thus to
A. All applications for permits to drill wells for oil or gas facilitate the handling of all matters relative to any particular
or core test wells below the fresh water sands shall be made well, the following system of rules has been developed for
on Form MD-10-R or revisions thereof, and mailed or use in the naming of wells in the future in Louisiana:
delivered to the district office. These applications, in 1. In no case shall any operator name or well name
duplicate, shall be accompanied by three copies of the exceed 30 characters. A space is equivalent to one character.
location plat, preferably drawn to a scale of 500 feet to the
inch. The plats shall be constructed from data compiled by a a. Abbreviations shall be used whenever possible to
registered civil engineer or surveyor and shall definitely comply with the above. It is recommended that S be used for
show the amount and location of the acreage with reference sand and U for unit.
to quarter-section corners, or other established survey points. b. The official well name appearing on Form MD-
There shall also be shown all pertinent lease and property 10-R (Application to Drill) shall be used when reporting on
lines, leases and offset wells. When the tract to be drilled is all Department of Conservation forms and also in any
composed of separately-owned interests which have been correspondence.
pooled or unitized, the boundaries to and the acreage in each
separately-owned interest must be indicated. Plats must have 2. Lease Wells. All wells drilled on a lease basis shall
well locations certifications either written on or attached to bear the lessor's surname and initials or given name.
the well location plats and this certification must be signed
Example: Lease Name Well Number
by a registered civil engineer, qualified surveyor or a
qualified engineer regularly employed by the applicant. If J. R. Smith Number 2
possible the application card shall give the name and address 3. The commissioner shall prescribe or cause to have
of the drilling contractor, otherwise the information, as soon prescribed the procedure for assigning well and/or
as determined, shall be supplied by letter to the district nomenclature and shall issue a memorandum concerning
manager. same from time to time as the need arises.
B. When dual completion applications are granted, each a. Developmental units proposed at a hearing shall
well shall be considered as two wells. The production from be named in accordance with the latest memorandum, and
each sand shall be run through separate lead lines and the the well number shall depend on whether or not there are
production from each sand shall be measurable separately. any other wells in existence on the lease.

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 NATURAL RESOURCES

b. Any unit maps filed with an application for HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
hearing must reflect proposed unit names in accordance with Conservation (August 1943), amended (August 1958).
the latest memorandum. §107. Records
4. Units with Alternate Unit Wells. For those cases A. The district office shall be supplied with available
where more than one well serves the same proration unit, the field maps showing lease lines and well locations for all
wells shall be named in accordance with the latest producing areas within the district, such maps to be provided
memorandum, and the well number shall be followed by the by persons or companies operating in the field, on request of
letters ALT in the case of each alternate well. the commissioner or his agent.
Example: Lease Name Well Number B. Electrical logs, when run, of all test wells, or wells
drilled in search of oil gas sulphur and other minerals, shall
Hayes Sue; J. R. Smith Number 1 be mailed in duplicate to the district office of the Department
Hayes Sue; Dave Luke Number 1 ALT of Conservation in which the well is located, such copies to
be mailed within 10 days after completion of the well. These
Hayes Sue; St. Mary Number 22 ALT logs shall be filed on the following scales:
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
1. all north Louisiana districts:
30:4 et seq.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
normal logC two inches to 100 feet.
Conservation (August 1943), amended (August 1958), (August
1961), (May 1973). 2. all south Louisiana districts:
§105. All Other Applications
normal logC one inch to 100 feet;
A. All applications for permits to repair (except ordinary
detailed logC five inches to 100 feet.
maintenance operations), abandon (plug and abandon),
acidize, deepen, perforate, perforate and squeeze, plug (plug C. The service company running the electric log on the
back), plug and perforate, plug back and side-track, plug and well shall include as a part of the information on the log the
squeeze, pull casing, side-track, squeeze, squeeze and permit serial number of the well.
perforate, workover, cement casing or liner as workover D. A new form entitled "Well History and Work Resume
feature, or when a well is to be killed or directionally drilled, Report" (Form WH) shall be filed with the district office in
shall be made to the district office on Form MD-11-R and a which the well is located within 20 days after completion of
proper permit shall be received from the district manager the well. This report shall be filed on forms furnished by the
before work is started. A description of the work done under Department of Conservation or on like forms as reproduced
the above recited work permits shall be furnished on the by the operator.
reverse side of the Well History and Work Resume Report
(Form WH), which form shall be filed with the district office AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
of the Department of Conservation in which the well is 30:4 et seq.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
located within 20 days after the completion or recompletion Conservation (August 1943), amended (August 1958).
of the well. At least 12 hours prior notice of the proposed
operations shall be given the district manager and/or an §109. Casing Program
offset operator in order that one of them may witness the A. Conductor Pipe. Conductor pipe is that pipe ordinarily
work. If the district manager fails to appear within 12 hours, used for the purpose of supporting unconsolidated surface
the work may be witnessed by the offset operator, but failing deposits. The use and removal of conductor pipe during the
in this, the work need not be held up longer than 12 hours. drilling of any oil and gas well shall be at the option of the
This rule shall not deter an operator from taking immediate operator.
action in an emergency to prevent damage.
B. Surface Casing
B. When a service company, other than the drilling
contractor, cements, perforates or acidizes, either before or 1. Where no danger of pollution of fresh water
after completion of a well, the service company shall furnish sources exists, the minimum amount of surface of first-
the district manager with legible exact copies of reports intermediate casing to be set shall be determined from Table
furnished the owner of the well. 1 hereof:
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
30:4 et seq.

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 Title 43, Part XIX

Table 1 casing, shall also apply to the intermediate casing.

Total Depth Casing Number of Surface Casing D. Producing Oil String
of Contact Required Sacks Test Pressure
Cement (lbs. per sq. in.)
1. Producing or oil string is that casing used for the
purpose of segregating the horizon from which production is
0-2500 100 200 or 300 obtained and affording a means of communication between
circulate to such horizons and the surface.
surf*
2500-3000 150 500 " 600 2. The producing string of casing shall consist of new
or reconditioned casing, tested at mill test pressure or as
3000-4000 300 500 " 600
otherwise designated by the department and set at a
4000-5000 400 500 " 600 sufficient depth to cut off all gas formations above the oil-
5000-6000 500 500 " 750 saturated horizon in which the well is to be completed. The
6000-7000 800 500 " 1000 position of the oil horizon shall be determined by coring,
testing or electrical logging, or other satisfactory method,
7000-8000 1000 500 " 1000 and the producing string of casing shall be bottomed and
8000-9000 1400 500 " 1000 cemented at a point below the gas/oil contact if determinable
9000-Deeper 1800 500 " 1000 and practicable.
3. Cement shall be by the pump-and-plug method, or
another method approved by the department. Sufficient
*Circulate to the Surface shall mean the calculated cement shall be used to fill the calculated annular space
amount of cement necessary to fill the theoretical annular behind the casing to such a point, as in the opinion of the
space plus 10 percent. district manager, local conditions require to protect the
producing formations and all other oil and gas formations
In known low-pressure areas, exceptions to the above may occurring above, but in every case, no less cement shall be
be granted by the commissioner or his agent. If, however, in used than the calculated amount necessary to fill the annular
the opinion of the commissioner, or his agent, the above space to a point 500 feet above the shoe.
regulations shall be found inadequate, and additional or
lesser amount of surface casing and/or cement or test 4. The amount of cement to be left remaining in the
pressure shall be required for the purpose of safety and the casing, until the requirements of Paragraph 5 below have
protection of fresh water sands. been met, shall be not less than 20 feet. This shall be
accomplished through the use of a float-collar, or other
2. Surface casing shall be tested before drilling the approved or practicable means, unless a full-hole cementer,
plug by applying a minimum pump pressure as set forth in or its equivalent, is used.
Table 1 after at least 200 feet of the mud-laden fluid has
been displaced with water at the top of the column. If at the 5. Cement shall be allowed to stand a minimum of 12
end of 30 minutes the pressure gauge shows a drop of 10 hours under pressure and a minimum total of 24 hours
percent of test pressure as outlined in Table 1, the operator before initiating test or drill plug in the producing or oil
shall be required to take such corrective measures as will string. Under pressure is complied with if one or more float
insure that such surface casing will hold said pressure for 30 valves are employed and are shown to be holding the cement
minutes without a drop of more than 10 percent of the test in place, or when other means of holding pressure is used.
pressure. The provisions of Subsection D.7, below, for the When an operator elects to perforate and squeeze or to
producing casing, shall also apply to the surface casing. cement around the shoe, he may proceed with such work
after 12 hours have elapsed after placing the first cement.
3. Cement shall be allowed to stand a minimum of 12
hours under pressure before initiating test or drilling plug. 6. Before drilling the plug in the producing string of
Under pressure is complied with if one float valve is used or casing, the casing shall be tested by pump pressure, as
if pressure is held otherwise. determined from Table 2 hereof, after 200 feet of mud-laden
fluid in the casing has been displaced by water at the top of
C. Intermediate Casing the column.
1. Intermediate casing is that casing used as protection
against caving of heaving formations or when other means Table 2. Intermediate and Producing Casing
are not adequate for the purpose of segregating upper oil, gas String Pressure No. of Sacks of Producing Test
or water-bearing strata. Depth Set Cement (lbs. per sq. in.)
2. If an intermediate casing string is deemed necessary 2000-3000' 200* 800
by the district manager for the prevention of underground 3000-6000' 300* 1000
waste, such regulations pertaining to a minimum setting
depth, quality of casing, and cementing and testing of sand, 6000-9000' 500* 1200
shall be determined by the department after due hearing. The 9000-and deeper 500* 1500
provisions of Subsection D.7 below, for the producing

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 NATURAL RESOURCES

* But in every case no less cement shall be used than the §111. Blowout Preventers
calculated amount necessary to fill the annular space to a
point 500' above the shoe. All wells drilling or running casing or tubing are to be
equipped with a master gate and a blowout preventer having
If at the end of 30 minutes the pressure gauge shows a the correct size rams or plugs installed and in first class
drop of 10 percent of the test pressure or more, the operator condition, together with a flowing valve of the
shall be required to take such corrective measures as will recommended size and working pressure. If a fill-up line is
insure that the producing string of casing is so set and connected to the blowout preventer, the line shall be
cemented that it will hold said pressure for 30 minutes equipped with such valves and fittings of at least the same
without a drop of more than 10 percent of the test pressure working pressure as the blowout preventer. If the preventer
on the gauge. is hydraulically operated, adequate pressure shall at all times
7. If the commissioner's agent is not present at the be available for efficient operations.
time designated by the operator for inspection of the casing AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
tests of the producing string, the operator shall have such 30:4 et seq.
tests witnessed, preferably by an offset operator. An affidavit HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
of test, on the form prescribed by the Department of Conservation (August 1943).
Conservation, signed by the operator and witness, shall be §113. Casing-heads
furnished to the district office of the Department of
Conservation showing that the test conformed satisfactorily All wells shall be equipped with casing-heads with a test
to the above mentioned regulations before proceeding with pressure in conformance with conditions existing in areas in
the completion. If test is satisfactory, normal operations may which they are used. Casing-head body, as soon as installed
be resumed immediately. shall be equipped with proper connections and valves
8. If the test is unsatisfactory, the operator shall not accessible to the surface. Reconditioning shall be required
proceed with the completion of the well until a satisfactory on any well showing pressure on the casing-head, or leaking
test has been obtained. gas or oil between the oil string and next larger size casing
string, when, in the opinion of the district managers, such
E. Tubing and Completion pressure or leakage assume hazardous proportions or
1. A valve, or its equivalent, tested to a pressure of not indicate the existence of underground waste. Mud-laden
less than the calculated bottomhole pressure of the well, fluid may be pumped between any two strings of casing at
shall be installed below any and all tubing outlet the top of the hole, but no cement shall be used except by
connections. special permission of the commissioner or his agent.
2. When a well develops a casing pressure, upon AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
30:4 et seq.
completion, equivalent to more than three-quarters of the
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
internal pressure that will develop the minimum yield point Conservation (August 1943).
of the casing, such well shall be required by the district
manager to be killed, and a tubing packer to be set so as to §115. Fire Hazards
keep such excessive pressure of the casing. A.l. All wells shall be cleaned into a pit, barge, or tank,
3. When a well develops a casing pressure, upon located at a distance of at least 100 feet from any fire hazard.
completion, equivalent to more than three-quarters of the 2. Before any well shall be perforated, the drilling
internal pressure that will develop the minimum yield point fluid in the well shall be conditioned and brought to a weight
of the casing, such well shall be required by the district necessary to hold the normal hydrostatic pressure at the
manager to be killed, and a tubing packer to be set so as to point to be perforated with a reasonable margin of safety;
keep such excessive pressure of the casing. provided, however, in cases where the tubing and Christmas
F. Wellhead Connections. Wellhead connections shall be tree are set for production, the weight of the drilling fluid
tested prior to installation at a pressure indicated by the may be reduced below that weight necessary to hold the
district manager in conformance with conditions existing in normal hydrostatic pressure at the point to be perforated.
areas in which they are used. Whenever such tests are made Before perforating, proper connections for lubricating the
in the field, they shall be witnessed by an agent of the gun in and out of the hole shall be installed.
department. Tubing and tubingheads shall be free from 3.a. All drill stem tests shall be started and completed
obstructions in wells used for bottomhole pressure test during daylight hours, except in fields where from bottom-
purposes. hole pressures and other information it is known that the
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. pressure does not exceed the pressure of a column of oil
30:4 et seq. from top to hole to the producing horizon. Started and
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Completed shall mean the opening and the closing of the
Conservation (August 1943), amended (February 1951), (August drill-stem testing tool valve or valves controlling the flow
1958), amended by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of through the choke.
Conservation, LR 25:1523 (August 1999).

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 Title 43, Part XIX

b. In the absence of special prior permission from §117. Drilling Fluids

the department, no drill-stem test shall be conducted with
chokes larger than 3 inch on both top and bottom. The inspectors and engineers of the Department of
Conservation shall have access to the mud records of any
4. All wells shall be swabbed or bailed during the
drilling well, except those records which pertain to special
daylight hours except in cases of low pressure wells as
muds and special work with respect to patentable rights, and
Paragraph 3 above.
shall be allowed to conduct any essential test or tests on the
B. No boiler, open fire, or electric generator shall be mud used in the drilling of a well. When the conditions and
operated within 100 feet of any producing oil or gas well, or tests indicate a need for a change in the mud or drilling fluid
oil tank. program in order to insure proper control of the well, the
C.1. Each permanent oil tank or battery of tanks that are district manager shall require the operator or company to use
located within the corporate limits of any city, town or due diligence in correcting any objectionable conditions.
village, or where such tanks are closer than 500 feet to any AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
highway or inhabited dwelling or closer than 1000 feet to 30:4 et seq.
any school or church, or where such tanks are so located as HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
Conservation (August 1943).
to be deemed a hazard by the commissioner of Conservation,
must be surrounded by a dike (or firewall) or retaining wall §119. Well Allowables and Completion
of at least the capacity of such tank or battery of tanks, with A. New Well and Recompleted Well Allowables
the exception of such areas where such dikes (or firewalls)
or retaining walls would be impossible such as in water 1. Upon completion or recompletion of a well,
areas. At the discretion of the commissioner of immediate notice within 24 hours from the time of
Conservation, firewalls of 100 percent capacity can be completion (Sundays and holidays excepted) must be filed in
required where other conditions or circumstances warrant writing with the district office on forms provided by the
their construction. department. Notice of completion or recompletion of a well
may be made by telephone or telegram to the district
2. In water, swamp or marsh areas, where the building manager if supplemented by written notice on proper form
of firewalls is impossible or impracticable, in the future, within three days from the date of completion or
permanent tanks shall be placed on an impervious platform recompletion. Wells shall be considered completed when
surrounded by a metal gutter to catch all the oil and other turned into the tanks. A potential and gas/oil ratio test shall
wastes which may cause either a fire-hazard or pollution. A then be conducted by the operator or company, and
sump shall be provided to catch the run-off from the gutters; witnessed by an inspector of the department within five days
however, if the operator or company has devised a plan from the date of completion or recompletion (Sundays and
which serves the same purpose, the district manager may holidays excepted.)
after being presented with the plan, waive the above
requirements. 2. After receipt of the completion reports and reports
or tests required by the commissioner, a completed or
3. Tanks not falling in the above categories recompleted well shall be given a daily allowable,
(Paragraphs 1 and 2) must be surrounded by a retaining wall, determined in the same manner as was used in computing
or must be suitably ditched to a collecting sump, each of the schedule of daily allowables for the months in which
sufficient capacity to contain the spillage and prevent such completion is made.
pollution of the surrounding areas.
3. The daily well allowable when determined shall be
D. All gas vents from oil tanks shall terminate outside of effective from 7 a.m. on the date of completion or
the firewall. recompletion if the well is completed or recompleted before
E. Any rubbish or debris that might constitute a fire 7 p.m.; and from 7 a.m. of the following day if the well is
hazard shall be removed to a distance of at least 100 feet completed or recompleted after 7 p.m.; provided the
from the vicinity of wells, tanks, and pump stations. All completion or recompletion report has been filed in
waste shall be burned or disposed of in such a manner as to accordance with the above-mentioned provisions, and if the
avoid creating a fire hazard or polluting streams and fresh initial potential and gas/oil ratio test has been made within
water strata. five days from the date of completion or recompletion.
F. Each operator shall so conduct his operations and If the completion or recompletion is not reported as
maintain his equipment as to reduce to a minimum the provided, then the daily well allowable shall be effective
danger of explosion or fire, and consequent waste. from the date of receipt of the completion or recompletion
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. report, with a one-day tolerance. If the initial potential and
30:4 et seq. gas/oil ratio test is not made within five days from the date
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of of completion or recompletion, the daily well allowable shall
Conservation (August 1943), amended (March 1955), (December be effective as of the date of request by the operator for an
1963).
inspector of the department to witness the said test.

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 NATURAL RESOURCES

B. Allowables given to wells for oil produced on drill- has not had a fair determination of its gas/oil ratio, or that its
stem tests, production test and any miscellaneous production gas/oil ratio has changed due to natural causes or to
of oil shall be in accordance with the following rule: corrective work on his well, he may make application in
writing to the district manager for a retest or a special test of
All operators are required, within five days, to file three the gas/oil ratio of his well, and for an adjustment of the
signed copies of the records of the daily production from the allowable of his well. If, upon retesting a well, the district
well, showing the number of hours the well produced and manager finds that the new gas/oil ratio justifies a change in
the interval of production; as from 8 a.m., August 5 to 3 the allowable, he is authorized to make such change.
p.m., August 8, 1941.
G. Changed or corrected allowable shall be effective
C. All leases are to be so equipped as to permit the from the date of completion of such work, but in no case
determination of gas/oil ratios on individual flowing and shall the effective date be before the date of request by the
gas-lift wells. Gas/oil ratio data on all wells shall be operator to the district manager for a retest or a special test.
available to the inspector of the department at all times.
H. Gas wells shall not be tested by the open-flow
D. No flowing and/or gas-lift oil wells shall be permitted method. The back-pressure method of determining the open
to produce with excessive gas/oil ratio, except where special flow, as outlines by the Bureau of Mines in their Monograph
orders are operative. Wells that are gas/lifted with gas from 7, "Back Pressure Data on Natural Gas Wells", shall be used.
gas wells shall be prorated in the same manner as are hi-ratio When, for any reasons, the back-pressure method is not
naturally flowing oil wells, the G.O.R. being defined for this feasible, an acceptable method, not entailing excessive
purpose as the total output gas less the total input gas physical waste of gas, may be used, upon recommendation
divided by the number of barrels of oil produced. The of the technical staff of the department.
uneconomic or unreasonable use of gas for gas-lift will not
be permitted. I. It is recognized that wells capable of producing their
daily oil allowable may underproduce one day and
E.l. Each lease shall be provided with sufficient tankage overproduce another day during the period of an allowable
or meters to permit proper gauging of the oil produced. The schedule; however, such deficiencies as occur in this manner
tanks or meters must be identified by a sign showing the may be made up by excess production from the same well on
ownership of the tanks or meters and name of the lease from the succeeding days during the period of that schedule, or
which the oil is being produced. In no case shall meters be such overproduction may be adjusted by underproduction on
the sole means of measuring oil runs from any field. There the succeeding days during the period of that schedule;
must be used at least one gauge tank to check the reading of provided, however, that no well shall produce in any one
meters. Applications for the use of oil meters in lieu of calendar month more than the total daily allowable per well
gauge tanks, shall be the subject of open hearings until rules multiplied by the total number of days in the calendar
are formulated. month; however, in order to provide working stocks of oil
2. All flowing and gas-lift oil wells are to be produced and to facilitate the production and gathering of oil including
through efficient operating separators, except in the case of testing, bottomhole pressure survey, et cetera, the production
low-pressure headings of gas-lift wells with low-gas output. and possession of a quantity of oil in the lease storage not
exceeding three days current allowable production for the
3. All oil meters and bypass settings shall be provided lease at the end of the month in excess of the total monthly
with the necessary connections to permit the installation of allowables, as determined in accordance with the provisions
seals and such seals shall be affixed by the operator. A of the production and proration order, shall not be construed
record shall be kept on file and available for inspection by to be a violation of said order.
any agent of the department or any party at interest for a
period of not less than three years, which reflects the oil The authorization of production and possession of a
meter seal number, the date and time the oil meter is sealed, quantity of oil not exceeding three days current allowable
the date and time the seal is broken and the reason for production shall not be construed to be the granting of
breaking the seal. To obviate the necessity of affixing oil authority to any operator to offer to a market, or market, or
meter seals, oil meters with nonresettable counters may be any transporter to transport any quantity of oil in excess of
used. the quantity specifically determined to be the total monthly
4. When it becomes necessary to use a bypass or other allowable for each respective lease whose allowable shall
flowline connection which the operator has been required to have been determined by the summation of the monthly
seal or which has been sealed by the department, permission quantities determined by the multiplication of the quantity
to use same must be obtained from the district manager. In shown in the allowable schedule times the days of the month
the event that an unforeseen emergency requires the use of for which said allowable is effective plus or minus any
bypass or flowline connections before notification to the allowable additions or cancellations multiplied by the days
district office, a detailed, written report, in duplicate, setting which either or both may be effective during the period
forth the occasion for such action must be given, and the covered by the schedule.
bypass or other connection shall forthwith be resealed. AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
F. In the event that any operator considers that his well 30:4 et seq.

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 Title 43, Part XIX

HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of 4. gauge tickets, and run tickets, as made by the
Conservation (August 1943), amended (January 1963), (June employees actually performing or directing the operations
1969). recorded on such records.
§121. Production, Production Records, Production
D.1. Every producer shall make and report to the district
Tests
managers production tests of each of his oil wells by the
A. All oil tendered to any transportation system shall be 10th of February, April, June, August, October and
gauged and tested for B.S. & W. and temperature. For each December. The data collected shall include the daily rate of
and every transfer of oil from the lease tanks, the number of production, size choke, percent B.S. & W., tubing pressure,
the on-seal and off-seal observed temperature, and the casing pressure, gravity at 60E Fahrenheit, or observed
percent of B.S. & W. shall be recorded on each and every gravity and temperature, gas/oil ratio and volume of gas
run ticket, and each party of any transfer of oil from lease produced, which shall be recorded on the daily gauge report
tanks shall receive a copy of the run or delivery ticket or on or before the above date. A signed record of such tests
tickets. shall be filed with the district manager.
B.1. There shall not be any simultaneous movement of 2. When any well or wells shall go off production
oil into and out of any lease tank that is being used for other than because of ordinary maintenance operations, same
delivering oil to a gatherer or transporter. Transfer of oil or shall be reported to the district office immediately and a
gas from the possession of one lease to the possession of letter of cancellation of allowable for that well shall be
another lease, except when properly accounted for, is hereby issued.
prohibited. AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
2. The possession of improper mechanical means for 30:4 et seq.
transferring oil from one lease tank or well to the lease tank HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
Conservation (August 1943), amended (January 1963), (July 1959).
or well of another lease is hereby prohibited.
§123. Oil and Gas Measurements
3. All pipeline outlets from lease tanks shall be kept
sealed at all times except when a pipeline run is being made A. Quantities of oil shall be computed from correctly
from the tank, and the number of the on-seal and off-seal compiled tank tables and no deduction shall be taken
shall be recorded on each and every run ticket. therefrom. Corrections shall be made for temperature to the
basis of 60E Fahrenheit in accordance with Table 6 in ASTM
4. B.S. & W. bleed-off lines of lease tanks shall be Designation: D 1250 - IP Designation: 200. The full per
sealed or locked at the time any pipeline run is being made. centum of B.S. and W. as shown by the centrifugal or other
5. Oil produced from separately-owned leases, not tests shall be deducted after making correction for
pooled, unitized or consolidated shall not be commingled in temperature.
lease tanks. B. Combined Correction Tables for making both
6. All leases having more than one producing well temperature and B.S. & W. correction at the same time may
shall be equipped with a test line, so as to obviate the be used, if the combined tables are based on the above-
necessity of spudding in wells when taking individual well mentioned Abridged Volume Correction Table for Petroleum
tests. Oils, and if the factors are calculated in such a manner that
they give the same results as would be obtained by making
C. Producers shall keep the following records in the the temperature correction and the B.S. and W. deduction
main office for a period of three years and the current separately.
records in the field office for three months:
C. A cubic foot of gas is hereby defined as that amount
1. the monthly production in gross barrels produced of gaseous hydrocarbons contained in a cubic foot of space
from each lease and tank into which the oil was produced. A at the base temperature of 60E Fahrenheit and an absolute
record of choke, percent B.S. & W., tubing pressures, and pressure of 14.4 lbs./sq. in. plus 10 oz./sq. inch, which
casing pressures of each oil well on that particular lease shall temperature and pressure are referred to as the base
be recorded on a monthly basis, and if a choke is changed, temperature and pressure, respectively.
the date of such change shall be recorded on the monthly
record. If a well is put on production, either initially or D. Basic orifice coefficients used in the calculation of
returned to production after cessation of production, during gas flow shall be those contained in the American Gas
the monthly period preceding the date of the record, the date Association's Gas Measurement Committee Report Number
the well was put on production shall also be recorded on the 1 and Number 2, or some other basic orifice coefficients
monthly record; generally accepted in the industry and approved by the
Department of Conservation, such as those published by the
2. a record of stock on hand on the first day of each Foxboro Company, American Meter Company, and Pittsburg
month; Equitable Meter Company. Corrections for base pressure,
3. a record of all deliveries of oil from the lease, to base temperature shall be made. Corrections for
whom made, and the identity of the means of transportation, supercompressibility are recommended when equal to or
and the transporter; and greater than 1 percent in cases where data are available.

7 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

Corrections for Reynolds number and expansion factor are 2. Sub-surface injection or disposal by use of a well as
recommended only in cases where their combined correction described in Paragraph 1.a, above is prohibited unless
is equal to or exceeds 1 percent. authorized by permit or rule. This authorization shall be
conditioned upon the applicant taking necessary or
E. Gas Measurements with Pitot Tubes shall be based on
corrective action to protect underground sources of drinking
Reid's formula and shall follow recommendations similar to
water as specified by the commissioner. Underground source
those set forth in Appendix 4 of the Bureau of Mines
of drinking water (USDW) means an aquifer or its portion:
Monograph 7. Corrections for base pressure, base
temperature, shall be made as in orifice measurements. a.i. which supplies any public water system; or
F. Gas measurements with orifice Well Tests shall ii. which contains a sufficient quantity of
follow recommendations similar to those set forth in Bulletin ground water to supply a public water system; and
Number E-7 of the American Meter Company. Corrections
(a). currently supplies drinking water for human
for base pressure and base temperature, and gravity shall be
consumption; or
made as in orifice measurements.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
(b). contains fewer than 10,000 mg/1 total
30:4 et seq. dissolved solids; and
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of b. which is not an exempted aquifer (see Part
Conservation (August 1943), amended (January 1954), (May
XVII.103.H).
1973).
§125. Delegation of Authority 3. Existing enhanced recovery, saltwater disposal, and
liquid hydrocarbon storage wells are authorized by rule and
It is the duty of the commissioner of Conservation, or his are not required to reapply for a new permit. However, they
agents, to make such changes in the monthly production and are subject to the provisions of Subsection J.3.
proration orders as may appear reasonably necessary for the 4. the provisions and requirements of this Section
purposes of safety, conservation, the prevention of waste, or shall apply to underground injection by federal agencies or
the maintenance of proper gas/oil ratio, in accordance with any other person whether or not occurring on property
the orders and regulations of the department. owned or leased by the United States.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
30:4 et seq. B. Onsite Storage, Treatment and Disposal of
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Nonhazardous Oilfield Waste (NOW) Generated from the
Conservation (August 1943). Drilling and Production of Oil and Gas Wells
§127. Bottomhole Pressure 1. Definitions
The commissioner shall have the authority to require Coastal AreaC that area comprising inland tidal
bottom-hole pressure surveys of the various fields at such waters, lakes bounded by the Gulf of Mexico, and salt water
times as he may designate. However, operators shall be marshes and more particularly identified as the intermediate
required to take bottom-hole pressures in those wells only marshes, brackish marshes, and saline marshes on the
which are not likely to suffer any injurious effects therefrom. Vegetative Type Map of the Louisiana Coastal Marshes,
Tubing and tubingheads shall be free from obstructions in published by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries, August, 1978.
wells used for bottom-hole pressure test purposes.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. Community Saltwater Disposal Well or SystemC as
30:4 et seq. defined in §129.M.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
Conservation (August 1943). ContaminationC the introduction of substances or
contaminants into a groundwater aquifer, a USDW or soil in
§129. Pollution Control such quantities as to render them unusable for their intended
A. Permits Required purposes.
1. Permits are required for wells which inject fluids: Elevated Wetland AreaC a wetland area which is not
normally inundated with water and where land mass and
a. which are brought to the surface in connection levee material are available for mixing with waste fluids
with conventional oil or natural gas production and may be during closure of a pit.
commingled with waste waters from gas plants which are an
integral part of production operations, unless those waters Exempt PitsC compressor station pits, natural gas
are classified as a hazardous waste at the time of injection; processing plant pits, emergency pits, and salt dome cavern
pits located in the coastal area.
b. for enhanced recovery of oil and natural gas; and
Groundwater AquiferC water in the saturated zone
c. for storage of hydrocarbons which are liquid at beneath the land surface that contains less than 10,000 mg/l
standard temperature and pressure. TDS.

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 8

 Title 43, Part XIX

Hydrocarbon Storage BrineC well water, potable the operation of oil and gas facilities, or used in conjunction
water, rainwater, or brine (partially saturated to completely with hydrocarbon storage and solution mining operations as
saturated) used as a displacing fluid in hydrocarbon storage follows:
well operations.
a. Burn PitsC earthen pits intended for use as
Manufactured LinerC any man-made synthetic a place to temporarily store and periodically burn
material of sufficient size and qualities to sustain a hydraulic nonhazardous oilfield waste (excluding produced water)
conductivity no greater than 1 x 10-7 cm/sec after installation collected from tanks and facilities.
and which is sufficiently reinforced to withstand normal
b. Compressor Station PitsC lined or earthen
wear and tear associated with the installation and pit use
pits intended for temporary storage or disposal of fresh water
without damage to the liner or adverse affect on the quality
condensed from natural gas at a gas pipeline drip or gas
thereof. For purposes of this Section and §129.M, a
compressor station.
manufactured liner used in pit construction must meet or
exceed the following standards: c. Natural Gas Processing Plant PitsC lined
or earthen pits used for the storage of process waters or
Parameter or Test Standard stormwater runoff. No produced water may be stored in a
Thickness (average) > 10 mm (.01 in) natural gas processing plant pit.

Breaking Strength (Grab Method)* 90 lbs d. Produced Water PitsC lined or earthen pit
used for storing produced water and other nonhazardous
Bursting Strength * 140 psi oilfield wastes, hydrocarbon storage brine, or mining water.
Tearing Strength * 25 lbs e. Washout PitsC lined earthen pits used to
collect wash water generated by the cleaning of vacuum
Seam Strength * 50 lbs truck tanks and other vessels and equipment only used to
*Testing is to be performed according to ASTM method transport nonhazardous oilfield waste. Any materials other
D-751, latest revision. than NOW are prohibited from being placed in such pits.
Mining WaterC well water, potable water, rainwater, f. Well Test PitsC small earthen pits intended
or unsaturated brine which is injected into a brine solution for use to periodically test or clean up a well.
mining well for recovery as saturated brine.
g. Emergency PitsC lined or earthen pits used
NOWC nonhazardous oilfield waste. to periodically collect produced water and other NOW fluids
only during emergency incidents, rupture or failure of other
Nonhazardous Oilfield WasteC as defined in §129.M.
facilities.
OnsiteC for purposes of this Section, on the same
lease or contiguous property owned by the lessor, or within h. Onshore Terminal PitsC lined or earthen
the confines of a drilling unit established for a specific well pits located in the coastal area used for storing produced
water at terminals that receive crude oil and entrained water
or group of wells.
by pipeline from offshore oil and gas production facilities.
Operation of Oil and Gas FacilitiesC as used in this
Section, all oil and gas wells, disposal wells, enhanced i. Salt Dome Cavern PitsC lined or earthen
recovery injection wells and facilities, flowlines, field pits located in the coastal area associated with the storage of
petroleum products and petroleum in salt dome caverns.
storage and separation facilities, natural gas processing
and/or gas sweetening plants, and compressor stations. Reserve PitsC temporary earthen pits used to store
only those materials used or generated in drilling and
PitC for purposes of this Section, a natural
topographic depression or man-made excavation used to workover operations.
hold produced water or other nonhazardous oilfield waste, Submerged Wetland AreaC a wetland area which is
hydrocarbon storage brine, or mining water. The term does normally inundated with water and where only levee
not include lined sumps less than 660 gallons or containment material is available for mixing with waste fluids during
dikes, ring levees or firewalls constructed around oil and gas closure of a pit.
facilities.
Underground Source of Drinking Water (USDW)C for
Produced WaterC liquids and suspended particulate the purpose of administering these rules and regulations is
matter that is obtained by processing fluids brought to the defined in Subsection A.2 of this Section.
surface in conjunction with the recovery of oil and gas from
underground geologic formations, with underground storage Upland AreaC an area which is not identified as a
of hydrocarbons, or with solution mining for brine. wetland and includes farm land, pasture land, recreational
land, and residential land.
Production PitsC either earthen or lined storage pits
for collecting NOW sediment periodically cleaned from 2. General Requirements
tanks and other producing facilities, for storage of produced a. Produced water generated from the drilling and
water or other nonhazardous oilfield wastes produced from production of oil and gas wells shall be disposed of into

9 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

subsurface formations not productive of hydrocarbons, and iv, b.i, ii, and iii, [Link], iv, v, and vi, [Link], iv, and v, e.i, iii,
unless discharged or disposed of according to the provisions iv, and vi, and f.i and iii.
of §129.B.2.e or transported offsite in accordance with
j. Production pits, except for those identified in
§129.M.
§129.B.2 k.i and m below, may not be constructed in a "V"
b. Produced water may be disposed of by or A zone as determined by flood hazard boundary or rate
subsurface injection into legally permitted or authorized maps and other information published by the Federal
operators saltwater disposal wells, commercial saltwater Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), unless such pits
disposal wells, enhanced recovery injection wells, have levees which have been built at least 1 foot above the
community saltwater disposal wells, or gas plant disposal 100-year flood level and able to withstand the predicted
wells. The use of hydrocarbon storage brine and mining velocity of the 100-year flood. Location, construction and
water in storage and/or mining operations is not considered use of such pits is discouraged.
to be disposal.
k. Production pits located in the coastal area shall
c. Contamination of a groundwater aquifer or a be subject to the following requirements:
USDW with NOW is strictly prohibited. In addition, the
i. Except for exempt pits, no production pit
injection of NOW into a groundwater aquifer or a USDW is
may be constructed in the coastal area after June 30, 1989.
strictly prohibited.
ii. Production pits located in the coastal area
d. Produced water and other NOW generated in the
shall be closed in compliance with §129.B.6 and 7 by
drilling and production of oil and gas wells shall not be
January 1, 1993 with the following exceptions:
disposed of into a zone producing or productive of
hydrocarbons unless such disposal is approved by the Office (a). exempt pits as such term is defined in
of Conservation after a public hearing or unless prior §129.B.1;
approval to use the proposed zone for such disposal can be
(b). any onshore terminal pit that was in
documented.
existence on June 30, 1989, provided such pit has an
e. The discharge of produced water or other NOW approved Louisiana Water Discharge Permit System
(including drilled solids) into manmade or natural drainage (LWDPS) permit applicable thereto. Upon expiration of such
or directly into state waters is allowed only in conformance permit, operator shall discontinue use of said pit and comply
with any applicable state or federal discharge regulatory with the provisions of §129.B.4;
program.
(c). any production pit which is subject to an
f. The use of closed NOW storage systems is approved Louisiana Water Discharge Permit System
encouraged by the Office of Conservation; therefore, the use (LWDPS) permit is not subject to the closure requirements
of new or existing pits to store produced water, drilling of §129.B.6 and 7 until January 1, 1995 or until expiration of
fluids, and other NOW generated from the drilling and such permit which ever occurs first. Upon expiration of such
production of oil and gas wells is prohibited unless: permit, operator shall discontinue use of said pit and comply
with the provisions of §129.B.4.
i. notification for each pit is submitted to the
Office of Conservation as outlined in §129.B.3, and iii. Operators of existing production pits
located in the coastal area shall submit Form UIC-15-CP to
ii. pits are in conformance with standards set
the Office of Conservation by January 1, 1991. Pits closed
forth in §129.B.4.
prior to October 20, 1990 are not considered existing pits for
g. Unless exempted from liner requirements in purposes hereof.
§[Link] or B.2.m below, all existing produced water
iv. Operators intending to construct an
pits, onshore terminal pits, and washout pits which are to be
exempt pit shall submit Form UIC-15-CP to the Office of
utilized in the operation of oil and gas or other facilities must
Conservation at least 10 days prior to start of construction
be shown to comply with the liner requirements of
thereof.
§129.B.4.a.i or be permanently closed in accordance with
the pit closure criteria of §129.B.6 and 7 by January 20, v. Production pits located within the coastal
1989. A certification attesting to compliance with these area must maintain a levee with an elevation of at least 2 feet
requirements shall be submitted to this office in a timely above mean high tide, the liquid level in pit(s) shall not be
manner. permitted to rise within 2 feet of top of pit levee or walls,
and any surface water discharge from an active pit must be
h. All existing pits which are not to be utilized in
done in accordance with appropriate state or federal
the operation of oil and gas or other facilities must be
regulatory programs. Such discharge must be piped to open
permanently closed according to the requirements of
water (within the marsh) that receives good flushing action
§129.B.6 and 7 by January 20, 1989. A certification attesting
and shall not otherwise significantly increase the salinity of
to compliance with these requirements shall be submitted to
the receiving body of water or marsh. Further, unless
this office in a timely manner.
otherwise indicated in §[Link], vii, viii and ix.
i. Operators of existing pits are required to comply Production Pits located in the coastal area shall comply with
with all applicable operational requirements of §[Link]

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 10

 Title 43, Part XIX

the standards and operational requirements set forth in requirements of this Paragraph. Notification shall contain the
§129.B.4. information requested below. Pits closed prior to January 20,
1986 are not considered existing pits.
vi. Burn pits, compressor station pits, natural
gas processing plant pits, and well test pits located in the ii. Operators of existing pits must submit the
coastal area are exempt from the liner requirements of following information to the Office of Conservation by July
§129.B.4.a. 20, 1986:
vii. Salt dome cavern pits are exempt from the (a). For each existing pit to be utilized in the
liner requirements of §129.B.4.a. operation of oil and gas facilities, the information requested
in Paragraph 3.d.i-viii below;
viii. Produced water pits, washout pits, and
onshore terminal pits located in the coastal area shall comply (b). For each existing pit not to be utilized in the
with the liner requirements of §129.B.4.a unless such pit is operation of oil and gas facilities the information requested
subject to an approved Louisiana Water Discharge Permit in Paragraph 3.d.i-vi below;
System (LWDPS) permit.
(c). A plan and schedule of abandonment for
ix. Emergency pits located in the coastal area closure of pits identified in (b) above. Such plan must
shall comply with the requirements of §129.B.4.e unless comply with the provisions of §129.B.2.h, B.6, and B.7.
such pit is subject to an approved Louisiana Water Discharge Failure to comply with the plan in a timely manner will
Permit System (LWDPS) permit. subject an operator to appropriate civil penalties.
x. Any production pit which is not subject to iii. Operators of existing pits in the coastal
an approved Louisiana Water Discharge Permit System area shall comply with the requirements of §[Link].
(LWDPS) permit on October 20, 1990 shall submit a closure
b. New Pits. Except for reserve pits, operators must
plan to the Office of Conservation by January 1, 1991.
notify the Office of Conservation of the intent to construct
l. Within six months of the completion of the new pits at least 10 days prior to start of construction.
drilling or workover of any permitted well, the operator Notification shall contain all information requested in
(generator) shall certify to the commissioner by filing Form §129.B.3.d or [Link] as appropriate. The Office of
UIC-16 the types and number of barrels of NOW generated, Conservation may inspect any proposed pit site prior to or
the disposition of such waste, and further certify that such during construction; however, initial use of the completed pit
disposition was conducted in accordance with applicable need not be deferred if no inspection is made.
rules and regulations of the Office of Conservation. Such
c. Reserve Pit Notification. For reserve pits used in
certification shall become a part of the well's permanent
drilling and workover operations, notification requirements
history.
of this rule shall be satisfied by application for a drilling or
m. Based upon the best practical technology, work permit.
production pits located within an 'A' zone (FEMA) which
d. Notification Information Required - FORM UIC-
meet the following criteria are not subject to the levee height
15
requirements of §129.B.2.j above or the liner requirements
of §129.B.4.a.i: i. name of facility pit (indicate whether new
or existing);
i. pit size is less than or equal to 10' x 10' x
4' deep; ii. field designation, if applicable;
ii. such pit contains only produced brine; and iii. section, township and range (include
approximate footage location of pit center);
iii. such pit is utilized for gas wells producing
less than 25 mcf per day and less than or equal to one barrel iv. parish name;
of saltwater per day (bswpd).
v. type of pit (consistent with definitions in
Evidence of contamination of a groundwater aquifer or Subsection B.1);
USDW may require compliance with the monitoring vi. size of pit (length, width and depth);
program of §129.B.5, compliance with the liner
requirements of §129.B.4.a.i, or immediate closure of the vii. type of liner if applicable;
pit. viii. certification that each pit will or does
3. Notification conform to standards stipulated under §129.B.4 applicable to
that type pit and that such compliance will be within the time
a. Existing Pits frame described in §129.B.2.g, h, and i, if applicable.
i. Each pit which was constructed prior to 4. Pit Classification, Standards, and Operational
January 20, 1986 is an existing pit. Use of an existing pit is Requirements. Pits shall meet the following criteria as
prohibited unless the operator has reported that pit to the applicable:
Office of Conservation by July 20, 1986 according to the

11 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

a. Produced Water, Onshore Terminal, and Washout emptied of all fluids in a manner compatible with all
Pits applicable regulations and closed in accordance with
§129.B.6 and 7 within six months of abandonment.
i. Except where exempted by §[Link]
and m, groundwater aquifer and USDW protection for b. Reserve Pits
above-listed pits shall be provided by one of the following:
i. Pits shall be protected from surface waters
(a). A liner along the bottom and sides of pits by levees or walls and by drainage ditches, where needed,
which has the equivalent of 3 continuous feet of and no siphons or openings will be placed in or over levees
recompacted or natural clay having a hydraulic conductivity or walls that would permit escaping of contents so as to
no greater than 1 x 10-7 cm/sec. Such liners include, but are cause pollution or contamination. Authorized surface
not limited to the following: discharges of pit contents under federal or state regulatory
programs are not considered to be pollution or
(i). Natural LinerC natural clay having a
contamination as used herein.
hydraulic conductivity meeting the requirements of (a)
above. ii. Liquid levels in pits shall not be permitted
to rise within 2 feet of top of pit levees or walls. Pit levees or
(ii). Soil Mixture LinerC soil mixed with walls shall be maintained at all times to prevent
cement, clay-type, and/or other additives to produce a barrier
deterioration, subsequent overfill, and leakage of NOW to
which meets the hydraulic conductivity requirements of (a)
the environment.
above.
iii. Operators shall prevent the placing of
(iii). Recompacted Clay LinerC in situ or produced water, waste oil, trash, or any other material into a
imported clay soils which are compacted or restructured to reserve pit which would increase the difficulty in clean-up of
meet the hydraulic conductivity requirements of (a) above.
the pit or otherwise harm the environment. Such material
(iv). Manufactured LinerC synthetic material shall be properly stored and disposed of according to
that meets the definition in §129.B.1 and is equivalent or applicable state or federal regulations.
exceeds the hydraulic conductivity requirements of (a) iv. Pits shall be emptied of fluids in a manner
above. Pits constructed with a manufactured liner must have compatible with all applicable regulations, and closed in
side slopes of 3:1 and the liner at the top of the pit must be
accordance with §129.B.6 and 7 within six months of
buried in a 1' wide and 1' deep trench. A sufficient excess of
completion of drilling or work over operations.
liner material shall be placed in the pit to prevent tearing
when filled with NOW. c. Burn Pits
(v). Combination LinerC a combination of i. Pits shall be constructed in such a manner
two or more types of liners described in this Section which as to keep fire hazards to a minimum, and in no case shall be
meets the hydraulic conductivity requirements of (a) above. located less than 100 feet from a well location, tank battery,
separator, heater-treater, or any and all other equipment that
(b). Any other alternate groundwater aquifer and may present a fire hazard.
USDW protection system acceptable to the Office of
Conservation. ii. Pits shall be protected from surface waters
by levees or walls and by drainage ditches, where needed,
ii. Pits shall be protected from surface waters and no siphons or openings will be placed in or over levees
by levees or walls and by drainage ditches, where needed, or walls that would permit escaping of contents so as to
and no siphon or openings will be placed in or over levees or cause pollution or contamination.
walls that would permit escaping of contents so as to cause
pollution or contamination. Authorized surface discharges of iii. A representative of the Office of
pit contents under federal and/or state regulatory programs Conservation must be given an opportunity to inspect prior
are not considered to be pollution or contamination as used to and during construction of the pit as provided under
herein. §129.B.3.b.
iii. A representative of the Office of iv. Any burning process shall be carried out in
Conservation must be given an opportunity to inspect prior conformance with applicable air quality regulations.
to and during construction of the pit as provided under Notification as required by said regulation shall be made to
§129.B.3.b. the Air Quality Division, Department of Environmental
Quality.
iv. Liquid levels in pits shall not be permitted
to rise within 2 feet of top of pit levees or walls. Pit levees or v. No produced water, radioactive material
walls shall be maintained at all times to prevent (except industry-accepted and license-approved radioactive
deterioration, subsequent overfill, and leakage of NOW to material utilized in oilfield operations, and radioactive
the environment. material naturally occurring in the produced fluids), or other
noncombustible waste products shall be placed in pits,
v. When use of a pit will be permanently except water or emulsion which may be associated with
discontinued by the operator of record, the Office of crude oil swabbed or otherwise produced during test
Conservation shall be notified in writing. Pits shall be

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 12

 Title 43, Part XIX

operations, or during tank or other vessel cleaning groundwater aquifers and USDW's shall at a minimum
operations. NOW must be removed or burned periodically to address the following:
assure that storage of materials in the pit is kept to a
(a). Emergency Incident RateC operator shall
minimum.
estimate the number of times a pit will be utilized each year.
vi. Liquid levels in pits shall not be permitted A detailed discussion of the facility operation and reasons
to rise within 2 feet of top of pit levees or walls. Pit levees or for the emergency incident rate must be addressed.
walls shall be maintained at all times to prevent
(b). Soil PropertiesC operator shall describe and
deterioration, subsequent overfill, and leakage of NOW to
evaluate soil properties onsite. Soil hydraulic conductivity
the environment.
and physical properties must be addressed to assess potential
vii. When use of pits will be permanently groundwater aquifer and USDW impacts.
discontinued by the operator of record, the Office of
(c). Groundwater Aquifer EvaluationC water
Conservation shall be notified in writing. Pits shall be
quality, groundwater aquifer, and USDW depth shall be
emptied of fluids in a manner compatible with all applicable
evaluated.
regulations, and closed in accordance with §129.B.6 and 7
within six months of abandonment. (d). Produced Water Composition (total
dissolved solids and oil and grease)C must be determined to
d. Well Test Pits
assess potential impacts on the site.
i. Pits shall be constructed in such a manner
ii. All emergency pits required to be lined
as to keep fire hazards to a minimum, and in no case shall be
must conform to hydraulic conductivity requirements in
located less than 100 feet from a well location, tank battery,
§129.B.4.a.i above.
separator, heater-treater, or any and all other equipment that
may present a fire hazard. iii. No produced water or any other NOW
shall be intentionally placed in any emergency pit not
ii. Pits shall be protected from surface waters
meeting the hydraulic conductivity requirements (1 x 10-7
by levees or walls and by drainage ditches, where needed,
cm/sec for 3 continuous feet of clay) except in the case of an
and no siphons or openings will be placed in or over levees
emergency incident. In emergency situations, notice must be
or walls that would permit escaping of contents so as to
given to the Office of Conservation within 24 hours after
cause pollution or contamination.
discovery of the incident. Produced water and any other
iii. A representative of the Office of NOW must be removed from the pit within seven days
Conservation must be given an opportunity to inspect prior following termination of the emergency situation.
to and during construction of the pit as provided under
iv. Pits shall be protected from surface waters
§129.B.3.b.
by levees and by drainage ditches, where needed, and no
iv. Within 30 days after completion of a well siphons or openings will be placed in or over levees or walls
test, pits shall be emptied of produced fluids and must that would permit escaping of contents so as to cause
remain empty of produced fluids during periods of nonuse. pollution or contamination. Surface discharges of pit
contents under federal or state permits are not considered to
v. Liquid levels in pits shall not be permitted
be pollution or contamination as used herein.
to rise within 2 feet of top of pit walls or dikes. Pit levees or
walls shall be maintained at all times to prevent v. A representative of the Office of
deterioration, subsequent overfill, and leakage of NOW to Conservation must be given an opportunity to inspect prior
the environment. to and during construction of the pits as provided under
§129.B.3.b.
vi. When use of pits will be permanently
discontinued, the Office of Conservation shall be notified in vi. Liquid level in pits shall not be permitted
writing. Pits shall be emptied of fluids in a manner to rise within 2 feet of top of pit levees. Pit levees or walls
compatible with all applicable regulations, and closed in shall be maintained at all times to prevent deterioration,
accordance with §129.B.6 and 7 within six months of subsequent overfill, and leakage of NOW to the
abandonment. environment.
e. Emergency Pits vii. When use of pits will be permanently
discontinued, the Office of Conservation shall be notified in
i. Groundwater aquifer and USDW
writing. After notification to the Office of Conservation, pits
protection for emergency pits shall be evaluated on a case-
shall be emptied of all fluids in a manner compatible with all
by-case basis. Operators who intend to utilize existing or
applicable regulations, and closed in accordance with
new emergency pits without liners must demonstrate by
§129.B.6 and 7 within six months of abandonment.
written application to the Office of Conservation that
groundwater aquifer and USDW contamination will not f. Natural Gas Processing Plant Pits, Compressor
occur; otherwise, emergency pits shall be lined. Applications Station Pits, and Salt Dome Cavern Pits
to demonstrate unlined pits will not contaminate
i. Pits shall be protected from surface waters
by levees or walls and by drainage ditches, where needed,

13 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

and no siphon or openings will be placed in or over levees or Conservation. Within 30 days, the operator shall empty the
walls that would permit escaping of contents so as to cause pit of all NOW and submit a remedial plan for prevention of
pollution or contamination. Authorized surface discharges of further contamination of any groundwater aquifer or any
pit contents under federal and/or state regulatory programs USDW. Upon approval, the remedial plan shall be
are not considered to be pollution or contamination as used implemented by the operator and monthly progress reports,
herein. reviewing actions taken under the plan and their results, will
be filed with the Office of Conservation until all actions
ii. A representative of the Office of
called for in the plan have been satisfactorily completed.
Conservation must be given an opportunity to inspect prior
to and during construction of the pit as provided under d. Notification received by the Office of
§129.B.3.b. Conservation, pursuant to §129.B.5.a, b, or c above, of any
contamination of a groundwater aquifer or a USDW as the
iii. Liquid levels in pits shall not be permitted
possible result of a discharge, or information obtained by the
to rise within 2 feet of top of pit levees or walls. Pit levees or
exploitation of such notification shall not be used against the
walls shall be maintained at all times to prevent
reporting owner or operator in any criminal action, including
deterioration, subsequent overfill, and leakage of NOW to
but not limited to those provided for by Louisiana Revised
the environment.
Statutes 30:18, except in a prosecution for perjury or for
iv. When use of a pit will be permanently giving a false statement.
discontinued by the operator of record, the Office of
6. Pit Closure
Conservation shall be notified in writing. Pits shall be
emptied of all fluids in a manner compatible with all a. Pits must be closed properly to assure protection
applicable regulations and closed in accordance with of soil, surface water, groundwater aquifers and USDW's.
§129.B.6 and 7 within six months of abandonment. Operators may close pits utilizing onsite land treatment,
burial, solidification or other techniques approved by the
g. Office of Conservation Corrective Action and
Office of Conservation only if done so in compliance with
Closure Requirement. Should the Office of Conservation
§129.B.7 or 8. Otherwise, all NOW must be manifested
determine that continued operation of pits specified in this
according to §129.M.6 and transported offsite to a permitted
Subparagraph may result in contamination of a groundwater
commercial facility.
aquifer or a USDW, or the discharge of fluids into man-made
or natural drainage or directly into state waters, or b. Liability for pit closure shall not be transferred
contamination of soils outside the confines thereof, further from an operator to the owner of the surface land(s) on
use of the pit shall be prohibited until conditions causing or which a pit is located.
likely to cause contamination have been corrected. If
c. For evaluation purposes prior to closure of any
corrective measures are not satisfactorily completed in
pit and for all closure and onsite and offsite disposal
accordance with an Office of Conservation compliance order
techniques, excluding subsurface injection of reserve pit
or schedule, the commissioner may require closure of the pit.
fluids, nonhazardous oilfield waste (pit contents) must be
When an order for closure is issued, a pit shall be closed in
analyzed for the following parameters:
accordance with §129.B.6 and 7 and the operator must
comply with any closure schedule issued by the Office of i. pH;
Conservation.
ii. total metals content (ppm) for:
5. Monitoring Program
(a). Arsenic;
a. Upon a determination by the operator or the
(b). Barium;
Office of Conservation that any pit subject to this rule is
likely to contaminate a groundwater aquifer or a USDW, the (c). Cadmium;
Office of Conservation shall require the timely submission
of a plan for the prevention of such contamination. Such (d). Chromium;
plan may include using an under-built drainage and (e). Lead;
collection system, monitoring wells, and/or other means that
the Office of Conservation may approve to prevent or detect (f). Mercury;
contamination. Any required monitor wells shall be (g). Selenium;
registered with the appropriate state agency.
(h). Silver;
b. When required by the Office of Conservation,
monitoring shall be conducted on a quarterly schedule. A (i). Zinc;
written report summarizing the results of such monitoring iii. oil and grease (percent dry weight);
shall be submitted to the Office of Conservation within 30
days of the end of each quarter. iv. soluble salts and cationic distributions:

c. If monitoring of a groundwater aquifer or USDW (a). electrical conductivityC EC in mmhos/cm

indicates contamination due to a discharge from a pit, the (millimhos);
owner or operator shall immediately notify the Office of

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 14

 Title 43, Part XIX

(b). sodium adsorption ratioC SAR; b. Prior to conducting onsite pit closure activities,
an operator must make a determination that the requirements
(c). exchangeable sodium percentageC ESP of this Subparagraph are attainable.
(percent); and
c. For all pit closure techniques in this
(d). cation exchange capacityC CEC Subparagraph, except solidification, waste/soil mixtures
(milliequivalents/100 gm soil). must not exceed the following criteria:
v. Radioisotopes if such pit is located in the i. range of pH: 6 - 9;
coastal area and is closed after October 20, 1990.
ii. total metals content (ppm):
d. Laboratory Procedures for Nonhazardous Oilfield
Waste Analyses Parameter Limitation
i. For soluble salts, cationic distributions, Arsenic 10
metals (except barium) and oil and grease (organics) samples
Barium
are to be analyzed using standard soil testing procedures as
presented in the Laboratory Manual for the Analysis of Submerged Wetland Area 20,000
Oilfield Waste (Department of Natural Resources, August 9, Elevated Wetland Area 20,000
1988, or latest revision).
Upland Area 40,000
ii. For barium analysis, samples are to be
Cadmium 10
digested in accordance with the "True Total" method, as
presented in the Laboratory Procedures Manual for the Chromium 500
Analysis of Oilfield Waste (Department of Natural Lead 500
Resources, August 9, 1988 or latest revision).
Mercury 10
iii. For radioisotopes, the sampling and testing
Selenium 10
of pit sludges shall comply with the provisions of
Department of Environmental Quality, NORM Regulatory Silver 200
Guide, dated March 12, 1990 or latest revision thereof. Zinc 500
e. Documentation of testing and closure activities,
including onsite disposal of NOW, shall be maintained in
operator's files for at least three years after completion of d. Land Treatment. Pits containing NOW may be
closure activities. Upon notification, the Office of closed onsite by mixing wastes with soil from pit levees or
Conservation may require the operator to furnish these data walls and adjacent areas provided waste/soil mixtures at
for verification of proper closure of any pit. If proper onsite completion of closure operations do not exceed the
closure has not been accomplished, the operator will be following criteria, as applicable, unless the operator can
required to bring the site into compliance with applicable show that higher limits for EC, SAR, and ESP can be
requirements. justified for future land use or that background analyses
indicate that native soil conditions exceed the criteria:
f. Reserve pits utilized in the drilling of wells less
than 5,000 feet in depth are exempt from the testing i. In addition to the pH and metals criteria
requirements of §129.B.6.c and B.7 provided the following listed in §129.B.7.c above, land treatment of NOW in
conditions are met: submerged wetland, elevated wetland, and upland areas is
permitted if the oil and grease content of the waste/soil
i. The well is drilled using only freshwater mixture after closure is < 1 percent (dry weight).
"native" mud which contains no more than 25 lbs/bbl
bentonite, .5 lbs/bbl caustic soda or lime, and 50 lbs/bbl ii. Additional parameters for land treatment
barite; and of NOW in elevated, freshwater wetland areas where the
disposal site is not normally inundated:
ii. Documentation of the above condition is
maintained in the operator's files for at least three years after (a). electrical conductivity (EC-solution phase):
completion of pit closure activities. < 8 mmhos/cm;

7. Pit Closure Techniques and Onsite Disposal of (b). sodium adsorption ratio (SAR-solution
NOW phase): < 14;

a. Reserve pit fluids, as well as drilling muds, (c). exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP-solid
cuttings, etc. from holding tanks, may be disposed of onsite phase): 25 percent.
provided the technical criteria of §129.B.7.c, d, e, or f below iii. Additional parameters for land treatment of
are met, as applicable. All NOW must be either disposed of NOW in upland areas:
on-site or transported to an approved commercial facility or
transfer station in accordance with the requirements of (a). electrical conductivity (EC-solution phase):
§129.M or under the direction of the commissioner. < 4 mmhos/cm;

15 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

(b). sodium adsorption ratio (SAR-solution iv. top of buried mixture must be at least 5
phase): < 12; feet below ground level and covered with 5 feet of native
soil;
(c). exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP-solid
phase): < 15 percent. v. bottom of burial cell must be at least 5 feet
above the seasonal high water table;
e. Burial or Trenching. Pits containing NOW may
be closed by mixing the waste with soil and burying the vi. solidified material must meet the
mixture onsite, provided the material to be buried meets the following criteria*:
following criteria:
(a). unconfined compressive strength (Qu): > 20
i. the pH and metals criteria in §129.B.7 lbs/in2 (psi);
above;
(b). permeability: <1 x 10-6 cm/sec;
ii. moisture content: < 50 percent by weight;
(c). wet/dry durability: > 10 cycles to failure.
iii. electrical conductivity (EC): < 12
mmhos/cm; *Note: Testing must be conducted according to ASTM or
other approved methods prior to pit closure by solidification
iv. oil and grease content: < 3 percent by processes.
weight;
g. Passive Closure
v. top of buried mixture must be at least 5
feet below ground level and then covered with 5 feet of i. The Office of Conservation will consider
native soil; requests for passive pit closure provided one of the
following conditions exists:
vi. bottom of burial cell must be at least 5 feet
above the seasonal high water table. (a). where pit closure would create a greater
adverse environmental impact than if the pit were allowed to
f. Solidification. Pits containing NOW may be remain unreclaimed;
closed by solidifying wastes and burying it onsite provided
the material to be buried meets the following criteria: (b). where pit usage can be justified for
agricultural purposes or wildlife/ecological management.
i. pH range: 6 - 12;
ii. Operators requesting passive pit closure
ii. Leachate testing* for oil and grease: shall submit the following:
< 10.0 mg/1 (a). an affidavit requesting passive pit closure for
one of the reasons contained in §129.B.7.g.i;
chlorides < 500.0 mg/1
(b). a copy of Form UIC-15 or UIC-15-CP with
*Note: The leachate testing method for oil and grease is pit identification number shown thereon;
included in the Laboratory Manual for the Analysis of
Oilfield Waste (Department of Natural Resources, August 9, (c). an affidavit of no objection from the
1988, or latest revision). Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries obtainable
by contacting:
iii. Leachate testing* for the following metals:
(a). Arsenic < 0.5 mg/1 La. Department of Wildlife & Fisheries
P.O. Box 9800
(b). Barium < 10.0 mg/l
Baton Rouge, LA 70898
(c). Cadmium < 0.1 mg/1
Telephone: (504) 765-2367
(d). Chromium < 0.5 mg/1 (d). where applicable, an affidavit of no
(e). Lead < 0.5 mg/1 objection from the Department of Natural Resources,
Coastal Management Division, obtainable by contacting:
(f). Mercury < 0.02 mg/1
Department of Natural Resources
(g). Selenium < 0.1 mg/1 Coastal Management Division
(h). Silver < 0.5 mg/1 P.O. Box 44487
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4487
(i). Zinc < 5.0 mg/1 Telephone: (504) 342-7591
*Note: The leachate testing method for metals is included (e). an affidavit of no objection from the
in the Laboratory Manual for the Analysis of Oilfield Waste landowner endorsing operator's request for passive pit
(Department of Natural Resources, August 9, 1988, or latest closure;
revision).
(f). a photograph of the pit in question;

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 Title 43, Part XIX

(g). an inspection of the pit signed by a workovers provided the criteria in §129.B.8.c below
conservation enforcement agent and a representative of the continue to be met.
operator. The operator shall contact the applicable
iii. Injection of drilling and workover waste
conservation district office to arrange date and time for
fluids (including reserve pit fluids) shall be limited to
inspection;
injection of only those fluids generated in the drilling,
(h). analytical laboratory reports of the pit stimulation or workover of the specific well for which
bottoms and pit levees indicating conformance with authorization is requested. Reserve pit fluids may not be
applicable land treatment criteria set forth in §129.B.7.c and transported from one well location to another for injection
d; purposes.
(i). an analytical laboratory report of the fluid iv. Injection of drilling and workover waste
contents of the pit indicating conformance with applicable pit fluids into zones that have been tested for hydrocarbons
state and federal discharge regulatory program. Contact the or are capable of hydrocarbon production is prohibited,
Department of Environmental Quality, Water Pollution except as otherwise provided by the commissioner.
Control Division, (504) 342-6363 for information regarding
v. Pump pressure shall be limited so that
effluent limitations.
vertical fractures will not extend to the base of the USDW
iii. The commissioner of Conservation retains and/or groundwater aquifer.
the right to grant exceptions to the requirements of
vi. A drilling and workover waste fluids
§[Link] as he deems appropriate.
injection site may be inspected by a duly authorized
h. Offsite Disposal of NOW representative of the commissioner prior to approval.
i. Except for produced water, drilling, vii. Drilling and workover waste fluids to be
workover and completion fluids, and rainwater which may injected pursuant to the provisions of this Subparagraph are
be transported by an oil and gas operator to a community exempt from the testing requirements of §129.B.6.c.
well or an operators permitted Class II disposal well or
b. Application Requirements
discharged to surface waters where authorized,
nonhazardous oilfield waste shall not be moved offsite for i. Prior to the onsite injection of reserve pit
storage, treatment, or disposal unless transported to an fluids, an application shall be filed by the well operator on
approved commercial facility or transfer station in the appropriate form. The original and one copy of the
accordance with the requirements of §129.M or under the application (with attachments) shall be submitted to the
direction of the commissioner. Office of Conservation for review and approval.
ii. The criteria for land treatment, burial, or ii. An application for approval of reserve pit
solidification listed above will apply, as appropriate, to the fluid inject tion shall include:
onsite disposal of any nonhazardous oilfield waste remaining
(a). schematic diagram of well showing:
onsite.
(i). total depth of well,
iii. NOW that fails to meet the criteria of this
Paragraph for onsite disposal shall be moved offsite by the (ii). depths of top and bottom of all casing
operator to a permitted commercial facility or transfer strings and the calculated top of cement on each,
station in accordance with the requirements of §129.M.
(iii). size of casing, and
8. Disposal of Reserve Pit Fluids by Subsurface
Injection (iv). depth of the deepest USDW;

a. General Provisions (b). operating data:

i. The disposal (subsurface injection) of (i). maximum pressure anticipated, and

drilling and workover waste fluids (including reserve pit (ii). estimated volume of fluids to be injected;
fluids) into (1) a newly drilled well which is to be plugged
and abandoned or (2) into the casing annulus of a well being (c). a copy of the electric log of the well (if run)
drilled, a recently completed well, or a well which has been or a copy of the electric log of a nearby well;
worked over is prohibited, except when such injection is (d). additional information as the commissioner
conducted in accordance with the requirements of this may require.
Subparagraph.
c. Criteria for Approval
ii. Injection of drilling and workover waste
fluids shall not commence until approval has been granted i. Casing string injection may be authorized
by the Office of Conservation. Operators may apply for if the following conditions are met and injection will not
approval when applying for a drilling permit. Approval for endanger underground sources of drinking water:
injection into a well will remain valid for subsequent (a). Surface casing annular injection may be
authorized provided the surface casing is set and cemented at

17 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

least 200 feet below the base of the lowermost USDW, application for the approval of an injection well which is a
except as otherwise provided by the commissioner; or part of a proposed enhanced recovery operation may be
consolidated with the application for the approval of the
(b). Injection through perforations in the
enhanced recovery project (see Subsection C.2.d below).
intermediate or production casing may be authorized
provided that intermediate or production casing is set and 2. The application for the approval of an enhanced
cemented at least 200 feet below the base of the lowermost recovery injection or disposal well or wells shall be
USDW, except as otherwise provided by the commissioner. accompanied by:
ii. Surface casing open hole injection may be a. a map showing the disposal well or enhanced
approved provided the surface casing is set and cemented at recovery project area for which a permit is sought and the
least 200 feet below the lowermost USDW and a cement applicable area of review (for individual wellsC 3 mile
plug of at least 100 feet has been placed across the radius; for enhanced recovery projectsC the project area plus
uppermost potential hydrocarbon bearing zone. a circumscribing area the width of which is 3 mile) and the
following information:
9. Requirements for Community Saltwater Disposal
Wells and Systems i. within the area of review, the map must
show the number or name and location of all existing
a. The use of a legally permitted saltwater disposal
producing wells, injection wells, abandoned wells and dry
well and system for community saltwater disposal purposes
holes;
is prohibited unless the disposal well system operator sub-
mits a statement of noncommercial operation and the infor- ii. identification of the surface owner of the
mation requested in §129.B.9.b below to the Office of land on which the enhanced recovery injection or disposal is
Conservation. Such statement must indicate that the opera- to be located within the area of review;
tors using the community saltwater disposal system share
iii. identification of each operator of a
only in the cost of operating and maintaining the well and
producing leasehold within the area of review;
related storage tanks and equipment (system).
iv. the map may also show surface bodies of
b. The operator of an existing or proposed
water, mines (surface and subsurface), quarries and other
community saltwater disposal well and system must submit
pertinent surface features including residences and roads,
the following information to the Office of Conservation:
and faults if known or projected; and
i. the name of the community saltwater
v. only information on file with the Office of
disposal system including the disposal well name(s) and
Conservation and pertinent information known to the
number(s), serial number(s), field, and section, township,
applicant is required to be included on this map;
and range;
b. if the well has been drilled, a copy of the Well
ii. a list of the operators using the community
History and Work Resume Report (WH-1) and any available
saltwater disposal system;
electric or radioactive log of the well. A descriptive
iii. a list of the producing wells (well name, statement of the proposed zone to be used for injection or
number, and serial number) from which saltwater going into disposal. The approximate depth of said zone in the case of
the community saltwater system is generated; undrilled wells along with an electric or radioactive log of a
nearby well, if available;
iv. the approximate number of barrels per
month of saltwater received from each producing well; c. a schematic diagram of the well showing:
v. the method of transportation of the i. the total depth, drilled out depth or
saltwater to the community system (i.e., truck, pipeline, plugged back depth of the well;
etc.).
ii. the depth of the top of the injection or
c. Within six months of the effective date of this disposal interval;
amendment and annually thereafter, the operator of an
iii. the geological name of the injection or
existing community saltwater disposal system shall report
disposal zone;
the information required in §129.B.9.b above to the Office of
Conservation. iv. the depths of the tops and bottoms of the
casing and amount of cement used to cement each string of
C. Application Requirements for New Enhanced
casing; (Every well used for injection shall be cased,
Recovery Injection and New Saltwater Disposal Wells
cemented and tested in accordance with Subsections H and J
1. Each application for the approval of a new of this Order.)
enhanced recovery injection well or disposal well shall be
v. the size of the casing and tubing, and the
filed on Form MD-10-R and shall be verified by a duly
depth of the packer; and
authorized representative of the operator. The original and
one copy of the application and two complete sets of vi. the depth of the base of the deepest
attachments shall be furnished to the commissioner. An USDW;

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 18

 Title 43, Part XIX

d. information showing that injection into the well or wells. Give location of said water wells and date(s)
proposed zone will not initiate fractures through the samples were taken, or statement why samples were not
overlying strata which could enable the injection fluid or submitted;
formation fluid to enter an underground source of drinking
iv. qualitative and quantitative analysis of
water. This requirement will be satisfied upon proper
representative sample of water to be injected;
demonstration by the applicant that the pressure in the well
at the depth of injection shall not exceed 75 percent of the v. geological name of injection zone and
pressure needed to fracture the formation; vertical distance separating top of injection zone from base
of the deepest USDW, and a geological description of each
e. proposed operating data:
major separating bed including individual bed thickness; and
i. daily injection rates and pressures;
vi. geological name, if known, and depth of
ii. geologic names, depths and location of the base of the deepest USDW.
injection fluid sources;
D. Application Requirements for Enhanced Recovery
iii. qualitative and quantitative analysis of Projects
water from two or more existing water wells within one-
1. An enhanced recovery project shall be permitted
quarter mile of proposed enhanced recovery injection or
only by order of the commissioner after notice and public
disposal
hearing.
2. The application for a permit authorizing an
enhanced recovery project shall contain the following:
a. the names and addresses of the operator or
operators of the project;
b. in addition to the information on the map
required in Subsection C.2.a of this amendment, show the
lease, group of leases, unit or units included within the
proposed project;
c. the common source or sources of supply in which
all wells are currently completed;
d. the name, description and depth of each common
source of supply to be affected;
e. a log of a representative well completed in the
common source or sources of supply;
f. a description of the existing or proposed casing
programs for injection wells, and the proposed method of
testing all casing;
g. a description of the injection medium to be used,
its source or sources and the estimated amounts to be
injected daily;
h. for a project within an allocated pool, a
tabulation showing recent gas-oil ratios and oil and water
production tests for each of the producing oil and/or gas
wells;
i. the proposed plan of development of the area
included within the project; and
j. a schematic diagram of existing and/or proposed
injection well(s) as set out in Subsection C.2.c of this
amendment.
3. A copy of the application shall be mailed to each
operator offsetting the project as shown on the application
within five days after the application is filed. An affidavit of
compliance with this rule shall be filed on or before the
hearing.

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 NATURAL RESOURCES

4. Injectivity Tests and Pilot Projects 3. Public Hearings

a. Injectivity Test. The commissioner may a. If any person protests the application for a
administratively approve for a period of one week an saltwater disposal or other Class II facility by filing written
injectivity test in order to determine the injection rate, comments with the commissioner within 15 days following
injectivity index, and/or pressure analysis of a well for publication of notice, the application shall be set for public
enhanced recovery. hearing at the election of the applicant or the commissioner.
i. Requests for injectivity tests must include b. All enhanced recovery well or project
the following: applications shall be approved only after a 30-day comment
period and public hearing. The notice of hearing shall be
(a). well name and number;
mailed out to each interested owner and to each interested
(b). serial number; party.
(c). Form WH-1 of the well; 4. The commissioner may administratively approve or
deny the application for a Class II well other than an
(d). schematic diagram of the well; enhanced recovery well or project, after review, without a
(e). sand, reservoir, and field; public hearing if there are no comments received during the
application comment period. If the commissioner denies
(f). brief discussion of the proposed test. administrative approval, the operator shall have a right to a
ii. The commissioner must be provided with public hearing on the decision.
the results of the injectivity test after completion. 5. Response to Comments
b. Pilot Projects. The commissioner may a. At the time that any final permit is issued,
administratively approve pilot projects for enhanced following a public hearing, the commissioner shall issue a
recovery for a period of six months from the date of response to comments. This response shall briefly describe
initiation of injection. and respond to all significant comments on the permit
i. Requests for pilot projects must include application raised during the public comment period, or
Form UIC-II(EOR) for each well to be used for injection during any hearing.
within the project and such additional information the b. The response to comments shall be available to
commissioner deems necessary to justify the approval of the the public.
pilot project.
F. Duration of Permits
ii. Wells used for injection within the pilot
project are exempt from the provisions of §129.E of this 1. Permits authorizing injection into enhanced
Order. recovery injection wells and disposal wells shall remain
valid for the life of the well, unless revoked by the
iii. Within 10 days of initiation of injection commissioner for just cause.
the operator must notify the commissioner in writing the
date injection actually commenced. 2. A permit granting underground injection may be
modified, revoked and reissued, or terminated during its
iv. To continue operation beyond the six- term for cause. This may be at the request of any interested
month pilot project approval, the operator must obtain person or at the commissioner's initiative. All requests shall
approval of an enhanced recovery project (prior to the be in writing and shall contain facts or reasons supporting
expiration date of the administratively approved six-month the request.
pilot project) pursuant to the rules of procedure for
conducting hearings before the Commissioner of 3. A permit may be modified, revoked and reissued, or
Conservation, R.S. 30:5(C), R.S. 30:6, and §129.C.1 and 2, terminated after notice and hearing, if:
§129.D.1, 2, and 3 of this Order. a. there is a substantial change of conditions in the
v. In the event the pilot project is enhanced recovery injection well or the disposal well
unsuccessful, the operator must submit a letter to the operation, or there are substantial changes in the information
commissioner requesting termination of such project. originally furnished;
E. Permit Notice Requirements b. information as to the permitted operation
indicates that the cumulative effects on the environment are
1. Applications for saltwater disposal, enhanced unacceptable, such as pollution of USDW's;
recovery wells or projects, and other Class II facilities shall
be advertised in the official state journal. c. there are substantial violations of the terms and
provisions of the permit; and
2. Notice requirements for commercial saltwater
facilities can be found in §129.M of the amendment to d. the operator has misrepresented any material
Statewide Order 29-B (Section 129) entitled Offsite Disposal facts during the permit issuance process.
of Drilling Mud and Saltwater dated July 20, 1980.

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 Title 43, Part XIX

G. Transfer of Permits. A permit authorizing an suspension of injection. Said permission shall not exceed
enhanced recovery injection well or disposal well shall not one year. After one year, the well or well(s) in a project shall
be transferred from one operator to another without the be plugged and abandoned as outlined in §137 of this Order.
approval of the commissioner (Form MD-10-R-A). The operator may request a hearing for an extension
exceeding one year. Wells required for standby service,
H. Construction Requirements For New Wells
provided they meet all requirements for wells in active
1. Each new enhanced recovery injection well or service, are exempt from the plugging requirements of this
disposal well shall be completed, equipped, operated and Subsection.
maintained in a manner that will prevent endangerment of
6. The operator shall, within 30 days notify the
USDW's or damage to sources of oil or gas and will confine
commissioner of the date injection into an enhanced
injected fluids to the interval or intervals approved.
recovery injection well, enhanced recovery injection project
2. The casing and cementing program shall conform or disposal well is terminated permanently and the reason
to the following requirements: therefore; at which time the permit authorizing the well or
project shall expire. Notification of project injection
a. surface casing set through the base of the deepest termination must be accompanied by an individual well
USDW and cemented back to the surface in accordance with status report for all project injection wells.
§109.B.1 of this Order; and
7. Mechanical failures or downhole problems which
b. long string casing shall be cemented above the indicate an enhanced recovery injection well or disposal well
injection zone in accordance with §109.D.3 of this Order. is not, or may not be, directing the injected fluid into the
3. Tubing and Packer. New wells drilled or existing permitted or authorized injection zone may be cause to shut-
wells converted for disposal after the effective date of this in the well. If said condition may endanger a USDW, the
rule shall be equipped with tubing set on a mechanical operator shall orally notify the commissioner within 24
packer. Packers shall be set no higher than 150 feet above hours at (504) 342-5515. Written notice of this failure shall
the top of the disposal zone. be submitted to the Office of Conservation within five days
of the occurrence together with a plan for testing and/or
4. Pressure Valves. The wellhead shall be equipped repairing the well. Results of such testing and well repair
with aboveground pressure observation valves on the tubing shall be included in the annual monitoring report to the
and for each annulus of the well; said valves will be commissioner. Any mechanical downhole well repair
equipped with 2-inch female fittings. Operators of existing performed on the well not previously reported shall also be
wells shall comply with this requirement by no later than six included in the annual report.
months after adoption of this amendment.
J. Logging and Testing Requirements
5. Well History. Within 20 days after the completion
or conversion of a disposal well, the owner or operator shall 1. New Wells
file in duplicate to the commissioner a completed form WH- a. Before operating a new well drilled for enhanced
1. recovery injection or saltwater disposal, the casing outside
I. Monitoring and Reporting Requirements the tubing shall be tested under the supervision of the Office
of Conservation at a pressure not less than the maximum
1. The operator shall monitor injection pressure and authorized injection pressure, or at a pressure of 300 psi,
injection rate of each enhanced recovery injection well or whichever is greater.
disposal well on a monthly basis with the results reported
annually on Form SWD-1R-2. b.i. If open-hole logs of a nearby well were not run
through the lowermost USDW, a new well shall be logged
2. The operator shall report on Form SWD-1R-2 any from the surface to the total depth before casing is set.
casing annulus pressure monitoring used in lieu of pressure
testing and any other casing annulus pressure test performed. ii. If such logs exist for a nearby well, the
new well need only be logged electrically below the surface
3. All reports submitted to the Office of Conservation casing before the longstring is set.
shall be signed by a duly authorized representative of the
operator. c. After cementing the casing, a cement bond log,
temperature survey, x-ray log, density log or some other
4. The operator of an enhanced recovery injection acceptable test shall be run to assure there are no channels
well or disposal well shall, within 30 days, notify the adjacent to the casing which will permit migration of fluids
commissioner of the date upon which injection or disposal up the wellbore from the disposal formation to the
commenced. lowermost USDW. The casing program shall be designed for
5. The operator shall request permission from the the lifetime of the well.
commissioner for suspension of injection if an injection well 2. Converted Wells. Before operating an existing well
or project is to be removed from service for a period of six newly converted to enhanced recovery injection or disposal,
months or more, and give reasons or justification for such the casing outside the tubing shall be tested under
supervision of the Office of Conservation at a pressure of

21 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

1000 psi or maximum authorized injection pressure, before the end of the 48-hour period unless authorized by the
whichever is less, provided no testing pressure shall be less commissioner. The commissioner may authorize or require
than 300 psi. alternative tests or surveys as is deemed appropriate and
necessary.
3. Existing Wells
5. A complete record of all mechanical integrity
a. An injection well has mechanical integrity if:
pressure tests shall be made out, verified and filed in
i. there is no significant leak in the casing, duplicate on the Form PLT# 1 within 30 days after the
tubing or packer; and testing.
ii. there is no significant fluid movement into K. Confinement of Fluids. If the operator or the
an underground source of drinking water through vertical commissioner determines that the disposal operation is
channels adjacent to the injection wellbore. causing fluid to enter an unauthorized stratum or to escape to
the land surface, the operator shall shut-in the disposal well
b. One of the following methods must be used to immediately and notify the commissioner by telephone
evaluate the absence of significant leaks under Paragraph within 24 hours at (504) 342-5515. Injection into the
3.a.i above: disposal well shall not be resumed until the commissioner
i. monitoring of annulus pressure; or has determined that the well is in compliance with all
material permit conditions. If the certificate of compliance is
ii. pressure test with liquid; or not issued within 90 days, the permit shall be canceled and
iii. records of monitoring showing the absence the disposal well shall be plugged and abandoned in
of significant changes in the relationship between injection accordance with §137.
pressure and injection flow rate for the following enhanced L. Enhanced recovery injection wells and disposal wells
recovery wells: shall be plugged in accordance with the provisions of the
(a). existing wells completed without a packer commissioner's rules governing the plugging of oil and gas
provided that a pressure test has been performed and the data wells, as found in §137.
is available and provided further that one pressure test shall M. Off-site Storage, Treatment and/or Disposal of
be performed at a time when the well is shut down and if the Nonhazardous Oilfield Waste Generated From Drilling and
running of such a test will not cause further loss of Production of Oil and Gas Wells
significant amounts of oil or gas; or
1. Definitions
(b). existing wells constructed without a
longstring casing, but with surface casing which terminates Application PhaseC an identifiable period of time
at the base of the lowest USDW provided that local during which NOW waste receipts are applied to a land
geological and hydrological features allow such construction treatment cell.
and provided further that the annular space shall be visually
CellC an earthen area constructed within a land
inspected. For these wells, the commissioner shall prescribe
treatment facility used for the placement, treatment, disposal
a monitoring program which will verify the absence of
and degradation of nonhazardous oilfield waste.
significant fluid movement from the injection zone into an
USDW. Closed SystemC a system in which nonhazardous
oilfield waste is stored in enclosed tanks or barges prior to
c. One of the following methods must be used to
being treated and/or disposed of. Pits are not utilized in a
determine the absence of significant fluid movement under
closed system.
Paragraph [Link] above:
Commercial FacilityC a legally permitted waste
i. cementing records demonstrating the
storage, treatment and/or disposal facility which receives,
presence of adequate cement to prevent such migration; or
treats, reclaims, stores, or disposes of nonhazardous oilfield
ii. the results of a temperature or noise log. waste for a fee or other consideration.
d. The commissioner may approve a request for the CommissionerC the commissioner of Conservation of
use of a test to demonstrate mechanical integrity other than the state of Louisiana.
those listed in Paragraphs 3.b and c above, if the proposed
Community Saltwater Disposal Well or SystemC a
test will reliably demonstrate the mechanical integrity for
saltwater disposal well within an oil or gas field which is
wells for which its use is proposed.
used by operators in the field or adjacent fields for disposal
e. Each disposal and enhanced recovery well shall of their produced water.
demonstrate mechanical integrity at least once every five
GeneratorC any person or entity who generates or
years. The commissioner will prescribe a schedule and mail
causes to be generated any nonhazardous oilfield waste
notification to operators to allow for orderly and timely
(NOW), sometimes referred to as "operator".
compliance with this requirement.
Groundwater AquiferC as defined in §129.B.
4. The operator shall notify the commissioner at least
48 hours prior to the testing. Testing shall not commence

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 22

 Title 43, Part XIX

Inactive CellC a land treatment cell which is not used m. waste from approved salvage oil operators
for NOW receipts or has been taken out of service by a land who only receive waste oil (BS&W) from oil and gas leases;
treatment facility. Such cell may be considered inactive only
n. pipeline test water which does not meet
if it is a new cell which has not yet received waste or an
discharge limitations established by the appropriate state
existing cell which is in compliance with the applicable
agency, or pipeline pig water, i.e., waste fluids generated
testing criteria of §129.M.
from the cleaning of a pipeline;
Land TreatmentC a dynamic process involving the
o. wastes from permitted commercial
controlled application of nonhazardous oilfield waste onto or
facilities;
into the aerobic surface soil horizon by a commercial
facility, accompanied by continued monitoring and p. material used in crude oil spill clean-up
management, to alter the physical, chemical, and biological operations.
state of the waste. Site, soil, climate, and biological activity
interact as a system to degrade and immobilize waste Oil-Based Drilling MudsC any oil-based drilling fluid
constituents thereby rendering the area suitable for the composed of a water in oil emulsion, organophillic clays,
support of vegetative growth and providing for beneficial drilled solids and additives for down-hole rheology and
future land use. stability such as fluid loss control materials, thinners,
weighting agents, etc.
OffsiteC for purposes of this Section, outside the
confines of a drilling unit for a specific well or group of PitC an earthen surface impoundment constructed to retain
wells, or in the absence of such a unit, outside the confines nonhazardous oilfield waste, often referred to as a pond or
of a lease or contiguous property owned by the lessor upon lagoon.
which a well is drilled.
Reusable MaterialC a material that would otherwise be
NOWC nonhazardous oilfield waste. classified as nonhazardous oilfield waste, but which is
Nonhazardous Oilfield Waste (NOW)C waste capable of resource conservation and recovery and has been
generated by the drilling and production of oil and gas wells processed in whole or in part for reuse. To meet this
and which is not regulated by the provisions of the Louisiana definition, the material must have been treated physically,
Hazardous Waste Regulations. Such wastes include the chemically, or biologically or otherwise processed so that the
following: material is significantly changed (i.e., the new material is
physically, chemically, or biologically distinct from the
a. salt water (produced brine or produced
original material), and meets the criteria of §129.M.8.F.
water), except for salt water whose intended and actual use
is in drilling, workover or completion fluids or in enhanced Salt Water (Produced Brine)C produced water from an oil
mineral recovery operations; or gas well with a chloride content greater than 500 ppm.
b. oil-base drilling mud and cuttings; Transfer StationC a nonhazardous oilfield waste receiving
c. water-base drilling mud and cuttings; and storage facility, located offsite, but operated at an
approved location in conjunction with a permitted
d. drilling, workover and completion fluids; commercial facility, which is used for temporary storage of
e. production pit sludges; manifested nonhazardous oilfield waste for a period of 30
days or less.
f. production storage tank sludges;
TransporterC a legally permitted carrier of
g. produced oily sands and solids; nonhazardous oilfield waste contained in trucks, barges,
boats, or other transportation vessels.
h. produced formation fresh water;
Treatment PhaseC the period of time during which
i. rainwater from ring levees and pits at
NOW in a land treatment cell is physically manipulated
production and drilling facilities;
and/or chemically altered (through the addition of chemical
j. washout water generated from the cleaning amendments, etc.) to bring the cell into compliance with the
of vessels (barges, tanks, etc.) that transport nonhazardous testing criteria or reuse criteria of §129.M.
oilfield waste and are not contaminated by hazardous waste
Treatment ZoneC the soil profile in a land treatment
or material;
cell that is located wholly above the saturated zone and
k. washout pit water from oilfield related within which degradation, transformation, or immobilization
carriers that are not permitted to haul hazardous waste or of NOW waste constituents occurs. The treatment zone is
material; subdivided as follows:
l. nonhazardous natural gas plant processing a. Waste Treatment Zone (WTZ)C the active
waste which is or may be commingled with produced waste treatment area consisting solely of the NOW solids
formation water; applied to a land treatment cell during the application phase,
exists entirely above grade (original cell bottom), and whose
actual depth depends on the solids content of the NOW

23 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

applied. For monitoring purposes the WTZ represents the 0- accordance with applicable rules and regulations of this
12" depth increment. office. Such certification shall become part of the well's
permanent history.
b. Upper Treatment Zone (UTZ)C the
waste/native soil (original cell bottom) interface in a land b. Approval of Commercial Facility Required. The
treatment cell where some disturbance occurs as a result of storage, treatment, and/or disposal of NOW by a commercial
waste treatment/manipulation. For monitoring purposes, the facility must be approved by the commissioner as provided
UTZ represents the 12-24" depth increment. in this Section. Subsurface disposal of salt water is required
and regulated by other applicable Subsections of §129. The
c. Lower Treatment Zone (LTZ)C the zone requirements of this Section do not apply to either lease
beneath the UTZ in a land treatment cell from approximately
saltwater disposal wells or to community saltwater disposal
24-54" (or to the top of the subsurface drainage system)
wells. The unpermitted or authorized storage, treatment,
which remains undisturbed throughout the life of a land
disposal or discharge of NOW is prohibited and is a
treatment cell.
violation of these rules.
Type A FacilityC a commercial oilfield waste disposal c. Approval of Transfer Station Required. The
facility within the state that utilizes technologies appropriate
construction and operation of a transfer station must be
for the receipt, treatment, storage or disposal of oilfield
approved by the commissioner upon submission of a permit
waste solids and liquids for a fee or other consideration.
application according to the requirements of §129.M.3.g.
Such facility may include not more than three underground
injection wells at the permitted facility. d. Location Criteria. Commercial facilities and
associated saltwater disposal wells may not be located in any
Type B FacilityC a commercial oilfield waste disposal area:
facility within the state that utilizes underground injection
technology for the receipt, treatment, storage and disposal of i. where the disposal well or related storage
only produced saltwater, oilfield brine, or other oilfield tanks, pits, treatment facilities or other equipment are within
waste liquids for a fee or other consideration. Such facility 500 feet of a residential, commercial, or public building,
may include not more than three underground injection wells unless adherence to this requirement is waived by the owner
at the permitted facility. of the building, or in the case of a public building, by the
responsible administrative body. Any such waiver shall be in
Water-Based Drilling MudsC any water-based fluid writing and must be made part of the permit application;
composed of fresh water, naturally occurring clays, drilled
solids and additives for fluid loss control, viscosity, thinning, ii. where the subsurface geology of any
pH control, weight control, etc., for down-hole rheology and proposed injection zone (reservoir) does not exhibit the
stability. following characteristics:
2. Offsite Storage, Treatment, and/or Disposal of (a). adequate thickness and areal extent of the
Nonhazardous Oilfield Waste at Commercial Facilities proposed injection zone; and
(Note: Onsite disposal requirements are listed in §129.B)
(b). adequate clay confining beds separating the
a. Generators of Nonhazardous Oilfield Waste top of the proposed injection zone and the base of the
lowermost underground source of drinking water;
i. For NOW taken offsite for storage,
treatment, or disposal, the generator is responsible for the iii. where pits or land treatment cells and
proper handling and transportation of such waste to assure facilities are located in a "V" or A zone as determined by
its proper delivery to an approved commercial facility. flood hazard boundary or rate maps and other information
Failure to properly transport such waste shall subject the published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
generator to penalties provided for in R.S. 30:18. Each (FEMA) unless adequate levees are constructed to at least 1
shipment must be documented as required by §129.M.6. foot above the 100-year flood elevation as certified by a
professional engineer or surveyor and able to withstand the
ii. Any spills which occur during the offsite velocity of the 100-year flood. Said maps and data are on
transportation of NOW shall be reported to the Office of file and may be viewed by interested parties at the Office of
Conservation, including the appropriate state and federal Conservation, Injection and Mining Division, Baton Rouge,
agencies, within 24 hours of the spill. La. Existing facilities located in a "V" or A zone will be
iii. Operators (generators) are required to required to build facility levees above the 100-year flood
report the discovery of any unauthorized disposal of NOW elevation as certified by a professional engineer or land
by transporters, pit treaters, or any other oilfield contracting surveyor. As conditions change and new data is made
company. available by FEMA, owners of existing commercial facilities
will be required to update their facilities accordingly;
iv. Within six months of the completion of the
drilling or workover of any permitted well, the operator iv. where such area, or any portion thereof,
(generator) shall certify to the commissioner the type(s) and has been designated as wetlands by the U.S. Corps of
number of barrels of NOW generated, the disposition of such Engineers during, or prior to, initial facility application
waste, and certify further that such disposition was in review;

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 24

 Title 43, Part XIX

v. where other surface or subsurface ii. The notice of intent shall be published in
conditions exist which in the determination of the both
commissioner of Conservation would cause the location to
pose a threat of substantial, adverse effects on the
environment at or near the location.
e. Design Criteria
i. Commercial facilities, associated saltwater
disposal wells, and transfer stations shall be designed in such
a manner as to prevent the movement of waste materials into
groundwater aquifers or underground sources of drinking
water (USDW's) or to prevent the discharge of waste
materials into man-made or natural drainage or directly into
state waters unless a discharge permit has been received
from the appropriate state or federal agency.
ii. Commercial facilities and transfer stations
shall be designed and constructed in accordance with, but
not limited to, the following requirements:
(a). §129 and other applicable Sections of this
order;
(b). retaining walls (levees) shall be built around
all above-ground storage tanks to a level that will provide
sufficient capacity to retain the contents of each tank and
prevent the escape of stored wastes due to tank leakage, or
some other cause;
(c). spill containment systems shall be built
around unloading areas to prevent the escape of any wastes
spilled during off-loading; and
(d). limited access shall be provided by a
lockable gate system. In addition, the need for a 6-foot
chain-link fence around an entire facility or any portion of a
facility will be determined after a site investigation by the
commissioner or his designated representative. Gates shall
be locked except during the hours a facility is permitted to
receive nonhazardous oilfield waste.
3. Permit Application Requirements for Commercial
Facilities and Transfer Stations
a. Application and Permit Required. Every person
who intends to construct and operate a new offsite
commercial facility, or make a major modification to an
existing facility, shall file a permit application with the
Office of Conservation.
b. Notice of Intent
i. At least 30 days prior to filing such
application, the applicant shall publish a notice of intent to
apply. Such notice shall contain sufficient information to
identify the following:
(a). name and address of the applicant;
(b). the location of the proposed facility;
(c). the nature and content of the proposed waste
stream(s);
(d). the method(s) of storage, treatment, and/or
disposal to be used.

25 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

the official state journal, The State Times, and the official (a). Evidence of financial responsibility for any
journal of the parish in which the proposed facility will be liability for damages which may be caused to any party by
located. the escape or discharge of any material or waste from the
commercial facility or transfer station must be provided by
iii. Such notice shall be in bold-face type and
the applicant prior to issuance of a permit.
not less than one-quarter page in size and shall be published
on three separate days in each journal. (b). Financial responsibility may be evidenced by
filing a certificate of insurance (indicating the required
c. General Information. Except for the filing and
coverage is in effect and all deductible amounts applicable to
hearing fees, the following general information must be
the coverage), letter of credit, bond, certificate of deposits
provided in duplicate in each application for approval to
issued by and drawn on Louisiana banks, or any other
operate a commercial facility:
evidence of equivalent financial responsibility acceptable to
i. a $500 nonrefundable filing fee; the commissioner.
ii. a $600 nonrefundable hearing fee; (c). In no event shall the amount and extent of
such financial responsibility be less than the face amounts
iii. a list of names and addresses of the per occurrence and/or aggregate occurrences as set by the
principal officers of the company or corporation; commissioner below:
iv. documentation of compliance with the (i). 1,000,000 minimum coverage for
location criteria of §129.M.2.d.i. Provide a list of the names facilities which operate open pits; or
and addresses of all property owners, residents, off-set
operators and industrial facilities within one-quarter mile of (ii). $500,000 minimum coverage for any
the proposed facility or disposal well. Include copies of other commercial facility which stores, treats or disposes of
waivers where applicable. Names and addresses of local nonhazardous oilfield waste solids (i.e. oil- or water-base
governing authorities must also be included. Attached to this drilling fluids, etc.); or
list must be a simplified drawing (map) showing the
(iii). $250,000 minimum coverage for a
following information:
commercial salt water disposal facility which utilizes
(a). property boundaries of the commercial underground injection and a closed storage system; and
facility;
(iv). $100,000 minimum coverage for each
(b). the boundaries and ownership of all land transfer station operated in conjunction with a legally
adjacent to the commercial facility; permitted commercial facility subject to the guidelines of
this Paragraph.
(c). the location and identification of all storage
tanks and/or pits, treatment facilities, the disposal well, and NOTE: The commissioner retains the right to increase the face amounts
set forth above as needed in order to prevent waste and to protect the public
all residential, commercial, or public buildings within one- health, safety, and welfare.
quarter mile of the facility;
(d). If insurance coverage is used to meet the
v. for operators proposing the construction financial responsibility requirement, it must be provided by a
and operation of a disposal well, complete the appropriate company licensed to operate in the state of Louisiana.
application form, including all required attachments;
(e). For a commercial facility which operates
vi. a copy of the title to the property upon open earthen pits, such insurance must provide sudden and
which the facility will be located. If a lease or other accidental pollution liability coverage as well as
agreement is in effect on the property, a copy of this environmental impairment liability coverage.
instrument shall be included in the application;
(f). For any commercial facility or transfer
vii. a parish map of sufficient scale to identify station which does not operate open earthen pits, such
the location of the proposed facility; insurance must provide sudden and accidental pollution
viii. a detailed statement of the proposed liability coverage.
method of operation of the facility, including procedures for (g). The application shall contain documentation
the receipt, storage, treatment and/or disposal of wastes. This of the method by which proof of financial responsibility will
statement shall include a complete explanation of procedures be provided by the applicant. Where applicable, include
for witnessing the receipt, sampling, and testing of wastes to copies of a draft letter of credit, bond, or any other evidence
assure that only permitted nonhazardous oilfield wastes are of financial responsibility acceptable to the commissioner.
accepted;
(h). Prior to making a final permit decision, final
ix. documentation that the facility and/or (official) documentation of financial responsibility must be
disposal well will have limited access through a lockable submitted to and approved by the commissioner.
gate system with appropriate fencing.
(i). A copy of the insurance policy subsequently
x. Financial Responsibility (Insurance) issued in conjunction with any certificate of insurance is to

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 26

 Title 43, Part XIX

be immediately filed with the Office of Conservation upon following information must be included on these cross-
receipt by the operator. sections:
(j). Such documentation of financial (a). the base of underground sources of drinking
responsibility must be renewable on April 1 of each year. water (USDW's);
Existing facilities must comply with this requirement upon
(b). the vertical and lateral limits of the proposed
the next renewal date.
injection zone (reservoir);
xi. Provisions for Adequate Closure
(c). the vertical and lateral limits of the upper
(Bonding)
and lower confining beds; and
(a). Documentation that a bond or irrevocable
(d). the location of faults or other geologic
letter of credit will be provided for adequate closure of the
structures.
facility. Such documentation shall be provided as follows:
xiv. A list of all other licenses and permits
(i). Submission of a detailed cost estimate for
needed by the applicant to conduct the proposed commercial
adequate closure of the proposed facility. This cost estimate
activities. Include identification number of applications for
must include a detailed description of proposed future
those permits or licenses or, if issued, the identification
closure procedures including, but not limited to, plugging
numbers of the permits or licenses.
and abandonment of the disposal well(s) (if applicable),
plugging of any monitor wells according to applicable state d. Additional Permit Application Requirements for
regulations, closing out any pits or land treatment cells, Closed Systems
removing all surface equipment, and returning the
i. In addition to the information requested in
environment as close as possible to its natural state. The
§129.M.3.c above, the following information must be
closure plan and cost estimate must be prepared by an
provided in duplicate in each application for approval of a
independent professional consultant, must include provisions
closed system:
for closure acceptable to the commissioner, and must be
designed to reflect the costs to the commissioner to complete A detailed schematic diagram of the proposed facility of
the approved closure of the facility.
sufficient scale to show placement of access roads,
(ii). Submission of a draft irrevocable letter of buildings, unloading areas, storage tanks or barges
credit or bond in favor of the state of Louisiana and in a (including design capacities), treatment system, levees, flow
form which includes wording acceptable to the lines, filters, the injection well and all other equipment and
commissioner. operational features of the storage, treatment and/or disposal
(b). Upon completion of the application review system.
process, the commissioner will set the amount of the ii. Documentation of compliance with the
required bond or irrevocable letter of credit. location criteria of §[Link].
(c). The bond or letter of credit must then be e. Additional Permit Application Requirements for
submitted to and approved by the commissioner prior to Commercial Facilities Utilizing Pits for Temporary Storage
issuance of a final permit decision. of NOW Solids
(d). The bond or letter of credit must be Pits will not be approved for the permanent disposal of
renewable on October 1 of each year. Existing facilities must NOW. The construction and use of a receiving pit for
comply with this requirement upon the next renewal date. temporary storage of NOW may be approved if the
xii. Verification that a discharge permit has requirements of this Subparagraph are met. A receiving pit
been obtained from the appropriate state or federal agencies for temporary storage will only be approved for use as a
or copies of any applications submitted to such agencies. If a gathering, collection, and/or temporary storage location if
facility does not intend to discharge treated waste water or specifically designed for use in connection with a NOW
other water, a completed and notarized Affidavit of No treatment system (i.e. land treatment, chemical fixation,
Discharge must be provided. physical dewatering, incineration, etc.). Any proposed pit for
temporary storage is not to be constructed until a permit for
xiii. In order to document compliance with the
location criteria of §[Link], commercial facilities the NOW treatment system has been issued. Such temporary
which propose to permit a disposal well must provide strike storage pit must be located on the site of the permitted NOW
and dip geologic cross sections intersecting at the location of treatment system and such pit may not exceed a design
the disposal well for which a permit is sought. These cross capacity of more than 50,000 barrels.
sections must include, at a minimum, available log control, In addition to the information requested in ' 129.M.3.c
geologic units, and lithology from the surface to the lower above, the following information must be provided in
confining bed below the injection zone. The sections shall be duplicate in each application for approval of a commercial
on a scale sufficient to show the local geology in at least a facility incorporating the use of a pit:
two-mile radius from the proposed disposal well. The

27 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

i. A detailed schematic diagram of the (b). Any other alternate groundwater aquifer and
proposed facility of sufficient scale to show placement of USDW protection system acceptable to the Office of
access roads, buildings, unloading areas, monitor well(s), Conservation.
pits, storage tanks, treatment system, flow lines, filters, the
injection well and all other equipment and operational
features of the storage, treatment, and/or disposal system.
The diagram must include the dimensions and design
capacity (in barrels) of each proposed pit, tank or barge. The
diagram shall also include the following information:
(a). the location and elevation of each soil boring
required in §[Link] below;
(b). the location and elevation of each monitor
well required in §[Link] below;
(c). the elevation for the top of each levee;
(d). the elevation of the bottom (base) of each
pit;
(e). the elevation of the 100-year flood level;
(f). the general location of groundwater aquifers
and USDW's under the site and general direction(s) of area
groundwater flow.
ii. Documentation of compliance with the
location criteria of §[Link] and iv.
iii. Documentation must be presented which
indicates that groundwater and USDW protection shall be
provided by one of the following:
(a). A liner along the bottom and sides of pits
which has the equivalent of 5 continuous feet of
recompacted or natural clay having a hydraulic conductivity
no greater than 1 x 10-7 cm/sec. Such liners include, but are
not limited to the following:
(i). Natural LinerC recompacted natural clay
having a hydraulic conductivity meeting the requirements of
(a) above.
(ii). Soil Mixture LinerC soil mixed with
cement, clay-type, and/or other additives to produce a barrier
which meets the hydraulic conductivity requirements of (a)
above.
(iii). Recompacted Clay LinerC in situ or
imported clay soils which are compacted or restructured to
meet the hydraulic conductivity requirement of (a) above.
(iv). Manufactured LinerC synthetic material
that meets the definition of §129.B.1 and is equivalent to or
exceeds the hydraulic conductivity requirements of (a)
above. Pits constructed with a manufactured liner must have
side slopes of 3:1 and the liner at the top of the pit must be
buried in a 1' wide and 1' deep trench. A sufficient excess of
liner material shall be placed in the pit to prevent tearing
when filled with NOW.
(v). Combination LinerC a combination of
two or more types of liners escribed in this Section which
meets the hydraulic conductivity requirements of (a) above.

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 28

 Title 43, Part XIX

iv. The determination of near-surface provided in duplicate in each application for approval of a
geological conditions shall be made by soil borings. These commercial facility incorporating the use of land treatment
borings shall be made prior to construction of any proposed cells:
pit. Specific requirements for soil borings and soil testing
i. include a detailed description of the site
according to ASTM methods are as follows:
considered for land treatment with relation to the following:
(a). Soil borings and soil testing shall be
(a). past and present land use,
performed by an independent engineering or geotechnical
soil testing company or laboratory. (b). geology/soil properties/hydrogeology,
(b). The number and locations of borings shall be (c). drainage and flood control,
sufficient to develop an accurate representation of the
(d). hydrologic balance, and
subsurface conditions at all points beneath the pit(s) and
shall be determined in consultation with the commissioner. (e). highest seasonal groundwater level;
(c). The soil borings shall be sampled to at least ii. provide a detailed description of the
10 feet below the bottom of the maximum pit excavation, facility design including maps and drawings and a
and they must be continuously sampled to at least 5 feet discussion of the following:
below maximum excavation.
(a). site layout,
(d). Upon completion of the borings,
groundwater levels should be obtained and the boreholes (b). proposed waste application technique,
shall be adequately sealed by plugging with a (c). drainage control,
cement/bentonite slurry from the bottom up to the ground
surface. (d). proposed waste loading rate, and

(e). The logs of all borings made on-site, (e). expected facility life;
together with associated laboratory testing to classify soils iii. submit an explanation of the proposed
and to measure soil strength, permeability and other related management plan with reference to the following topics:
parameters, shall be submitted.
(a). sampling and testing of incoming waste,
v. A cross section showing the proposed
placement and type of materials to be used in the (b). method of receiving waste,
construction of the pit levees. The levees must be (c). waste segregation,
constructed of soils which are placed and compacted in such
a manner as to produce a barrier to horizontal movement of (d). application scheduling,
fluids. The levees must be properly tied into the barrier (e). waste-soil mixing, and
along the bottom and sides of the pits. Actual construction of
the levees must be monitored and documented by a (f). proposed land treatment cell and
professional engineering or geotechnical soil testing groundwater monitoring plan;
company. Documentation that a barrier exists within the iv. provide detailed information concerning
levee which consists of at least 3 feet of soil with a hydraulic closure and post-closure activities and monitoring as
conductivity of 1.0 x 10-7 cm/sec or less must be provided. follows:
All levees must be provided with a means to prevent erosion
and other degradation. (a). proposed closure procedures,
vi. A schematic diagram depicting the (b). post-closure maintenance, and
proposed or actual construction of each monitor well. A (c). closure and post-closure monitoring;
minimum of three monitor wells will be required to insure
that any seepage into a groundwater aquifer or USDW v. documentation of compliance with the
beneath the pit(s) will be detected prior to leaving the location criteria of §[Link] and iv;
disposal site's perimeter. Monitor wells shall be certified by vi. documentation shall be provided that
a professional engineer, hydrologist or geologist as adequate indicates the requirements of §129.M.7.
to detect any contamination. Additional monitor wells may
be required; the number and location of additional wells will g. Permit Application Requirements for a Transfer
be determined upon review of the pit size(s) and Station
configuration(s) and base line water quality data. i. The application for construction and
f. Additional Permit Application Requirements for operation of a transfer station by an existing Louisiana
Land Treatment Systems. In addition to the information commercial facility permitted by the Office of Conservation
requested in §129.M.3.c, the following information must be shall include, but may not be limited to the following
information:

29 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

(a). a statement of the proposed method of b. If the application is not complete, the applicant
operation of the transfer station, including, but not limited shall be advised of additional information to be submitted
to, the following: for approval or the application shall be returned and the
applicant will be required to resubmit the application.
(i). a description of the storage system;
c. Upon acceptance of the application as complete,
(ii). a statement as to the method of
the Office of Conservation shall set a time and date and
transportation of waste to and from the transfer station; and
secure a location for the required public hearing to be held in
(iii). a statement as to the final disposition of the affected parish.
the waste;
d. At least 30 days prior to the hearing, the
(b). documentation that sudden and accidental applicant is required to file six copies of the complete
pollution coverage (liability insurance) in the amount of application with the local governing authority of the parish
$100,000 is in effect for the transfer station; in which the proposed facility is to be located to be made
available for public review.
(c). documentation of compliance with the
bonding requirements of §[Link]; e. Public Hearing Notice Requirements
(d). a parish map of sufficient scale upon which i. Upon acceptance of the application as
the location of the proposed transfer station is identified; complete, the Office of Conservation shall publish in the
next available issue of the Louisiana Register, a notice of the
(e). a schematic drawing showing the following: filing and the location, date and time of the public hearing to
(i). the boundaries of the land, owned or be held in the affected parish. Such public hearing shall not
leased, upon which the transfer station is operated; be less than 30 days from the date of notice in the Louisiana
Register.
(ii). the location and identification of all
storage tanks or barges (including design capacities), access ii. At least 30 days prior to the scheduled
roads, buildings, unloading areas, levees, flow lines, filters, public hearing, the Office of Conservation shall publish in
and other operational equipment; The State Times a notice of the filing of the application and
the location, date and time of the hearing.
(f). a copy of the title of the property upon which
the transfer station will be located, or if a lease or other iii. The applicant shall publish a substantially
agreement is in effect on the property, a copy must be similar notice in the official journal of the affected parish on
included in the application; three separate days at least 15 days prior to the date of the
hearing. Such notice shall not be less than one-quarter page
(g). documentation of compliance with the in size and printed in bold-face type.
location criteria of §129.M.2.d.i.
f. The public hearing shall be fact finding in nature
ii. The application for construction and and not subject to the procedural requirements of the
operation of a transfer station by the operator of an out-of- Louisiana Administrative Procedure Act. All interested
state, legally permitted commercial facility shall consist of persons shall be allowed the opportunity to present
the following: testimony, facts, or evidence related to the application or to
(a). compliance with the notice of intent ask questions.
requirements of §129.M.3.b; g. Permit Issuance
(b). submission of the information required in i. The commissioner shall issue a final
§129.M.3.c; permit decision within 90 days of the closing of the public
(c). a detailed schematic diagram of the proposed comment period.
transfer station of sufficient scale to show the location of ii. A final permit decision shall become
access roads, buildings, unloading areas, storage tanks or effective on the date of issuance.
barges (including design capacities), any treatment system,
levees, flow lines, filters, and all other equipment and iii. Approval or the granting of a permit to
operational features of the transfer facility; construct a commercial facility (and any associated disposal
well) shall be valid for a period of one year and if
(d). submission of a copy of any permits issued construction is not completed in that time, the permit shall
by the appropriate regulatory agencies of the state in which be null and void. Requests for an extension of this one year
the out-of-state commercial facility is located. requirement may be approved by the commissioner for
4. Permitting Procedures extenuating circumstances only.
a. The Office of Conservation will review a new h. The application for construction and operation of
commercial facility application or transfer station a new or additional transfer station by an existing
application within 90 days of receipt and inform the commercial facility permitted by the Office of Conservation
applicant of its completeness. shall either be administratively approved or denied.

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 30

 Title 43, Part XIX

5. Criteria for the Operation of Commercial Facilities (i). name and address of the proposed new
and Transfer Stations owner (permittee);
a. Commercial facilities and transfer stations shall (ii). date of proposed transfer; and
be operated in compliance with, but not limited to, the
(iii). a written agreement between the existing
following:
and new permittees containing a specific date for transfer of
i. The area within the confines of tank permit responsibility, insurance coverage, and liability
retaining walls (levees) shall be kept free of debris, trash, between them.
and accumulations of oil or other materials which may
(c). If no agreement described in Subclause
constitute a fire hazard. Portable gasoline powered engines
(b)(iii) above is provided, responsibility for compliance with
and pumps must be supervised at all times of operation and
the terms and conditions of the permit and liability for any
stored at least 50' from tank battery firewalls when not in
violation will shift from the existing permittee to the new
use. Vent lines must be installed on all NOW storage tanks
permittee on the date the transfer is approved.
and must extend outside of tank battery firewalls.
iii. Commercial facility and transfer station
ii. The area within the confines of tank
operators shall give written notice to the commissioner of
retaining walls (levees) must be kept free of accumulations
any planned physical or operational alterations or additions
of water. This water shall be properly disposed of or
to a permitted facility or proposed changes in the waste
discharged in accordance with the conditions of a discharge
management plan. Requests to make such changes must be
permit granted by the appropriate state agency.
submitted to and approved by the commissioner prior to
iii. Pit and land treatment cell levees shall be beginning construction or accomplishing the change by other
kept free of debris, trash, or overgrowth which would means.
constitute a fire hazard or hamper or prevent adequate
iv. The operator of a newly approved
inspection.
commercial facility, transfer station, and/or disposal well
iv. Pit surfaces shall at no time have an must notify the commissioner when construction is
accumulation of oil of more than 2 inches. complete. The operator shall not commence receiving
nonhazardous oilfield waste or injecting salt water until the
v. Pit levels shall be maintained with at least
facility has been inspected for compliance with the
2 feet of freeboard at all times.
conditions of the permit and the disposal well has been
vi. Tank retaining walls (levees) must be tested for mechanical integrity.
constructed of soils which are placed and compacted in such
v. An operator of a commercial facility or
a manner as to produce a barrier to horizontal movement of
transfer station shall report to the commissioner any
fluids. The levees must be properly tied into the barrier
noncompliance, including but not limited to those which
along the bottom and sides of the levees. All levees must be
may endanger public health or safety or the environment.
provided with a means to prevent erosion and other
Such notice shall be made orally within 24 hours of the
degradation.
noncompliance and followed by written notification within
b. All facilities and systems of treatment, control, five days explaining details and proposed methods of
and monitoring (and related appurtenances) which are corrective action.
installed or used to achieve compliance with the conditions
vi. When a commercial facility or transfer
of a permit shall be properly operated and maintained at all
station operator refuses to accept a load of waste (other than
times.
nonhazardous oilfield waste), he shall notify the Office of
c. Inspection and entry by Office of Conservation Conservation immediately, providing the names of the
personnel shall be allowed as prescribed in R.S. 30:4. generator and transporter of the waste.
d. Notification Requirements e. Hours of Receiving
i. Any change in the principal officers, i. Commercial facilities and transfer stations
management, or ownership of an approved commercial shall be adequately manned during hours of receiving and
facility must be reported to the commissioner in writing shall receive nonhazardous oilfield waste by truck during
within 10 days of the change. daylight hours only. Daylight hours shall be defined as the
daily hours for sunrise and sunset as listed in table Number
ii. Transfer of Ownership 1119 entitled "Sunrise and Sunset at Baton Rouge,
(a). A commercial facility permit may be Louisiana," prepared by the Nautical Almanac Office,
transferred to a new owner or operator only upon approval United States Naval Observatory, Washington, DC 20390.
by the commissioner. ii. The commissioner may grant approval for
(b). The current permittee shall submit an after hours (nighttime) receipt of nonhazardous oilfield
application for transfer at least 30 days before the proposed waste by a commercial facility or transfer station (by truck)
transfer date. The application shall contain the following: when an emergency condition exists which may endanger
public health or safety or the environment. Generators shall

31 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

be responsible for obtaining prior approval for nighttime state and/or federal agencies and in accordance with the
hauling by calling the Office of Conservation at 504/342- conditions of such permit.
5515. When such approval has been granted, the Office of
h. Monitor Well Sampling and Testing
Conservation shall notify both the commercial facility which
Requirements for Facilities with Temporary Storage Pits
will receive the waste and the state police.
i. Water samples from monitor wells shall be
iii. Commercial facilities or transfer stations
sampled by an independent professional consultant and
with barge terminals may receive NOW transported by barge
analyzed by an independent testing laboratory. Samples shall
on a 24-hour a day basis.
be analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), chloride
f. Monitoring of Injection Wells (C1), sodium (Na), total dissolved solids (TDS), total
suspended solids (TSS), oil and grease (percent), As, Ba, Cd,
i. Except during approved workover
Cr, Pb, Hg, Se, Ag, and Zn.
operations, a positive pressure of no less than 100 psi shall
be maintained on the well annulus at all times. In addition, ii. Water from newly constructed monitor
an injection volume recorder (tamper proof meter) must be wells on new facilities shall be sampled and analyzed prior
installed and properly maintained on the injection line of to receipt of waste materials by the facility to provide
each disposal well system. Injected volumes must be baseline data for the monitoring system. This data shall be
recorded monthly and reported annually on the annual submitted to the Office of Conservation to be made part of
injection well report. the facility's permanent file.
ii. Except during approved workover iii. Water from monitor wells on existing
operations, wells shall be equipped with pressure gauges facilities shall be sampled and analyzed on a quarterly basis,
located on the wellhead, and situated so as to monitor the with a copy of the analysis submitted to the Office of
pressure of the injection stream and the pressure of the Conservation within 15 days of the end of each quarter.
annular space between the casing and the injection string.
i. Receipt, Sampling and Testing of Nonhazardous
iii. The pressure gauges shall have half-inch Oilfield Waste
fittings, be scaled in increments of not more than 10 psi, and
i. Only NOW (as defined in §129.M.1) from
be maintained in good working order at all times.
approved generators of record may be received at
iv. A daily pressure monitoring log shall be commercial facilities or transfer stations. Other generators of
maintained by the operator of the facility and shall contain NOW must receive written approval of the Office of
the following information: Conservation in order to dispose of approved waste at a
commercial facility.
(a). the date;
ii. Before offloading at a commercial facility
(b). the operator's name and address;
or transfer station, each shipment of nonhazardous oilfield
(c). the well name, number and serial number; waste shall be sampled and analyzed (by facility personnel)
for pH, conductivity, and chloride (Cl) content. Records of
(d). the monitored injection pressure; these tests shall be kept on file at each facility for a period of
(e). the monitored annulus pressure; three years and be available for review by the commissioner
or his designated representative.
(f). whether or not the well was injecting at the
time the pressures were recorded; and iii. An 8-ounce sample (minimum) of each
load must be collected and labeled with the date, operator
(g). the name or initials of the person logging the and manifest number. Each sample shall be retained for a
information. period of 30 days.
v. The pressure gauges shall be read and j. Renewal of Insurance Coverage. Documentation
pressures recorded in the daily log. that the required liability insurance coverage for a
vi. The daily log information shall be commercial facility or transfer station has been renewed
recorded on the appropriate form and submitted to the Office must be received by March 15 of each year or procedures to
of Conservation within 15 days of the end of each month. initiate permit suspension will be initiated. Any such permit
suspension will remain in effect until insurance coverage has
vii. Any discrepancies in the monitored been confirmed.
pressures, which would indicate a lack of mechanical
integrity and constitute noncompliance with applicable k. A sign shall be prepared and displayed at the
sections of this order, shall be reported to the Office of entry of each permitted commercial facility or transfer
Conservation within 24 hours. station. Such sign shall utilize a minimum of 1-inch lettering
to state the facility name, address, and phone number and
g. Discharges from land treatment cells, pits, tanks, shall be made applicable to the activities of each facility
and/or barges into man-made or natural drainage or directly according to the following example:
into state waters will be allowed only after the necessary
discharge permit has been obtained from the appropriate

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 32

 Title 43, Part XIX

"This waste (storage, treatment and/or disposal) b. The siting, design, construction, operation,
facility has been approved for (temporary storage, testing and closure of land treatment facilities shall be
treatment and/or disposal) of nonhazardous oilfield approved only after an application is submitted to and
waste only and is regulated by the Office of approved by the commissioner pursuant to the requirements
Conservation. Violations shall be reported to the of §129.M.3.
Office of Conservation at 504/342-5515." c. General Requirements
l. A vertical aerial color photograph (or series of i. The soil shall contain a slowly permeable
photographs) with stereoscopic coverage of each Type A horizon no less than 12 inches thick containing enough fine
facility must be obtained during the month of October each grained material within 3 feet of the surface to classify it as
year and provided to the Office of Conservation by CL, OL, MH, CH, or OH under the Unified Soil
November 30 of each year. Such photograph(s) must be Classification System.
taken at an original photo scale of 1" = 1000' to 1" = 500'
depending on the size of the facility. Photo(s) are to be ii. The seasonal high water table shall be
provided as prints in either 8" x 10" or 9" x 9" formats. maintained throughout the facility's operational life at least
36" below the soil surface, either as a result of natural or
6. Manifest System artificial drainage.
a. In order to adequately monitor the iii. Throughout the operational life of a land
movement and disposal of nonhazardous oilfield waste, treatment cell, in order to end the treatment phase and re-
every shipment of waste transported to a commercial facility enter the application phase, a cell must be shown to comply
shall be accompanied by a manifest entitled "Oil Field Waste with the following criteria:
Shipping Control Ticket." It is expressly forbidden to
transport or accept such waste without a properly completed Parameter Limitation
manifest form. pH 6.5-9
b. At the time of transport, the generator shall EC 10 mmhos/cm
initiate the manifest by completing and signing Part I. After
the transporter completes and signs Part II, the generator SAR 12
shall retain Generator Copy No. 1 (green) for his files. All ESP 15 percent
other copies shall accompany the waste shipment.
Oil and Grease 5 percent (by weight)
c. Upon delivery of the waste, the commercial Metals:
facility shall complete and sign Part III of the manifest. The
transporter shall then retain the Transporter's Copy (pink) for Arsenic 40
his files. Total Barium 100,000
d. Upon completion of the manifest, the commercial Cadmium 10
facility operator shall retain the Commercial Facility Copy Chromium 1,000
(yellow) for his files, mail Generator Copy No. 2 to the
generator, and mail the Conservation Copy (original) to the Lead 1,000
Office of Conservation no later than the next working day. Mercury 10
e. The generator, transporter and commercial Selenium 10
facility operator shall maintain file copies of completed Silver 200
manifests for a period of not less than three years.
Zinc 500
[Link] and gas, commercial facility, and transfer
station operators who transport NOW out-of-state to a
permitted disposal facility or receive NOW from out-of-state iv. The concentration of measured
must comply with the manifest system requirements of this constituents in any groundwater aquifer shall at no time
Subsection. significantly exceed background water quality data.
g. A monthly report of waste receipts shall be v. An unsaturated zone monitoring system
completed by each commercial facility on the appropriate shall be installed to provide early warning of possible
form and submitted to the Office of Conservation within 15 migration of mobile waste constituents. The unsaturated
days of the end of each month. zone shall be defined in the permit application.
7. Land Treatment Facility Requirements vi. An independent professional consultant
a. Land treatment facilities shall be isolated from and laboratory shall perform the necessary monitoring to
contact with public, private, or livestock water supplies, both assure adherence to the requirements of this Subparagraph.
surface and underground. vii. Application Phase

33 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

(a). NOW may be applied to active land ECC electrical conductivity (millimhos/cm for soil,
treatment cells during the application phase only. An micromhos/cm for water)
application phase begins only under the following
conditions: SARC sodium adsorption ratio

(i). a new constructed and approved cell ESPC exchangeable sodium percentage (percent)
begins receipt of NOW; CECC cation exchange capacity
(ii). a cell containing treated NOW has been (milliequivalents/100 gm soil)
shown to meet the testing criteria of §129.M.7.c and is TOCC total organic carbon (percent)
utilized for the application of new waste receipts;
Total metals as follows:
(iii). a cell from which treated oilfield waste
has been removed (after meeting the reuse testing criteria of AsC arsenic
§129.M.8) is utilized for the application of new waste
BaC barium
receipts.
(b). An application phase ends when either of the CdC cadmium
following occurs: CrC chromium
(i). three months have elapsed since the date PbC lead
application first began or,
HgC mercury
(ii). 15,000 bbls/acre of waste has been
applied to a cell. SeC selenium
(c). In order to document the amount of waste AgC silver
applied to each land treatment cell, facilities are required to: ZnC zinc
(i). indicate on each manifest (oilfield waste
TDSC total dissolved solids
shipping control ticket) the number of the cell onto which
each load of waste is applied; TSSC total suspended solids
(ii). maintain a daily or weekly log of type O&GC oil and grease (percent)
and volume of wastes applied to each land treatment cell;
Soluble cations:
(iii). include in the quarterly report the amount
of each type of waste applied to each cell during the quarter. NaC sodium

viii. Treatment Phase. Upon completion of the CaC calcium

application phase, land treatment cells enter the treatment MgC magnesium
phase. Remedial action (treatment) must be actively
performed in order to bring a cell into compliance with this Soluble anions:
Section. Cells must reach compliance status within 12 CO3C carbonate
months of the end of the application phase.
HCO3C bicarbonate
ix. Land treatment cell levees must be
constructed of soils which are placed and compacted in such C1C chloride
a manner as to produce a barrier to horizontal movement of
fluids. Levee construction material shall be compacted in a SO4C sulfate
maximum of 8" lifts to > 90 percent standard proctor test. i. Prior to the receipt of NOW in a newly
The levees must be properly tied into the barrier along the permitted and constructed land treatment system or cell,
bottom and sides of the cells. Actual construction of the baseline data must be provided by the following sampling
levees must be monitored and documented by professional and testing program:
engineering or geotechnical soil testing company. All levees
must be provided with a means to prevent erosion and other (a). Soil in the treatment zone (0-24") of each
degradation. cell must be sampled and tested for the following
parameters: pH, EC, SAR, ESP, CEC, TOC, O&G, As, Ba,
x. Rainwater and other NOW fluids are not Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg, Se, Ag, and Zn.
to be stored on land treatment cells. Such fluids are to be
removed from cells in a timely manner and stored in (b). Groundwater must be sampled and tested for
appropriate facilities. the following parameters: pH, EC, TDS, TSS, O&G, C1, Na,
As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg, Se, Ag, and Zn.
d. Monitoring Requirements
ii. The following monitoring program must
NOTE: References for the parameters required in this Subparagraph are be conducted during the active life of a permitted NOW land
listed as follows:
treatment system:

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 34

 Title 43, Part XIX

(a). Soil in the treatment zone (waste treatment (vi). the size of each land treatment cell (in
zone - WTZ and upper treatment zone - UTZ) must be acres).
sampled and tested quarterly to determine waste degradation
(h). The Office of Conservation may approve an
and accumulation of metals and oil and grease. Samples
alternative monitoring program upon receipt of evidence that
must be analyzed for the following: As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg,
such procedure shall provide adequate monitoring during the
Se, Ag, Zn, TOC, and O&G.
active life of a facility.
(b). Soil in the treatment zone (waste treatment
iii. Sampling and Testing Requirements
zone - WTZ and upper treatment zone - UTZ) must be
sampled and tested quarterly to determine the accumulation (a). A stratified random sampling system shall be
of salts and to provide data for determining necessary soil used to determine soil sampling locations in land treatment
amendments. Samples must be analyzed for the following: cells. All cells and monitor wells are to be sampled and
pH, EC, SAR, ESP, CEC, soluble cations (Na, Ca, Mg), and tested for all parameters unless otherwise approved by the
soluble anions (CO3, HCO3, C1, SO4). commissioner. Facilities are required to notify the Office of
Conservation at least one week in advance of each quarterly
(c). Discharge Water. A copy of each discharge
sampling event in order for a representative of this office to
monitoring report made in conformance with any applicable
be present.
state and/or federal regulatory program shall be furnished to
the Office of Conservation on a timely basis. (b). Soil samples in land treatment cells shall be
taken in the waste treatment zone (WTZ) and the upper
(d). The unsaturated zone must be sampled as
treatment zone (UTZ). Over time, the depth of the treatment
soon as practicable following significant precipitation events
zone sampled may need to be increased due to solids buildup
(within 90 days) to determine the presence of mobile
on land treatment cells. The degree of waste incorporation
constituents. If "free drainage" soil solution samplers are
shall be noted at the time of sampling.
utilized, sampling and testing shall be performed on a
quarterly basis. A composite of at least three samples per (c). At least two samples must be taken from
management unit (or cell if applicable) are to be analyzed WTZ and UTZ for each acre of cell area. For cells # 6.4
for the following: TDS, pH, Na, C1, EC, O&G, Ba, Pb, and acres in size, all samples from the WTZ and the UTZ are to
Zn. be composited for one representative analysis for each zone.
(e). Groundwater levels in monitor wells shall be Cells # 6.5 acres in size must be subdivided for random
sample acquisition and compositing.
measured monthly for a period of two years to determine
seasonal fluctuation in water table. Water level shall be (d). Soil samples are to be analyzed using
measured quarterly each year thereafter. standard soil testing procedures as presented in the
(f). Groundwater from monitor wells shall be Laboratory Manual for the Analysis of Oilfield Waste
sampled quarterly to determine the impact of facility (Department of Natural Resources, August 9, 1988, or latest
operation on groundwater. A composite of at least two revision).
samples per well shall be tested for the following: TDS, (e). Water samples are to be analyzed for
TSS, pH, C1, Na, EC, O&G, As, Ba, Cr, Pb, and Zn. required parameters according to acceptable EPA guidelines
(g). Quarterly monitoring reports must be and/or the laboratory procedures as presented in the
submitted to the Office of Conservation according to the Laboratory Manual for the Analysis of Oilfield Waste
(Department of Natural Resources, August 9, 1988, or latest
following schedule: 1st Quarter - due March 31st; 2nd
revision).
Quarter - due June 30th; 3rd Quarter - due September 30th;
4th Quarter - due December 31st. Each quarterly report must (f). The soil in an inactive cell may not be
contain the following information: required to be tested for certain quarterly monitoring
(i). the status of each cell at the time of the parameters only after two consecutive quarterly tests
sampling event (application phase, treatment phase, inactive, indicate compliance and upon receipt of written approval of
etc.), the date(s) sampling took place, and a diagram this office.
indicating sample locations for each cell; e. Closure and Post-Closure Monitoring
(ii). the amounts and types of oilfield waste i. Operators of land treatment systems shall
applied to each cell during the application phase, including submit closure and post-closure maintenance and monitoring
the beginning and ending dates of application; programs to the Office of Conservation for approval. The
(iii). a brief description of treatment activities monitoring program shall address sampling and testing
schedules for soil in the treatment zone, water collected from
undertaken to bring each cell into compliance with 29-B;
the unsaturated zone monitoring system, surface runoff
(iv). a compilation (chart) of test results for water, and groundwater.
the present and past three quarterly sampling events;
ii. Sampling and testing must be performed
(v). copies of current laboratory test data; during the entire closure and post-closure periods. To certify
closure of a land treatment system, water collected from the

35 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

unsaturated zone monitoring system and groundwater must 8. Resource Conservation and Recovery of
meet background water quality values; in addition, soils in Nonhazardous Oilfield Waste
the treatment zone and surface runoff water must meet the
a. In order to encourage the conservation and
following criteria:
recovery of resources in the oilfield industry, the processing
No. of of nonhazardous oilfield waste into reusable materials, in
Consecutive addition to or beyond extraction and separation methods
Parameter Criteria which reclaim raw materials such as crude oil, diesel oil,
Samples
etc., is recognized as a viable alternative to other methods of
Soils in the Treatment Zone disposal.
pH 6.5-9 2 b. Commercial facilities may function for the
O&G # 3.0 percent 2 purpose of generating reusable material only, or they may
EC # 10 mmhos/cm 2 generate reusable material in conjunction with other storage,
treatment or disposal operations.
SAR # 12 2
c. Commercial facilities that produce reusable
ESP # 15 percent 2 material are subject to all of the permitting requirements
Metals (ppm) imposed on other commercial facilities. They are also
As # 10 2 subject to the same operational requirements without regard
to the distinction between waste and reusable material.
Ba # 100,000 2 Existing permits may be amended to allow re-use activities
Cd # 10 2 at commercial facilities which acquire the capability to
engage in processing for re-use. Commercial facilities which
Cr # 1000 2
utilize extraction or separation methods to reclaim raw
Pb # 1000 2 materials such as crude oil, diesel oil, etc. may do so without
Hg # 10 2 amendment of existing permits.
Se # 10 2 d. The onsite generation of reusable material by pit
treating companies or other companies which do not hold a
Ag # 200 2
legal commercial facility permit is prohibited unless the
Zn # 500 2 company desiring to perform such activities complies with
Runoff Water the requirements of this Subparagraph and submits the
following information to the commissioner for approval:
pH 6.5-9.0 4
i. the names, addresses, and telephone
O&G # 15 ppm 4
numbers of the principal officers of the company;
EC # 0.75 mmhos/cm 4
ii. a detailed description of the process by
SAR # 10 4 which the company will treat pit fluids and/or solids (NOW),
TSS # 60 ppm 4 including the types of chemicals and equipment used in the
process, diagrams, test data, or other information;
COD # 125 ppm 4
Chloride 500 ppm 4 iii. a description of the geographical area in
which the company expects to do business (i.e., statewide,
Metals (ppm) north Louisiana, southwest Louisiana, etc.).
As # 0.2 4 e. In addition to other applicable requirements,
Ba # 10 4 companies seeking to be permitted for the production of
Cd # 0.05 4 reusable materials from nonhazardous oilfield waste shall
have the following obligations:
Cr # 0.15 4
i. Prior to permit approval or permit
Hg # 0.01 4 amendment approval, applicants must submit the following
Pb # 0.10 4 information:
Se # 0.05 4 (a). a detailed description of the process to be
Zn # 1.0 4 employed for generation of reusable material;
(b). types of facilities and/or equipment to be
constructed (or added);
iii. Post-closure monitoring shall be
performed on intervals of 6 months, 1, 2 and 5 years (c). identification of the proposed uses for the
following certification that closure is complete. reusable material; and

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 36

 Title 43, Part XIX

(d). a description of the proposed monitoring 8. Leachate testing** for:

plan to be utilized. a. arsenic 0.5 mg/l
ii. All proposed uses of reusable material b. barium 10.0 mg/l
must be approved by the commissioner in writing. c. cadmium 0.1 mg/l
d. chromium 0.5 mg/l
iii. The production of reusable material must e. lead 0.5 mg/l
be conducted in accordance with a monitoring plan approved
f. mercury 0.02 mg/l
by the commissioner with issue of the permit for each
g. selenium 0.1 mg/l
facility or process.
h. silver 0.5 mg/l
iv. For purposes of regulatory authority only i. zinc 5.0 mg/l
by the Office of Conservation and the establishment of
reusable material, compliance with the testing criteria of
§129.M.8.f below allows permitted companies to offer the * Non-hazardous oilfield waste when chemically treated
material for the following uses:
(fixated) shall, in addition to the criteria set forth be
(a). daily cover in sanitary landfills which are acceptable as reusable material with a pH range of 6.5 to 12
properly permitted by state and/or local authorities. The use and an electrical conductivity of up to 50 mmhos/cm,
of reusable material in a sanitary landfill will require written provided such reusable material passes leachate testing
approval of the Department of Environmental Quality; and requirements for chlorides in Subparagraph f.6 above and
(b). various types of construction material (fill) Extraction Procedure for Toxicity (EP) tests for metals in
on a case-by-case basis. The commissioner may approve Subparagraph f.7 above.
such use only after submission and review of an application ** The leachate testing method for oil and grease,
for the intended use. Approval will be dependent upon the chlorides and metals is included in the Laboratory Manual
composition of the material and the proposed location of for the Analysis of Oilfield Waste (Department of Natural
use. Reusable material may not be used as fill for Resources, August 9, 1988, or latest revision).
construction purposes unless the specific use has been
approved in writing by the commissioner of Conservation. g. The commissioner of Conservation, the secretary
of the Department of Natural Resources, and the state of
f. Testing Criteria for Reusable Material Louisiana upon issuance of a permit to a company facility
under this Subsection shall be held harmless from and
Parameter Limitation indemnified for any and all liabilities arising from the
1. moisture content < 50% (by weight) or operation of such facilities and use of their products, and the
zero free moisture company shall execute such agreements as the commissioner
requires for this purpose.
2. pH* 6.5 - 9.0
3. electrical conductivity (EC) 8 mmhos/cm h. Reporting. Each company which generates
reusable material must furnish the commissioner a monthly
4. sodium adsorption ratio 12 report showing the disposition of all such material.
(SAR)
9. Closure
5. exchangeable sodium 15%
a. All offsite commercial facilities and transfer
stations under the jurisdiction of the Office of Conservation
6. total barium:
shall be closed in a manner approved by the commissioner to
reuse/stockpile at 100,000 ppm insure protection of the public, the environment,
commercial facility groundwater aquifers and underground sources of drinking
reuse at location other 40,000 ppm water. A plan for closure must be developed in accordance
than commercial facility with the requirements of the commissioner.
7. Leachate testing** for: b. Closure bond or letter of credit amounts will be
a. oil and grease 10.0 mg/l reviewed each year prior to the renewal date according to the
b. chlorides 500.0 mg/l following process:
i. A detailed cost estimate for adequate
closure of each permitted commercial facility and transfer
station shall be prepared by a independent professional
consultant and submitted to the commissioner on or before
February 1 of each year.
ii. The closure plan and cost estimate must
include provisions or closure acceptable to the commissioner
and must be designed to reflect the costs to the Office of

37 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

Conservation to complete the approved closure of the AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
facility. 30:4 et seq.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
iii. Upon review of the cost estimate, the Conservation (August 1943), promulgated by the Department of
commissioner may increase, decrease or allow the amount of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 6:307 (July 1980),
the bond or letter of credit to remain the same. amended LR 8:79 (February 1982), LR 9:337 (May 1983), LR
10:210 (March 1984), LR 12:26 (January 1986), LR 16:855
iv. Documentation that the required closure (October 1990), LR 17:382 (April 1991).
bond or letter of credit has been renewed must be received
§131. Deficient Wells
by September 15 of each year or the commissioner shall
initiate procedures to take possession of the funds In the event a well does not have the capacity to produce
guaranteed by the bond or letter of credit and suspend or its total allowable then it shall produce such amount of oil
revoke the permit under which the facility is operated. In and gas less than its allowable that it is able to produce, and
addition, procedures to initiate permit suspension will be the deficiency of such well shall not be made up by the
initiated. Any such permit suspension will remain in effect overproduction of any other well.
until renewal is documented.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
N. Liquid Hydrocarbon Storage Wells 30:4 et seq.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
1. Authorization for the use of salt dome cavities for Conservation (August 1943).
storage of liquid hydrocarbons is provided in Statewide
Order No. 29-M. §133. Monthly Reports

2. Authorization for all other liquid hydrocarbon The producing, transporting, storing and/or refining of oil
storage wells will be granted by the commissioner after shall be reported in accordance with Order No. 25, or as it
notice and hearing, provided there is a finding that the may be amended, or superseded. The length of time reports
proposed operation will not endanger USDW's. and other pertinent data, as defined by Section 16 of Act 157
O. A filing fee of $100 shall be attached to each of the Regular Legislative Session of 1940, shall be kept on
application for a saltwater disposal well or enhanced file by operators and companies in their offices, and
recovery project. available for inspection by an agent of the Department of
Conservation, shall in no case be less than a period of three
P. Annular Disposal. The commissioner may approve years.
annular disposal of saltwater for a period of one year. The AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
applicant shall provide the commissioner a radioactive tracer 30:4 et seq.
survey (accompanied by an interpretation of the survey by HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
the company who performed the test) to prove that the Conservation (August 1943).
injected fluid is entering the correct zone and there are no §135. Directional Drilling and Well Surveys
leaks in the casing. The applicant shall furnish the
commissioner an economic study of the well and the A. Except as otherwise provided in §135, every well
economics of alternative methods for disposal of the drilled in the state of Louisiana shall be drilled in such a
produced saltwater. manner that at any measured depth the actual or apparent
location of the wellbore shall be within a circle whose center
Q. Exceptions. The commissioner may grant an is the surface location and whose radius is equal to said
exception to any provision of this amendment upon proof of measured depth multiplied by the factor 0.087156. The
good cause. The operator must show proof that such an actual or apparent resultant deviation of the wellbore from
exception will not endanger USDW's. the vertical shall not be in excess of 5 degrees at any
R. This Order shall supersede §129 of Office of measured depth. In the event a survey indicates that the
Conservation Statewide Order No. 29-B (effective wellbore is outside the above circle at any measured depth,
November 1, 1967). Any existing special orders authorizing the wellbore must be straightened and drilling may continue
disposal of saltwater under conditions which do not meet the only within the specified limit. A directional survey shall be
requirements hereof shall be superseded by this amendment required and shall be filed with appropriate district manager
and the operator shall obtain authority for such disposal after as confirmation that the wellbore has been straightened and
complying with the provisions hereof. is in fact within the above limit.
S. All oil and gas and commercial facility operators shall 1. After an operator has commenced drilling a well
be required to comply with applicable portions of this and desires to change the bottom-hole location by
amendment within 90 days of the effective date, provided directionally controlling and intentionally deflecting said
that all existing commercial facility operators shall be well from the vertical whether more or less than 5 degrees,
exempt from all permit application and public hearing unless done to straighten the hole or to sidetrack junk in the
requirements under §129.M.4 of this amendment. Failure to hole or because of other mechanical difficulties, he shall first
comply with this requirement in a timely manner will subject make application for an amended location showing by
an operator to the suspension or revocation of his permit attached plat the amended projected bottom-hole objective
and/or the imposition of penalties pursuant to R.S. 30:18. and secure an amended permit to drill before commencing

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 38

 Title 43, Part XIX

such operations. The amended bottom-hole location or defined in Section 9, Paragraph B, of Revised Statutes of
objective shall comply with all minimum distances from 1950, has been created, the boundaries of the unit shall be
lease or property lines as prescribed by all statewide orders considered the property line.
or any other applicable field orders. D. The commissioner of Conservation, on his own
2. In the event a well is to be drilled at a distance from initiative or at the request of an offset operator, shall have
a property line where such distance is less than the apparent the right to require the operator to run a directional survey
resultant lateral deviation, as determined by multiplying the on any well if there is reasonable cause therefor. Whenever a
proposed total depth of the well by the factor 0.087156, a survey is so required by the commissioner at the request of
permit to drill for minerals will be issued with the an offset operator and the operator of the well and the offset
understanding that the operator will be required to furnish operator are unable to agree as to the terms and conditions
the appropriate district manager with inclination and/or for running such survey, the commissioner, upon request of
directional survey data as proof that the well will be either, shall determine such terms and conditions, after
completed in compliance with the provisions of this notice to all interested parties and a public hearing.
Statewide Order No. 29-B before an allowable is assigned to E. Unless required by the commissioner of Conservation
said well. under §135.D hereof, a directional survey shall not be
B. An inclination survey shall be made on all wells required for any well which is not directionally controlled
drilled in the state of Louisiana with the first shot point at a and thereby intentionally deflected from the vertical and
depth not greater than that of the surface casing seat and which has a surface location, maximum angle of deviation,
succeeding shot points not more than 1000 feet apart. and total depth, all in compliance with the provisions hereof.
Inclination surveys conforming to these requirements may F. The commissioner of Conservation may assess
be made either during the normal course of drilling or after appropriate penalties for failure to comply with any of the
the well has reached total depth. Such survey data shall be provisions hereof.
certified by the operator's representative and/or drilling
contractor and shall indicate the resultant lateral deviation as G. The provisions hereof shall not alter or affect the
the sum of the calculated lateral displacement determined minimum spacing provisions of Statewide Orders 29-E and
between each inclination survey point assuming that all such 29-H or any other applicable orders.
displacement occurs in the direction of the nearest property AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
line. If a directional survey determining the bottom of the 30:4 et seq.
hole is filed with the commissioner of Conservation upon HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
completion of the well, it shall not be necessary to furnish Conservation (August 1943), amended (March 1967).
the inclination survey data. §137. Plugging and Abandonment
Except as otherwise specified herein, all inclination and/or A. Schedule of Abandonment
directional survey data shall be filed along with Form WH
1. Dry Holes. All wells drilled for oil or gas and found
(Well History).
to be dry prior to or after the effective date of this order shall
C. A directional survey shall be run and three certified be plugged within 90 days after operations have been
copies thereof filed by or at the direction of the operator with completed thereon or 90 days after the effective date of this
the appropriate district manager of the Department of order, whichever is later, unless an extension of time is
Conservation on all future wells drilled in the State of granted by the commissioner of Conservation.
Louisiana where:
2. Other Wells on or After Effective Date of Order
1. the well is directionally controlled and is thereby
intentionally deflected from the vertical; or a. All wells wherein production operations or use as
a service well have ceased on or after the effective date of
2. the surface location is less than 330 feet from the this order shall continue to be reported on the Form DM-1-R
nearest property line, and the well is drilled below a depth of or Form DT-1 with the appropriate notation that the well is
3,786 feet; or off production or no longer in use as a service well along
3. the resultant lateral deviation as calculated from with the date of last production or date the service well
inclination survey data is a distance greater than the distance ceased to be used; and, after six months, if such a well has
from the center of the surface location of the wellbore to the not been restored to production or use as a service well, it
nearest property line; or shall thereafter be reported by the operator on the
semiannual Inactive Well Report, Form INACT WR-1
4. the wellbore deviates laterally a resultant distance (1974) which report shall be filed with the Department of
greater than that determined by a 5-degree angle from a Conservation showing the status of such well as of April 1
vertical line passing through the center of the surface and October 1 of each year (report to be filed no later than
location of the wellbore. April 25 and October 25). Such wells shall continue to be
reported on the Form DM1-R or Form DT-1 showing the
Property Line, as used herein, shall mean the boundary date of last production or the date the well ceased to be used
dividing tracts on which mineral rights, royalty rights or as a service well, together with a notation showing the well
leases are separately owned except that where a unit as

39 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

is carried on the Form INACT WR-1 (1974), Inactive Well the date of such classification unless any such well is
Report, until the well is plugged and abandoned. included in a Schedule of Abandonment approved or
promulgated by the commissioner of Conservation or an
b. The Inactive Well Report shall list the field, well
extension of time is otherwise granted by the commissioner
name, well number and other pertinent data and provide an
of Conservation. The date any Schedule of Abandonment is
appropriate column to classify such well as having either (1)
approved or promulgated or an extension of time expires
future utility, or (2) no future utility. If the well is classified
shall be shown in the appropriate column on the form.
as having future utility, operator shall specify such utility by
completing the appropriate column on the form. Wells so 3. Other Wells Prior to Effective Date of Order
classified shall be reviewed periodically by the district
a. All wells wherein production operations or use as
manager who, at his discretion, may require an operator to
a service well have ceased prior to the effective date of this
supply additional information to justify the classification.
order shall continue to be reported on the Form DM-1-R or
c. All such wells classified on the Inactive Well Form DT-1 with the appropriate notation that the well is off
Report by either the operator or the district manager as production or no longer in use as a service well along with
having no future utility shall be plugged within 90 days from the date of last production or date the service well ceased to
be used; and, after six months from the effective date of this
order is such a well has not been restored to production or
use as a service well it shall thereafter be reported, classified
and subject to review in the same manner provided for in the
preceding Subparagraph b except as hereinafter otherwise
provided.
b. A well classified on the Inactive Well Report by
either the operator or the district manager as having no
future utility shall not be required to be plugged within a
specified period of time but will be plugged in accordance
with a Schedule of Abandonment submitted by the operator
and approved or otherwise promulgated by the
commissioner of Conservation.
4. Schedule of Abandonment. A Schedule of
Abandonment submitted in accordance with Paragraph 2.b
or 3.b above shall include a schedule or program for the
orderly plugging of wells which should be consistent with
prudent operating practices and take into account any
economic considerations and other circumstances which
would affect such a program of plugging wells. Any
Schedule of Abandonment approved or promulgated by the
commissioner of Conservation shall be followed unless
modified by the operator with approval of the commissioner.
Reference to the approved Schedule of Abandonment shall
be made on the Inactive Well Report for each well which is
included in such a program and has not yet been plugged.
5. Administrative Interpretation. For purposes of
administering the heretofore mentioned paragraphs, it is
understood that:
a. a wellbore which is completed in more than one
common source of supply (multiple completions) shall not
be considered as ceasing to produce and shall not be
reported on the Inactive Well Report as long as there is
production from or operations in any completion in the
wellbore.
b. wells classified as having future utility may be
off production or shut-in but are considered to have future
utility for producing oil or gas for use as a service well.
c. no completion with a transferred allowable credit
will be carried on the Inactive Well Report.

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 40

 Title 43, Part XIX

B. The responsibility of plugging any well over which cement on top and placed as near as practical to the top of
the commissioner of Conservation has jurisdiction shall be the screen or liner may be used in lieu of the cement plug.
the owner(s) of record.
c. When production casing is not run or is removed
C. In the event any owner(s) responsible for plugging from the well, a cement plug of at least 100 feet shall be
any well fails to do so, and after a diligent effort has been placed from at least 50 feet below the shoe of the surface
made by the department to have said well plugged, then the casing to at least 50 feet above. In lieu of the above, the
commissioner may call a public hearing to show cause why operator shall have the option of using a cement retainer
said well was not plugged. placed at least 50 feet above the surface casing shoe and a
sufficient amount of cement shall be squeezed below the
D. The commissioner or his agent may require the
retainer to form a cement plug from the base of the retainer
posting of a reasonable bond with good and sufficient surety
to 50 feet below the base of the surface casing. A 10-foot
in order to secure the performance of the work of proper
cement plug shall be placed on top of the retainer.
abandonment.
d. If fresh-water horizons are exposed when
E. The district manager shall be notified immediately by
production casing is removed from the well, or as a result of
the new operator whenever a change of operator occurs. This
production casing not being run, a cement plug shall be
must be accomplished by submitting Department of
placed from at least 100 feet below the base of the deepest
Conservation Form MD-10-RA (Application for Amended
fresh-water sand to at least 150 feet above the base of the
Permit to Drill for Minerals) to reflect the new operator.
sand. A cement plug of at least 100 feet shall also be placed
F. Plugging Procedures from at least 50 feet below the shoe of the surface casing to
at least 50 feet above it. In lieu of the above, the operator
1. Notification of intention to plug any well or wells shall have the option of using a cement retainer placed at
over which the commissioner of Conservation has least 50 feet above the surface casing shoe and a sufficient
jurisdiction, shall be given to the appropriate district amount of cement shall be squeezed below the retainer to
manager prior to the plugging thereof. Notification shall be form a cement plug from the base of the retainer to 50 feet
made in writing to the district office in the form of a WORK below the base of the surface casing. A 10-foot cement plug
PERMIT (Form DM-4 Rev.) for which an original and three
shall be placed on top of the retainer.
copies are required. Where plugging involves a well with a
rig on location, the district manager may grant verbal e. The setting and location of the first plug below
approval to plug and abandon the well provided the work the top 30-foot plug shall be verified by tagging. In the event
permit is subsequently submitted. Any operator who fails to a retainer is used, tagging will not be necessary
comply with this requirement may be required by the district
f. Additional cement plugs shall be placed to
manager to place additional cement plug(s) and/or prove the
adequately contain any high pressure oil, gas or water sands
plug(s) are placed as the operator states they are.
or as may be required by the district manager.
2. Once an operator has been issued a work permit to
g. A 30-foot cement plug minimum shall be placed
plug and abandon a well by the appropriate district manager,
in the top of the well.
then said operator shall be required to contact the
appropriate oil and gas inspector a minimum of 12 hours h. Mud laden fluid of not less than 9 pounds per
prior to beginning the plugging operations. During drilling gallon shall be placed in all portions of the well not filled
and/or workover operations, the requirement to contact the with cement, unless otherwise approved by the district
appropriate oil and gas inspector a minimum of 12 hours manager.
prior to beginning the plugging operations shall be waived at
i. All cement plugs shall be placed by the
the time verbal notification is made to the district office.
circulation or pump down method unless otherwise
3. In plugging wells, it is essential that all oil or gas authorized by the district manager. The hole must be in a
bearing formations be protected. static condition at the time the plugs are placed.
a. Sufficient cement shall be used to adequately j. After placing the top plug, the operator shall be
isolate each perforated pool, one from the other. A cement required on all land locations to cut the casing a minimum of
plug of at least 100 feet shall be placed immediately above 2 feet below plow depth. On all water locations, the casing
or across the uppermost perforated interval of the pool. If he shall be cut a minimum of 10 feet below the mud line. If an
deems it advisable, the district manager may allow a bridge operator contemplates reentering the well at some future
plug with a minimum of 10 feet of cement on top to be date for saltwater disposal or other purpose, the district
placed immediately above each producing pool. manager may approve after receiving written request from
an operator not to cut off the casing below plow depth or
b. In wells completed with screen or perforated
mud line.
liners, if it is impractical for the operator to remove the
screen or perforated liner, he shall place a cement plug of at k. The plan of abandonment may be altered if new
least 100 feet with the bottom as near as practical to the top or unforeseen conditions arise during the well work but only
of the screen or liner. If the district manager deems it after approval by the district manager.
advisable, a bridge plug with a minimum of 10 feet of

41 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

4. Upon plugging any well for any cause, a complete fully stating the alleged facts, which shall be the subject of a
record thereof shall be made out, duly verified and filed in hearing to be held not earlier than 10 days after filing of the
triplicate on Form P&A in the district office within 20 days application. Prior to the hearing upon such application, at
after the plugging of such well. A cementing report shall be least 10 days notice thereof shall be given by publication to
filed with the plugging report. all operators in the field. In addition to said notice by
G. Well to be Used for Fresh Water. When the well to be publication, adjacent operators where appropriate may be
plugged may be safely used as a fresh-water well and the given at least 10 days notice of said hearing by personal
owner or owners of the well have, by a mutual written service, or by registered mail.
agreement with the landowner, agreed to turn the well over AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
to the landowner for that purpose, then the well need not be 30:4 et seq.
filled above the plug set below the fresh-water formation; HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
provided, however, that the signed agreement or (if recorded Conservation (August 1943).
in the public records) a certified copy thereof be filed with §141. Application of Special Field Orders
the appropriate district manager, which shall relieve the
owner or owners who turn the well over to the landowner This Order shall be cumulative of, and in addition to, all
from responsibility above the plug. The plugging report shall special orders, rules and regulations affecting the drilling
indicate that the well has been or will be converted to a fresh and production of oil and gas, as heretofore promulgated. In
water well. case of any conflict between this Order and the special
orders on specific fields, said special orders on specific
H. Temporary Abandonment of Drilling Wells. Any
fields shall govern.
drilling well which is to be temporarily abandoned and the
rig moved away, shall be mudded and cemented as it would AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
be for permanent abandonment, except a cement plug at the 30:4 et seq.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
surface may be omitted. Conservation (August 1943).
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. §143. Penalty for Infractions
30:4 et seq.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of In accordance with the laws of the state of Louisiana, and
Conservation (August 1943), amended (March 1974).
especially Act 157 of the Legislature of 1940, any infraction
§139. Exceptions and Hearings of these rules and regulations may result in shutting in and
sealing of any drilling or producing well or wells, tank
If any operator can show to the commissioner that the
storage or lease or leases, involved in the infraction, and
drilling and producing methods herein prescribed or the
prohibition of acceptance of oil or gas from such well or
particular method by him prescribed for securing tests of
lease for purchasing or transporting by agent or, in the
wells, or any other part of this Order, as applies to his well
alternative, as an additional penalty, be prosecuted under
or wells, result in waste or as to such operator are Section 17 of Act 157 of 1940.
unreasonable, the commissioner may enter such an order, as
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
a special exception to the aforesaid rules and regulations, as
30:4 et seq.
will prevent such waste or eliminate such unreasonable HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
restraint, as may result from the application of the aforesaid Conservation (August 1943).
rules and regulations to the well or wells of such operators; §145. Effective Date
provided, however, that before any operator shall be allowed
the benefit of an order granting an exception as authorized This Order shall be effective from and after the first day of
by this Section, such operator must establish that such August, 1943.
exception, if granted, will not result in waste in the field as a AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
whole or give him an inequitable and unfair advantage over 30:4 et seq.
another operator or other operators in the field. No special HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
exception will be granted except upon written application, Conservation (August 1943).

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 42

 Title 43
NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations
Subpart 2. Statewide Order No. 29-R

Chapter 7. Fees Application for Public HearingC an application for a

public hearing as authorized by LSA-R.S. 30:6(B).
§701. Definitions
Application for Substitute Unit WellC an application for a
Annual Inspection FeeC repealed. substitute unit well as authorized by Statewide Order No.
Application FeeC an amount payable to the Office of 29-K, or successor regulation.
Conservation for processing, reviewing, and administering Application for Surface Mining Development Operations
an application requesting authority to conduct an activity or PermitC an application to remove coal, lignite, or
operation subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the Office overburden for the purpose of determining coal or lignite
of Conservation. quality or quantity or coal or lignite mining feasibility, as
Application for Automatic Custody TransferC an authorized by Statewide Order No. 29-0-1, or successor
application for authority to measure and transfer custody of regulations.
liquid hydrocarbons by the use of methods other than Application for Surface Mining Exploration PermitC an
customary gauge tanks, as authorized by Statewide Order application to drill test holes or core holes for the purpose of
No. 29-G. determining the location, quantity, or quality of a coal or
Application for Commercial Class I Injection WellC an lignite deposit, as authorized in Statewide Order No. 29-0-1,
application to construct a commercial Class I injection well, or successor regulations.
as authorized by Statewide Order No. 29-N-1 or 29-N-2. Application for Surface Mining PermitC an application for
Application for Commercial Class I Injection Well a permit to conduct surface coal or lignite mining and
(Additional Wells)C an application to construct additional reclamation operations, as authorized by Statewide Order
Class I injection wells within the same filing, as authorized No. 29-0-1, or successor regulations.
by Statewide Order No. 29-N-1 or 29-N-2. Application for Unit TerminationC an application for unit
Application for Commercial Class II Injection WellC an termination as authorized by Statewide Order No. 29-L-1, or
application to construct a commercial Class II or Class V successor regulation.
injection well, as authorized by Statewide Order No. 29-B, Application to Amend Permit to Drill (Injection or
or other applicable regulations. Other)C an application to alter, amend, or change a permit to
Application for Commercial Class II Injection Well drill an injection, or other well after its initial issuance, as
(Additional Wells)C an application to construct additional authorized by LSA-R.S. 30:21.*
Class II or Class V injection wells within the same filing, as *Application to Amend Operator (transfer of ownership) for any
authorized by Statewide Order No. 29-B, or other applicable multiply completed well which has reverted to a single completion
(Status 22), any non-producing well which is plugged and abandoned
regulations. within the timeframe directed by the commissioner as well as any
stripper crude oil well or incapable gas well so certified by the
Application for Multiple CompletionC an application to Department of Revenue and Taxation shall not be subject to the
multiply complete a new or existing well in separate application fee provided herein as authorized by House Concurrent
common sources of supply, as authorized by Statewide Resolution Number 6 of the 1995 Regular Session or successor
resolution or mandate.
Order No. 29-C, and Statewide Order Number 29-C-3, or
successor regulation. Application to Amend Permit to Drill (Minerals)C an
Application for Noncommercial Injection WellC an application to alter, amend, or change a permit to drill for
application to construct a Class I, II, III, or V minerals after its initial issuance, as authorized by LSA-R.S.
noncommercial injection well, as authorized by Statewide 30:204 C.
Order No. 29-B, 29-M, 29-N-1, or 29-N-2. Application to CommingleC an application for authority to
Application for Permit to Drill (Minerals)C an application commingle production of gas and/or liquid hydrocarbons
to drill in search of minerals, as authorized by LSA-R.S. and to use methods other than gauge tanks for allocation, as
30:204. authorized by Statewide Order No. 29-D, or successor
regulation.

43 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

Application to Process Form R-4C an application for Incapable oil, stripper oil, incapable gas well gas and
authorization to transport oil from a well as authorized by incapable oil well gas shall be exempt from this fee.
Statewide Order No. 25-A, or successor regulation.
Production WellC any well which has been permitted by
BOEC annual barrels oil equivalent. Gas production is and is subject to the jurisdiction of the Office of
converted to BOE by dividing annual mcf by a factor of 8. Conservation, excluding wells in the permitted and drilling
in progress status, Class II injection wells, liquid storage
Capable GasC natural and casinghead gas not classified as
cavity wells, commercial salt water disposal wells, Class V
incapable gas well gas or incapable oil well gas by the
injection wells, wells which have been plugged and
Department of Revenue and Taxation.
abandoned, wells which have reverted to landowner for use
Capable OilC crude oil and condensate not classified as as a fresh water well (Statewide Order No. 29-B in LAC
incapable oil or stripper oil by the Department of Revenue 43:XIX.137.G) or for residential consumption, multiply
and Taxation. completed wells reverted to single completion, multiply
completed wells which are not reverted to single
Class I WellC a Class I injection well used to inject
completions but which are off production or have no future
hazardous, industrial, or municipal wastes into the
production capability from the current perforated interval,
subsurface, which falls within the regulatory purview of
stripper crude oil wells and incapable gas wells certified by
Statewide Order Nos. 29-N-1 or 29-N-2.
the Severance Tax Division of the Department of Revenue
Class I Well FeeC an annual fee payable to the Office of and Taxation on January 1 of each year, and shut in or
Conservation, in a form and schedule prescribed by the temporarily abandoned oil wells in Stripper Fields as
Office of Conservation, on Class I wells in an amount not to determined by the Office of Conservation effective for the
exceed $336,000 for Fiscal Year 1997-1998, and may month of January of each year.
increase by a sum not to exceed 32 percent annually for
Regulatory FeeC an amount payable annually to the Office
Fiscal Years 1998-1999 and 1999-2000.
of Conservation for a particular operation or activity within
Class II WellC a Class II injection well which injects fluids the regulatory jurisdiction of the Office of Conservation, for
which are brought to the surface in connection with the purpose of permitting, monitoring, and maintaining
conventional oil or natural gas production (Status 63, 67), regulatory control of the particular operation or activity by
for annular disposal wells (Status 64), for enhanced recovery the Office of Conservation.
of oil or natural gas (Status 41, 42, 43), and for storage of
Type A FacilityC commercial oilfield waste disposal
hydrocarbons which are liquid at standard temperature and
facilities within the State that utilize technologies
pressure (Status 44, 45). For purposes of administering the
appropriate for the receipt, treatment, storage, or disposal of
exemption provided in R.S. 30:21(B)(1)(c), such exemption
oilfield waste solids and liquids for a fee or other
is limited to operators who operate Class II wells serving a
consideration, and fall within the regulatory purview of
stripper oil well or an incapable gas well certified pursuant
Statewide Order No. 29-B in LAC 43:XIX.129.M, or
to R.S. 47:633 by the severance tax division of the
successor regulations. Such facilities may include not more
Department of Revenue and Taxation and located in the
than three underground injection wells at the permitted
same field as such Class II well.
facility.
Class II Well FeeC an annual fee payable to the Office of
Type B FacilityC commercial oilfield waste disposal
Conservation, in a form and schedule prescribed by the
facilities within the state that utilize underground injection
Office of Conservation, on nonexempted Class II wells in an
technology for the receipt, treatment, storage, or disposal of
amount not to exceed $493,000 for Fiscal Year 1997-1998,
only produced saltwater, oilfield brine, or other oilfield
and may increase by a sum not to exceed 32 percent
waste liquids for a fee or other consideration, and fall within
annually for Fiscal Years 1998-1999 and 1999-2000.
the regulatory purview of Statewide Order No. 29-B in LAC
Emergency ClearanceC emergency authorization to 43:XIX.129.M, or successor regulations. Such facilities may
transport oil from well. include not more than three underground injection wells at
the permitted facility.
Production FeeC an annual fee payable to the Office of
Conservation, in a form and schedule prescribed by the AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
30:21 et seq.
Office of Conservation, by oil and gas operators on capable HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of
oil wells and capable gas wells based on a tiered system to Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 14:542 (August
establish parity between the producing wells. The tiered 1988), amended LR 15:551 (July 1989), LR 21:1249 (November
system shall be established annually by rule on annual 1995), LR 24:458 (March 1998), LR 24:2127 (November 1998).
volumes of capable oil and capable gas production in an §703. Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 1998-1999
amount not to exceed $1,918,600 for Fiscal Year 1997-1998,
and may increase by a sum not to exceed 32 percent A. Application Fees
annually for Fiscal Years 1998-1999 and 1999-2000.

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 44

 Title 43, Part XIX

Application for Unit Termination $ 210 C. Production Fees. Operators of record of capable oil
wells and capable gas wells are required to pay according to
Application for Substitute Unit Well $ 210 the following annual production fee tiers:
Application for Public Hearing $ 630
Annual Production Fee ($ Per Well)
Application for Multiple Completion $ 105
(Barrel Oil Equivalent)
Application to Commingle $ 210
Tier 1 0 10
Application for Automatic Custody Transfer $ 210
Tier 2 1C 5,000 50
Application for Noncommercial Injection Well $ 210
Tier 3 5,001C 15,000 150
Application for Commercial Class I Injection Well $ 1,050
Tier 4 15,001C 30,000 250
Application for Commercial Class I Injection Well (Additional
Wells) Tier 5 30,001C 60,000 400
$ 525
Tier 6 60,001C 110,000 550
Application for Commercial Class II Injection Well $ 525
Tier 7 110,001C 9,999,999 675
Application for Commercial Class II Injection Well
(Additional Wells)
$ 262
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
Application for Permit to Drill - Minerals: 30:21 et seq.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of
0' - 3,000' $ 105
Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 14:543 (August
Application for Permit to Drill - Minerals: 1988), amended LR 15:552 (July 1989), LR 21:1250 (November
1995), LR 24:458 (March 1998), LR 24:2128 (November 1998).
3,001' - 10,000' $ 525
§705. Failure to Comply
Application for Permit to Drill - Minerals:
Operators of operations and activities defined in §701 are
10,001'+ $ 1,050
required to timely comply with this Order. Failure to comply
Application to Amend Permit to Drill - Minerals $ 105 within 30 days past the due date of any required fee payment
Application to Amend Permit to Drill - Injection or Other $ 105
will subject the operator to civil penalties under the
provisions of Subtitle II of Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised
Application for Surface Mining Exploration Permit $ 52 Statutes of 1950, as well as penalties provided in other
Application for Surface Mining Development Operations sections of Title 30, including R.S. 30:18.
Permit AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
$ 78
30:21 et seq.
Application for Surface Mining Permit $ 1,837 HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of
Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 14:544 (August
Application to Process Form R-4 $ 26 1988), amended LR 15:552 (July 1989), LR 21:1251 (November
Application to Reinstate Suspended Form R-4 $ 52 1995), LR 24:459 (March 1998), LR 24:2128 (November 1998).
§707. Severability and Effective Date
Application for Emergency Clearance Form R-4 $ 52
A. The fees set forth in §703 are hereby adopted as
individual and independent rules comprising this body of
B. Regulatory Fees rules designated as Statewide Order No. 29-R-98/99, and if
any such individual fee is held to be unacceptable, pursuant
1. Operators of each permitted Type A Facility are
to R.S. 49:968(H)(2), or held to be invalid by a court of law,
required to pay an annual Regulatory Fee of $5,250 per
then such unacceptability or invalidity shall not affect the
facility. Such payments are due within the timeframe
other provisions of this order which can be given effect
prescribed by the Office of Conservation.
without the unacceptable or invalid provisions, and to that
2. Operators of each permitted Type B Facility are end the provisions of this order are severable.
required to pay an annual Regulatory Fee of $2,625 per
B. This Order (Statewide Order No. 29-R-98/99)
facility. Such payments are due within the timeframe
supersedes Statewide Order No. 29-R.
prescribed by the Office of Conservation.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
3. Operators of record of Class I wells are required to 30:21 et seq.
pay $8,280 per well. HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of
Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 14:544 (August
4. Operators of record of nonexempt Class II wells are
1988), amended LR 15:552 (July 1989), LR 21:1251 (November
required to pay $425 per well. 1995), LR 24:459 (March 1998), LR 24:2128 (November 1998).

45 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 Title 43
NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations
Subpart 3. Statewide Order No. 25

Chapter 9. Reporting StorerC every person as herein defined who stores,

terminals, retains in custody under warehouse or storage
§901. Scope agreements or contracts, oil which comes to rest in his tank
or other receptacle under control of said storer, but excluding
An Order providing rules and regulations governing and the ordinary lease stocks of producers.
requiring the keeping of records and the filing of reports by
producers, transporters, storers, and refiners of oil, and TransporterC includes any common carrier by pipe line,
concerning the production, transportation, storing and barge, boat or other water conveyance or truck or other
refining of oil in the state of Louisiana. conveyance except railroads, and any other person
transporting oil by pipe line, barge, boat or other water
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act conveyance, or truck and other conveyance.
157 of the Legislative Session of 1940.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act
Conservation, January 1, 1941, amended September 1, 1941, March 157 of the Legislative Session of 1940.
1, 1961, April 17, 1968, amended and promulgated by the HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR Conservation January 1, 1941, amended September 1, 1941, March
19:770 (June 1993). 1, 1961, April 17, 1968, amended and promulgated by the
§903. Definitions Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
19:770 (June 1993).
Unless the context otherwise requires, the words defined §905. Applicability
in this Section shall have the following meanings when
found in this Order: The provisions of this Order shall extend and apply to all
oil produced from each and every well within the state of
Barrel or Barrel of OilC forty-two United States gallons
of oil at a test of 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with deductions for Louisiana and all oil transported, stored, or refined within
the full percent of basic sediment, water and other impurities the state of Louisiana, and to every producer, transporter,
present, ascertained by centrifugal or other recognized and storer and refiner in the state of Louisiana.
customary tests. AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act
157 of the Legislative Session of 1940.
FieldC the general area which is underlaid or appears to HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
be underlaid by at least one pool or reservoir of oil as Conservation January 1, 1941, amended September 1, 1941, March
designated by monthly proration schedules issued by the 1, 1961, April 17, 1968, amended and promulgated by the
Office of Conservation of the State of Louisiana. Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
19:770 (June 1993).
Lease TankC the tank or other receptacle into which oil
§907. Form R-4
is produced either directly from a well or from a well
through gas separator, gun barrel or similar equipment. A. The Producer's Certificate of Compliance and
Authorization to Transport Oil from Lease, Form R-4
Month and Calendar MonthC the period or interval of Revised or most current revision thereof, is hereby adopted
time from 7 a.m. on the first day of any month of the
and made a part of this Order by reference.
calendar to 7 a.m. of the first day of the next succeeding
month of the calendar. B. Each producer of oil in the state of Louisiana, and
each producer of condensate from a gas well, where
Person, Producer, Oil, Illegal Oil, and ProductC the produced in liquid form at the wellhead by ordinary
meaning prescribed for each of said words as defined in R.S. production methods in the state of Louisiana, shall execute
30:3. under oath, in quadruplicate, and file with the Office of
RefinerC every person who has any part in the control or Conservation, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on or before the 15th
management of any operation by which the physical or day of September, 1941, a Producer's Certificate of
chemical characteristics of oil or products are changed, but Compliance and Authorization to Transport Oil From Lease,
exclusive of the operations of passing oil through separators Form R-4 Revised or most current revision thereof, setting
to remove gas, placing oil in settling tanks to remove basic forth fully therein the data and information indicated by such
sediment and water, dehydrating oil, and generally cleaning form covering each lease in the state of Louisiana from
and purifying oil. which oil or condensate are produced.

47 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

C. After the effective date hereof, whenever there shall which he is connected, whereby he can determine the
occur a change in operating ownership of any lease, well calculated quantity of legal oil on hand at the close of each
name or lease name, transporter from any lease, a new calendar month with respect to such leases. The calculated
Producer's Certificate of Compliance and Authorization to quantity of legal oil on hand with respect to any lease shall
Transport Oil From Lease, Form R-4 Revised or most be determined for each succeeding month by adding to the
current revision thereof, shall be executed and filed in quantity of legally produced oil on hand at the first of the
accordance with the instructions appearing on such form; month, the scheduled allowable quantity of oil for the
except that in the case of temporary change in transporter respective lease for the current month, as established by the
involving less than the allowable for one month, the commissioner of conservation, less the quantity of oil
producer may, in lieu of filing a new certificate, notify by removed from the respective lease tanks during the current
letter the Office of Conservation, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, month. If the calculated balance so determined is less than
and the transporter then authorized by certificate on file with the actual gauged quantity on hand as reported by the
the Office of Conservation of the estimated amount of oil to producer on Monthly Producer's Crude Oil and/or
be moved by the temporary transporter and the name of such Condensate Report, Form R-1 Revised or most current
temporary transporter. A copy of such notice shall also be revision thereof, the transporter shall not remove during the
furnished such temporary transporter. In no instance shall the following month any part of the oil on hand on the first day
temporary transporter involve any greater quantity of oil or of the month in excess of the calculated legal balance so
condensate than the estimated amount shown in said notice. established. If the actual quantity of oil on hand with respect
to a particular lease equals or is less than the quantity of
D. The Producer's Certificate of Compliance and
legal oil established by the above method, the transporter
Authorization to Transport Oil From Lease, Form R-4
may remove any part or all of such quantity of oil during the
Revised or most current revision thereof, when properly
current month. Where the actual quantity of oil on hand with
executed by the operator and approved by the Office of
respect to a particular lease is less than the calculated
Conservation, shall constitute authorization to the approved
quantity of legal oil established by the above method, the
transporter to transport oil or condensate from the lease
transporter, in determining the quantity of legal oil for the
named therein and shall remain in force and effect until a
next succeeding month, shall substitute the actual quantity
change occurs, as previously outlined, or is suspended or
on hand for the calculated quantity on hand. Where there is
canceled by the Office of Conservation.
more than one transporter moving oil from the same lease,
E. For each drilling permit that shall be altered, amended the producer and transporters are required to furnish to each
or changed after its initial issuance, Form MD-10-R-A shall other information as to the quantity of oil on hand, the
be executed and filed with the Office of Conservation, said quantity transported from lease tanks and any additional
Form MD-10-R-A being hereby declared the permanent information necessary to establish to the satisfaction of each
record of the Office of Conservation for the purpose of person involved the legal status of the oil produced.
identifying the operator of all oil or gas wells in the state of AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act
Louisiana; and it is hereby expressly provided that said Form 157 of the Legislative Session of 1940.
MD-10-R-A shall be subject to the fee for alteration, change HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
or amendment as established by Part XIX, Subpart 2 or Conservation January 1, 1941, amended September 1, 1941, March
successor regulation. 1, 1961, April 17, 1968, amended and promulgated by the
Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
F. Where a transporter disconnects from a particular 19:770 (June 1993).
lease or ceases to remove oil therefrom and another
§909. Form R-1
transporter connects to such lease or begins to take oil
therefrom, during a month, the transporter who ceases to A. The Monthly Producer's Crude Oil and/or Condensate
take oil shall furnish to the connecting transporter a certified Report, Form R-1 Revised or most current revision thereof,
statement under oath, showing: the legal quantity of oil on is hereby adopted and made a part of this Order by
hand 7 a.m. the first day of such month; the scheduled reference.
allowable to the date disconnected; and the quantity of oil
moved from that particular lease during the current month. B. Each producer of oil in the state of Louisiana, and
In such case the producer shall furnish to the connecting each producer of condensate from a gas well, where
transporter a certified statement under oath showing the produced in liquid form at the wellhead by ordinary
lease stock on hand 7 a.m. the date of new connection. No production methods or as Calculated Theoretical
connecting transporter shall move oil from any such lease Condensate, defined as the amount of condensate (allocated
until after it shall have received such statements, except with back to leases) that normally would be separated by
the written permission of the commissioner of conservation conventional methods from natural gas well volumes
or his authorized agent. flowing full stream directly to a plant without any
condensate separation having been made at lease or a plant,
G. Each producer is prohibited from delivering illegal oil shall furnish for each calendar month a Monthly Producer's
to any transporter, and each transporter is prohibited from Crude Oil and Condensate Report, Form R-1 Revised or
removing any illegal oil from producer's lease tanks. Each most current revision thereof, setting forth complete
transporter shall maintain necessary records of lease information and data indicated by such forms respecting oil
allowables and quantities of oil removed from the leases to produced from every lease operated by said producer in the

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 48

 Title 43, Part XIX

state of Louisiana, and respecting condensate produced from AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act
gas wells at the wellhead in liquid form by ordinary 157 of the Legislative Session of 1940.
production methods from each lease operated by said HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
producer in the state of Louisiana. Such report for each Conservation January 1, 1941, amended September 1, 1941, March
1, 1961, April 17, 1968, amended and promulgated by the
month shall be prepared and filed according to instructions Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
on the form on or before the twenty-fifth day of the next 19:772 (June 1993).
succeeding month.
§915. Units and Method for Calculation of Quantities
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act of Oil in Tanks
157 of the Legislative Session of 1940.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of A. All quantities included in the reports provided for in
Conservation January 1, 1941, amended September 1, 1941, March this Order shall be reported in barrels computed from 100
1, 1961, April 17, 1968, amended and promulgated by the percent tank tables and based upon actual physical gauges.
Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
19:772 (June 1993). B. All reports provided for in this Order shall be verified
by affidavit in the form or forms indicated, and any reports
§911. Form R-2
not so verified shall not be taken as filed in compliance with
A. The Transporter's and Storer's Monthly Report, Form this Order.
R-2 or most current revision thereof, is hereby adopted and
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act
made a part of this Order by reference. 157 of the Legislative Session of 1940.
B. Each transporter of oil within the state of Louisiana HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
shall furnish for each calendar month a Transporter's and Conservation January 1, 1941, amended September 1, 1941, March
1, 1961, April 17, 1968, amended and promulgated by the
Storer's Monthly Report, Form R-2 or most current revision
Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
thereof, containing complete information and data indicated 19:772 (June 1993).
by such form respecting stocks of oil on hand and all
movements of oil by pipeline within the state of Louisiana §917. Record Keeping
and all movements of oil by water craft, or by trucks or other
All producers, transporters, storers and refiners within the
conveyances except railroad, from leases to storers or
state of Louisiana shall make and keep appropriate books
refiners; between transporters within the state; between
storers and refiners within the state. and records covering their operations in Louisiana from
which they may be able to make and substantiate the reports
C. Each storer of oil within the state of Louisiana shall required by this Order.
furnish for each calendar month a Transporter's and Storer's AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act
Monthly Report, Form R-2 or most current revision thereof, 157 of the Legislative Session of 1940.
containing complete information and data indicated by such HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
form respecting the storage of oil within the state of Conservation January 1, 1941, amended September 1, 1941, March
Louisiana. 1, 1961, April 17, 1968, amended and promulgated by the
Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
D. The transporters and storers reports for each month 19:772 (June 1993).
shall be prepared and filed according to instructions on the
§919. Effect on Overall Authority of the Commissioner
form, on or before the twenty-fifth day of the next
of Conservation
succeeding month.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act This Order shall not be taken or construed to limit or
157 of the Legislative Session of 1940. restrict the authority of commissioner of conservation to
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of require the furnishing of such additional reports, data or
Conservation January 1, 1941, amended September 1, 1941, March other information relative to the production and processing
1, 1961, April 17, 1968, amended and promulgated by the
Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
of gas in this state as may appear to him to be necessary or
19:772 (June 1993). desirable, either generally or specially, for the prevention of
waste and the conservation of natural resources in this state;
§913. Form R-3
nor to limit or restrict the authority of the commissioner of
A. The Refiner's Monthly Report, Form R-3 or most conservation to waive the filing of any report or reports
current revision thereof, is hereby adopted and made a part otherwise required hereunder in any special instance wherein
of this Order by reference. the commissioner of conservation finds that such waiver is
B. Each refiner of oil within the state of Louisiana shall necessary to prevent undue hardship or imposition.
furnish for each calendar month a Refiner's Monthly Report, AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act
Form R-3 or most current revision thereof, containing the 157 of the Legislative Session of 1940.
information and data indicated by such form, respecting oil HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
Conservation January 1, 1941, amended September 1, 1941, March
and products involved in such refiner's operations during
1, 1961, April 17, 1968, amended and promulgated by the
each month. Such report for each month shall be prepared Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
and filed according to instructions on the form on or before 19:772 (June 1993).
the twenty-fifth day of the next succeeding month.

49 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 Title 43
NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations
Subpart 4. Statewide Order No. 29-B-a

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act

Chapter 11. Required Use of Storm 157 of the Legislature of 1940.
Chokes HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
Conservation, March 15, 1946, amended March 1, 1961, amended
§1101. Scope and promulgated by Department of Natural Resources, Office of
Conservation, LR 20:1128 (October 1994).
Order establishing rules and regulations concerning the
§1105. Waivers
required use of storm chokes to prevent blowouts or
uncontrolled flow in the case of damage to surface A. Onshore Wells. Where the use of storm chokes would
equipment. unduly interfere with normal operation of a well, the
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act commissioner of conservation may, upon submission of
157 of the Legislature of 1940. pertinent data, in writing, waive the requirements of this
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of order.
Conservation, March 15, 1946, amended March 1, 1961, amended
and promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office B. Offshore Wells
of Conservation, LR 20:1127 (October 1994). 1. The district manager, upon submission of pertinent
§1103. Applicability data, in writing explaining the efforts made to overcome the
particular difficulties encountered, may waive the use of a
A. All flowing wells with a surface pressure in excess of
subsurface safety valve under the following circumstances,
100 pounds, falling within the following categories, shall be
and may, in his discretion, require in lieu thereof a surface
equipped with storm chokes:
safety valve:
1. any locations inaccessible during periods of storm
a. where sand is produced to such an extent or in
and/or floods, including spillways;
such a manner as to tend to plug the tubing or make
2. located in bodies of water being actively navigated; inoperative the subsurface safety valve;
3. located in wildlife refuges and/or game preserves; b. when the flowing pressure of the well is in excess
of 100 psi but is inadequate to activate the subsurface safety
4. located within 660 feet of railroads, ship channels, valve;
and other actively navigated bodies of water;
c. where flow rate fluctuations or water production
5. located within 660 feet of state and federal difficulties are so severe that the subsurface safety valve
highways in Southeast Louisiana, in that area East of a would prevent the well from producing at its allowable rate;
North-South line drawn through New Iberia and South of an
East-West line through Opelousas; d. where mechanical well conditions do not permit
the installation of a subsurface safety valve;
6. located within 660 feet of state and federal
highways in Northeast Louisiana, in that area bounded on e. in such other cases as the district manager may
the West by the Ouachita River, on the North by the deem necessary to grant an exception.
Arkansas-Louisiana line, on the East by the Mississippi
2. Under the following circumstances no formal
River, and on the South by the Black and Red Rivers;
approval is necessary. However, each company will maintain
7. located within 660 feet of the following highways: records indicating the date a subsurface safety valve is
removed, the reason for its removal, and the date it is
a. U.S. Highway 71 between Alexandria and Krotz reinstalled:
Springs;
a. when the flowing pressure of the well is 100 psi
b. U.S. Highway 190 between Opelousas and Krotz or less;
Springs;
b. when it is necessary to perform routine
c. U.S. Highway 90 between Lake Charles and the maintenance and service work; to clean up completions and
Sabine River; recompletions in wells where a subsurface safety valve
8. located within the corporate limits of any city, would otherwise be in service.
town, village, or other municipality.

51 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act Conservation, March 1, 1961, amended March 15, 1961, amended
157 of the Legislature of 1940. and promulgated by Department of Natural Resources, Office of
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Conservation, LR 20:1128 (October 1994).

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 52

 Title 43
NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations
Subpart 5. Statewide Order No. 29-C-4

Conservation, March 1, 1955, amended June 21, 1960, September

Chapter 13. Multiple Completions 1, 1960, June 15, 1962, March 1, 1967, September 1, 1971,
§1301. Scope amended and promulgated by the Department of Natural
Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 19:766 (June 1993),
This Statewide Order provides rules and regulations amended LR 23:583 (May 1997).
governing the multiple completion of wells productive of §1305. Order
hydrocarbons from multiple zones in the state of Louisiana.
A. On and after the effective date hereof, a permit to
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. multiply complete a new or existing well in separate pools,
30:4 et seq. where the proposed completions are in compliance with all
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
applicable Office of Conservation statewide orders, may be
Conservation, March 1, 1955, amended June 21, 1960, September
1, 1960, June 15, 1962, March 1, 1967, September 1, 1971, obtained by submitting a complete application to drill, as
amended and promulgated by the Department of Natural outlined in Part XIX, Subpart 1 (Statewide Order No. 29-B),
Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 19:766 (June 1993), for each proposed completion concurrent with drilling and/or
amended LR 23:583 (May 1997). workover operations on the first completion, or at such other
§1303. Definitions time as a desire to make a multiple completion is known,
together with the prescribed fees in accordance with the
Unless the context otherwise requires, the words defined procedure hereinafter outlined.
in this Section shall have the following meaning when found B. In the instance where a multiple completion is applied
in this Statewide Order: for, the completions must be in separate pools and the
CommissionerC the commissioner of Conservation. following procedure will be followed in submitting the
required data for each multiple completion:
District ManagerC the head of any one of the districts of
the state of Louisiana under the Office of Conservation, and 1. The applicant shall file the following in duplicate
along with the appropriate fees as prescribed by Part XIX,
specifically, the manager within whose district the well
Subpart 2 or successor regulation with the appropriate
which is subject to an application under the provisions of
district manager:
this Statewide Order is located.
a. application for permit to drill (Form MD-10-R);
Multiple CompletionC the completion of any well so as to
permit simultaneous production from two or more pools b. location plat (as prescribed by Part XIX, Subpart
while maintaining segregation of each such pool through the 1, Chapter 1, Section 103).
single wellbore to the surface. Segregation and simultaneous 2. After completion of the above well, the applicant
production of separate intervals within a recognized pool shall file in duplicate the following with the appropriate
through a single wellbore to the surface shall not be district manager for multiple completion(s):
considered a multiple completion.
a. application for multiple completion (Form
OwnerC as used herein, shall have the meaning as such A.D.C.);
term is defined in Title 30 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes
of 1950. b. completion report (Form Comp.);

PoolC as used herein, shall have the meaning as such term c. electric log or portion thereof of the subject well
showing clearly thereon the subsurface of the separate pools
is defined in Title 30 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of
in which the applicant has multiply completed the well;
1950.
d. diagrammatic sketch of the wellbore showing the
Selective CompletionC the completion of any well utilizing
mechanical installation;
downhole equipment so as to permit production to be
changed from one separate pool to another without the e. Packer Leakage Test (Form P.L.T.);
necessity of a workover or additional perforating. f. Packer Setting Certificate (Form P.S.C.).
AUTHORITY NOTE : Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
30:4 et seq. 3. Any application for recompletion of an existing
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of multiple completion shall comply with §1305.B.2 above.

53 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

C. An allowable will be granted for each completion of a d. lease ownership map showing all leases in area of
multiply completed well upon the filing of all information, the subject well and the productive outlines of the pools
as prescribed in §1305.B.2 above, and after a permit to drill proposed for selective completion;
has been issued for each pool in which a completion has
e. subsurface structure maps on each pool proposed
been made.
for selective completion showing all boundaries which
D. In the event the commissioner of Conservation establish the productive outlines;
approves the multiple completion as requested, the following
f. work permit (Form DM4R).
shall be complied with:
2. Offshore wells will be considered for administrative
1. Each multiple completed well shall be tested upon
approval of selective completion in separate pools upon
completion and annually thereafter in the following matter:
submission of the documentation required under
a. All completions shall be shut-in for a sufficient §1305.G.1.a-f. Additionally, if the productive limits of any
length of time to allow wellhead pressures to become separate pool included in the application underlies more than
stabilized and for a minimum of two hours thereafter, and a one lease, the items listed below will also be required:
record made of the wellhead pressure buildup in each
a. a list of the names and addresses of the owners of
completion during the shut-in period. At the end of this
the leases shown to be underlain by the separate pools;
shut-in period one of the completions shall be produced at
such a rate and under such conditions as may be designated b. written concurrence of all the owners shown on
by the district manager, or his representative, for a period of the list required in §1305.G.2.a.
six hours while the other completions are kept shut-in, and a
H. Notwithstanding the provisions of the previous
record shall be made of the pressures of all completions
Paragraph, an application for selective completion may be
during the test period. Upon completion of the initial test,
filed with the appropriate district manager for a well that
the procedure shall be rotated and a following test carried
does not meet all requirements set forth in §1305.G upon
out as outlined above with the completion that was produced
showing for good cause that such request should be
during the previous test shut-in.
considered. An exceptional application of this nature will be
b. Under unusual circumstances and conditions of considered for administrative approval by the commissioner
the well being tested, this procedure may be altered of Conservation upon recommendation of the district
providing the desired information is obtained. manager as a last resort to prevent the loss of oil and gas that
could not be recovered by any other means than through the
2. The operator shall submit, in duplicate, to the
use of selective completion equipment or under other
appropriate district manager, Form P.L.T.
exceptional circumstances as determined to be appropriate
E. Should the zones approved for multiple completion by the commissioner.
become intercommunicative, the operator shall immediately
I. In the event a well is authorized for selective
repair and separate the pools.
completion in separate pools, the operator thereof shall
F. Each separate completion shall be considered a continuously monitor the performance of such well in an
separate well as to permits, allowables, fees and for all other effort to determine that the separate pools remain isolated
purposes. and shall secure a work permit from the district manger
before affecting a change from one separate pool to another
G. The use of selective completion equipment in separate
through the use of the downhole selective equipment. Also,
pools is expressly prohibited except as provided herein and
each such change in pool shall be considered a recompletion
no work should precede approval by the commissioner of
and all reports normally filed when recompleting a well will
Conservation of the application which shall be filed in
be required.
duplicate with the appropriate district manager.
J. The foregoing shall supersede and replace the
1. Onshore wells will only be considered for
provisions of Statewide Order No. 29-C, and all prior
administrative approval of selective completion in separate
amendments thereto and all prior memoranda issued
pools where the documentation which follows clearly shows
thereunder and shall govern the multiple and selective
all such separate pools to be wholly contained within one
completion of wells productive of hydrocarbons in the state
lease. The application shall include the following:
of Louisiana.
a. application for multiple completion (Form AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
A.D.C.); 30:4 et seq.
b. electric log or portion thereof of the subject well HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
Conservation, March 1, 1955, amended June 21, 1960, September
showing clearly thereon the subsurface of the separate pools
1, 1960, June 15, 1962, March 1, 1967, September 1, 1971,
which applicant proposes to selectively complete in the well; amended and promulgated by the Department of Natural
c. diagrammatic sketch of the wellbore showing the Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 19:766 (June 1993),
proposed mechanical installation; amended LR 23:583 (May 1997).

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 54

 Title 43
NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations
Subpart 6. Statewide Order No. 29-D-1

Chapter 15. Commingling of Oil and OfficeC the Office of Conservation of the State of
Louisiana.
Gas Production Onshore
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
§1501. Scope 30:4 et seq.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
This Statewide Order provides rules and regulations Conservation, March 1, 1955, amended February 25, 1957, June 1,
governing the applications for commingling and the use of 1962, amended and promulgated by the Department of Natural
methods other than gauge tanks for allocation of production Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 19:768 (June 1993),
amended LR 23:585 (May 1997).
from fields in the state of Louisiana.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. §1505. Order
30:4 et seq.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of From and after the effective date hereof, permission to
Conservation, March 1, 1955, amended February 25, 1957, June 1, commingle gas and/or liquid hydrocarbons and to use
1962, amended and promulgated by the Department of Natural metering, well test or other methods for allocation of
Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 19:768 (June 1993), production may be obtained as hereinafter provided and
amended LR 23:585 (May 1997). upon strict compliance with the procedures set forth herein.
§1503. Definitions 1. Metering
Unless the context otherwise requires, the words defined a. No authority to commingle gas and/or liquid
in this Section shall have the following meanings where hydrocarbons and to use metering for allocation of
found in this Statewide Order: production will be granted unless and until the following
data and information have been filed with the commissioner
ComminglingC the combination of gas and/or liquid
with a copy to the district manager:
hydrocarbon production before sales from two or more
leases and/or units, subject to the following: i. a completed application form for
permission to commingle gas and/or liquid hydrocarbon
a. Combination of lease production with production
production along with the requisite fee;
from a unit which is wholly contained geographically within
that lease is not considered commingling. ii. a diagrammatic sketch of the mechanical
installation to be used along with a detailed explanation of
b. No additional commingling approval is required
the flow of the gas and/or liquid hydrocarbons, the
for a unit if approval to commingle at the same commingling
procedures and frequency for calibration/proving of
facility has previously been independently granted covering
metering devices and allocation formula to be utilized;
all leases contributing to the subject unit.
iii. a signed statement that, in the opinion of
c. Once commingling approval for a unit has been
the applicant, the commingling of gas and/or liquid
granted, no additional commingling approval is required if
hydrocarbons and the use of metering for allocation of
interests in a unit change or the unit is revised if no new
production in a manner proposed will provide reasonably
leases are added as a result of the change or unit revision.
accurate measurement, will not create inequities, and will
Commingling FacilityC any facility which has been afford the owner of any interest the opportunity to recover
authorized by the office for commingling as defined herein. his just and equitable share of production;
CommissionerC the commissioner of Conservation. iv. a list of interested parties. This list shall
include only those parties who have interests in the leases
District ManagerC the head of any one of the districts of
and/or units from which production is to be commingled if
the state of Louisiana under the Office of Conservation, and
approval is granted to the applicant and for which the
specifically, the manager within whose district the field or
applicant has no existing commingling authority.
fields are located from which the applicant proposes to
commingle production. b. Notice of the filing of an application to
commingle and to use metering for allocation of production
Interested PartyC any person who is known to the shall be published in the official journal of the state of
applicant after reasonable search to presently own an interest
Louisiana (by the Office of Conservation) and mailed (by
in production from the leases or units being considered for
the applicant) to the interested parties with an affidavit of
commingling.

55 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

mailing submitted to the Office of Conservation. A copy of data and information have been filed with the commissioner
the application does not have to be mailed to all interested with a copy to the district manager:
parties.
i. a completed application form for
c. No administrative approval for the commingling permission to commingle gas and/or liquid hydrocarbon
of gas and/or liquid hydrocarbons and the use of metering production along with the requisite fee;
for allocation of production will be granted, if, in the
ii. a diagrammatic sketch of the mechanical
judgment of the commissioner, after considering all the data
installation to be used along with a detailed explanation of
and information submitted, including any opposition
the flow of the gas and/or liquid hydrocarbons, the
expressed by interested parties, administrative approval is
procedures and frequency of well tests and for
not warranted, or in the event any interested party files an
calibration/proving of any metering devices and allocation
application for a public hearing opposing the granting of
formulas to be utilized;
commingling authority, together with the requisite hearing
fee, within 10 days following the first publication of the iii. a signed statement that, in the opinion of
notice of the application. The party seeking commingling the applicant, the commingling of gas and/or liquid
authority may also elect to file an application setting the hydrocarbons and the use of well tests for allocation of
matter for consideration at a public hearing if administrative production in the manner proposed will provide reasonably
approval is not granted. accurate measurement, will not create inequities, and will
afford the owner of any interest the opportunity to recover
d. Should the application for the use of metering be
his just and equitable share of production;
approved, the applicant shall provide a suitable means of
testing each meter in order that the accuracy of any meter in iv. a list of interested parties. This list shall
operation can be proven, such testing to be done monthly for include only those parties who have interests in the leases
liquid hydrocarbon allocation meters and quarterly for and/or units from which production is to be commingled if
gaseous hydrocarbon allocation meters or at such other times approval is granted to the applicant and for which the
as the commissioner of Conservation shall prescribe. The applicant has no existing commingling authority.
applicant shall retain the actual reports of such tests, and
b. The application shall also include:
such reports shall be kept on file and available for inspection
by any agent of the Office of Conservation or any interested i. written approval of 100 percent of all
party for a period of not less than three years. Permission, in interested parties; or
writing, from the Office of Conservation must be obtained
for all by-pass or other lines that will permit flow around the ii. a request for a public hearing pursuant to
regular meter, and each such line must have a meter that will R.S. 30:6; or
permit measurement. The commissioner may grant an iii. if the applicant can demonstrate that one
exception to this requirement if it is established to his or more prior commingling applications for the use of well
satisfaction that good grounds exist justifying said test allocation at the subject commingling facility have been
exception. unsuccessful in obtaining 100 percent approval, that
e. Emergency authorization to commingle may be approval was granted by order after a public hearing, and
obtained from the Office of Conservation for 90 days upon that all leases involved in the subject application are the
proper showing that the methods of production and same as the prior applications (i.e., no new leases), then the
allocation meet the minimum standards necessary for formal applicant may request, and the commissioner may authorize,
approval if the well(s) would otherwise have to remain shut- the processing of such application under the same
in pending formal approval. Under exceptional procedures outlined in §1505.A.2 and 3 of this Statewide
circumstances this period may be extended for good cause Order.
shown but for no longer than needed for an applicant c. Should the application for the approval of the use
diligently pursuing formal approval. of well tests be approved, such testing shall be done in a
f. Consolidation of two or more facilities may be manner that meets or exceeds the minimum standards set
approved administratively without the necessity of a public forth hereinbelow:
hearing by submitting a request for such to the Office of i. All wells shall be tested a minimum four
Conservation. hours at least once a month to determine productivity rate.
g. All allocation measurements must be in ii. Wells having any erratic producing
accordance with the American Petroleum Institute (API) characteristics that cause variable rates of flow while
Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards, Chapter 20, producing on a continuous choke size shall be tested a
Allocation Measurement. minimum of four hours biweekly to determine productivity
2. Well Tests rate.

a. No authority to commingle gas and/or liquid iii. If at any time between the regular testing
hydrocarbons and to use well tests for allocation of periods, as outlined above, the choke size of any well is
production will be granted unless and until the following changed, the time and date of change shall be recorded and
productivity rate test conducted after the well has stabilized

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 56

 Title 43, Part XIX

on the new choke. Production allocation shall be made a. If any operator feels that commingling of gas
according to these various productivity rates for the time and/or liquid hydrocarbons utilizing some method other than
they were in effect. metering or well tests for allocation of production is
appropriate, he may seek permission to do so in the manner
iv. If at any time the choke in a well is
hereinafter provided and upon strict compliance with the
changed because of wear, tests shall be conducted before the
procedures set forth herein.
choke is changed and after the well has stabilized on the new
choke. The average rate between the previous productivity b. No authority to commingle gas and/or liquid
rate test and the productivity rate test conducted immediately hydrocarbon production utilizing any method will be granted
after the choke has been changed shall be used to determine unless and until the following data and information have
production for this period back to the first day of the current been filed with the commissioner with a copy to the district
month. manager:
v. If the producing characteristics of a well i. a completed application form for
significantly change between the regular testing periods, permission to commingle gas and/or liquid hydrocarbon
such as: the beginning or increase in water percentage; a production along with the requisite fee;
change in gas-oil ratio, especially above the 2000/1 limit; or
ii. a diagrammatic sketch of the mechanical
considerable change in tubing pressure, etc., then tests shall
installation to be used along with a detailed explanation of
be made at no longer than one-week intervals until
the flow of the gas and/or liquid hydrocarbons and the
production again stabilizes.
manner in which measurement and allocation will be
vi. Daily checks on individual wellhead accomplished, including the procedures and frequency of
pressures shall be recorded and maintained by the operator well tests, calibration/proving of any metering devices and
of each well covered by the approval to commingle by well allocation formulas to be utilized;
tests, provided weather permits.
iii. a signed statement that, in the opinion of
vii. If any operator feels that some other the applicant, the commingling of gas and/or liquid
interval of testing is appropriate, he may request an hydrocarbons and the use of the method cited for allocation
exception to the above guidelines by writing the of production in the manner proposed will provide
commissioner with a copy to the district manager outlining reasonably accurate measurement, will not create inequities,
his problems and suggested interval of testing. The and will afford the owner of any interest the opportunity to
commissioner may, after consultation with the district recover his just and equitable share of production;
manager and staff, grant such exceptions as he deems
iv. a list of interested parties. This list shall
appropriate by special administrative order without a public
include only those parties who have interests in the leases
hearing.
and/or units from which production is to be commingled if
viii. All allocation measurements must be in approval is granted to the applicant and for which the
accordance with the American Petroleum Institute (API) applicant has no existing commingling authority.
Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards, Chapter 20,
c. The commissioner shall advise the applicant
Allocation Measurement.
whether such application will be processed under the
d. All required tests shall be recorded on Form provisions of §1505.A, B, or some alternative procedure he
DM-1-R, Form DT-1, or a document with a similar format deems appropriate at his discretion, and the applicant shall
and made available for inspection by any agent of the Office take the actions so mandated if he wishes to continue pursuit
of Conservation or any interested party for a period of not of approval of his application.
less than three years.
d. Emergency authorization to commingle may be
e. Emergency application to commingle may be obtained from the Office of Conservation for 90 days upon
obtained from the Office of Conservation for 90 days upon proper showing that the methods of production and
proper showing that the methods of production and allocation meet the minimum standards necessary for formal
allocation meet the minimum standards necessary for formal approval if the well(s) would otherwise have to remain shut-
approval if the well(s) would otherwise have to remain shut- in pending formal approval. Under exceptional
in pending formal approval. Under exceptional circumstances this period may be extended for good cause
circumstances this period may be extended for good cause shown but for no longer than needed for an applicant
shown but for no longer than needed for an applicant diligently pursuing formal approval.
diligently pursuing formal approval.
e. Consolidation of two or more facilities may be
f. Consolidation of two or more facilities may be approved administratively without the necessity of a public
approved administratively without the necessity of a public hearing by submitting a request for such to the Office of
hearing by submitting a request for such to the Office of Conservation.
Conservation.
f. This Statewide Order shall supersede Statewide
3. Other Order No. 29-D, but shall be in addition to all other
statewide orders, rules and regulations affecting the drilling

57 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

and production of gas and/or liquid hydrocarbons heretofore §1705. Order

promulgated. To the extent of any conflict with such other
orders, rules and regulations, however, provisions of this A. From and after the effective date hereof, permission to
Statewide Order shall govern. In case of any conflict commingle gas and/or liquid hydrocarbons and to use
between this Statewide Order and the special orders on methods other than gauge tanks for allocation of production
specific fields, said special orders on specific fields shall in the offshore areas of Louisiana may be obtained without
govern. the necessity of a public hearing in the absence of protests,
as hereinafter provided and upon strict compliance with the
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. procedure set forth herein, and upon strict compliance with
30:4 et seq. the permissive minimum standards as set forth in §1705.D
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of below.
Conservation, March 1, 1955, amended February 25, 1957, June 1,
1962, amended and promulgated by the Department of Natural B. The provisions of Part XIX, Subpart 6, Chapter 15,
Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 19:768 (June 1993), §1505.B, with reference to the filing of required data and
amended LR 23:585 (May 1997). information, shall be incorporated in this supplement order
Chapter 17. Commingling of Oil and by reference.

Gas Production Offshore C. Notice of the filing of the application to commingle

and to use methods other than gauge tanks for the allocation
§1701. Scope of production, shall be mailed to the State Mineral Board of
the state of Louisiana, and where the field or fields made
This Order provides rules and regulations governing the subject to the application is seaward of the Zone I line as
commingling and the use of methods other than gauge tanks defined in the State of Louisiana - United States Agreement
for allocation of production, and the establishment of of October 12, 1956, a notice shall be mailed to the
permissive minimum standards for the commingling of supervisor of the United States Geological Survey.
production and allocating the commingled production to the
individual wells in the offshore areas of Louisiana. D. Should the application be for the approval of the use
of well tests in lieu of gauge tanks, and should the
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with
application for same be approved, such testing shall be done
R.S.30:4 et seq.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of in compliance with the permissive minimum standards as set
Conservation, March 1, 1955, amended February 25, 1957, June 1, forth herewith:
1962, amended and promulgated by the Department of Natural 1. all top allowable wells shall be tested a minimum of
Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 19:768 (June 1993).
four hours at least once a month to determine productivity
§1703. Definitions rate;
Unless the context otherwise requires, the words defined 2. deficient wells shall be tested a minimum of four
in this Section shall have the following meanings when hours at least twice a month to determine productivity rate;
found in this Order: 3. wells having any erratic producing characteristics
Deficient WellsC with reference to this particular order, that cause variable rates of flow while producing on a
wells producing more than 25 percent BS&W, and/or continuous choke size, shall be tested a minimum of four
incapable of producing the current monthly depth bracket hours at least weekly to determine productivity rate;
allowable.
4. if at any time between, the regular testing periods,
District ManagerC the head of any one of the districts of as outlined above, the choke size of any well is changed, the
the state and under the Office of Conservation, and as used, time and date of change shall be recorded and a productivity
refers specifically to the manager within whose district the rate test conducted after the well has stabilized on the new
well or wells are located. choke. Production allocation would be made according to
these various productivity rates for the time they were in
OfficeC the Office of Conservation of the state of
effect;
Louisiana.
5. if at any time the choke in a well is changed
Productivity RateC the rate of which the well is
because of wear, a test shall be conducted before the choke
producing into the common storage.
is changed and another one after the well has stabilized on
Top Allowable WellsC proratable wells capable of the new choke. The average rate between the previous
producing the current monthly depth bracket allowable. productivity rate test and the productivity rate test conducted
immediately after the choke change should be used to
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with
R.S.30:4 et seq. determine production for this period only back to the first
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of day of the current month;
Conservation, March 1, 1955, amended February 25, 1957, June 1,
1962, amended and promulgated by the Department of Natural
Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 19:768 (June 1993).

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 58

 Title 43, Part XIX

6. if the producing characteristics of a well change E. Should approval be given, the applicant shall indicate
between the regular testing periods, such as: the beginning in the remarks column of each current R-1 Report that
or increase in water percentage; a change in gas-oil ratio, appropriate monthly well tests have been conducted. The
especially above the 2000/1 limit; or, considerable change in applicant shall retain the actual reports of such tests and such
tubing pressure, etc., then tests shall be made at no longer reports shall be kept on file and available for inspection by
than one week intervals until production again stabilizes; any agent of the Office of Conservation or any party at
interest, for a period of not less than three years.
7. periodic spot checks should be made by members
of the office, especially on unstable wells, water producing F. The results of all tests required by this Order shall be
wells, and high gas-oil ratio wells; certified as being true and correct by the party performing
the tests.
8. daily checks on individual well head pressures shall
be recorded and maintained by the operator of each well G. This Order shall be cumulative of, and in addition to
which has been granted permission to commingle in the all statewide orders, rules and regulations affecting the
offshore areas provided weather permits; drilling and production of gas and/or liquid hydrocarbons in
the offshore areas of Louisiana, as heretofore promulgated
9. if any operator feels that some other interval of
and when in conflict therewith shall prevail.
testing is appropriate he may request an exception to the
above in writing addressed to the district manager outlining AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with
his problems and suggested interval of testing. The R.S.30:4 et seq.
commissioner may, upon recommendation of the district HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
manager and his staff, grant such exception as he deems Conservation, March 1, 1955, amended February 25, 1957, June 1,
1962, amended and promulgated by the Department of Natural
appropriate by special administrative order without a public Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 19:769 (June 1993).
hearing.

59 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 Title 43
NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations
Subpart 7. Statewide Order No. 29-E

Chapter 19. Oil and Gas Well drilling or developmental units for a pool, if application is
made for a permit to drill a well outside of the unit pattern
Spacing which might develop an extension of the pool, the
§1901. Scope Commissioner may require that such well be located and
drilled in compliance with the provisions of orders affecting
This Order establishes rules and regulations for spacing of that pool.
wells drilled in search of oil and gas in areas of Louisiana 5. All applications for permits to drill in search of oil
for which no spacing regulations have been prescribed by or gas shall contain with such application a commercial
Special Orders. ownership map containing such information that is in the
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. possession of the applicant showing (1) the location of
30:4 et seq. existing producing or drilling wells, (2) the lease and
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of property ownership of tracts offsetting or in the vicinity of
Conservation, August 1, 1957, amended September 1, 1957. the well for which the permit is sought, and (3) the location
§1903. Definitions of the proposed well with respect to property and lease lines,
as provided for in Part XIX, Subpart 1.
Property LineC as used herein shall mean the boundary
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
dividing tracts on which mineral rights, royalty, or leases are
30:4 et seq.
separately owned, except that where conventional units shall HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
have been created for the drilling of the well, the boundaries Conservation, August 1, 1957, amended September 1, 1957.
of the unit shall be considered the property line.
§1907. Exceptions
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
30:4 et seq. Exceptions to the above shall be granted when,
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of conforming to the following requirements:
Conservation, August 1, 1957, amended September 1, 1957.
A. Where prior to the issuance of this order, a pool has
§1905. Order already been partially developed with a greater density of
IT IS ORDERED THAT no permits shall be issued for the
wells than that prescribed herein, the Commissioner of
Conservation may, without additional public hearing,
drilling of wells in search of oil or gas and no well shall be
exempt such pools from the provisions of this order. The
drilled in search of oil or gas nor shall a well be abandoned
exemptions for these pools shall be granted only after
in one pool and recompleted in another pool in a field in
application has been made to the Commissioner of
Louisiana in which no spacing rule are prescribed by special Conservation in writing accompanied by a map delineating
orders, unless the location of such well shall comply with the the location of all existing wells completed and producing
following requirements: from the pool for which exception is being asked.
1. No spacing shall be required for wells drilled in
search of oil to depths less than 3,000 feet subsea, except as B. Where prior to the issuance of this order a well has
provided for in the last paragraph of this order. previously been completed at a location offsetting the
property or unit line closer to the property or unit line than
2. Wells drilled in search of oil to depths below 3,000 the setback prescribed herein, the Commissioner may,
feet subsea shall not be located closer than 330 feet from any without additional public hearing permit like exception for
property line nor closer than 900 feet from any other well this offsetting well, such exception to be limited to the pool
completed in, drilling to, or for which a permit shall have from which the offsetting well is producing.
been granted to drill to, the same pool.
C. The Commissioner may, without additional public
3. Wells drilled in search of gas shall not be located hearing exempt from this order wells drilled in areas which
closer than 330 feet to any property line nor closer than he considers to be affected by piercement type salt domes or
2,000 feet to any other well completed in, drilling to, or for other complexly faulted areas to which, in the opinion of the
which a permit shall have been granted to drill to, the same Commissioner, this order would not be properly applicable.
pool. These requests for exceptions shall also be made in writing
to the Commissioner of Conservation accompanied by
4. When an order has been issued creating a pattern of
sufficient evidence to justify the exempt classification.

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 NATURAL RESOURCES

D. Where a permit is requested for a wildcat well to be denied without a public hearing, the applicant then may
drilled in an area in which the surface or mineral ownership apply for and obtain a public hearing in the manner provided
is so divided that the well cannot be located in compliance by law.
with the requirements of this Order and a drilling unit cannot
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
be formed in advance of drilling because it is not known
30:4 et seq.
whether the well will be completed as an oil well or a gas HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
well, a permit may nevertheless be granted for the drilling of Conservation, August 1, 1957, amended September 1, 1957.
the well when the applicant presents evidence satisfactory to
the Commissioner that the applicant has available for §1909. Additional Specifications
assignment to said well leases or acreage of area and side to A. When the pools covered by this order have had four
constitute, in the judgement of the Commissioner, a wells drilled to and completed therein or after one year has
reasonable producing unit for such well and such applicant elapsed from the completion of the first well in the field,
agrees to create or to apply to the Commissioner for creation whichever occurs first, the operator of wells in the field shall
of a reasonable producing unit within a reasonable time after petition the Commissioner of Conservation for a public
completion of the well. hearing for the purposes of establishing field rules and
regulations and the creation of drilling units for the pools in
E. In addition to the exceptions provided for in §1907.A,
the field. The right is reserved, however, to any party in
B, C and D hereof, the Commissioner may, without
interest to apply for a hearing at an earlier date: and if the
additional public hearing, grant an exception to the
Commissioner finds from an examination of the information
provisions of this order in any case where the granting of
furnished in connection with any application for a drilling
such an exception appears to be necessary to prevent waste,
permit that an earlier hearing should be held to establish
to prevent inequity or loss of property rights. Such an
rules and drilling units, the Commissioner may impose a
exception shall be considered and granted under this
condition in the drilling permit that such an application be
Paragraph only when the applicant shall have furnished the
filed within a reasonable time, to be specified by the
following data and evidence through the district manager.
Commissioner, after the successful completion of the well in
1. A letter setting forth all pertinent facts and reasons the horizon to which it is projected.
why the granting of the exception is necessary.
B. This order is intended only to regulate the spacing of
2. A formal application for permit to drillC Form wells prior to the establishment of special rules and
MD-10-R. regulations and the creation of drilling units, and it should
not be construed as having the effect of unitizing separate
3. An ownership map as required by the provisions of
ownerships or of creating drilling or spacing units.
§1905.A.5 hereof.
C. This order also is not intended to eliminate pools
4. A written certificate that copies of the letter request
shallower than 3,000 feet from appropriate rules and
provided for in §1907.E.1 hereof and of the ownership map
regulations, including spacing regulations after notice and
have been sent to each lease owner of tract offsetting or in
public hearing. After sufficient geological and engineering
the vicinity of the proposed well.
evidence is available with respect to these pools found at
If within 10 days after the filing of the application no depths of 3,000 feet or less subsea then the operator or
protest shall have been made in writing by any party and if operators owning wells the rein are required to petition the
the Commissioner considers that from the evidence Commissioner of Conservation for a public hearing for the
submitted the requested permit should be granted, he may purpose of establishing rules and regulations and the
issue it forthwith and without a public hearing. If a written creation of drilling units for each such pool.
protest should be filed within the 10-day period, the AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
Commissioner may in his discretion either (1) issue or deny 30:4 et seq.
the permit based on the available evidence or (2) call a HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
public hearing after legal notice. If the permit application is Conservation, August 1, 1957, amended September 1, 1957.

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 Title 43
NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations
Subpart 8. Statewide Order No. 29-F

Chapter 21. Allowable Production of a. On or before December 5, 1955, and on or before

the fifth day of March, June, September and December of
Natural Gas each year thereafter, each gas purchasing company, user,
§2101. Scope transporter, gathering system operator or other party
receiving gas at the well or at a central delivery point shall
Concerning the establishment of allowable production of file gas nominations in the form of affidavits, stating the
natural gas from wells in Louisiana Classified by the volume of gas which will be purchased or withdrawn from
Department of Conservation as gas wells Producing from each pool within a field during the next succeeding calendar
non-associated gas pools; prescribing the manner in which quarter of the year. These nominations shall be filed, in
allowable gas maybe produced and providing a uniform duplicate, by the Conservation District, with one copy to the
manner for balancing overproduction and underproduction. Commissioner and one copy to the appropriate district
office. These nominations must conform to the actual
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. volumes of gas which the nominator anticipates will be
30:4 et seq.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
required to fulfill its requirements from the field during the
Conservation (November 8, 1955), amended (July 1, 1959). succeeding calendar quarter of the year and shall be
expressed on a daily average for the period. At the same
§2103. Order time the nominator shall report to the Commissioner the
A. The volume of natural gas permitted to be produced actual volume of gas purchased, used, or transported by it
from all wells in Louisiana classified by the Department of during the corresponding quarter of the previous calendar
Conservation as gas wells producing from non-associated year and shall also be expressed on a daily average for the
gas pools (hereinafter referred to as "allowable"), shall be period.
established in the manner hereinafter set forth and gas shall 3. Allowables
be produced from such wells in the manner herein
prescribed: a. The Commissioner may supplement such
nominations and reports with gas market information
1. Application otherwise available to him, and will then determine the
a. This Order shall apply to all wells in Louisiana reasonable market demand for gas to be produced during
producing gas from nonassociated gas pools, whether such next ensuing quarterly period from each pool. The total
covered by Special Order or not, and any provisions of prior indicated requirements for a pool shall then be allocated
orders, including Special Field Orders, conflict herewith are among the wells within the pool in accordance with the
hereby modified to the extent of such conflict only. formula adopted for such pool, by Special Order applicable
to such pool, or, if no formula has been adopted for a pool
b. This Order shall not apply to casinghead gas by a Special Order, shall be apportioned among the
produced from wells classified by the Department of producing wells in the pool in proportion to the productive
Conservation as oil wells, nor to pools in which gas cycling area assigned to each well.
or pressure maintenance projects have been covered by
Special Orders. b. If any well or wells shall be incapable of
producing the full allowable so determined, an allowable
c. Where a gas pool reaches a stage of depletion shall be fixed for each such well upon the basis of its ability
which would render the enforcement of this order to produce, and the aggregate allowables of such wells as so
impracticable or unduly burdensome either on the fixed shall be subtracted from the reservoir allowable, and
Department of Conservation or upon the producers, gathers the remainder of the allowable for the pool shall be allocated
or purchasers of gas from such pool, the Commissioner of to the remaining wells upon the basis of the formula in
Conservation may exempt such pool from the provisions of effect.
this order by notice to the producers and purchasers of gas
from the pool who filed producers or transporters reports c. The scheduled allowables for each well as issued
with the Department of Conservation for the month by the Commissioner of Conservation for each quarterly
immediately prior thereto. period shall be expressed as an average daily allowable for
the period. For the purpose of reporting monthly production
2. Nominations

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 NATURAL RESOURCES

to the Commissioner, the daily allowable for each well times bring its production in balance with its allowable by the 1st
the number of days in the calendar month shall be reported day of July of that year. Such reduced production may be at
as the monthly allowable. varying rates of withdrawal, normally experienced in gas
production and marketing, so long as the overproduction is
d. No gas well shall be entitled to an allowable, nor
eliminated by the 1st day of July. Any well having a
shall an allowable be granted, until all necessary physical
cumulated overproduction status on the 1st day of July of
connections are made to permit full utilization of the
any year shall be closed in and not produced until such
allowable to be granted nor until a plat has been filed, in
overproduction is entirely eliminated.
triplicate, with the Commissioner of Conservation showing
the productive acreage attributable to said well, the location d. When any gas well shall have a cumulative
of all wells on the lease and immediately surrounding the underproduction status at the end of the last six months of
lease producing from the reservoir and the ownership of said any year, such underproduction may be made up during the
lease. Should the Commissioner consider that any acreage first six months of the following year, but any
assigned by an operator to a well for the computation of underproduction remaining on the 1st day of July of any
allowable production not to be productive, the year shall be canceled and shall not thereafter be made up.
Commissioner may exclude such acreage which he considers
5. Capability of Wells to Produce
nonproductive in computing the allowable production for the
well, or may require the operator to file new plat of acreage a. Anything herein contained to the contrary
assignable to the well all of which the Commissioner notwithstanding, no well shall be produced in excess of its
considers to be productive. maximum efficient rate of production nor at a monthly rate
in excess of twice its monthly allowable, even during
e. Allowables for newly completed gas wells shall
make-up periods.
commence on the date of completion provided the well is
physically connected to a market and provided a plat is on b. Unless waived by the Commissioner, each
file. No productive acreage attributed to a well shall be producer shall conduct semiannual deliverability tests of
attributed to any other drilling or producing well in the same each producing gas well by methods approved by the
pool. The allowable for a new well completed in a pool Commissioner; the results of such tests to be reported on
during any allowable period shall be established by the same Form DT-1 entitled Gas Well Deliverability Test.
formula as was used in fixing the allowable for wells already Conservation district managers may schedule test periods for
producing from that pool at the beginning of the allowable each field in his district and notify all producers at least 10
period. days in advance of such field tests, and in that instance, such
deliverability tests shall be made in accordance with the
f. The Commissioner shall have the right, when
schedule. Where no such schedule is made in a Conservation
emergencies arise, to issue such emergency allowables as
District, each producer may schedule such tests at his own
become necessary in order to satisfy, for the period of the
convenience, but shall give the manager of the Conservation
emergency, an increased demand for gas.
District in which the well is to be tested notice at least 10
4. Balancing of Production to Allowable days in advance of the proposed test, in order that the district
manager may have the test witnessed by a representative of
a. Except as hereinafter prohibited, any gas well
the Conservation Department if he so desires.
may produce during a calendar month twice the allowable
assigned to it, provided that its production shall be brought c. When any well becomes incapable of producing
into balance at the times and in the manner herein its current allowable, or when the allowable assigned to a
prescribed. When the monthly production from a well well exceeds an efficient producing rate or might result in
exceeds its monthly allowable, the excess shall be termed injury to the well or reservoir, such matters shall be reported
"overproduction", and when a well's monthly production is to the manager of the Conservation District in which the
less than its monthly allowable the deficiency shall be well is located within five days after they become known to
termed "underproduction." the producer, and the allowable for that well shall be reduced
to its productive capacity or efficient rate, whichever is
b. Each producer shall keep a monthly account of
lower.
the cumulative production status of each gas well as to
overproduction and underproduction and shall report such d. When any well shall cease to produce or be
cumulative production status on the R5P reports filed incapable of delivering gas into the line, the producer shall
monthly with the Department of Conservation. report that fact to the manager of the Conservation District
where the well is located.
c. For the purpose of this Order, on July 1, 1955, all
gas wells shall be considered in balance and not credited 6. Ratable Take
with any underproduction or charged with any
a. During the last six months of each year, the
overproduction, but thereafter when any gas well shall have
Commissioner shall make a survey of the production of gas
a cumulative overproduction status the last six months of
from fields having more than one market. Should the
any year, the operator or owner of such well shall reduce the
Commissioner find that during the preceding six-month
production of gas from the well during the first six months
period, gas has not been taken ratably from the wells in any
of the following year below the regular allowables so as to
reservoir in accordance with the allowables established by

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 64

 Title 43, Part XIX

him, he shall call a conference of all producers, purchasers adjustments in allowables or take such further action as he
and gatherers who are currently filing with the Department may deem appropriate to accomplish a ratable taking of gas
of Conservation reports of production, purchase or from the various wells in the reservoir.
transportation of gas from the reservoir, and determine the
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
reason why gas has not been taken in accordance with the 30:4 et seq.
allowables established by him and shall make such HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
Conservation (November 8, 1955), amended (July 1, 1959).

65 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

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NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations
Subpart 9. Statewide Order No. 29-G-1

Chapter 23. Automatic Custody B. No permission to use methods other than customary
gauge tanks for measurement and custody transfer of liquid
Transfer hydrocarbons will be granted unless and until the following
§2301. Scope data and information have been filed with the commissioner
with a copy to the district manager:
This Statewide Order provides rules and regulations 1. a completed application form for permission to
governing applications for measurement and transfer of measure and transfer custody of liquid hydrocarbons by use
custody of liquid hydrocarbons by the use of methods other of methods other than customary gauge tanks along with the
than customary gauge tanks from fields in the state of requisite fee;
Louisiana.
2. a diagrammatic sketch of the mechanical
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
installation to be used along with a detailed explanation of
30:4 et seq.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of the flow of liquid hydrocarbons, indicating locations of
Conservation, July 15, 1959, amended and promulgated by the locking devices and seals to provide assurance against or
Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR evidence of tampering;
19:758 (June 1993), amended LR 23:580 (May 1997).
3. a cosigned statement by producer and carrier that,
§2303. Definitions in their opinion, the transfer of liquid hydrocarbons in the
manner proposed will provide reasonably accurate
Unless the context otherwise requires, the words defined measurement and will not create inequities, and will afford
in this Section shall have the following meanings when the owner of any interest the opportunity to recover his just
found in this Statewide Order: and equitable share of production. The statement
Automatic Custody TransferC that the liquid incorporated in the application form will suffice for this
hydrocarbons were automatically measured as they are purpose if signed by both parties, otherwise a separate
transferred from the producer to the carrier. statement is required;
CommissionerC the commissioner of Conservation. 4. a list of interested parties. This list shall include
only those parties who have interests in the leases and/or
District ManagerC the head of any one of the districts of
units from which production is to be measured and custody
the state of Louisiana under the Office of Conservation, and
transferred if approval is granted to the applicant and for
specifically, the manager within whose district the field or
which the applicant has no existing authority.
fields affected by the application are located.
C. Notice of the filing of an application to measure and
Interested PartyC any person who is known to the
transfer of custody of liquid hydrocarbons by use of methods
applicant after reasonable search to presently own an interest
other than customary gauge tanks shall be published in the
in production being considered for automatic custody
Official Journal of the state of Louisiana (by the Office of
transfer.
Conservation) and mailed (by the applicant) to the interested
OfficeC the Office of Conservation of the state of parties with an affidavit of mailing submitted to the Office of
Louisiana. Conservation. A copy of the application does not have to be
mailed to all interested parties.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
30:4 et seq. D. No administrative approval for measurement and
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of automatic custody transfer of liquid hydrocarbons will be
Conservation, July 15, 1959, amended and promulgated by the granted, if, in the judgment of the commissioner, after
Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
considering all the data and information submitted, including
19:758 (June 1993), amended LR 23:580 (May 1997).
any opposition expressed by interested parties,
§2305. Order administrative approval is not warranted, or in the event any
A. From and after the effective date hereof, permission to interested party files an application for a public hearing
measure and transfer custody of liquid hydrocarbons by use opposing the granting of authority for measurement and
of methods other than customary gauge tanks may be automatic custody transfer, together with the requisite
obtained as hereinafter provided and upon strict compliance hearing fee, within 10 days following the first publication of
with the procedure set forth herein. the notice of the application. The party seeking authority for

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 NATURAL RESOURCES

measurement and automatic custody transfer may elect to F. This Statewide Order shall supersede Statewide Order
file an application setting the matter for consideration at a No. 29-G, but shall be in addition to all other statewide
public hearing if administrative approval is not granted. orders, rules and regulations affecting the production and
measurement of liquid hydrocarbons heretofore
E. Should the application for measurement and
promulgated. To the extent of any conflict with such other
automatic custody transfer of liquid hydrocarbons be
statewide orders, rules and regulations, however, the
approved, the applicant shall provide a suitable means of
provisions of this statewide order shall govern.
testing each meter in order that its accuracy in operation can
be proven, such testing to be done before or at the time the AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
meter is initially installed and monthly thereafter or at such 30:4 et seq.
other times as the commissioner of Conservation shall HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
prescribe. The applicant shall retain the actual reports of Conservation, July 1959, amended and promulgated by the
Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
such tests, and such reports shall be kept on file and 19:758 (June 1993), amended LR 23:580 (May 1997).
available for inspection by any agent of the Office of
Conservation or any interested party for a period of not less
than three years.

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 68

 Title 43
NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations
Subpart 10. Statewide Order No. 29-H-1

Chapter 25. New Pools the Statewide Crude Oil Depth Bracket Allowable Schedule
adopted by Part XIX, Subpart 16, effective January 1, 1978.
§2501. Scope
C. The spacing provision requirements for wells in pools
Order terminating Statewide Order No. 29-H, effective developed or being developed under Statewide Order No.
May 24, 1960, which adopted the basis of determination of 29-H should henceforth be regulated in accordance with the
allowable oil production and complemental spacing requirements as set forth in Chapter XIX, Subpart 7.
regulations for oil wells in any new pool, as defined therein. D. Any special order of the Office of Conservation
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with which has adopted the spacing provision requirements of
R.S.30:4 et seq. Statewide Order No. 29-H should be amended by reference
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of and such provision requirements should be considered
Conservation, May 24, 1960, amended January 1, 1980, amended expunged coincident with the termination of Statewide
and promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office Order No. 29-H, and simultaneously therewith, the spacing
of Conservation, LR 19:767 (June 1993).
provision requirements of Chapter XIX, Subpart 7 should be
§2503. Order considered adopted.
A. Statewide Order No. 29-H, effective May 24, 1960, AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with
be and is hereby terminated. R.S.30:4 et seq.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
B. The allowable assignment for each oil well, including Conservation, May 24, 1960, amended January 1, 1980, amended
those wells previously assigned allowables based on the and promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office
provisions of Statewide Order No. 29-H, should be based on of Conservation, LR 19:767 (June 1993).

69 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

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NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations
Subpart 11. Statewide Order No. 29-J

Chapter 27. Tubingless Completions Date: ______________________ Serial No.: ____________________

§2701. Scope Field Name: ___________ Parish: ___________ Dept. Dist: __________

Operator: ____________ Lease: ___________ Well No.: ___________

This Order provides rules and regulations governing
unprotested applications in the use of tubingless completions 1. This application is for: a. A proposed well
in the state of Louisiana. b. A well now being drilled
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with
R.S.30:4 et seq. c. A well now drilled to total depth
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
Conservation, March 1, 1961, amended May 1, 1963, amended and 2. The following facts are submitted:
promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of a. Name of reservoir:
Conservation, LR 19:777 (June 1993).
§2703. Definitions b. Approximate top of pay section:

c. Approximate bottom of pay section:

Unless the context otherwise requires, the words defined
in this Section shall have the following meanings when d. Approximate perforations:
found in this Order.
e. Type of production (oil or gas):
District ManagerC the head of any one of the districts of
the state of Louisiana under the Office of Conservation, and, f. Reservoir pressure: _________ psig at ____________
as used, refers specifically to the manager within whose feet subsea.
district the field or fields are located. g. Reservoir pressure gradient: __________ psi per foot
OfficeC the Office of Conservation of the state of (from above).
Louisiana.
h. Anticipated method of production following initial
Tubingless CompletionC the completion of any well so completion (flowing or artificial lift):
as to permit the passage of production from one separate
1. Electric Log does not indicate any commercial
underground source through one production casing set in the
productive sand above proposed top of cement.
well.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with 3. The following are attached:
R.S.30:4 et seq.
a. Diagrammatic sketch of proposed tubingless completion
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
installation.
Conservation, March 1, 1961, amended May 1, 1963, amended and
promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of b. Plat showing location of well.
Conservation, LR 19:777 (June 1993).
§2705. Order 4. Has the district manager of the Office of Conservation granted tubingless
completion in this field prior to this application? __________
A. From and after the effective date hereof, permission to
complete and produce wells without the use of tubing may 5. Does all geological and engineering data now available indicate that this
be obtained from the district manager without the necessity well and/or pool contains limited reserves to the extent that a normal
of a public hearing in the absence of protests, and upon strict completion is not feasible from the standpoint of economics?
compliance with the procedure set forth herein. __________

B. No permission to complete and produce wells without 6. List all other operators in the field where this well is located together
the use of tubing will be granted without a public hearing with correct mailing address of each and evidence that each such
unless and until the data and information required by the operator has approved the tubingless completion applied for:
district manager shall have been filed in his office; said
7. Is the fluid to be produced conducive to corrosion to the extent that any
filings to be made in duplicate and to include the following
information: resulting corrosion will destroy the effective seal of the production casing
during the producing life of this well?
APPLICATION FOR TUBINGLESS COMPLETION
IN THE ___________________ FIELD.

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8. If the answer to Item 7 above is Yes, what steps are proposed to combat c. Cement shall be by the pump and plug method,
or circumvent this corrosion problem? or another method approved by the office. Sufficient cement
shall be used to fill the calculated annular space behind the
_______________________________ casing to such a point as, in the opinion of the district
Operator manager, local conditions require to protect the producing
By _______________________________ formations and all other oil and gas formations occurring
Date Approved: _______ _______________________________ above, but in every case, no less cement shall be used than
District Manager the calculated amount necessary to fill the annular space to a
point 500 feet above the top producing zone. The calculated
CERTIFICATE amount of cement required shall be determined by a hole
This is to certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the caliper survey or 1.5 times the theoretical volume required to
information contained in this application is true and correct. fill this annular area.
Signed ________________________________________ d. The amount of cement to be left remaining in the
Title ________________________________________ casing, until the requirements of §2705.D.3.e below have
Representing _______________________________________ been met, shall be not less than 20 feet. This shall be
Form-T.C.-1 accomplished through the use of a float collar or other
C. If an applicant for a tubingless completion installation approved or practicable means, unless a full-hole cementer,
or its equivalent, is used.
is unable to obtain the approval of all of the other operators
in the field then such an applicant must apply for a public e. Cement shall be allowed to stand a minimum of
hearing following the usual 10-day advertisement period 12 hours under pressure and a minimum total of 24 hours
after furnishing a list of all known parties, including before initiating test or drilling plug in the producing or oil
operators and royalty owners, affected by the application, all string. Under pressure is complied with if one or more float
in accordance with Title 30 of the Louisiana Revised valves are employed and are shown to be holding the cement
Statutes of 1950, as amended. in place, or when other means of holding pressure are used.
When an operator elects to perforate and squeeze or to
D. All approved applications shall be subject to the
cement around the shoe, he may proceed with such work
applicant's conforming with the following requirements:
after 12 hours have elapsed after placing the first cement.
1. Conductor Pipe. The use and removal of conductor
pipe during the drilling of any oil or gas well shall be at the f. Before drilling the plug in the producing string of
casing in wells drilled to 3,000 feet or less, the casing shall
option of the operator. Conductor pipe is that pipe ordinarily
be tested with a pressure equivalent to 1,500 psi surface
used for the purpose of supporting unconsolidated surface
pressure applied with water in the casing, and in wells
deposits.
drilled deeper than 3,000 feet, the casing shall be tested with
2. Surface and Intermediate Casing. All fresh water a pressure equivalent to 3,000 psi surface pressure applied
sands shall be cased off by the surface or first intermediate with water in the casing. If, at the end of 30 minutes, the
casing in accordance with provisions of Part XIX, Subpart 1. pressure gauge shows a drop of 10 percent of the test
pressure or more, the operator shall be required to take such
3. Producing Oil String
corrective measures as will insure that the producing string
a. Producing or oil string is that casing used for the of casing is so set and cemented that it will hold said
purpose of segregating the horizon from which production is pressure for 30 minutes without a drop of more than 10
obtained and affording a means of communication between percent of the test pressure on the gauge.
such horizon and the surface.
g. If the commissioner's agent is not present at the
b. The producing string of casing shall consist of time designated by the operator for inspection of the casing
new or reconditioned casing tested at mill tent pressure or at tests of the producing string, the operator shall have such
1.25 times the maximum anticipated bottomhole pressure, tests witnessed, preferably by an offset operator. An affidavit
whichever is greater. The producing string of casing shall be of the test, on the form prescribed by the Office of
set at a sufficient depth to cut off all gas formations above Conservation, signed by the operator and witness, shall be
the oil-saturated horizon in which the well is to be furnished to the district office of the Office of Conservation
completed. The position of the oil horizon shall be shown that the test conformed satisfactorily to the above
determined by coring, testing or electrical logging, or other mentioned regulations before proceeding with the
satisfactory method, and the producing string of casing shall completion. If test is satisfactory, normal operations may be
be bottomed and cemented at a point below the gas/oil resumed immediately.
contact, if determinable and practicable. The producing
h. If the test is unsatisfactory, the operator shall not
string of casing shall be of sufficient size and completed
proceed with the completion of the well until a satisfactory
with the proper amount of tension so as to allow the running
test has been obtained.
of conventional bottomhole pressure bombs, temperature
survey units and all instruments of similar nature to the i. A temperature survey shall be run in the
depth of the producing horizon. producing string prior to perforating if returns were lost

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 72

 Title 43, Part XIX

during cementing or unusual circumstances were noted for the corrosion or extreme pressure problems have been
during the primary cementing operation to assure all resolved and approved by the district manager.
interested parties that the cement has been displaced a
E. This Order shall be cumulative of and in addition to
sufficient height outside the producing casing.
all Statewide Orders, rules and regulations affecting the
j. If a kill string is recommended by the district drilling and production of gas and/or liquid hydrocarbons
manager for the prevention of underground waste and the heretofore promulgated, and when anything in this Order is
operator does not concur, such requirement pertaining to the in conflict therewith, then the provisions of this Order shall
installation of a kill string shall be resolved by the govern. In case of conflict between this Order and any
conservation commissioner and his staff after due special orders issued on specific fields, said special orders
consideration and review. The conservation commissioner on specific fields shall govern.
and his staff shall also determine the minimum setting depth,
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with
size, and quality of the kill string, if required. R.S.30:4 et seq.
k. No permit to make a tubingless completion in a HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
corrosive or extreme pressure (gradient in excess of .5 psi Conservation March 1, 1961, amended May 1, 1963, amended and
promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of
per foot of depth or surface tubing pressure in excess of Conservation, LR 19:777 (June 1993).
4,500 psig) field shall be granted unless preventive measures

73 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 Title 43
NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations
Subpart 12. Statewide Order No. 29-K-1

Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR

Chapter 29. Substitute Unit Wells 19:775 (June 1993), amended LR 21:1084 (October 1995).
§2901. Scope §2905. Order
This Order provides rules and regulations governing the A. On and after the effective date hereof the
unprotested applications for designation of substitute unit commissioner may designate by supplemental order a
wells. substitute unit well at a legal location for any unit without
the necessity of a public hearing upon proper showing that
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
30:4 et seq. such substitute unit well is desirable and in the interest of
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of sound conservation and that the location thereof complies in
Conservation, May 4, 1964, amended and promulgated by the all respects with applicable special and statewide orders.
Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
19:775 (June 1993), amended LR 21:1084 (October 1995).
B. Future applications after the effective date hereof for
the designation of a substitute unit well at a legal location
§2903. Definitions shall be made to the commissioner with copy to the district
manager and to interested parties and such application shall
Unless the context otherwise requires, the words defined
include the following:
in this Section shall have the following meanings when
found in this Order. 1. statement of reason explaining the need or desire
CommissionerC the commissioner of conservation of the for the designation of the substitute unit well;
state of Louisiana. 2. plat showing the unit, the unit well and the location
District ManagerC the manager of any one of the of the proposed substitute unit well, with particular reference
districts of the state of Louisiana under the Office of to the distance to unit boundaries and other wells drilling to,
Conservation, and, as used, refers specifically to the completed in, or permitted for the Unitized Sand;
manager within whose district the field or fields affected by 3. name of sand, field and parish where the unit is
the special order, as hereinafter defined, are located. located;
Interested PartyC any person, as person is defined in 4. name of the operator of the unit;
Title 30 of the R.S. of 1950, who is known to the applicant
after diligent search to own an interest in the unit affected by 5. the number of the order or orders establishing the
the application. unit and the name of the unit, including the number or letter
designation of the unit;
Legal LocationC any location which is in accordance
with applicable special and statewide orders. 6. the plat attached to the application should not
exceed 16 inches by 22 inches;
Special OrderC any order of the commissioner and any
amendments or supplements thereto which created the unit 7. an application fee as established by LAC
for which the designation of a substitute unit well is 43:XIX.201 et seq. (Statewide Order Number 29-Q-1) or
requested. successor regulation.

Substitute Unit WellC any well already drilled to, or to C. Notice of the filing of the application for designation
be drilled to, completed or recompleted in the unitized sand of a substitute unit well shall be published in the Official
which in the interest of good conservation practices should Journal of the state of Louisiana.
be designated to take the place of and become the unit well. D. Based on the application the commissioner may, at
UnitC any drilling unit or units created by order of the any time after 10 days following the date on which the
commissioner. notice is published, issue a supplemental order designating a
substitute unit well as proposed unless prior thereto
Unitized SandC the sand covered by the special order. application for public hearing opposing such designation is
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. filed with the required hearing fee and in compliance with
30:4 et seq. the LAC 43:XIX.3901 et seq. (Rules of Procedure).
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of E. This order supersedes Statewide Order Number 29-K
Conservation, May 4, 1964, amended and promulgated by the
and shall be effective on and after October 20, 1995.

75 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. Conservation, May 4, 1964, amended and promulgated by the
30:4 et seq. Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of 19:775 (June 1993), amended LR 21:1084 (October 1995).

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 76

 Title 43
NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations
Subpart 13. Statewide Order No. 29-L-2

Chapter 31. Termination of Units commissioner for a pool may be issued after written
application and upon proper showing in the manner provided
§3101. Scope herein, and in the absence of protest without the necessity of
a public hearing, when with respect to the pool for which the
This order establishes rules and regulations for unit was established, a period of one year and 90 days has
termination of any unit established by the commissioner of elapsed without:
conservation pursuant to the authority of Title 30 of the
Revised Statutes of 1950. 1. production from the pool; and
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 2. the existence of a well proven capable of producing
30:4 et seq. from the pool; and
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of
Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 15:741 (September 3. drilling, reworking, recompletion, deepening or
1989), repromulgated LR 19:776 (June 1993), amended LR plugging back operations having been conducted on a well
21:1083 (October 1995). to secure or restore production from the pool.
§3103. Definitions B. Each application for unit termination shall be filed
with the commissioner with a copy to the district manager
Unless the context otherwise requires, the words defined and each interested party and shall include the following:
in this Section shall have the following meaning when found
in this order. 1. a plat showing all existing units established for the
pool, with each well located thereon, together with order
District ManagerC the manager of any one of the
number and effective date of the order of the commissioner
districts of the state of Louisiana under the Office of
establishing said units. Each well shall be identified on such
Conservation, and refers specifically to the manager within
plat by operator of record, serial number and well name and
whose district the pool for which all units are sought to be
number or by reference to an appropriate attachment;
terminated are located.
2. a signed statement indicating the status of each
Interested PartyC any person, as person is defined in
well. Should there exist a well which has not been plugged
Title 30 of the Revised Statutes of 1950, who owns an
and abandoned in accordance with LAC 43:XIX.137,
interest in all units sought to be terminated.
sufficient geological, engineering, or other data with detailed
PoolC an underground reservoir containing a common explanation thereof to clearly demonstrate that said well is
accumulation of crude petroleum or natural gas or both. not capable of producing from the pool;
Each zone of a general structure which is completely
3. a signed statement indicating that with respect to
separated from any other zone in the structure is covered by
the pool for which the unit was established, to the best of
the term pool.
applicant's knowledge, a period of one year and 90 days has
UnitC all units, whether one or more, established for a elapsed without:
particular pool, by order of the commissioner of
a. production from the pool; and
conservation pursuant to authority of Subsection B of
Section 9 or Subsection B or C of Section 5 of Title 30 of the b. the existence of a well proven capable of
Revised Statutes of 1950. producing from the pool; and
WellC all wells drilled within the confines of all units c. drilling, reworking, recompletion, deepening or
sought to be terminated. plugging back operations having been conducted on a well
to secure or restore production from the pool;
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
30:4 et seq. 4. a list of all interested parties to whom a copy of the
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of application has been sent;
Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 15:741 (September
1989), repromulgated, LR 19:776 (June 1993), amended LR 5. an application fee as established by LAC
21:1083 (October 1995). 43:XIX.201 et seq., (Statewide Order Number 29-Q-1) or
§3105. Order successor regulation.
A. On and after the effective date hereof, a supplemental C. Notice of the filing of the application of unit
order terminating all existing units established by the termination shall be published in the Official Journal of the

77 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

state of Louisiana giving notice that unless a written protest advertisement period, reference §3105.C hereof.
is filed with the commissioner within the 30-day period from Consequently, any activity described in §3105.A hereof,
the date of publication of notice, the commissioner may occurring between the date of the signed statement,
issue a supplemental order for such unit termination. In the reference §3105.B.3 hereof and the expiration of the legal
event written objection is filed within said 30-day period, the advertisement period, shall result in application denial.
applicant may apply for a public hearing for consideration of
F. Any supplemental order issued hereunder approving
the application.
the application shall terminate all units created for the pool
D. In the event that production from the pool is and shall be filed for record as provided in Section 11.1 of
subsequently reestablished from an existing well which was Title 30 of the Revised Statutes of 1950.
deemed not capable of producing from the pool as of the
G. This order supersedes Statewide Order Number 29-L-
effective date of unit termination, the operator of record of
1 and shall be effective on and after October 20, 1995.
such well shall immediately apply to the commissioner for a
public hearing, after 30-day legal notice, to consider AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
evidence concerning whether the previously existing unit on 30:4 et seq.
which the well is located should be reestablished for such HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of
well. Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 15:741 (September
1989), amended, LR 19:776 (June 1993), repromulgated LR
E. The effective date of any supplemental order issued 19:1030 (August 1993), amended LR 21:1083 (October 1995).
hereunder can not be prior to the expiration of the legal

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 78

 Title 43
NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations
Subpart 14. Statewide Order No. 31-A

Chapter 33. Record Keeping and §3305. Applicability

Report Filing The provisions of this Order shall extend and apply to all
gas produced from oil wells or gas wells within the state of
§3301. Scope
Louisiana, excepting gas vented from stripper oil wells.
An Order providing rules and regulations governing and AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act
requiring the keeping of records and the filing of reports 157 of the Legislative Session of 1940.
respecting the producing, taking, transporting, processing, HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
Conservation, September 7, 1941, amended January 1, 1942,
cycling, and otherwise handling of natural gas within the December 1, 1955, April 17, 1968, amended and promulgated by
state of Louisiana. the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act 19:773 (June 1993).
157 of the Legislative Session of 1940. §3307. Forms R-5-P and R-5-T
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
Conservation, September 7, 1941, amended January 1, 1942, A. The Monthly Producer's Natural Gas Report Form
December 1, 1955, April 17, 1968, amended and promulgated by R-5-P or most current revision thereof, is hereby adopted
the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR and made a part of this Order by reference.
19:773 (June 1993).
§3303. Definitions B. The Monthly Transporter's Natural Gas Report Form
R-5-T or most current revision thereof, is hereby adopted
Unless the context otherwise requires, the words defined and made a part of this Order by reference.
in this Section shall have the following meanings when C. All gas produced from oil wells and from gas wells
found in this Order: within the state of Louisiana, excepting gas vented from
Field, Month, and Calendar MonthC shall have the stripper oil wells, shall be reported monthly on said Report
meaning prescribed for each of said words, respectively, in Forms R-5-P or most current revision thereof and R-5-T or
Part XIX, Subpart 3, §903 promulgated by the commissioner most current revision thereof. Every producer shall make
of conservation on December 16, 1940. Report Form R-5-P or most current revision thereof. Where,
however, gas from any well is taken by any person other
Gas GathererC anyone who gathers gas other than his than the producer, the producer may authorize such person to
own in a field or from several fields for delivery to a make the report in his name, which report shall include all
transporter or gas processing plant. gas produced from said well. Every transporter shall make
Person, Producer, Gas, and ProductsC shall have the Report Form R-5-T or most current revision thereof. The
meaning prescribed for each of said words as defined in R.S. producer or agent of the producer, and the transporter thus
30:3. required to report shall execute under oath and file in the
manner hereafter directed on or before the last day of each
Stripper WellC shall have the ordinary meaning as that calendar month, Report Form R-5-P or and R-5-T
term is generally understood in the oil and gas industry, but respectively, or most current revision thereof, setting forth
shall not be construed to include naturally flowing or fully the data and information indicated by such forms, and
artificial gas-lift oil wells. shall be complete as to data covering the calendar month
TransporterC shall have the ordinary meaning as that next preceding the date of filing. Such reports for each
term is generally understood in the oil and gas industry, but month shall be prepared and filed in accordance with the
shall not be construed to include producers operating field instructions on the forms. The first report due under this
gathering systems and direct transportation lines to ultimate Order shall be for the calendar month of January, 1942,
consumers. which shall be filed on or before the last day of February,
1942.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act
157 of the Legislative Session of 1940. AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of 157 of the Legislative Session of 1940.
Conservation, September 7, 1941, amended January 1, 1942, HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
December 1, 1955, April 17, 1968, amended and promulgated by Conservation, September 7, 1941, amended January 1, 1942,
the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR December 1, 1955, April 17, 1968, amended and promulgated by
19:773 (June 1993).

79 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR Office of Conservation Monthly Producer's Natural Gas
19:773 (June 1993). Report, Form R-5-P or most current revision thereof. The
§3309. Form R-6 gas which has been produced in the field shall be reported on
Form R-5-P or most current revision thereof under the
A. The Monthly Gasoline and/or Cycling Plant Report section of the report entitled Production. The gas which has
Form R-6 or most current revision thereof, is hereby adopted been gathered in the same field along with gas which has
and made a part of this Order by reference. been gathered in nearby fields and transported to that field
B. Each operator of a gasoline plant, cycling plant, or shall be reported on the same Form R-5-P or most current
any other plant at which gasoline, butane, propane, revision thereof under the section entitled Acquisitions.
condensate, kerosene, oil or other liquid products are Indicated in this section shall be the company from whom
extracted from natural gas within the state of Louisiana, the gas was received, the field from which the gas was
shall furnish for each calendar month a Monthly Gasoline produced and the amount of gas received.
and/or Cycling Plant Report Form R-6 or most current B. In the event the gatherer has produced no gas in the
revision thereof, containing the information indicated by field from which he is gathering, then he shall indicate in the
such form respecting natural gas and products involved in production section of Form R-5-P or most current revision
the operation of each plant during each month. Such report thereof that he has no gas production. His acquisitions in that
for each month shall be prepared and filed according to field shall be listed in the acquisitions section.
instructions on the form on or before the last day of the next
succeeding month. C. The total gas production of the gas gatherer shall then
be added to the total acquisitions.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act
157 of the Legislative Session of 1940. D. He shall then indicate in the disposition section of
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Form R-5-P or most current revision thereof, the manner in
Conservation, September 7, 1941, amended January 1, 1942, which the total amount of gas produced and acquired was
December 1, 1955, April 17, 1968, amended and promulgated by disposed.
the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
19:774 (June 1993). AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act
§3311. Affidavits 157 of the Legislative Session of 1940.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
All reports provided for in this Order shall be verified by Conservation, September 7, 1941, amended January 1, 1942,
December 1, 1955, April 17, 1968, amended and promulgated by
affidavit in the form or forms indicated, and any reports not the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
so verified shall not be taken as filed in compliance with this 19:774 (June 1993).
Order.
§3317. Effect on Overall Authority of the Commissioner
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act of Conservation
157 of the Legislative Session of 1940.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of This Order shall not be taken or construed to limit or
Conservation, September 7, 1941, amended January 1, 1942,
December 1, 1955, April 17, 1968, amended and promulgated by
restrict the authority of the commissioner of conservation to
the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR require the furnishing of such additional reports, data or
19:774 (June 1993). other information relative to the production and processing
§3313. Record Keeping of gas in this state as may appear to him to be necessary or
desirable, either generally or specially, for the prevention of
All persons required by the provisions of this Order to waste and the conservation of natural resources in this state;
keep the reports provided for herein shall make and keep nor to limit or restrict the authority of the commissioner of
appropriate books and records covering their operations in conservation to waive the filing of any report or reports
Louisiana from which they may be able to make and otherwise required hereunder in any special instance wherein
substantiate such reports. the commissioner of conservation finds that such waiver is
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act necessary to prevent undue hardship or imposition.
157 of the Legislative Session of 1940. AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of 157 of the Legislative Session of 1940.
Conservation, September 7, 1941, amended January 1, 1942, HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
December 1, 1955, April 17, 1968, amended and promulgated by Conservation, September 7, 1941, amended January 1, 1942,
the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR December 1, 1955, April 17, 1968, amended and promulgated by
19:774 (June 1993). the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
§3315. Gas Gatherer 19:774 (June 1993).

A. Gas gatherer, as that term is defined in §3303 above,

shall report the amounts of gas handled and disposed of on

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 80

 Title 43
NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations
Subpart 15. Statewide Order No. 45-I-A

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.

Chapter 35. Gas/Oil Ratios, 30:4 et seq.
Allowables and Venting of Natural HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by Department of
Conservation, July 20, 1943, amended January 1, 1966, December
Gas 1, 1973, amended and promulgated by the Department of Natural
§3501. Scope Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 23:581 (May 1997).
§3505. Base Gas/Oil Ratio and Allowables
This Statewide Order provides special rules and
regulations governing gas/oil ratios, allowables, and the A. The base gas/oil ratio for a well recognized by the
venting of natural gas. Office of Conservation as an oil well is hereby fixed at 2000
cubic feet of natural gas per barrel of oil (2000/1). Any well
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. recognized by the Office of Conservation as an oil well
30:4 et seq.
which has a gas/oil ratio of 2000/1 or below will be allowed
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by Department of
Conservation, July 20, 1943, amended January 1, 1966, December to produce its base oil allowable without reduction. Any well
1, 1973, amended and promulgated by the Department of Natural recognized by the Office of Conservation as an oil well
Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 23:581 (May 1997). which has a gas/oil ratio exceeding 2000/1 and from which
the operator cannot use or sell the gas will have its base oil
§3503. Definitions
allowable reduced by assigning to such well an oil allowable
Unless the context otherwise requires, the words defined determined by multiplying the base oil allowable by the base
in this Section shall have the following meaning when found gas/oil ratio and dividing by the gas/oil ratio of the well.
in this Statewide Order: B. If the operator can use or sell the gas, the allowable
Base Gas/Oil RatioC amount of natural gas, in cubic which shall be granted to a well which produces oil with a
feet, which may be produced with one barrel of oil from a gas/oil ratio in excess of 2000/1, or to a well which produces
well recognized by the Office of Conservation as an oil well hydrocarbons from the gas cap of an oil pool, shall be
without reduction of the base oil allowable. equivalent volumetrically to the quantity of hydrocarbons a
well in the same pool would be allowed to produce if it were
Base Oil AllowableC amount of oil, in barrels per day, producing oil with a gas/oil ratio of 2000/1, each computed
which may be produced from a well recognized by the at reservoir conditions based on available data; provided that
Office of Conservation as an oil well before application of reasonable estimates of reservoir conditions shall be used if
the base gas/oil ratio. actual reservoir conditions cannot be determined from
CommissionerC the commissioner of Conservation of available data. Such allowables shall be calculated as
the State of Louisiana follows:
District ManagerC the head of any one of the districts of 1. Any well recognized by the Office of Conservation
the state of Louisiana under the Office of Conservation, and as an oil well which has a gas/oil ratio exceeding 2000/1 will
specifically the manager within whose district the well have its base oil allowable reduced by assigning to such well
affected by this Statewide Order is located. an oil allowable determined by the following formula:
Horizontal WellC well with the wellbore drilled laterally
at an angle of at least 80 degrees to the vertical and with a V ( R p − Ro )+ B 
horizontal displacement of at least 50 feet in the pool in Qo ( 2000 + ) = Qo  
which the well is completed for production, measured from  V ( Ri − Ro ) + B 
the initial point of penetration into such pool.
where:
Oil AllowableC amount of oil authorized to be produced Qo = current depth bracket oil allowable for one well
by the Office of Conservation from a well recognized by the when producing gas-oil ratio is less than 2000:1.
Office of Conservation as an oil well.
Qo(2000+) = oil allowable for one well when
Point of DeliveryC point at which gas is vented to the
producing gas-oil ratio is greater than 2000:1.
atmosphere, whether from one or more wells or at any type
of production facility.

81 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

V = barrels of space occupied by one std. Mcf of gas figure that the well could not produce by natural flow.
at reservoir conditions (res. bbls. per MSCF). Requests for exemption of any such well from the penalized
or volumetric allowable shall be made in writing to the
Rp = permissible gas-oil ratio for an oil well district manager, accompanied by appropriate data to
(2.0 MSCF/STB). establish that the well qualifies for the requested exemption,
Ri = producing gas-oil ratio of wells for which the and such request may be granted by the district manager,
allowable is being calculated (MSCF/STB). upon receipt of such data, without the necessity of a public
hearing.
Ro = solution gas-oil ratio at the current bottomhole
pressure (MSCF/bbl.). E. The operator of any well which is subject to a
volumetric allowable restriction under Subsection B of this
B = volume occupied by one barrel of stock tank oil Section this may be granted an exemption from such
and its solution gas at the current reservoir pressure (Res. restriction if such operator can use or sell the natural gas
bbl. per STB). produced from such well and if, pursuant to written
application to and subsequent written approval by the
2. Any well recognized by the Office of Conservation appropriate district manager, it is established that:
as a gas well and which is determined by the Office of
Conservation to be producing from the gas cap of an oil pool 1. the well is the only well capable of producing from
will be assigned a volumetric gas allowable determined by the pool; or
application of the following formula:
2. the productive limits of the pool underlies a single

Qo V ( R p − Ro ) + B 
lease or voluntary unit; or
Qs = Ag 3. all persons owning interests in the pool agree in
Ao  V 
 writing, to the requested exemption from the volumetric
allowable restriction.
where: AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
30:4 et seq.
Qg = gas well allowable (MSCF per day). HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by Department of
Ao = number acres in oil unit. Conservation, July 20, 1943, amended January 1, 1966, December
1, 1973, amended and promulgated by the Department of Natural
Ag = number acres in gas unit. Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 23:581 (May 1997).

Qo = current depth bracket oil allowable for one well §3507. Venting of Gas
when producing gas-oil ratio is less than 2000:1. The venting of natural gas from any well producing in the
Ro = solution gas-oil ratio at the current bottomhole state of Louisiana is hereby expressly prohibited except in
pressure (MSCF/bbl.). those instances where the Office of Conservation finds, upon
written application, that such prohibition would result in an
B = volume occupied by one barrel of stock tank oil economic hardship on the operator of the well, lease or
and its solution gas at the current reservoir pressure (Res. production facility from which the gas is proposed to be
bbl. per STB). vented; provided, however, that no such economic hardship
V = barrels of space occupied by one std. Mcf of gas can be found in the case where the current market value, at
at reservoir conditions (res. bbls. per MSCF). the point of delivery, of the gas proposed to be vented
exceeds the cost involved in making such gas available to a
Rp = permissible gas-oil ratio for an oil well market. Such applications shall be filed with the district
(2.0 MSCF/STB). office and approval thereof will be at the discretion of the
C. The gas/oil ratios of wells which have been assigned district manager.
an oil allowable based on a gas/oil ratio of 2000/1 or below AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
shall be determined by testing at as close as practical the 30:4 et seq.
allowable rate. The gas/oil ratios of wells which are known HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by Department of
to have high gas/oil ratios >2000/1 shall be determined by Conservation, July 20, 1943, amended January 1, 1966, December
testing at the rate determined by the operator and the district 1, 1973, amended and promulgated by the Department of Natural
manager as the most efficient rate. The gas/oil ratio for a gas Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 23:582 (May 1997).
lift well shall be calculated by subtracting the input gas from §3509. Exceptions and Hearings
the output gas and dividing by the oil produced. A. These rules and regulations shall govern the
D. Any flowing oil well which produces oil with production of oil and gas or both in the state of Louisiana,
excessive amount of salt water and has a gas/oil ratio except:
exceeding 2000/1 shall not have its base oil allowable 1. where the production of oil and gas or both is
reduced by assigning a penalized allowable under §3505.A regulated by special field orders; and
or a volumetric allowable under §3505.B hereof if to do so
would reduce the base oil allowable for the well to such a 2. in the recognized stripper areas; and

Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999 82

 Title 43, Part XIX

3. production of oil and gas or both from horizontal §3511. Violations

wells.
Unless specifically prohibited by the commissioner or his
B. Other exceptions to the provisions of this Statewide authorized staff, the venting of gas due to unavoidable
Order which are found to be proper and in the interest of
situations will not be considered a violation of this Statewide
conservation, the prevention of waste, and the protection of
Order. However, any venting which contradicts the spirit or
the rights of all persons owning interests in the pool shall be
intent of this Statewide Order shall be a violation hereof.
granted only after public hearing based on legal notice.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:4 et seq.
30:4 et seq. HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by Department of
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by Department of Conservation, July 20, 1943, amended January 1, 1966, December
Conservation, July 20, 1943, amended January 1, 1966, December 1, 1973, amended and promulgated by the Department of Natural
1, 1973, amended and promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 23:583 (May 1997).
Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 23:582 (May 1997).

83 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 Title 43
NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations
Subpart 16. Statewide Order No. 151-A-2

Chapter 37. Statewide Crude Oil MEASURED STATEWIDE

DEPTHS ALLOWABLE
Depth Bracket Allowable Schedule (BPD)
§3701. Scope 0 - 2000 200
2 - 3000 300
Order establishing a Statewide Crude Oil Depth Bracket
3 - 4000 400
Allowable Schedule for Oil Wells in addition to providing
4 - 5000 500
additional allowable incentive to horizontal oil wells.
5 - 6000 600
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act
157. 6 - 7000 700
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of 7 - 8000 800
Conservation, September 24, 1948, amended June 4, 1950, January 8 - 9000 900
1, 1951, February 1, 1951, January 31, 1952, May 19, 1952, July 1, 9 - 10000 1000
1957, July 1, 1959, January 1, 1960, January 1, 1961, July 18,
1961, October 1, 1962, March 1, 1967, January 1, 1967, November 10 - 11000 1100
1, 1967, January 1, 1978; amended and promulgated by the 11 - 12000 1200
Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 12 - 13000 1300
20:1126 (October 1994). 13 - 14000 1400
§3703. Definitions 14 - 15000 1500
15 - 16000 1600
Unless the context otherwise requires, the words defined
16 - 17000 1700
in this Section shall have the following meanings when
17 - 18000 1800
found in this order:
18 - 19000 1900
Horizontal Oil WellC a well with the wellbore drilled 19 - 20000 2000
laterally at an angle of at least 80 degrees to the vertical and
20 - 21000 2100
with a horizontal displacement of at least 50 feet in the pool
in which the well is completed for production, measured 21 - 22000 2200
from the initial point of penetration into such pool. etc. etc.

Maximum Efficient Rate (MER)C the maximum

sustainable daily oil withdrawal rate from a reservoir which B. The measured depth of the deepest perforation in the
will permit economic development and depletion without pool shall be used in determining the applicable depth
causing waste. bracket allowable for all wells in the pool.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act
157. 157.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
Conservation, September 24, 1948, amended June 4, 1950, January Conservation, September 24, 1948, amended June 4, 1950, January
1, 1951, February 1, 1951, January 31, 1952, May 19, 1952, July 1, 1, 1951, February 1, 1951, January 31, 1952, May 19, 1952, July 1,
1957, July 1, 1959, January 1, 1960, January 1, 1961, July 18, 1957, July 1, 1959, January 1, 1960, January 1, 1961, July 18,
1961, October 1, 1962, March 1, 1967, January 1, 1967, November 1961, October 1, 1962, March 1, 1967, January 1, 1967, November
1, 1967, January 1, 1978; amended and promulgated by the 1, 1967, January 1, 1978; amended and promulgated by the
Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
20:1126 (October 1994). 20:1127 (October 1994).

§3705. Allowable Schedule for Oil Wells Other than §3707. Horizontal Oil Well Allowables
Horizontal Wells A. Subject to §3707.B and C, the allowable for each
A. The Statewide Crude Oil Depth Bracket Allowable horizontal oil well shall be its Maximum Efficient Rate.
Schedule for oil wells other than horizontal wells is listed B. Allowables assigned to units in competitive reservoirs
below: shall be subject to adjustment if needed to prevent adverse

85 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

drainage or to protect correlative rights after public hearing Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
based on 10 days legal notice. 20:1127 (October 1994).

C. A unit in a competitive reservoir containing multiple §3709. Effective Date

unit wells, at least one of which is a horizontal well, shall be This order supersedes Statewide Order Number 151-A-1
assigned an allowable equal to the greater of the maximum
and shall be effective upon publication in the Louisiana
efficient rate for the horizonal well or the applicable depth
Register.
bracket.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with Act 157.
157. HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Conservation, September 24, 1948, amended June 4, 1950, January
Conservation, September 24, 1948, amended June 4, 1950, January 1, 1951, February 1, 1951, January 31, 1952, May 19, 1952, July 1,
1, 1951, February 1, 1951, January 31, 1952, May 19, 1952, July 1, 1957, July 1, 1959, January 1, 1960, January 1, 1961, July 18,
1957, July 1, 1959, January 1, 1960, January 1, 1961, July 18, 1961, October 1, 1962, March 1, 1967, January 1, 1967, November
1961, October 1, 1962, March 1, 1967, January 1, 1967, November 1, 1967, January 1, 1978; amended and promulgated by the
1, 1967, January 1, 1978; amended and promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
20:1127 (October 1994).

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 Title 43
NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations
Subpart 17. Procedures for Hearings and Unit and Survey Plat Requirements

Chapter 39. Hearings known to the applicant after reasonable search to presently
own an interest within the area of, or proximate to, the tracts
§3901. Scope directly affected by the application and who is also known to
the applicant to have either a consultant or attorney
This order provides rules of procedure for conducting representing him in conservation matters.
hearings before the commissioner of conservation.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:4 et seq.
30:4 et seq. HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Natural
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended and
Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended and promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of
promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 19:759 (June 1993).
Conservation, LR 19:759 (June 1993).
§3905. Applicability
§3903. Definitions
A. These rules of procedure shall be applicable to all
The words defined herein shall have the following hearing applications which require 30 days notice as set
meanings when used in these rules. All other words so used forth in Section 6B of Chapter 1 of Title 30 of the Louisiana
and not herein defined shall have their usual meanings Revised Statutes of 1950, including applications relating to
unless specially defined in Title 30 of Louisiana Revised revisions of poolwide units created under Section 5C (Act
Statutes of 1950. 441 of 1960), provided that, except for the notice provisions
DateC the postmarked date of a letter or the transmittal contained in §3915.A.1, 2 and 3 herein, and except to the
date of a telegraphic or wireless communication. extent provided in §3921 herein, these rules of procedure
shall not apply to applications relating to the initial creation
District ManagerC the manager of any one of the of poolwide units under Section 5C (Act 441 of 1960) of
districts of the state of Louisiana under the Office of Chapter 1 of Title 30 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of
Conservation, and, as used, refers specifically to the 1950.
manager within whose district the field or fields affected by
the subject matter of the proposed hearing are located. B. If the application relates to the initial creation of
poolwide units under Section 5C (Act 441 of 1960), a copy
InterestC shall not mean the rights of a top lessee or any of same shall be furnished each interested owner and
other reversionary right. represented party. If the required 75 percent in interest of
Interested OwnerC any owner as owner is defined in owners and royalty owners in the reservoir shall have failed
Title 30 of Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, who is to join in the agreement covering the plan and terms of unit
known to the applicant after reasonable search to presently operation by the fifteenth day prior to the date of hearing,
own an interest within the area of, or proximate to, the tracts the applicant shall secure cancellation of the hearing and
directly affected by the application. shall notify all interested owners, represented parties, and
interested parties of the cancellation.
Interested PartyC any person as person is defined in
Title 30 of Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, other than an C. To the extent practicable, these rules of procedure
interested owner or a represented party as defined herein, also shall apply to hearing applications which require 10
who presently owns an interest within the area of, or days notice. The provisions in §§3907, 3911, 3913, 3915,
proximate to, the tracts directly affected by the application. 3917, 3919, 3921 and 3933, concerning pre-application
notice, notice of opposition, pre-application conferences,
Pertinent DataC with respect to any unit proceedings, other conferences, proposed units, unit revisions,
all basic factual information available from wells drilled or counterplans and matters which are not deemed practicable
drilling which can reasonably be utilized in determining the for hearing applications which require 10 days notice shall
unit configuration, including but not limited to, (a) electric not apply. The posting and publication of a copy of the
logs, porosity logs and dipmeter logs, (b) tests, completion notice of hearing shall be accomplished as soon as
and production data, and (c) core data. All data that will be practicable after such notice has been issued by the
employed at a hearing shall be considered pertinent data. commissioner. Any interested owner or represented party
who has opposition to the application shall give immediate
Represented PartyC any person as person is defined in
notice thereof to the commissioner, district manager and the
Title 30 of Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, who is
applicant.

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 NATURAL RESOURCES

D. These rules of procedure shall in no way alter or not schedule a conference nor comply with §3915.A.1 and 4
change the right of any interested person, as provided in hereof.
Paragraph F, Section 6 of Chapter 1 of Title 30, to have the
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
commissioner of conservation call a hearing for the purpose 30:4 et seq.
of taking action in respect to a matter within the jurisdiction HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Natural
of the commissioner, nor the requirement that the Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended and
commissioner, upon receiving the request, promptly call a promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of
hearing. Conservation, LR 19:760 (June 1993), repromulgated LR 19:1030
(August 1993).
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
30:4 et seq. §3909. Release of Pertinent Data
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Natural A. Pertinent data shall be made available to interested
Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended and
promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of
owners and represented parties sufficiently in advance of any
Conservation, LR 19:760 (June 1993). conference to allow a reasonable time for review and
interpretation thereof prior to such conference.
§3907. Pre-application Notice
B. Reference to source, including commercial outlets,
A. Except as provided by §3917, any person intending to from which or whom such data can be obtained, at the cost
apply for a hearing, prior to filing application, shall send a of the requesting party, shall be included in notices and
notice outlining the proposal to the commissioner (in applications required by these rules.
duplicate) with a copy to the district manager and to each
interested owner and represented party. Interested owners AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
and represented parties need not be furnished the list 30:4 et seq.
described in §3907.B.1, but the applicant upon request shall HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Natural
Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended and
furnish a copy of said list to the requesting party.
promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of
B. Each pre-application notice shall include or be Conservation, LR 19:760 (June 1993).
accompanied by the, following: §3911. Opposition - Pre-application Notice
1. A list of the names and addresses of all interested If any interested owner or represented party desires to
owners and represented parties to whom it is being sent.
confer about the applicant's proposal as set forth in the
2. A statement that a reasonable effort has been made pre-application notice, he shall, within 10 calendar days after
to determine to whom the notices as required by this rule the date of said notice, advise the applicant of his desire to
must be sent. confer, and the applicant shall, within 15 calendar days after
3. An explanation of the nature of the proposal and a the date of the pre-application notice, advise in writing the
copy of a unit plat for each sand, if units are involved, commissioner, the district manager and all other persons to
prepared in accordance with all applicable memoranda and whom the pre-application notice was sent that the
the procedure for assigning nomenclature of LAC conference will be held. Any interested owner and
43:XIX.103, with any geological bases for any unit represented party may attend and participate in the
boundary labeled thereon. A reasonable effort shall be made conference even though not requesting it. If the applicant
to prepare the plat in sufficient detail to enable affected does not timely receive notice of a desire to confer from any
parties to determine the location of their lands. party receiving the pre-application notice, he may
immediately proceed to file his application.
4. A day, time and place for a conference which need
be held only if notice of a desire to confer with respect to the AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
30:4 et seq.
application is given as herein after provided. Any such HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Natural
conference shall be held within the state of Louisiana (unless Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended and
mutually agreed otherwise among all interested owners and promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of
represented parties) in a city reasonably convenient to the Conservation, LR 19:761 (June 1993).
persons involved and shall be scheduled for not less than 20 §3913. Procedure for Conferences
calendar days following the date of the pre-application
notice. A. At any conference held pursuant to these rules, the
applicant shall present the available and appropriate
5. A definition of the sand proposed for unitization geological, engineering or other bases for his position
with such sand defined in each reservoir thereof by reference supported by sufficient data and detail for the conferees to
to well log measurements. have reasonable opportunity to discuss and attempt to
C. If an applicant has proof acceptable to the resolve their differences in good faith.
commissioner that there is no necessity to confer about the B. Any opponent or party supporting the applicant, who
proposal because there is no indication of opposition from has had an opportunity to study the matter and who has
any person to whom the preapplication notice must be sent, developed the geological, engineering or other bases for his
he may immediately proceed to file his application and need opposition or support, shall present his position in sufficient

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 Title 43, Part XIX

detail to permit the parties to attempt to resolve the applicant shall mail copies of the legal notice to all
differences in good faith. interested owners, represented parties and interested parties
and a copy of the unit plat or plats shall be included with the
C. If, however, any opponent or party supporting the
legal notice, if said parties have not already been furnished
applicant is not prepared to discuss the geological,
same. Evidence to establish posting, publishing and mailing
engineering or other bases for his opposition or support at
shall be submitted at the hearing;
the conference, he shall later comply with the provisions of
§3915 or §3917 and §3921 hereof. 3. a statement that a reasonable effort has been made
to obtain a complete list of interested parties, interested
D. At any conference held pursuant to these rules, any
owners and represented parties;
participant proposing to create or revise a unit or units shall
exhibit a map or plat, reasonably prepared in sufficient size 4. a statement that a conference has or has not been
and detail to enable affected parties to determine the location held, including a brief report on the conference, if held, and
of their lands. a list of the parties in attendance;
E. Conferences held pursuant to these rules are designed 5. a unit plat, if units are involved, prepared in
to promote an open exchange of views among the parties; accordance with all applicable memoranda and the
therefore, any reference to discussions among the parties as procedure for assigning nomenclature of LAC 43:XIX.103,
to geological, engineering, or other bases for a party's with any geological bases for any unit boundary labeled
position at said conferences shall not be admissible in thereon and the other items required by statute or by the
evidence at any hearing. Tape recordings and transcriptions commissioner;
made at any such conference also shall not be admissible in
6. a definition of the sand proposed for unitization
evidence.
with such sand defined in each reservoir thereof by reference
F. Conference reports prepared pursuant to §§3915 and to well log measurements.
3917 shall be limited to a statement of whether or not there
B. A request for rules and regulations for more than one
is disagreement among the parties and shall contain no
sand shall be considered a separate application for each sand
reference to individual geological, engineering or other
and the commissioner shall be furnished an extra copy of the
opinions expressed at said conferences, but they shall
application for each additional sand affected thereby. An
indicate the issues that are likely to be controverted and the
application fee for each sand shall be filed with the
number of parties likely to present opposing plans.
application as established by Part XIX, Subpart 2 or
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. successor regulation.
30:4 et seq.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Natural C. If, as a result of any conference, the applicant's
Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended and proposal as set forth in a pre-application notice is revised,
promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of the revised proposal shall be explained in the application,
Conservation, LR 19:761 (June 1993). and if units are involved and are revised, the revised unit plat
§3915. Hearing Application shall be filed with the application.
A. The hearing application may be filed immediately D. If the application does not change or alter the units as
after the pre-application conference or as otherwise provided proposed in the pre-application notice, additional plats need
in §§3907 and 3911 and shall be filed with the commissioner not be furnished to interested owners and represented
(in duplicate) with a copy to the district manager and to each parties.
interested owner and represented party. Interested owners E. If differences are not resolved or if any interested
and represented parties need not be furnished the lists owner or represented party desires to oppose or support a
described in §3915.A.1 and 2, but the applicant upon request proposal by the introduction of evidence at the hearing, then
shall furnish copies of said lists to the requesting party. In not less than 15 calendar days before the hearing, he must
addition to outlining the purpose thereof, the application file with the commissioner and furnish to the district
shall include or be accompanied by the following: manager, the applicant and all persons who attended the
1. a list of the names and addresses of interested pre-application conference his counterplan or supporting
owners and represented parties notified, as required by plan, including a plat of his proposed units, if units are
§3907.B.1; involved, prepared in accordance with all applicable
memoranda and the procedure for assigning nomenclature of
2. a list of the names and addresses of all interested LAC 43:XIX.103, with any geological bases for any unit
parties who are known to the applicant after reasonable boundary labeled thereon, accompanied by a letter
search. In addition to the publication of the legal notice by explaining any points of difference with the applicant's plan.
the commissioner in the official state journal, the applicant
shall provide for posting of a copy of the legal notice of the AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
hearing and unit plat or plats in a prominent place in the area 30:4 et seq.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Natural
affected and publication of a copy of the legal notice in a
Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended and
newspaper published in the vicinity or general area of the promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of
affected field at least 15 days before the hearing. The

89 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

Conservation, LR 19:761 (June 1993), repromulgated LR 19:1030 6. a unit plat, if units are involved, prepared in
(August 1993). accordance with all applicable memoranda and the
§3917. Waiver of Pre-application Notice procedure for assigning nomenclature of LAC 43:XIX.103,
with any geological bases for any unit boundary labeled
A. If circumstances indicate that the 20 day delay thereon, and the other items required by statute or by the
required by the pre-application procedure in the filing of an commissioner. A reasonable effort shall be made to prepare
application for a public hearing would result in undue the plat in sufficient detail to enable affected parties to
hardship to the applicant, the commissioner may waive the determine the location of their lands;
pre-application notice requirements, and §3907 of these
rules shall not apply. 7. a definition of the sand proposed for unitization
with such sand defined in each reservoir thereof by reference
B. However each such waiver must be expressly to well log measurements.
approved by the Office of Conservation, and in no instance
shall the Office of Conservation approve a waiver under D. A request for rules and regulations for more than one
these rules unless there can be compliance with the 15 day sand shall be a separate application for each sand, and the
provision of §3937. commissioner shall be furnished an extra copy of the
application for each additional sand affected thereby. An
C. The hearing application under this procedure shall be application fee for each sand shall be filed with the
filed with the commissioner (in duplicate), with a copy to the application as established by Part XIX, Subpart 2 or
district manager and to each interested owner and successor regulation.
represented party. Interested owners and represented parties
need not be furnished the lists described in §3917.C.2 and 3, E. If any interested owner or represented party desires to
but the applicant upon request shall furnish copies of said confer about the applicant's proposal, he shall be represented
lists to the requesting party. In addition to outlining the at the pre-hearing conference provided for above. The
purpose thereof, the application shall include or be pre-hearing conference shall be conducted in accordance
accompanied by the following: with §3913.
1. a statement to the effect that the Office of F. Immediately after the pre-hearing conference, the
Conservation has waived the pre-application notice applicant shall furnish the commissioner and the persons to
requirements and that §3907 of these rules shall not apply; whom the application was sent a brief report on the
conference and a list of the parties in attendance.
2. a list of the names and addresses of interested
owners and represented parties who are being furnished with G. If, as a result of the pre-hearing conference, the
a copy of the application; applicant's proposal as set forth in the application is revised,
the applicant shall notify the commissioner, the district
3. a list of the names and addresses of all interested manager and all parties to whom the application was sent of
parties who are known to the applicant after reasonable the revision and furnish them with a copy of the revised unit
search. In addition to the publication of the legal notice by plat, if units are involved, and with an explanation of the
the commissioner in the official state journal, the applicant revision.
shall provide for posting of a copy of the legal notice of the
hearing and unit plat or plats in a prominent place in the area H. If differences are not resolved or if any interested
affected and publication of a copy of the legal notice in a owner or represented party desires to oppose or support a
newspaper published in the vicinity or general area of the proposal by the introduction of evidence at the hearing, then
affected field at least 15 days before the hearing. The not less than five calendar days before the hearing, he must
applicant shall mail copies of the legal notice to all file with the commissioner and furnish to the district
interested owners, represented parties and interested parties manager, the applicant and all persons who attended the
and a copy of the unit plat or plats shall be included with the conference his counterplan or supporting plan, including a
legal notice, if said parties have not already been furnished plat of his proposed unit, if units are involved, prepared in
same. Evidence to establish posting, publishing and mailing accordance with all applicable memoranda and the
shall be submitted at the hearing; procedure for assigning nomenclature of LAC 43:XIX.103,
with any geological bases for any unit boundary labeled
4. a statement that a reasonable effort has been made thereon, accompanied by a letter explaining any points of
to obtain a complete list of interested parties, interested difference with the applicant's plan.
owners and represented parties;
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
5. a day, time and place for a pre-hearing conference 30:4 et seq.
which shall be scheduled for not less than 10 calendar days HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Natural
after the date of the application. Any such conference shall Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended and
be held within the state of Louisiana (unless mutually agreed promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of
otherwise among all interested owners and represented Conservation, LR 19:762 (June 1993), repromulgated LR 19:1030
parties), in a city reasonably convenient to the persons (August 1993).
involved;

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 Title 43, Part XIX

§3919. Revisions After Application hearing and who wishes to introduce evidence in opposition
to such application shall file with the commissioner and
If, after the application is filed, the applicant's proposal is furnish to the district manager and interested owners and
revised, the applicant shall promptly notify the represented parties, at least 10 calendar days prior to the date
commissioner, the district manager and all parties to whom of the hearing, a letter explaining the opposition to the
the application was sent, of the revision and furnish to them applicant's plan, including a plat, if appropriate, and at the
a copy of any revised plan and unit plat, if units are request of any party, shall immediately disclose to the
involved, and shall, if requested, hold a conference to requesting party the geological, engineering or other bases
discuss the revised proposal prior to the hearing. If there are for his opposition in a manner convenient to the parties.
differences among the applicant, interested owners and AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
represented parties as to the applicant's revised proposal, and 30:4 et seq.
the differences are resolved as a result of any conference, the HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of
applicant shall file the revised plan and plat promptly with Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended
the commissioner and furnish a copy to the district manager and promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office
of Conservation, LR 19:763 (June 1993).
and to all parties to whom the application was sent. No
revised proposal may be considered at the hearing unless §3923. Commissioner's Conference
notice of the revision has been sent to the commissioner, the
The commissioner shall have the right to call a
district manager and to all parties to whom the legal notice
pre-hearing conference at any time prior to the hearing, if in
was sent, at least five days prior to the hearing. The
his opinion such a conference would resolve or narrow the
applicant shall present both the original application proposal
issues in controversy or would assist in the conduct of the
and the revised proposal at the hearing, with evidence to
hearing.
support the revision. The time provisions of §§3915 and
3917 shall not apply to revised proposals filed less than 20 AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
30:4 et seq.
days prior to the day of the hearing.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended
30:4 et seq. and promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Natural of Conservation, LR 19:763 (June 1993).
Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended and
promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of §3925. Timeliness of Filings
Conservation, LR 19:763 (June 1993).
All notices and filings provided for herein shall be
§3921. Additional Requirements for Opposition to or presumed as given timely when the date or actual date of
Support of Application receipt, if hand delivered, of the copy received by the
A. If any opponent or party supporting the applicant did commissioner complies with appropriate delays herein
not present the geological, engineering or other bases for his provided. Copies to interested owners and represented
opposition or support at the preapplication conference, pre- parties shall be deposited on the same day in the United
hearing conference, or such other conferences provided by States mail, properly stamped and addressed, or, if
these rules, or if there has been a change in the bases for his telegraphic or wireless communication is used, dispatched
opposition or support, such opponent or supporting party on that day by the transmitting party.
shall disclose to the parties in attendance at such conference AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
the geological, engineering or other bases for his opposition 30:4 et seq.
or support by mailing to them on or before the date set for HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Natural
filing a counterplan copies of his structure map and such Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended and
other geological and engineering interpretations of the data promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of
as were disclosed by the applicant pursuant to §3913. Conservation, LR 19:763 (June 1993).
§3927. Notice of Continued Hearing
B. If any interested owner or represented party desires to
add one or more units to an applicant's plan, such interested When a hearing is opened and continued, the notice given
owner or represented party shall, within five days after for the original hearing shall be applicable to the continued
receiving the applicant's pre-application notice, secure hearing, if the hearing officer at the time of granting the
waiver of pre-application notice and file his application
continuance designates the new time, date and place of the
under §3917 for the additional units so proposed, scheduling
continued hearing. In all other instances of a continued
the required conference at the same time, date and place as
the pre-application conference scheduled by the initial hearing, the applicant shall at least 15 days before the
applicant. hearing provide notice of the continued hearing by posting
such notice in a prominent place in the area affected, by
C. With respect to any hearing application relating to the publishing such notice in a newspaper published in the
initial creation of poolwide units under Section 5C (Act 441 vicinity or general area of the affected field and by mailing
of 1960) of Chapter 1 of Title 30 of the Louisiana Revised such notice to all interested owners, represented parties and
Statutes of 1950 any party who has received notice of the interested parties.

91 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Natural
30:4 et seq. Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended and
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Natural promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of
Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended and Conservation, LR 19:764 (June 1993).
promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of §3931. New Evidence
Conservation, LR 19:763 (June 1993).
§3929. Rules of Hearing Conduct and Procedure If new pertinent data becomes available to any person
after proceedings have been initiated hereunder, such
A. The applicant shall first present the entire
evidence shall be made available immediately to all
geological, engineering or other bases in support of his
interested owners and represented parties by notice of its
proposal. Any interested owner or represented party who
availability and by release in accordance with §3909. Such
supports the applicant and complied with §§3915, 3917 or
evidence may be used by any person at the hearing and may
3921 shall next present the entire geological, engineering or
be the basis for revision of units or other proposals
other bases in support of the applicant's proposal.
previously made by the applicant or any opponent, but the
B. Any interested party wishing to present evidence commissioner in his discretion may determine that additional
supporting the applicant's proposal shall do so immediately time should be afforded for consideration thereof. The
after the applicant and supporting parties have completed commissioner in his discretion may also establish a time
their presentations. limit beyond which new evidence may not be employed in
C. Opponents who have complied with §3915, §3917 or the present proceedings. In this event application for a new
§3921, in the order determined by the commissioner, shall hearing to consider the new evidence shall be made as soon
then present the entire geological, engineering or other bases as possible.
for their opposition. After all opponents have made their AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
presentations, the applicant may present rebuttal geological, 30:4 et seq.
engineering or other testimony, but strictly limited to a HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Natural
refutation of the matters covered by the opponents. Rebuttal Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended and
testimony should not be used to prove matters that should promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of
Conservation, LR 19:764 (June 1993).
have been proven on direct examination.
§3933. Coverage of Rules
D. Any witness shall be subject to cross-examination by
the commissioner or any member of his staff and by no more A. Any interested owner or represented party who is not
than two representatives of a party. Cross-examination shall notified by an applicant, as set forth in §3907 or §3917, as
be conducted in accordance with the following guidelines: appropriate, and who does not attend the conference
requested pursuant to §3911 or the conference scheduled
1. Cross-examination should be limited to questions pursuant to §3917, whichever is applicable, shall not be
concerning the testimony and exhibits presented by the bound by the time periods set forth in §§3915 and 3917. The
witness, and the witness should not be required to make time periods set forth in §§3715 and 3717 shall be modified
measurements or calculations or comparisons between his in the discretion of the commissioner as the circumstances
exhibits and those presented by any other witness. justify.
2. Matters peculiarly within the knowledge of the B. Any attorney or consultant engaged at any time by an
cross-examiner or his witnesses should be presented by them interested party shall immediately notify the applicant,
on direct examination, and there should be no attempt to interested owners and represented parties of his
establish such matters by cross-examination. representation and thereafter said interested party shall be
3. Cross-examination shall be conducted in a polite considered a represented party and shall comply with these
and courteous manner without reference to personalities of rules of procedure. In this circumstance, §3921 shall be
the witness or the party represented by the witness. applicable if a conference were held, and the time periods set
forth in §§3915 and 3917 may be modified in the discretion
E. After the applicant and any opponents have made of the commissioner as the circumstances justify.
their presentations, any party shall be afforded an
opportunity to make a statement. If such a statement AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
30:4 et seq.
includes technical data, the party shall be subject to being
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Natural
sworn and cross-examined. Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended and
F. The applicant, any opponent, or any supporting party promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of
may make opening or closing statements concerning their Conservation, LR 19:764 (June 1993).
positions, but such statements shall not include technical §3935. Penalty For Non-Compliance
matters which have not been presented by sworn testimony.
The applicant shall have the right to make the last closing Failure to comply with the provisions of or the spirit of
statement. these rules of procedure shall prevent an application from
being advertised or heard, or shall prevent an opponent or
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
supporting party from presenting evidence at the hearing, but
30:4 et seq.

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 Title 43, Part XIX

an order issued by the commissioner shall not be invalid by AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
operation of this rule. 30:4 et seq.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by Department of
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. Conservation, July 1, 1973, amended and promulgated by the
30:4 et seq. Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Natural 19:765 (June 1993).
Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended and
promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of §4103. Survey Plats
Conservation, LR 19:764 (June 1993).
A. Survey plats presented to the Office of Conservation
§3937. Time of Commencement for approval after the issuance of an order shall properly
identify all of the geologically significant wells and these
Unless circumstances indicate that undue hardship would wells shall be located on the ground based on the Lambert
otherwise result, every applicant shall commence Plane Coordinate System or other recognized control, such
proceedings under these rules of procedure so as to permit as section corners, USC & GS monuments, etc. The survey
the application to be docketed, advertised, heard and plat shall show the distance of each geologically significant
properly considered for at least 15 days before the order is well from the unit boundary line which it controls and all
issued. geologically significant wells shall be located on the plat in
correct relation to each other.
NOTE: If at all possible, any application hereunder should
be received in the Baton Rouge office of the Office of 1. If a geologically significant well has been
Conservation at least 45 days before the application is to be abandoned and cannot be found on the ground, the location
fixed for hearing. as shown on the permit plat shall be used.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 2. The affected tracts shall be identified on the survey
30:4 et seq. plat by the names of the fee and lease owners, based on the
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Natural
Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended and
best available information. Further, each unit plat shall have
promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of an inset or attachment showing the number, name, acreage
Conservation, LR 19:764 (June 1993). (or other basis of participation) and the unit percentage
participation of each tract.
Chapter 41. Unit and Survey Plats
B. If geographical units are adopted by a unit order, there
§4101. Unit Plats shall be shown on the survey plat the property, lease or
A. The unit plat attached to any pre-application notice governmental subdivision lines which are used as unit
and/or any application and/or any unit plat presented at a boundaries and they shall be identified as such, based on the
public hearing shall properly identify the geologically best available information.
significant wells which control the unit boundaries and shall C. The surveyed unit plat shall be based on the Louisiana
show the distance of each such well from the unit boundary Lambert Plane Coordinate System where practicable. If an
which it controls, and shall also show the property, lease or orientation other than the Lambert Plane Coordinate System
governmental subdivision lines which serve as unit is used, the point of beginning for the unit outline shall be
boundaries and the section, township and range in which the defined on the plat by relating the point to a known
unit or units are situated. The affected tracts shall be monument or section corner and the basis of the bearing
identified on the plat by the names of the fee and lease orientation used for the survey shall be specifically defined.
owners, based on the best available information.
D. Unit boundaries shall be defined by using Lambert
B. If a geographical unit is proposed, the unit plat coordinates or courses and distances with the length of each
attached to any pre-application notice and/or any application course dependent upon the sinuosity of the outline of the
and/or any unit plat presented at a public hearing, shall show boundary.
the property, lease or governmental subdivision lines which
are used as unit boundaries and they shall be identified as E. If a unit order creates more than one unit the survey
such, based on the best available information. plat shall, if practicable, be a composite of all of the units,
and if different unit operators are designated, the survey plat
C. Each unit plat shall have a graphic scale shown or plats shall be prepared through a coordinated effort of all
thereon and copies of the base map upon which the unit is designated operators. If not practicable to use a single
shown shall be made available to any interested party who composite survey plat for all of the units, a separate survey
requests it. plat shall be prepared for each unit, with a composite plat
D. All participants at any pre-application conference showing all units.
shall make every effort to agree as to the best available base
map and, if there is agreement, all parties shall thereafter use
said map.
E. Any unit plat attached to a counter-plan shall follow
all of the requirements set forth above and shall be on the
same scale as that of the unit plat attached to the application.

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 NATURAL RESOURCES

F. When the survey plat is completed and before thereof shall be submitted within 90 days after the date
recordation thereof, as many copies as may be needed by the production commences.
operator, plus two copies of the survey plat and a film
G. Exceptions to the provisions hereof may be granted
overlay on the scale of the unit plat attached to the order,
by the Commissioner of Conservation, upon the showing of
shall be submitted to the Office of Conservation in Baton
good cause therefor, without the necessity of public hearing
Rouge for approval. There shall be placed on or attached to
or formal order.
each survey plat submitted for approval the following
certificate signed by the surveyor: H. These requirements shall apply to any unitization
proceedings initiated on and after the first day of July 1973.
The requirements for Unit Plats and Survey Plats adopted
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
by the commissioner of conservation have been complied
30:4 et seq.
with in all respects. HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Department of Natural
1. Each producing unit shall be surveyed and the Resources, Office of Conservation, October 1983, amended and
survey plat submitted for approval in accordance with the promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of
foregoing within 90 days after the issuance date of the unit Conservation, LR 19:765 (June 1993), repromulgated LR 19:1030
order. If a unit is not producing when created, a survey plat (August 1993).

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NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations
Subpart 18. Statewide Order No. 29-S

Chapter 43. Austin Chalk Formation most easterly point and 3,000 feet west of the most westerly
point and east-west lines 100 feet north of the most northerly
§4301. Scope point and 100 feet south of the most southerly point of any
horizontal well completed in, drilling to, or for which a
This Statewide Order provides rules and regulations permit shall have been granted to drill to the Austin Chalk
governing the drilling of horizontal wells in the Austin Formation. In the case of a single horizontal well, the point
Chalk Formation in the state of Louisiana. of entry into the Austin Chalk Formation (if available) is to
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. be used in lieu of the surface location in determining the
30:1 et seq. northern or southern boundary of the rectangle;
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of
Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 24:102 (January b. survey plats submitted with the application for
1998). permit to drill shall contain certification of the surveyor
specifying compliance with this requirement;
§4303. Definitions
c. multiple Austin Chalk Formation horizontal well
Unless the context otherwise requires, the words defined laterals drilled into the same stratigraphic interval from a
in §4303 shall have the following meaning when found in single wellbore will be treated as a single completion, even
this Statewide Order. if the laterals are isolated by separate producing strings to
Austin Chalk Formation Horizontal WellC well with the the surface.
wellbore drilled laterally at an angle of at least 80E to the 3. The gas allowable provisions of Statewide Order
vertical and with a horizontal displacement of at least 50 feet No. 29-F shall not apply to Austin Chalk Formation
in the Austin Chalk Formation measured from the initial horizontal wells. Instead, Austin Chalk Formation horizontal
point of penetration into the Austin Chalk. wells shall be given an allowable based on the Maximum
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. Efficient Rate (MER) of the well, being the maximum
30:1 et seq. sustainable daily withdrawal rate from the reservoir which
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of will permit economical development and depletion without
Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 24:102 (January causing waste. In the event an alternate unit well is
1998). authorized for any Austin Chalk Formation unit, such unit
§4305. Order allowable shall be limited to the greater of the MER of the
best well in said unit or the highest rate of withdrawal on a
From and after the effective date hereof, permission to per acre basis of any unit in the same reservoir and field. If
develop the Austin Chalk Formation in the state of Louisiana there is any complaint of waste or dispute relative to
by the use of horizontal wells may be obtained as hereinafter compliance with R.S. 30:11(B), the allowable assigned to an
provided and upon strict compliance with the procedures set Austin Chalk Formation horizontal well shall be subject to
forth herein. adjustment after a public hearing based on 10 days legal
1. The restriction on tubing size as set forth in notice.
LAC 43:XIX.109.E.1 of Statewide Order No. 29-B shall not a. Unless an exception is granted as provided
apply to Austin Chalk Formation horizontal wells. herein, no allowable will be granted for a horizontal
2. Statewide Order No. 29-E well spacing rules shall completion in the Austin Chalk Formation until a unit has
not apply to Austin Chalk Formation horizontal wells. The been formed pursuant to an Office of Conservation Order for
following well spacing rules shall apply to Austin Chalk the well unless the operator agrees to escrow all monies
Formation horizontal wells in areas in which no spacing received from pre-unitization production pending unitization
rules for Austin Chalk Formation horizontal wells have been and distribute such funds on the basis of the unit ultimately
established by special orders, provided that exceptions may established.
be approved after a public hearing based on 10 days legal b. The operator of a well may request an exception
notice: to this requirement for a well located on a large
a. a subsequent Austin Chalk Formation horizontal lease/voluntary unit or for other good cause shown.
well shall not be located so as to encroach into a rectangle c. The commissioner of Conservation will have the
formed by drawing north-south lines 3,000 feet east of the discretion to either approve or deny such application or

95 Louisiana Administrative Code September 1999

 NATURAL RESOURCES

require that the applicant request a public hearing to be held working interest owner who does not own or control the
after 10 days legal notice to consider the matter. majority in working interest can be designated as unit
operator after a public hearing based on 10 days legal notice
4. The Office of Conservation's policy requiring a
if it is demonstrated that the designated operator and/or
sand definition and production test in the field before units
majority working interest owner has not timely developed
can be established shall not apply to Austin Chalk Formation
the unit, has not acted prudently, or that other good cause
horizontal wells.
exists therefor.
5. The size and shape of units for Austin Chalk
7. Statewide Order No. 29-B requires that a
Formation horizontal wells should usually be based on the
directional survey be run on all wells which are directionally
proposed design of the well because such units are expected
controlled and thereby intentionally deviated from the
to be developed by horizontal laterals which traverse the
vertical. The requirement that a directional survey be run the
entire unit in a generally north-south direction. If the initial
entire length of the lateral in an Austin Chalk Formation
lateral in a drilling unit fails to provide full horizontal
horizontal well may be waived by the Office of
coverage in a north-south direction, additional horizontal
Conservation if evidence is presented at the time such
laterals or wells drilled to acquire that coverage shall be
waiver is requested that the directional survey cannot
considered and named unit wells rather than alternate unit
reasonably reach the end of the lateral and that measuring
wells. However, if any such additional unit well or lateral
from the point where the directional survey ends, the lateral
overlaps an existing unit well or lateral in an east-west
of the well will still be:
direction, it shall be considered and named an alternate unit
well. Overlaps shall be determined by use of a line parallel a. within the spacing provisions for the unit upon
to the north and south unit boundaries. This provision shall which it has been drilled or, if a unit has not been
only apply to Austin Chalk Formation horizontal wells and established, under a tract for which authority to drill has
shall not be used as a precedent for any other formation. been obtained; and
6. The party who owns or controls the majority b. at least the distance from all offsetting wells
working interest in a drilling unit established for an Austin required by applicable spacing rules or in the absence
Chalk Formation horizontal well shall have the right to be thereof, the provisions of §4305.A.2.
designated the operator of such unit. Such ownership or
8. An application for permit to drill in an area affected
control shall be based on sworn testimony at the public
by a pending application requesting the formation of one or
hearing which creates the drilling unit. If the working
more units will be issued without regard to the pending
interest ownership or control in a unit is not known or cannot
unitization proceedings. However, the permit so issued shall
be established with reasonable certainty when the unit is
not be used at the hearing (only drilled wells may be
created, then the operator designation shall occur when a
considered), and the permit will be subject to the order
drilling permit is issued for the drilling of a well on the unit.
issued as a result of such hearing.
The party requesting such drilling permit shall complete and
file an affidavit corroborating such majority ownership or AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
control on the affidavit form provided by the file in the 30:1 et seq.
Office of Conservation. It is provided, however, that any HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by Department of Natural
party designated as a unit operator can be removed or a Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 24:102 (January 1998).

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 Title 43
NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XIX. Office of ConservationC General Operations
Subpart 19. Enhanced Recovery

Chapter 45. Produced Water 3. estimated date of initiation of water injection which
must begin on or after July 1, 1998;
Injection Incentive
4. proposed sources of produced water to be utilized
§4501. Definitions for injection;
Produced WaterC water that is obtained by processing 5. estimated date of commencement of incremental
fluids brought to the surface in conjunction with the production;
recovery of oil and gas from underground geologic 6. any other pertinent information the application
formations. deems necessary.
Produced Water Injection ProjectC project approved in AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
accordance with R.S. 47:633.5 and the rules adopted herein 47:633.5 et seq.
for the purpose of increasing the recovery of hydrocarbons HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of
therefrom. Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, and Department of
Revenue, Severance Tax Division, LR 24:2127 (November 1998),
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. repromulgated LR 24:2282 (December 1998).
47:633.5 et seq.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of §4505. Commencement of Incremental Production
Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, and Department of A. Immediately after the commencement of incremental
Revenue, Severance Tax Division, LR 24:2126 (November 1998),
repromulgated LR 24:2282 (December 1998). production and before any such incremental production shall
be eligible for the reduction of severance tax, the unit
§4503. Application and Hearing to Qualify a Produced operator shall petition the Commissioner of Conservation to
Water Injection Project issue a Supplemental Order establishing the beginning of the
A. A 30-day notice and a public hearing shall be required incremental production contemplated by Subsection C of
as per rules of procedure for conducting hearings before the R.S. 47:633.5. Engineering and geological data shall be
commissioner of Conservation, LAC 43:XIX.3900, R.S. submitted showing that the primary reserves have been
30:5(C) and R.S. 30:6. In addition to any exhibits and depleted and the incremental production has commenced.
testimony that may be necessary supporting compliance with The specific date upon which incremental production began
LAC 43:XIX.3900, R.S. 30:5(C) and R.S. 30:6, the hearing shall also be submitted. Once the date of commencement of
testimony is to include discussions and exhibits of the incremental production has been established by
following: Supplemental Order, all production thereafter from the
project will be subject to a 20 percent reduction in severance
1. geological and engineering data to support tax otherwise due on each barrel of oil produced and each
Produced Water Injection Project classification as per R.S. 1,000 cubic feet of gas produced.
47:633.5;
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S.
2. geological and engineering data necessary to 47:633.5 et seq.
establish the estimated remaining primary and incremental HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of
oil and gas reserves expected from the proposed produced Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, and Department of
water injection project along with the estimated amount of Revenue, Severance Tax Division, LR 24:2127 (November 1998),
severance tax to be forgiven; repromulgated LR 24:2282 (December 1998).

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 Title 43
NATURAL RESOURCES
Index

Additional Requirements for Opposition to or Support of Form R-6, 80

Application, 91 Forms R-5-P and R-5-T, 79
Additional Specifications, 62 Gas Gatherer, 80
Affidavits, 80 Hearing Application, 89
All Other Applications, 4 Horizontal Oil Well Allowables, 85
Allowable Schedule for Oil Wells Other than Horizontal Monthly Reports, 39
Wells, 85 New Evidence, 92
Applicability, 47, 51, 79, 87 Notice of Continued Hearing, 91
Application and Hearing to Qualify a Produced Water Oil and Gas Measurements, 9
Injection Project, 97 Opposition - Pre-application Notice, 88
Application of Special Field Orders, 42 Order, 53, 55, 58, 61, 63, 67, 69, 71, 75, 77, 95
Application to Drill, 3 Penalty for Infractions, 42
Base Gas/Oil Ratio and Allowables, 81 Penalty For Non-Compliance, 93
Blowout Preventers, 6 Plugging and Abandonment, 40
Bottomhole Pressure, 10 Pollution Control, 10
Casing Program, 4 Pre-application Notice, 88
Casing-heads, 6 Procedure for Conferences, 88
Commencement of Incremental Production, 97 Production, Production Records, Production Tests, 9
Commissioner's Conference, 91 Record Keeping, 49, 80
Coverage of Rules, 92 Records, 4
Deficient Wells, 38 Release of Pertinent Data, 88
Definitions, 3, 43, 47, 53, 55, 58, 61, 67, 71, 75, 77, 79, 81, Revisions After Application, 91
85, 87, 95, 97 Rules of Hearing Conduct and Procedure, 92
Delegation of Authority, 10 Scope, 47, 51, 53, 55, 58, 61, 63, 67, 69, 71, 75, 77, 79, 81,
Directional Drilling and Well Surveys, 39 85, 87, 95
Drilling Fluids, 7 Severability and Effective Date, 45
Effect on Overall Authority of the Commissioner of Survey Plats, 93
Conservation, 49, 80 Time of Commencement, 93
Effective Date, 42, 86 Timeliness of Filings, 91
Exceptions, 61 Unit Plats, 93
Exceptions and Hearings, 42, 82 Units and Method for Calculation of Quantities of Oil in
Failure to Comply, 45 Tanks, 49
Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 1998-1999, 45 Venting of Gas, 82
Fire Hazards, 6 Violations, 83
Form R-1, 48 Waiver of Pre-application Notice, 90
Form R-2, 49 Waivers, 51
Form R-3, 49 Well Allowables and Completion, 7
Form R-4, 47

99