reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part III - Coalbed Methane Gas Wells › Section 4VAC25-150-560 - Application for a permit, coalbed methane well operations

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
In addition to the requirements of
					 4VAC25-150-80
					 or
					 4VAC25-150-110,
					 every application for a permit or permit modification for a coalbed methane gas
					 well shall contain:
1. An
				  identification of the category of owner or operator, as listed in §
				  45.2-1632 A of the Code of Virginia, that each person notified of the
				  application belongs to;
2. The
				  signed consent required in § 45.2-1631 of the Code of Virginia;
3. Proof of conformance with any mine
				  development plan in the vicinity of the proposed coalbed methane gas well, when
				  the Virginia Gas and Oil Board has ordered such conformance;
4. The approximate depth to which the well is
				  proposed to be drilled or deepened, or the actual depth if the well has been
				  drilled;
5. The approximate depth
				  and thickness, if applicable, of all known coal seams, known
				  groundwater-bearing strata, and other known gas or oil strata between the
				  surface and the depth to which the well is proposed to be drilled;
6. If casing or tubing is proposed to be or
				  has been set, a description of the entire casing program, including the size of
				  each string of pipe, the starting point and depth to which each string is to be
				  or has been set, and the extent to which each string is to be or has been
				  cemented together with any request for a variance under
				  4VAC25-150-580;
				  and
7. The procedures to be
				  followed to protect the safety of persons working in an underground coal mine
				  for any coalbed methane well to be drilled within 200 feet of or into active
				  workings. The permittee shall give notice of such drilling to the mine operator
				  and the chief at least two working days prior to drilling.
Statutory Authority: § 45.2-103 of the Code of
						Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part III - Coalbed Methane Gas Wells › Section 4VAC25-150-580 - Variance request to convert a vertical ventilation hole to a coalbed methane gas well

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. An applicant may
				  request a variance to the casing standards in
				  4VAC25-150-610 when the applicant
				  desires to convert a vertical ventilation hole drilled prior to September 25,
				  1991, to a coalbed methane gas well. All other standards for coalbed methane
				  gas wells shall be met. The variance request must be included in the request
				  for a permit, and shall address the following subjects:
1. Method of wellbore completion, whether
				  cased, open or cased/open hole;
2.
				  Coal seams to be left uncased;
3.
				  Mining activity currently being conducted within 750 feet of the
				  location;
4. Depth of the
				  water-protection string and information on how the casing was cemented;
				  and
5. In the case of a coalbed
				  methane gas well drilled through a coal seam from which the coal has been
				  removed, the protection provided to prevent the escape of any gases into the
				  mined out seam.
The production casing shall be tested to 300 psig surface
					 pressure or the highest pressure anticipated to be placed on the casing,
					 whichever is greater. If after 30 minutes, the pressure has dropped by 10% or
					 more of the test pressure, corrective action shall be taken to ensure that the
					 casing is so set and cemented that it will hold at least 90% of the test
					 pressure for 30 minutes or more.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part III - Coalbed Methane Gas Wells › Section 4VAC25-150-590 - Plats, coalbed methane wells

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. In addition to the requirements of
				  4VAC25-150-90, every plat
				  for a coalbed methane gas well shall show:
1.
				  Boundaries and acreage of any drilling unit established by the board around the
				  subject well;
2. Boundaries and
				  acreage of the tract on which the well is located or is to be
				  located;
3. Boundaries and acreage
				  of all other tracts within one-half of the distance specified in §
				  45.2-1616 of the Code of Virginia or within one-half of the distance to the
				  nearest well completed in the same pool, whichever is less, or within the
				  boundaries of a drilling unit established by the board around the subject
				  well;
4. Surface owners on the
				  tract to be drilled and on all other tracts within the unit where the surface
				  of the earth is to be disturbed;
5.
				  All gas, oil or royalty owners on any tract located within one-half of the
				  distance specified in § 45.2-1616 of the Code of Virginia or within
				  one-half of the distance to the nearest well completed in the same pool,
				  whichever is less, or within the boundaries of a drilling unit established by
				  the board around the subject well;
6. Coal owners and mineral owners on the
				  tract to be drilled and on all other tracts located within 750 feet of the
				  subject well location;
7. Coal
				  operators who have registered operations plans with the department for
				  activities located on the tract to be drilled, or who have applied for or
				  obtained a coal mine license, coal surface mine permit or a coal exploration
				  notice or permit from the department with respect to all tracts within 750 feet
				  of a proposed gas or oil well; and
8. Any inhabited building, highway, railroad,
				  stream, permitted surface mine or permitted mine opening within 500 feet of the
				  proposed well.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part III - Coalbed Methane Gas Wells › Section 4VAC25-150-600 - Setback restrictions, coalbed methane wells

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
No permit shall be issued for any well to be drilled closer
					 than 200 feet from any inhabited building, unless site conditions as approved
					 by the director warrant the permission of a lesser distance, and there exists a
					 lease or agreement between the operator and the owner of the inhabited
					 building. A copy of the lease or agreement shall accompany the application for
					 a permit.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-361.27 of the Code of
						Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part III - Coalbed Methane Gas Wells › Section 4VAC25-150-610 - Casing requirements for coalbed methane gas wells

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. Water protection string.
1. Except as provided in subdivision A 5 of
				  this section, the permittee shall set a water-protection string set to a point
				  at least 300 feet below the surface or 50 feet below the deepest known
				  groundwater horizon, whichever is deeper, circulated and cemented to the
				  surface. If cement does not return to the surface, every reasonable effort
				  shall be made to fill the annular space by introducing cement from the
				  surface.
2. The operator shall test
				  or require the cementing company to test the cement mixing water for pH and
				  temperature prior to mixing the cement and to record the results on the
				  cementing ticket.
3. After the
				  cement is placed, the operator shall wait a minimum of eight hours and allow
				  the cement to achieve a calculated compressive strength of 500 psi before
				  drilling, unless the director approves a shorter period of time. The
				  wait-on-cement time shall be recorded within the records kept at the drilling
				  rig while drilling is taking place.
4. When requested by the director, the
				  operator shall submit copies of cement tickets or other documents that indicate
				  the above specifications have been followed.
5. A coal-protection string may also serve as
				  a water protection string only for gob wells.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part III - Coalbed Methane Gas Wells › Section 4VAC25-150-615 - Pressure testing requirements for production casing in coalbed methane gas wells

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. The operator
				  shall install casing that can withstand the effects of tension and can prevent
				  leaks, burst, and collapse during (i) the casing's installation and cementing
				  and (ii) subsequent drilling and producing operations.
B. Except as provided in subsection C of this
				  section, all casing must be a string of new pipe with an internal pressure
				  rating that is at least 20% greater than the anticipated maximum pressure to
				  which the casing will be exposed.
C. Used casing may be approved for use as
				  surface, intermediate, or production casing but shall be pressure tested after
				  cementing and before completion. A passing pressure test is holding the
				  anticipated maximum pressure to which it will be exposed for 30 minutes with
				  not more than a 10% decrease in pressure.
D. New or used plain end casing, except when
				  being used as conductor pipe, that is welded together for use must meet the
				  following requirements:
1. The casing must
				  pass a pressure test by holding the anticipated maximum pressure to which the
				  casing will be exposed for 30 minutes with not more than a 10% decrease in
				  pressure. The operator shall notify the department electronically at least 24
				  hours before conducting the test. The test results shall be entered on the
				  drilling report.
2. The casing
				  shall be welded using at least three passes with the joint cleaned between each
				  pass.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part III - Coalbed Methane Gas Wells › Section 4VAC25-150-620 - Coalbed methane gas wellhead equipment

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
Wellhead equipment and facilities installed on any gob well
					 or on any coalbed methane gas well subject to the requirements of §§
					 45.2-707 and 45.2-939 of the Code of Virginia addressing mining near or through
					 a well shall include a safety precaution plan submitted to the director for
					 approval. Such plans shall include, but shall not be limited to, flame
					 arrestors, back-pressure systems, pressure-relief systems, vent systems and
					 fire-fighting equipment. The director may require additional safety precautions
					 or equipment to be installed on a case-by-case basis.
Statutory Authority: § 45.2-103 of the Code of
						Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part III - Coalbed Methane Gas Wells › Section 4VAC25-150-630 - Report of produced waters, coalbed methane wells

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
All coalbed methane gas well operators are required to
					 submit monthly reports of total produced waters withdrawn from coalbed methane
					 gas wells, in barrels, on a well-by-well basis, with the monthly report
					 submitted under
					 4VAC25-150-210 of this chapter. The
					 report shall show monthly produced water withdrawals and cumulative produced
					 water withdrawals. Such reports shall be available for inspection upon request
					 and maintained electronically or by hard copy until the well is abandoned and
					 reclaimed.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-361.27 of the Code of
						Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part III - Coalbed Methane Gas Wells › Section 4VAC25-150-650 - Conversion of a coalbed methane well to a vertical ventilation hole

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A permittee wishing to convert a coalbed methane gas well
					 to a vertical ventilation hole shall first obtain approval from the Chief of
					 the Division of Mines and submit a written request to the division for a permit
					 release. The director shall consult with the chief, or his designated agent,
					 before approving permit release.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-361.27 of the Code of
						Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part IV - Ground-Disturbing Geophysical Exploration › Section 4VAC25-150-660 - Applicability, ground-disturbing geophysical activity

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
Part IV (4VAC25-150-660 et
					 seq.) of this chapter sets forth requirements unique to ground-disturbing
					 geophysical exploration.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-361.27 of the Code of
						Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part IV - Ground-Disturbing Geophysical Exploration › Section 4VAC25-150-670 - Application for a permit, geophysical activity or coreholes

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. In accordance
				  with 4VAC25-150-80 and
				  4VAC25-150-110, a permit shall be
				  required for ground-disturbing geophysical exploration.
B. In addition to the requirements of
				  4VAC25-150-80 or
				  4VAC25-150-110, every application
				  for a corehole permit or permit modification under this part shall contain:
1. The approximate depth to which the
				  corehole is proposed to be drilled or deepened, or the actual depth if the
				  corehole has been drilled;
2. The
				  approximate depth and thickness, if applicable, of all known coal seams, known
				  groundwater-bearing strata, and other known gas or oil strata between the
				  surface and the depth to which the corehole is proposed to be
				  drilled;
3. If casing is proposed
				  to be set, the entire casing program, including the diameter of each string of
				  casing, the starting point and depth to which each string is to be set, whether
				  or not the casing is to remain in the hole after the completion of drilling,
				  and the extent to which each string is to be cemented, if applicable;
4. A plan which shows the proposed manner of
				  plugging or replugging the corehole; and
5. The procedures to be followed to protect
				  the safety of persons working in an underground coal mine for any corehole to
				  be drilled within 200 feet of or into active workings. The permittee shall give
				  notice of such drilling to the mine operator and the chief at least two working
				  days prior to drilling.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part IV - Ground-Disturbing Geophysical Exploration › Section 4VAC25-150-680 - Plats, coreholes

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. In
				  addition to the requirements of
				  4VAC25-150-90, every plat for a
				  corehole shall show:
1. The boundaries of the
				  tract on which the corehole is located or is to be located;
2. Surface owners on the tract to be drilled
				  and surface owners on the tracts where the surface is to be
				  disturbed;
3. Coal owners and
				  mineral owners on the tract to be drilled;
4. Coal operators who have registered
				  operations plans with the department for activities located on the tract to be
				  drilled; and
5. Any inhabited
				  building, highway, railroad, stream, permitted surface mine or permitted mine
				  opening within 500 feet of the proposed corehole.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part IV - Ground-Disturbing Geophysical Exploration › Section 4VAC25-150-690 - Operations plans, coreholes

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
In addition to the requirements of
					 4VAC25-150-100, every operations
					 plan for a corehole shall describe the measures to be followed to protect water
					 quality during the drilling, and the measures to be followed to protect any
					 voids encountered during drilling.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-361.27 of the Code of
						Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part IV - Ground-Disturbing Geophysical Exploration › Section 4VAC25-150-700 - Setback restrictions, coreholes

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
No permit shall be issued for any corehole to be drilled
					 closer than 200 feet from an inhabited building, unless site conditions as
					 approved by the director warrant the permission of a lesser distance, and there
					 exists a lease or agreement between the operator and the owner of the inhabited
					 building. A copy of the lease or agreement shall accompany the application for
					 a permit.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-361.27 of the Code of
						Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part IV - Ground-Disturbing Geophysical Exploration › Section 4VAC25-150-711 - Voids and lost circulation zones

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. Casing through voids.
1. When a corehole is drilled through a void,
				  the hole shall be drilled at least 30 feet below the void. The annular space
				  shall be cemented from the base of the casing up to the void and every
				  reasonable attempt shall be made to fill the annular space from the top of the
				  void to the surface; or it shall be cemented at least 50 feet into the next
				  higher string or strings of casing that are cemented to the surface and be
				  verified by a cement top log.
2.
				  For good cause shown, the director may approve alternate casing procedures
				  proposed by the permittee, provided that the director is satisfied that the
				  alternative casing procedures are operationally equivalent to the requirements
				  imposed by this section.
3. For
				  good cause shown, the director may impose special requirements on the permittee
				  to prevent communication between two or more voids.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part V - Gathering Pipelines › Section 4VAC25-150-720 - Applicability, gathering pipelines

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A.
				  Part V (4VAC25-150-720 et seq.) of this
				  chapter sets forth requirements unique to gathering pipelines. Permittees must
				  comply with the standards for gathering pipelines in this part and the
				  following standards in Part I:
1. All of
				  Article 1, "General Information"; except
				  4VAC25-150-50, "Gas or oil in holes
				  not permitted as a gas or oil well";
2. All of Article 2, "Permitting"; except
				  4VAC25-150-90, "Plats";
3. All of the sections in Article 3,
				  "Enforcement";
4.
											4VAC25-150-220, "Annual reports,"
				  of Article 4, "Reporting";
5.
											4VAC25-150-230,
				  4VAC25-150-240,
				  4VAC25-150-250,
				  4VAC25-150-260,
				  4VAC25-150-270,
				  4VAC25-150-310,
				  4VAC25-150-350,
				  4VAC25-150-380,
				  4VAC25-150-410,
				  4VAC25-150-420, and
				  4VAC25-150-430 of Article 5,
				  "Technical Standards"; and
6.
											4VAC25-150-470, "Release of bond,"
				  of Article 6, "Plugging and Abandonment."
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part V - Gathering Pipelines › Section 4VAC25-150-730 - General requirements for gathering pipelines

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. Gathering pipelines shall be installed to
				  be compatible with other uses of the area.
B. No permit shall be issued for a gathering
				  pipeline to be installed closer than 100 feet from any inhabited building or
				  railway, unless site conditions as approved by the director warrant the use of
				  a lesser distance and there exists a lease or agreement between the operator
				  and the owner of the inhabited building or railway. A copy of the lease or
				  agreement shall accompany the application for a permit.
C. Materials used in gathering pipelines
				  shall be able to withstand anticipated conditions. At a minimum this shall
				  include:
1. All plastic gathering pipeline
				  connections shall be fused, not coupled.
2. All buried gathering pipelines shall be
				  detectable by magnetic or other remote means from the surface.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part V - Gathering Pipelines › Section 4VAC25-150-740 - Operations plans for gathering pipelines

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. For a gathering pipeline, the operations
				  plan shall be in a format approved by, or on a form prescribed by, the
				  director.
B. On a form prescribed
				  by the director, the operator shall indicate how risks to the public safety or
				  to the site and adjacent lands are to be managed, and shall provide a short
				  narrative, if pertinent.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-361.27 of the Code of
						Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part V - Gathering Pipelines › Section 4VAC25-150-750 - Inspections for gathering pipelines

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
Gathering pipelines shall be visually inspected annually by
					 the permittee. The results of each annual inspection shall be maintained by the
					 permittee for a minimum of three years and be submitted to the director upon
					 request.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-361.27 of the Code of
						Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 150 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL REGULATION › Part V - Gathering Pipelines › Form - FORMS (4VAC25-150)

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
Registration Form, DGO-GO-A (rev. 6/09).
Application for a New Permit, Permit Modification, or
					 Transfer of Permit Rights, DGO-GO-1 (rev. 6/09).
Operator's Surety Bond, DGO-GO-2 (rev. 6/09).
Operator's Cash Bond, DGO-GO-3 (rev. 6/09).
Notice of Application for a Permit or Permit Modification,
					 DGO-GO-4 (rev. 6/09).
Persons Receiving Official Notice of Permit Application or
					 Permit Modification, DGO-GO-5 (rev. 6/09).
Notice by Publication of an Application for a Permit,
					 DGO-GO-6 (rev. 6/09).
Well Location Plat, DGO-GO-7, rev. 1/98.
Information Sheet for Applications to Transfer Permit
					 Rights, DGO-GO-8 (rev. 6/09).
Technical Data Sheet for Permit Applications Under §
										45.1-361.29, DGO-GO-9 (rev.
					 6/09).
Technical Data Sheet for Gathering Pipelines and Associated
					 Facilities, DGO-GO-10 (rev. 6/09).
Technical Data Sheet for Permit Modification to Plug or
					 Replug, DGO-GO-11 (rev. 6/09).
Operations Plan -- Checklist, DGO-GO-12 (rev. 6/09).
Drilling Report, DGO-GO-14 (rev. 6/09).
Completion Report, DGO-GO-15 (rev. 6/09).
Application for Disposal of Pit or Produced Fluids,
					 DGO-GO-16 (rev. 6/09).
Application to Complete Abandoned Gas or Oil Well as a
					 Water Well, DGO-GO-17 (rev. 6/09).
Plugging Affidavit, DGO-GO-18 (rev. 6/09).
Monthly Gas Production Report, DGO-GO-19 (rev.
					 6/09).
Monthly Oil Production, DGO-GO-20 (rev. 6/09).
Notice of Right to Object, DGO-GO-21 (rev. 6/09).
License to Perform -- Plugging of Orphaned Well, DGO-GO-23
					 (rev. 6/09).
License to Perform -- Plugging of Well/Bond Forfeiture,
					 DGO-GO-24 (rev. 6/09).
Affidavit and Release in Support of Surface Owner's
					 Application to the Virginia Division of Gas and Oil for Use of an Orphaned Well
					 as a Water Well, DGO-GO-25 (rev. 6/09).
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 160 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL BOARD REGULATIONS › Section 4VAC25-160-20 - Authority and applicability

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A.
				This chapter is promulgated by the Virginia Gas and Oil board pursuant to
				§ 45.2-1614 of the Code of Virginia.
B. All field rules and orders issued pursuant
				to the provisions of the Oil and Gas Act of 1982, Chapter 22 (§ 45.1- 286
				et seq.) of Title 45.1 of the Code of Virginia shall remain in force and effect
				until modified or revoked pursuant to the provisions of the Gas and Oil Act of
				1990, Chapter 16 (§ 45.2-1600 et seq.) of Title 45.2 of the Code of
				Virginia. The requirements of this chapter are in addition to requirements of
				field rules and orders.
Statutory Authority: § 45.2-103 of the Code of
					 Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 160 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL BOARD REGULATIONS › Section 4VAC25-160-30 - Administrative provisions

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. The
				Virginia Gas and Oil Board shall meet on the third Tuesday of each calendar
				month unless no action is required by the board or unless otherwise scheduled
				by the board. All hearings shall be scheduled in accordance with the
				requirements for notice by publication in § 45.2-1618 of the Code of
				Virginia. Except where otherwise established by the Act, the board may
				establish deadlines for filing materials for meetings or hearings scheduled on
				other than the third Tuesday of each month. Except where otherwise established
				by the Act, filings shall be in electronic form or a format prescribed by the
				board.
B. Applications to the board
				must be filed by the following deadlines:
1.
				All applications, petitions, appeals or other requests for board action must be
				received by the division at least 30 calendar days prior to the regularly
				scheduled meeting of the board. If the 30th day falls on a weekend or a legal
				holiday, the deadline shall be the prior business day.
2. When required, the following material must
				be filed with the division at least seven calendar days prior to the regularly
				scheduled meeting of the board in order for the application to be considered a
				complete application:
a. The affidavit
				demonstrating that due diligence was used to locate and serve persons in
				accordance with § 45.2-1618 of the Code of Virginia and
				4VAC25-160-40;
				and
b. Proof of notice by
				publication in accordance with
				4VAC25-160-40
				D.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 160 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL BOARD REGULATIONS › Section 4VAC25-160-50 - Applications for field rules

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
Each application filed under § 45.2-1619 of the Code of
				  Virginia to establish or modify a field rule, a drilling unit or drilling units
				  shall contain:
1. The name and address
				of the applicant and the applicant's counsel, if any;
2. In the case of an application to vacate or
				amend an order, identification of the order to be vacated or amended;
3. A statement of the relief sought and the
				proposed provisions of the order or a proposed order;
4. Citations of statutes, rules, orders, and
				decided cases supporting the relief sought;
5. In the case where a field rule is proposed
				to be established or modified:
a. A statement
				of the type of field (gas, oil or coalbed methane gas);
b. A description of the proposed formation or
				formations subject to the petition; and
c. A description of the pool or pools
				included in the field, based on geological and technical data, including the
				boundaries of the pool or pools and field, shown in accordance with the
				Virginia Coordinate System of 1983, as defined in § 1-600 of the Code of
				Virginia, also known as the State Plane Coordinate System;
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 160 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL BOARD REGULATIONS › Section 4VAC25-160-60 - Applications for exceptions to minimum well spacing requirements

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
Applications for an exception to statewide spacing under
				  § 45.2-1616 of the Code of Virginia or under a field rule issued by the
				  board shall contain the following:
1.
				The name and address of the applicant and the applicant's counsel, if
				any;
2. In the case of an
				application for an exception to spacing established in a field rule,
				identification of the order governing spacing in the field;
3. A statement of the proposed location of
				the well in relation to wells permitted or for which a permit application is
				pending before the Division of Gas and Oil at the time of filing within the
				distances prescribed in § 45.2-1616 of the Code of Virginia;
4. A description of the formation or
				formations to be produced by the well proposed for alternative spacing and the
				wells identified in subdivision 3 of this section;
5. A description of the conditions justifying
				the alternative spacing;
6. An
				affidavit demonstrating that due diligence was used to locate and serve persons
				in accordance with
				4VAC25-160-40;
				and
7. When required, proof of
				notice by publication in accordance with
				4VAC25-160-40
				C.
Statutory Authority: § 45.2-103 of the Code of
					 Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 160 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL BOARD REGULATIONS › Section 4VAC25-160-70 - Applications to pool interests in a drilling unit: conventional gas or oil or no conflicting claims to coalbed methane gas ownership

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. Applications filed under § 45.2-1620
				of the Code of Virginia to pool interests in a drilling unit for conventional
				gas or oil or for coalbed methane gas where there are no conflicting claims to
				ownership of the coalbed methane gas, except as provided for in subsection B of
				this section, shall contain the following:
1.
				The name and address of the applicant and the applicant's counsel, if
				any;
2. In the case of an
				application to vacate or amend an order, identification of the order to be
				vacated or amended;
3. A statement
				of the relief sought and proposed provisions of the order or a proposed
				order;
4. Citations of statutes,
				rules, orders, and decided cases supporting the relief sought;
5. A statement of the type of well or wells
				(gas, oil or coalbed methane gas);
6. The permit number or numbers, if any have
				been issued;
7. A plat showing the
				size and shape of the proposed unit and boundaries of tracts within the unit,
				shown in accordance with the Virginia Coordinate System of 1983, as defined in
				§ 1-600 of the Code of Virginia, also known as the State Plane Coordinate
				System. Also included shall be the names of owners of record of the tracts, and
				the percentage of acreage in each tract, certified by a licensed land surveyor
				or a licensed professional engineer and attested by the applicant as to its
				conformity to existing orders issued by the board;
8. A description of the status of interests
				to be pooled in the unit at the time the application is filed;
9. For an application to pool a coalbed
				methane gas unit, a statement of the percentage of the total interest held by
				the applicant in the proposed unit at the time the application for the hearing
				is filed;
10. A statement of the
				names of owners and the percentage of interests to be escrowed under §
				45.2-1620 of the Code of Virginia for each owner whose location is unknown at
				the time the application for the hearing is filed;
11. A description of the formation or
				formations to be produced;
12. An
				estimate of production over the life of well or wells, and, if different, an
				estimate of the recoverable reserves of the unit;
13. An estimate of the allowable costs in
				accordance with
				4VAC25-160-100;
14. An affidavit demonstrating that due
				diligence was used to locate and serve persons in accordance with §
				45.2-1618 of the Code of Virginia and
				4VAC25-160-40
				C; and
15. When required, proof of
				notice by publication in accordance with
				4VAC25-160-40
				C.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 160 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL BOARD REGULATIONS › Section 4VAC25-160-80 - Applications to pool interests in a drilling unit: conflicting claims to coalbed methane gas ownership

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
In addition to the information required in
				  4VAC25-160-70
				  of this chapter, applications filed under § 45.2-1622 of the Code of
				  Virginia to pool interests in a drilling unit for coalbed methane gas where
				  there are conflicting claims to ownership of the coalbed methane gas shall
				  contain a description of the conflicting ownership claims and the percentage of
				  interests to be escrowed for the conflicting claims, and a plan for escrowing
				  the costs of drilling and operating the well or wells and the proceeds from the
				  well or wells attributable to the conflicting interests.
Statutory Authority: § 45.2-103 of the Code of
					 Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 160 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL BOARD REGULATIONS › Section 4VAC25-160-90 - Standards for escrow accounts

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
Payment of funds into escrow accounts shall be made in
				  accordance with the standards established in each order of the board requiring
				  such payment. In addition, the unit operator of a drilling unit subject to a
				  voluntary pooling agreement may petition the board under
				  4VAC25-160-140 of this chapter for
				  an order authorizing the escrow of funds subject to conflicting claims in
				  accordance with board standards or regulations regarding escrow of such funds
				  in units subject to a compulsory pooling order.
Statutory Authority
§ 45.1-361.15 of the Code of Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 160 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL BOARD REGULATIONS › Section 4VAC25-160-100 - Allowable cost which may be shared in pooled gas or oil operations

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. The unit
				operator of a pooled unit may share all reasonable costs of operating the unit,
				including a reasonable supervision fee, with other participating and
				nonparticipating operators, as provided for in § 45.2-1620 of the Code of
				Virginia, which may include:
1. Direct costs:
a. Ecological and environmental;
b. Rentals and royalties;
c. Labor;
d. Employee benefits;
e. Material;
f. Transportation;
g. Services;
h. Equipment and facilities furnished by the
				unit operator;
i. Damages and
				losses to joint property;
j. Legal
				expenses;
k. Taxes;
l. Insurance;
m. Abandonment and reclamation;
n. Communications; and
o. Other expenditures.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 160 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL BOARD REGULATIONS › Section 4VAC25-160-110 - Recordkeeping

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. Each unit
				operator shall maintain records of production, income, payments made to lessors
				and escrow agents, any suspended payments, and other information prescribed by
				the board until the later of:
1. When the
				permits for all wells in the unit have been released by the
				department;
2. Twenty-four months
				after all escrowed funds for competing claims to ownership of coalbed methane
				gas in the unit have been paid out under order of the board; or
3. When so ordered by the board.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 160 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL BOARD REGULATIONS › Section 4VAC25-160-120 - Applications to change the unit operator for a unit established by order of the board

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. Transfer of
				the right to operate a unit established by the board must be approved by the
				board prior to the transfer of unit operations to a new operator.
1. For a voluntary transfer, the proposed new
				unit operator shall file written notification of the proposed transfer of
				operations.
2. An involuntary
				transfer may be requested by an applicant or considered by the board on its own
				motion if the unit operator has not continued gas or oil operations of the unit
				with due diligence, or the permit for any well in the unit has been revoked by
				the department.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 160 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL BOARD REGULATIONS › Section 4VAC25-160-130 - Appeals of the director's decisions

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. Appeals of the division director's
				decisions shall be filed in writing, at the office of the division, in
				accordance with §§ 45.2-1625 and 45.2-1637 of the Code of
				Virginia.
B. A petition to appeal a
				decision of the division director shall contain:
1. The name and address of the petitioner and
				the petitioner's counsel, if any;
2. Identification of the decision being
				appealed, and the date the decision was issued;
3. A statement identifying the standing of
				the petitioner to appeal;
4. A
				statement setting forth the reasons for the appeal, including errors alleged in
				the director's decision and the reasons why the decision is deemed contrary to
				law or regulation;
5. A statement
				that the issues on appeal were in fact raised as required by § 45.2-1637
				of the Code of Virginia;
6. A
				statement setting forth the specific relief requested; and
7. When a stay to any proposed activity
				allowed as a result of the director's decision is desired, a request for the
				stay and the basis for granting the stay.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 160 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL BOARD REGULATIONS › Section 4VAC25-160-140 - Miscellaneous petitions to the board

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. Any petition to the board not otherwise
				provided for in this chapter shall be made in writing, and shall contain:
1. The name and address of the petitioner and
				the petitioner's counsel, if any;
2. The names and addresses of any persons who
				are named as respondents in the petition;
3. An affidavit that notice has been given to
				each respondent, if any, named in the petition;
4. A statement of the issues of the petition;
				and
5. A statement setting forth
				the specific relief requested.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 160 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL BOARD REGULATIONS › Section 4VAC25-160-150 - Effective dates for and enforcement of board orders

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. All orders issued by the board under
				§ 45.2-1619 of the Code of Virginia shall remain in effect until vacated
				or amended by the board on its own motion or on application from an owner or
				operator in the field or unit subject to the order.
B. Unless otherwise provided in the board
				order, all orders issued by the board under §§ 45.2-1620 and
				45.2-1622 of the Code of Virginia shall remain in effect:
1. For a period of two years from the date of
				issuance of the board order;
2. If
				a permit has been issued for a well in a unit subject to the order, until the
				permit or permits have expired or been released on the well or wells;
				or
3. Until vacated or amended by
				the board on its own motion or on application.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 160 - VIRGINIA GAS AND OIL BOARD REGULATIONS › Section 4VAC25-160-190 - Civil charges

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. Civil
				charges shall be provided for in accordance with § 45.2-1608 of the Code
				of Virginia.
B. The division
				director, after finding any violation of the Act, a regulation promulgated
				under the Act, or order of the director or board, or upon direction from the
				board, may recommend a civil charge against a gas, oil or geophysical operator
				and shall base the recommendation on the Civil Charge Calculation Procedure
				established by order of the board.
Statutory Authority: § 45.2-103 of the Code of
					 Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 165 - REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF ARBITRATION TO RESOLVE COALBED METHANE GAS OWNERSHIP DISPUTES › Section 4VAC25-165-10 - Definitions

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
The following words and terms when used in this regulation
				  shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates
				  otherwise.
"Accrued interest" means funds accrued during the preceding
				  36 months on total proceeds held in the general escrow account. Accrued
				  interest does not include escrow account fees or administrative costs of the
				  board related to the general escrow account.
"Act" means the Virginia Gas and Oil Act of 1990, Chapter 16
				  (§ 45.2-1600 et seq.) of Title 45.2 of the Code of Virginia.
"Arbitrator" means a qualified individual appointed by a
				  court to render a determination in an ownership dispute concerning coalbed
				  methane gas.
"Board" means the Virginia Gas and Oil Board.
"Claimant" means a person or entity in a dispute over
				  ownership of coalbed methane gas who has agreed to arbitration to resolve the
				  dispute.
"Court" means a circuit court in the Commonwealth of Virginia
				  wherein the majority of the subject tract of land is located.
"Department" means the Department of Energy.
"Escrow account" means the account established by the board
				  pursuant to § 45.2-1620 and subdivision 2 of § 45.2-1622 of the Code
				  of Virginia.
"Ex parte communication" means any form of communication
				  between an arbitrator and a claimant without the presence of the opposing
				  claimant.
"Operator" means the gas or oil owner designated by the board
				  to operate in or on a pooled unit.
Statutory Authority: § 45.2-103 of the Code of
					 Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 165 - REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF ARBITRATION TO RESOLVE COALBED METHANE GAS OWNERSHIP DISPUTES › Section 4VAC25-165-20 - Costs of arbitration

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
Arbitrations shall be funded from accrued interest. The
				  department shall determine on a case-by-case basis if sufficient funds exist to
				  conduct an arbitration. Sufficiency of funds shall be determined by the amount
				  of accrued interest available at the time arbitration is requested, less
				  estimated costs of pending arbitrations. If sufficient funds are not available,
				  the department shall maintain a waiting list of parties willing to
				  arbitrate.
Statutory Authority: §§ 45.1-361.15 and
					 45.1-361.22:1 of the Code of Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 165 - REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF ARBITRATION TO RESOLVE COALBED METHANE GAS OWNERSHIP DISPUTES › Section 4VAC25-165-30 - Qualification of arbitrators

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
The department shall review all applications from potential
				  arbitrators pursuant to § 45.2-1623 of the Code of Virginia. Applications
				  shall be submitted on a form prescribed by the department. In order to qualify,
				  applicants must demonstrate substantial expertise in mineral title examination.
				  Substantial expertise shall be determined on an individual basis. The
				  department shall notify applicants deemed to be qualified.
The department shall maintain a list of qualified arbitrators
				  and update it annually. The list shall be supplied to the court when the board
				  issues an order for arbitration. Pursuant to § 45.2-1623 of the Code of
				  Virginia, the court has the discretion to appoint an individual not on the list
				  of qualified arbitrators.
In order to maintain a current, accurate list, qualified
				  arbitrators shall at least annually update their disclosures to the
				  department.
Statutory Authority: § 45.2-103 of the Code of
					 Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 165 - REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF ARBITRATION TO RESOLVE COALBED METHANE GAS OWNERSHIP DISPUTES › Section 4VAC25-165-40 - Agreement to arbitrate

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
Claimants shall submit their request of arbitration to the
				  board on a form prescribed by the department. Claimants shall also provide an
				  affidavit pursuant to § 45.2-1623 of the Code of
				  Virginia.
Statutory Authority: § 45.2-103 of the Code of
					 Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 165 - REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF ARBITRATION TO RESOLVE COALBED METHANE GAS OWNERSHIP DISPUTES › Section 4VAC25-165-50 - Conflicts of interest

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
In addition to the limitations set forth in § 45.2-1623
				  of the Code of Virginia, an arbitrator may not hear an arbitration if the
				  arbitrator is related to one of the claimants, has a personal interest in the
				  subject of the arbitration, or if other circumstances exist that might affect
				  the arbitrator's ability to render a fair determination. If evidence of a
				  conflict exists under this section, a claimant may petition the court to
				  appoint a different arbitrator.
Statutory Authority: § 45.2-103 of the Code of
					 Virginia.
Virginia Administrative Code › Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY › Chapter 165 - REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF ARBITRATION TO RESOLVE COALBED METHANE GAS OWNERSHIP DISPUTES › Section 4VAC25-165-60 - Location

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
The arbitrator shall determine an appropriate time and place
				  for the arbitration. The arbitration shall take place in the jurisdiction where
				  the majority of the subject tract is located, unless all claimants agree to an
				  alternate location. Notice to claimants shall be given pursuant to the
				  requirements of § 45.2-1623 of the Code of Virginia.
Statutory Authority: § 45.2-103 of the Code of
					 Virginia.