R 324.202 Directional redrilling.

Rule 202. (1) A permittee of a well who desires to directionally redrill an existing well to a different bottom hole location shall file an application for a new permit. The application shall set forth, in detail, the new bottom hole location and identify the plug-back depth of the existing well and shall be filed under R 324.201(3). The directional redrilling shall not be commenced until the application has been approved by the supervisor or authorized representative of the supervisor, except as provided in subrule (2) of this rule. A new permit and an additional fee shall be required. (2) A permittee of a well who desires to directionally redrill an existing permitted drilling well to a different bottom hole location with the drilling rig then on location shall obtain approval from the supervisor or authorized representative of the supervisor. Approval to redrill shall be obtained by contacting the authorized representative of the supervisor in person or by telephone and providing pertinent details of the proposed directional redrilling. Approval may be granted immediately if all of the following provisions are complied with: (a) The existing drilled hole is plugged back before starting the new directional hole under the provisions of these rules. (b) The permittee provides an adequate description of the proposed directional redrill, including the depth, angle, and path of the deviation, and the bottom hole location. (c) The well has adequate bonding or a statement of financial responsibility has been filed under R 324.210. (3) If approval to directionally redrill is granted, a permittee of a well shall obtain a new permit and pay an additional fee. The application for a new permit and additional fee shall be filed within 10 days at the offices of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Office of Oil, Gas, and Minerals, P.O. Box 30256, Lansing, Michigan 48909. In addition to other enforcement actions, failure to comply with this subrule shall be cause for immediate suspension of any or all components of the oil and gas operations on the well. (4) A well log and plugging record shall be filed on the plugged-back hole under these rules.