Well operators are required to apply to the Office of Oil and Gas (OOG) for, and receive permit coverage for activities considered “well work”, prior to such work beginning.  Examples of well work as defined in the statute are drilling, redrilling, deepening, stimulation, and plugging.  The primary components of the permit involve notice to surface land owners and coal owners/lessees/operators of the applicant’s proposal, plan for well construction (new wells) that provides for protection of fresh water sources and coal reserves, and a site construction and reclamation plan to ensure minimization of surface water impacts.  Drilling of new wells requires all fresh water sources and workable coal seams to be cased with the casing cemented to the surface.  These casing string(s) are in addition to the production casing.

Fluids are required to be properly managed to prevent spills and to be disposed of in an approved method.  OOG inspection staff inspects field operations associated with all aspects of well drilling and production to ensure compliance with applicable requirements and has the authority to initiate enforcement actions through notices of violation (nov).  Enforcement actions may include civil penalties, administrative penalties, and bond forfeitures.

In addition to the notices described above, certain types of permit applications require a public notice and comment period.  Additionally, records of the OOG are open to the public.  The agency has a public information office which among other duties provides assistance for disseminating information.