Ala. Admin. Code r. 400-1-4-.04

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 400-1-4-.04 - Directional Surveys

If required by this rule, a directional survey, which may include logging while drilling (LWD) or measurement while drilling (MWD) logs, shall be run and one (1) copy thereof filed by the operator with the Supervisor within thirty (30) days after completion of a well. Directional surveys shall be run from total depth to base of surface casing or the kickoff point, whichever is shallowest, unless otherwise approved by the Supervisor. However, directional surveys to total depth shall be unnecessary in cases where the interval below the survey is less than five hundred (500) feet. In such an instance, a projection of the latest survey shall satisfy Board requirements. In the event the proposed or final location of the producing interval of the directionally controlled well is not in accordance with spacing or other rules of the Board applicable to the reservoir, proper applications shall be made to obtain approval of exceptions to such rules. Such approval shall be granted, or denied, at the discretion of the Board, after notice and hearing. Directional surveys shall be run when:

(1) The well is directionally controlled and is thereby intentionally deflected from the vertical; or

(2) The well is drilled to a measured depth of six thousand (6,000) feet or greater; or

(3) A well is expected to penetrate pore pressure gradients greater than sixty-seven (67) pounds per square inch (psi) per one hundred (100) feet (ft) in depth or 0.67 psi/ft; or

(4) A well penetrates or is expected to penetrate intervals containing hydrogen sulfide, such surveys to be run within five hundred (500) feet of entering such hydrogen sulfide bearing formation; or

(5) The well is drilled as an exceptional location and such directional survey is ordered by the Board

Author: State Oil and Gas Board

Ala. Admin. Code r. 400-1-4-.04

Filed September 30, 1982. Repealed and New Rule: Filed April 11, 2000; effective May 16, 2000. Amended: Filed August 5, 2005; effective September 9, 2005.

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 9-17-1, etseq.