Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 35-7-2 - DefinitionsUnless the context in which used clearly requires a different meaning, the definitions contained in W. Va. Code ''22-1-4 and 22-6-1 shall apply to this rule, in addition to the definition expressly set forth in this section. Each definition adopted by this section, whether statutory or by rule, is for the purpose of implementing the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978, and is intended to be used in any other context:
2.1. "Btu" means British Thermal Unit.2.2. "Completion location" means any subsurface location from which natural gas is being, or has been produced in commercial quantities.2.3. "FERC" means the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.2.4. "Jurisdictional agency" means the Office of Oil and Gas of the West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection.2.5. "Marker well" means any well from which natural gas was produced in commercial quantities at any time after January 1, 1970, and before April 20, 1977, including a well, the depth of which was increased on or after February 19, 1977, to a completion location at least one thousand (1,000) feet below the depth of the deepest completion location to such well attained before February 19, 1977; provided, that the term "marker well" shall not include a well the surface drilling of which began on or after February 19, 1977.2.6. "Marker well completion location" or completion location when used with reference to any marker well, means any subsurface location from which natural gas was produced in commercial quantities after January 1, 1970, and before April 20, 1977.2.7. "Mcf" used with respect to natural gas means 1,000 cubic feet of natural gas measured at a standard pressure base of 14.73 pounds per square inch (absolute), and a temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit.2.8. "Mile" means a statute mile of five thousand two hundred eighty feet (5,280').2.9. "Month" means a calendar month. 2.10. "Natural gas" means either natural gas unmixed or any mixture of natural and artificial gas.2.11. "New well" means any well, the surface drilling of which began on or after February 19, 1977, or the depth of which was increased by means of drilling on or after February 19, 1977, to a completion location which is at least one thousand (1,000) feet below the depth of the deepest completion location of such well attained before February 19, 1977.2.12. "NGPA" means the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.2.13. "Old well" means any well other than a new well.2.14. "Production in commercial quantities" means production of natural gas from a well or reservoir which is either sold and delivered to one other than the operator, or retained by the operator or any owner of the production at severance for beneficial economic use; provided, that natural gas used for the testing of natural gas wells or for other field uses which are production related, shall not be considered produced in commercial quantities.2.15. "Proration unit" means an area around a well as per the following:2.15.a. For all shallow wells with a depth less than three thousand (3,000) feet, the proration unit will have a one thousand (1,000) foot radius, and shall constitute a proration unit for only the formations for which a well has been completed for production or target formations on wells spudded but not yet completed;2.15.b. For shallow wells with a depth of three thousand (3,000) feet or more, the proration unit will have a one thousand five hundred (1,500) foot radius and shall constitute a proration unit for only the formations for which a well has been completed for production or target formations on wells spudded but not yet completed; and2.15.c. For all deep wells, the proration unit will be the drilling unit as defined in W. Va. Code '22C-9-2(13).2.16. "Recognized enhanced recover techniques" means processes or equipment, or both, which when performed or installed, increase the ultimate recovery of gas from the well, including mechanical or chemical stimulation of the reservoir formation, and devices installed in the well bore or on the surface; provided, that normal well maintenance repair or replacement of equipment or facilities do not qualify as enhanced recovery techniques.2.17. "Reservoir" means any producible natural accumulation of natural gas, crude oil, or both confined by impermeable rock or water barriers, and characterized by single natural pressure system or confined by lithologic or structural barriers which prevent pressure communication.2.18. "Well" means any well for the discovery of production of natural gas, crude oil, or both.