This form is used when any party electing not to participate in an exploratory well after the exploratory well has been drilled, relinquish and assign to the Drilling Party or Parties one hundred percent (100%) of its rights, title and interests in the Drilling Unit and the eight (8) Drilling Units directly and diagonally offsetting the Drilling Unit on which the well was drilled.
The New Hampshire Relinquishment Provision — Exploratory Well is a critical component of the state's regulations governing oil and gas exploration activities. This provision ensures that companies engaged in exploratory drilling activities relinquish their wells responsibly, minimizing any potential negative environmental impacts. Here, we will delve into the specifics of this provision, its purpose, and how it functions within the context of New Hampshire regulations. The primary objective of the New Hampshire Relinquishment Provision — Exploratory Well is to safeguard the environment by ensuring that exploration companies do not abandon their drilling operations without proper closure and reclamation. By addressing the potential risks associated with exploratory well abandonment, the provision serves to prevent contamination of groundwater resources, soil erosion, and habitat disruption. Under this provision, exploration companies are required to submit a detailed plan outlining their abandonment and reclamation procedures prior to commencing drilling activities. This plan contains precise steps and strategies that must be followed to ensure the safe closure and restoration of the well site once exploration operations are completed. If an exploratory well is determined to be non-commercial or no longer in use, the relinquishment process is triggered. The relinquishment can occur voluntarily when the exploration company decides to abandon the well or be mandated by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NODES) if the well poses a risk to the environment. The New Hampshire Relinquishment Provision — Exploratory Well encompasses two main types: 1. Voluntary Relinquishment: Exploration companies may choose to surrender their well by following the relinquishment plan outlined in their exploration permit. This process involves proper abandonment techniques, such as sealing the well bore with cement, removing surface equipment, and restoring the site to its original condition. Voluntary relinquishment ensures responsible closure and typically involves a final evaluation by the NODES to ensure compliance with all regulations. 2. Involuntary Relinquishment: If an exploratory well is classified as posing a risk to the environment or is determined to be non-compliant with regulations, the NODES can mandate the relinquishment of the well. In such cases, the exploration company is legally obligated to follow specific abandonment and reclamation measures within a designated timeframe. The NODES closely monitors this process to ensure full compliance and remediation of any environmental issues associated with the well. In summary, the New Hampshire Relinquishment Provision — Exploratory Well is an integral part of the state's regulatory framework, focused on ensuring responsible exploration operations. By mandating proper abandonment and reclamation practices, this provision aims to protect New Hampshire's natural resources and ecology from potential hazards associated with exploratory well abandonment. Both voluntary and involuntary relinquishment processes are in place to guarantee compliance and minimize environmental impacts.
