This lease rider form may be used when you are involved in a lease transaction, and have made the decision to utilize the form of Oil and Gas Lease presented to you by the Lessee, and you want to include additional provisions to that Lease form to address specific concerns you may have, or place limitations on the rights granted the Lessee in the standard lease form.
Title: New Mexico Conversion of an Oil or Gas Well to an Injection or Water Well: A Comprehensive Guide Introduction: When oil or gas wells reach the end of their productive lives in New Mexico, converting them to injection or water wells can offer several advantages. This process involves repurposing the well bore to serve as a conduit for injecting fluids into the subsurface or extracting water resources. This article will delve into the details of how the conversion of an oil or gas well to an injection or water well takes place in New Mexico, highlighting key techniques, regulations, and potential benefits. Keywords: New Mexico, conversion, oil well, gas well, injection well, water well, repurposing, well bore, fluids, subsurface, techniques, regulations, benefits. I. Overview of Conversion Process: 1. Reassessing the well's viability: — Evaluating production decline and economic feasibility. — Determining if conversion aligns with water scarcity or pollution mitigations. 2. Obtaining necessary permits and approvals: — Complying with New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (NM OCD) regulations. — Submitting an application for well conversion to appropriate authorities. 3. Plugging and abandoning existing production equipment: — Removing oil or gas production infrastructure to prepare for repurposing. II. Injection Well Conversion: 1. Types of injection wells: Water floodingng wells: Injecting water to enhance oil recovery (FOR). — Carbon dioxide (CO2) injection wells: Increasing reservoir pressure for enhanced oil/gas recovery or sequestration. — Disposal/Class II wells: Injecting produced fluids or other waste materials deep into nonproductive formations. 2. Conversion steps: a) Well bore modification: Installing new casing and perforations for target injection zones. b) Fluid treatment and filtration: Ensuring injected fluids meet regulatory requirements. c) Pressure management: Implementing appropriate injection rates and monitoring systems. d) Compliance reporting and monitoring: Submitting periodic reports to regulatory bodies. III. Water Well Conversion: 1. Utilizing abandoned oil/gas wells for water extraction: — Tapping into viable aquifers within the targeted well bore. 2. Conversion steps: a) Well bore assessment: Evaluating water-bearing formations for extraction potential. b) Well bore modification: Installing new casing, screens, and pumps for water extraction. c) Water quality analysis: Testing and monitoring water quality to ensure suitability for desired use. d) Regulatory compliance: Ensuring adherence to New Mexico Environment Department (NAMED) regulations for water wells. Benefits of Conversion: 1. Environmental advantages: — Reducing the number of abandoned wells, minimizing potential groundwater contamination. — Utilizing existing infrastructure, reducing surface footprint of new wells. 2. Economic benefits: — Repurposing enables cost-effective utilization of existing well sites. — Offers potential revenue streams from enhanced oil recovery techniques or water sales. Conclusion: The conversion of oil or gas wells into injection or water wells in New Mexico represents an innovative approach towards sustainable resource management. Through appropriate well bore modifications, adherence to regulatory requirements, and careful planning, this conversion process can facilitate efficient water extraction or enhance oil/gas recovery while minimizing environmental impact. By exploring the possibilities of conversion, New Mexico can optimize its oil and gas resources and ensure responsible water extraction practices. Keywords: New Mexico, conversion, oil well, gas well, injection well, water well, repurposing, well bore, fluids, subsurface, techniques, regulations, benefits.
