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 Washington Relinquishment Provision — Exploratory Well refers to a specific clause in the Washington State Administrative Code (WAC) that governs the relinquishment of exploratory wells. This provision outlines the regulations and procedures regarding the abandonment or transfer of unused or non-producing wells after conducting exploratory activities. Here are some important details and types of Washington Relinquishment Provision — Exploratory Wells: 1. Definition: A Washington Relinquishment Provision — Exploratory Well is defined as a well drilled for the purpose of exploring resources, such as oil, gas, water, or minerals, with the intention of discovering potential deposits. 2. Regulatory Compliance: The provision requires compliance with various state regulations and guidelines to ensure safe operations, environmental protection, and adequate well construction and maintenance standards. 3. Conditional Relinquishment: The provision allows for the conditional relinquishment of exploratory wells that have completed their exploration activities but have not yet reached production stages. This allows the well operator to determine the well's potential without the need for immediate production. 4. Well Plugging: If an exploratory well is deemed non-productive or abandoned, the provision specifies the plugging and abandonment procedures that must be followed. These procedures aim to prevent any potential contamination of surrounding groundwater and ensure the well is properly sealed to avoid future issues. 5. Well Transfer: The provision also covers the process of transferring ownership or operator ship of an exploratory well to another party. This transfer may occur when the original operator has completed their exploration activities but wishes to pass the well's responsibility to another entity for potential production. 6. Reporting and Documentation: Well operators are required to submit various reports and documentation regarding well status, activities, and compliance with regulations. This information is crucial for regulatory monitoring, maintaining transparency, and assessing environmental impact. 7. Liability: The provision holds the well operator responsible for any damages, pollution, or harm caused by an exploratory well until the well is properly plugged and abandoned according to the established guidelines. This ensures accountability and promotes responsible well abandonment practices. 8. Potential Benefits: The Washington Relinquishment Provision — Exploratory Well encourages responsible exploration by providing operators with the flexibility to relinquish non-producing or inactive wells, thus preventing unnecessary environmental impact and excessive financial burdens. By adhering to the Washington Relinquishment Provision — Exploratory Well, the state aims to govern exploratory activities effectively, minimize environmental risks, and ensure the responsible use of exploration resources.
