This form is used in the event any part to this Agreement elects not to participate in a Horizontal Exploratory Well, the non-participating party shall, on commencement of operations for the well, relinquish to the participating party one hundred percent (100%) of its rights, title, and interests in and to that portion of the Contract Area included within the Drilling Unit for the well and one hundred percent (100%) of the party’s rights, title, and interests in and to that portion of the Contract Area.
The Washington Relinquishment Provision — Horizontal Well is a crucial legal concept governing the exploration and extraction of oil and gas resources in the state of Washington, United States. This provision determines the conditions under which an operator must relinquish their rights to a horizontal well and the associated acreage. In Washington, a horizontal well is a type of well drilling technique used to extract oil or gas from shale formations deep underground. Unlike traditional vertical wells, horizontal wells are drilled vertically to a certain depth and then turned horizontally to expose a larger surface area of the reservoir. This technology significantly enhances the recovery of hydrocarbon resources, making it increasingly prevalent in the energy industry. The Washington Relinquishment Provision defines the circumstances under which an operator must give up their rights to a horizontal well. One common scenario is the expiration of an oil and gas lease agreement. If the lease expires before the well reaches its maximum potential, the operator may be required to relinquish the well and corresponding acreage to the landowner or the state. Another instance where the Relinquishment Provision comes into play is if the well becomes non-productive or uneconomical. In such cases, operators may be obligated to surrender the well and surrounding acreage, allowing other parties to explore or develop alternative resources. It is important to note that there are different types of Washington Relinquishment Provision — Horizontal Well, each with its own regulations and requirements. These can include: 1. Lease Termination Relinquishment Provision: This provision applies when the lease agreement expires, regardless of the well's productivity or profitability. The operator is then obligated to relinquish their rights to the horizontal well and associated acreage. 2. Non-Productive Well Relinquishment Provision: In the event that a horizontal well fails to produce oil or gas in commercial quantities, the operator may be required to surrender the well and accompanying acreage according to this provision. 3. Economic Viability Relinquishment Provision: If a horizontal well becomes economically unfeasible due to changes in market conditions, high operating costs, or other factors, the operator may have to relinquish their rights to the well and acreage under this provision. Overall, the Washington Relinquishment Provision — Horizontal Well plays a vital role in regulating the development of oil and gas resources in the state. Its various provisions ensure responsible exploration and production practices, while also safeguarding the interests of landowners and promoting future opportunities for other operators.
