RCW 78.60.110
Suspension of drilling, shut-in or removal of equipment for authorized period—Unlawful abandonment.
(1) The department may authorize the operator to suspend drilling operations, shut-in a completed well, or remove equipment from a well for the period stated in the department's written authorization. The period of suspension may be extended by the department upon the operator showing good cause for the granting of such extension.
(2) If drilling operations are not resumed by the operator, or the well is not put into production, upon expiration of the suspension or shut-in permit, an intention to unlawfully abandon shall be presumed.
(3) A well shall also be deemed unlawfully abandoned if, without written approval from the department, drilling equipment is removed.
(4) An unlawful abandonment under this chapter shall be entered in the department records and written notice thereof shall be mailed by registered mail both to such operator at his or her last known address as disclosed by records of the department and to the operator's surety. The department may thereafter proceed against the operator and his or her surety.
[ 2013 c 23 § 254; 1974 ex.s. c 43 § 11. Formerly RCW 79.76.110.]
Structure Revised Code of Washington
Title 78 - Mines, Minerals, and Petroleum
Chapter 78.60 - Geothermal Resources.
78.60.010 - Legislative declaration.
78.60.040 - Geothermal resources deemed sui generis.
78.60.050 - Administration of chapter.
78.60.070 - Drilling permits—Applications—Hearing—Fees.
78.60.080 - Drilling permits—Criteria for granting.
78.60.090 - Casing requirements.
78.60.120 - Notification of abandonment or suspension of operations—Required—Procedure.
78.60.130 - Performance bond or other security—Required.
78.60.140 - Termination or cancellation of bond or change in other security, when.
78.60.150 - Notification of sale, exchange, etc.
78.60.160 - Combining orders, unitization programs and well spacing—Authority of department.
78.60.170 - Designation of resident agent for service of process.
78.60.180 - General authority of department.
78.60.190 - Employment of personnel.
78.60.200 - Drilling records, etc., to be maintained—Inspection—Filing.
78.60.220 - Statement of geothermal resources produced—Filing.
78.60.230 - Confidentiality of records—Preservation in an electronic data system.
78.60.240 - Removal, destruction, alteration, etc., of records prohibited.
78.60.250 - Violations—Modification of permit, when necessary—Departmental order—Issuance—Appeal.
78.60.260 - Liability in damages for violations—Procedure.
78.60.270 - Injunctions—Restraining orders.