Any coalbed methane well which is completed as a dry hole or which has not produced coalbed methane in paying quantities for a period of twelve consecutive months shall be presumed to have been abandoned and the operator shall promptly plug the well and reclaim all surface land affected by the well in accordance with the provisions of this article, unless the operator furnishes satisfactory proof to the chief that there is a bona fide future use for such well in accordance with the rules promulgated under article six of this chapter.
Structure West Virginia Code
Chapter 22. Environmental Resources
Article 21. Coalbed Methane Wells and Units
§22-21-1. Declaration of Public Policy; Legislative Findings
§22-21-4. Chief; Powers and Duties Generally
§22-21-5. Duties of the Coalbed Methane Review Board; Meetings; Notice, Powers and Duties Generally
§22-21-7. Consent and Agreement of Coal Owner or Operator
§22-21-8. Performance Bonds; Corporate Surety or Other Security
§22-21-10. Procedure for Filing Comments
§22-21-11. Objections or Comments to Coalbed Methane Wells by Coal Owner or Operator; Hearings
§22-21-13. Review Board Hearing; Findings; Order
§22-21-15. Drilling Units and Pooling of Interests
§22-21-18. Operation on Drilling Units
§22-21-19. Validity of Unit Agreements
§22-21-21. Dry or Abandoned Wells
§22-21-24. Existing Mining Rights