West Virginia Code
Article 21. Coalbed Methane Wells and Units
§22-21-23. Method of Plugging

All coalbed methane wells shall be plugged in such a manner that any workable coal seam surrounding the well can be safely mined and that the well can be mined through. The chief shall promulgate rules specifying the manner and method of plugging coalbed methane wells and in doing so, or in entering any order for such plugging and reclamation, shall give special consideration to the ability to mine any affected coal seam safely and the protection of any affected coal seam for future mining.

Structure West Virginia Code

West Virginia Code

Chapter 22. Environmental Resources

Article 21. Coalbed Methane Wells and Units

§22-21-1. Declaration of Public Policy; Legislative Findings

§22-21-2. Definitions

§22-21-3. Application of Article; Exclusions; Application of Chapter Twenty-Two-B to Coalbed Methane Wells

§22-21-4. Chief; Powers and Duties Generally

§22-21-5. Duties of the Coalbed Methane Review Board; Meetings; Notice, Powers and Duties Generally

§22-21-6. Permit Required for Coalbed Methane Well; Permit Fee; Application; Soil Erosion Control Plan; Penalties

§22-21-7. Consent and Agreement of Coal Owner or Operator

§22-21-8. Performance Bonds; Corporate Surety or Other Security

§22-21-9. Notice to Owners

§22-21-10. Procedure for Filing Comments

§22-21-11. Objections or Comments to Coalbed Methane Wells by Coal Owner or Operator; Hearings

§22-21-12. Review of Application; Issuance of Permit in the Absence of Objections; Copy of Permits to County Assessor

§22-21-13. Review Board Hearing; Findings; Order

§22-21-14. Protective Devices Required When a Coalbed Methane Well Penetrates Workable Coalbed; When a Coalbed Methane Well Is Drilled Through Horizon of Coalbed From Which Coal Has Been Removed; Notice of Stimulation; Results of Stimulation

§22-21-15. Drilling Units and Pooling of Interests

§22-21-16. Notice to Owners

§22-21-17. Review of Application; Hearing; Pooling Order; Spacing; Operator; Elections; Working Interests, Royalty Interests, Carried Interests, Escrow Account for Conflicting Claims, Division Order

§22-21-18. Operation on Drilling Units

§22-21-19. Validity of Unit Agreements

§22-21-20. Spacing

§22-21-21. Dry or Abandoned Wells

§22-21-22. Notice of Plugging and Reclamation of Well; Right to Take Well; Objection; Plugging Order; Plugging for Mine-Through

§22-21-23. Method of Plugging

§22-21-24. Existing Mining Rights

§22-21-25. Judicial Review; Appeal to Supreme Court of Appeals; Legal Representation for Review Board

§22-21-26. Limitation on Actions in Trespass

§22-21-27. Injunctive Relief

§22-21-28. Penalties

§22-21-29. Construction