A well shall be deemed unlawfully abandoned if not plugged and the lands involved are not reclaimed in compliance with the rules and regulations or orders of the supervisor or when operations on or at any well shall have ceased for a period of six months or more. If a determination of unlawful abandonment is made by the supervisor, the supervisor shall inform the owner, operator, or producer in writing directing immediate compliance with proper abandonment procedures. Failure to comply shall be cause for the supervisor to order proper abandonment utilizing the drilling and production bond on file with the supervisor. For good cause shown by the operator, the supervisor may extend the period for plugging and reclamation.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
78.52.050 and chapter
78.52 RCW. WSR 82-12-052 (Order 3, Resolution No. 7), § 344-12-133, filed 6/1/82.]