Shut-In Or Temporary Abandonment
Shut-In
Shut-in refers to the closing in of a well capable of being produced. Per 6 NYCRR 555.2(a), it is unlawful for a well owner or operator to shut in any well for more than one year without DEC approval.
Temporary Abandonment
Temporary abandonment refers to the discontinuation of operations on a well that is not completed. Per 6 NYCRR 555.3(a), it is unlawful for a well owner or operator to temporarily abandon any well for more than 90 days without DEC approval.
Extension of Shut-In or Temporary Abandonment
To request an extension of the lawful period of shut-in or temporary abandonment, a well owner or operator must submit a Request for Shut-In or Temporary Abandonment (PDF) (231 KB) (Request) to DEC. The owner or operator must demonstrate sufficient good cause with its proposed Request. DEC reviews all submitted Requests and inspects the applicable wells. Upon the conclusion of DEC's review, an approval or denial of the submitted Request is issued to the well owner or operator.
Upon termination of the lawful period of shut-in, the owner or operator must resume production or permanently plug and abandon the well. Upon termination of the lawful period of temporary abandonment, the owner or operator must either resume operations or permanently plug and abandon the well. Any well plugging and abandonment must be performed in accordance with the applicable well plugging regulations.
DMN, Bureau of Oil and Gas Regulation
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233
