We wish to thank the numerous organizations, agencies, companies, and individuals

for their contributions to this publication.

P-417
BLM/WO/ST-06/021+3071/REV 07

Production services were provided by the BLM National Science and Technology Center
Branch of Publishing Services
This document is available online at www.blm.gov
Prepared By:

United States Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land Management

United States Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

Fourth Edition
Revised 2007
Suggested Citation
United States Department of the Interior and United States Department of Agriculture. 2007.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development.
BLM/WO/ST-06/021+3071/REV 07. Bureau of Land Management. Denver, Colorado. 84 pp.
 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development iii

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Surface Management Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Filing Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Environmental Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Onsite Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Interim and Final Reclamation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Environmental Best Management Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Stipulations and Conditions of Approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Other Federal, State, Tribal, or Local Permits or Authorizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Chapter 2 – Geophysical Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
BLM and FS Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Split Estate Minerals Administered by the BLM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Chapter 3 – Permitting and Approval of

Lease Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Initiating the Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Drilling Application Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Surveying and Staking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Onsite Inspection, Environmental Review, and Permit Approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Variances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Lease Stipulation Exceptions, Waivers, and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
BLM Rights-of-Way and FS Special Use Authorizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Other Authorizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Exploration and Development on Split Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Indian Lands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Bonding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Chapter 4 – Construction and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Well Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Roads and Access Ways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Transportation Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Road Design and Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
General Design Specifications for Different Types of Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Road Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Drainage and Drainage Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Pipelines and Flowlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
iv Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

Chapter 5 – Drilling and Production Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

General Operating Standards and Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Well Completion Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Subsequent Well Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Approval Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Production Startup Notification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Measurement of Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Disposal of Produced Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Pollution Control/Hazardous Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Safety and Emergency Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Noise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Visual/Scenic Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Painting of Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Placement of Production Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Inspection and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Chapter 6 – Reclamation and Abandonment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Reclamation Objective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Reclamation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Pipeline and Flowline Reclamation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Well Site Reclamation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Road Reclamation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Reclamation of Other Associated Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Water Well Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Inspection and Final Abandonment Approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Release of Bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Chapter 7 – Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Bureau of Land Management Administrative Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Forest Service Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Bureau of Indian Affairs Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

List of Commonly Used Abbreviations and Acronyms . . . 53

Appendix 1 – BLM/FS Office Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 

Appendix 2 – Forms and Formats for

Required Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Application for Permit to Drill or Reenter (APD). . . . Form 3160-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59-60
Notice of Staking (NOS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sample Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61-62
Sundry Notices and Reports on Wells. . . . . . . . . . . . Form 3160-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63-64
Spill Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sample Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65-66
Well Completion or
Recompletion Report and Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Form 3160-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67-69
Notice of Intent and Authorization to Conduct
Oil and Gas Geophysical Exploration Operations . . . BLM Form 3150-4/FS Form 2800-16 . . . 71-73
Notice of Completion of Oil and Gas
Geophysical Exploration Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . BLM Form 3150-5/FS Form 2800-16a . . 75-76

List of Figures
Figure 1 – Recommended construction standards for exclosure fences in livestock areas . . . . . . . . . 18
Figure 2 – Illustration of commonly used terms in road design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Figure 3 – Cross-sections and plans for typical road sections representative of BLM resource or
FS local and higher-class roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Figure 4 – Typical road plan and profile drawing for an oil and gas road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Figure 5 – Typical drainage dip and construction specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Figure 6 – Culvert spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Figure 7 – Diagrams for proper culvert installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 

Chapter 1 – Introduction
The Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for
Oil and Gas Exploration and Development (commonly
referred to as The Gold Book) was developed to
assist operators by providing information on the
requirements for obtaining permit approval and
conducting environmentally responsible oil and gas
operations on Federal lands and on private surface
over Federal minerals. Operations include exploration,
production, reclamation, associated rights-of-way
(ROWs), and Special Use Authorizations (SUAs).

The Gold Book provides operators with a appropriate Federal surface management agency
combination of guidance and standards for ensuring or non-Federal surface owner. On National Forest
compliance with agency policies and operating System (NFS) lands, the FS has approval authority
requirements, such as those found in the Code of for the surface use portion of Federal oil and gas
Federal Regulations at 43 CFR 3000 and 36 CFR 228 operations and for appeals related to FS decisions
Subpart E; Onshore Oil and Gas Orders (Onshore and approvals. Early coordination with the BLM and
Orders); and Notices to Lessees (NTLs). Agency field the appropriate surface management agency or
offices and websites can provide more detailed Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) office is encouraged
discussions of specific procedures and requirements as procedures and requirements vary by agency or
and copies of regulations, Onshore Orders, Notices to reservation. Appendix 1 provides a map showing
Lessees, and other agency policies currently in effect. BLM State Offices and Regional FS Offices with
Every operation authorized under a Federal addresses and telephone numbers.
oil and gas lease should conform to USDI Bureau
of Land Management (BLM), USDA Forest Service
(FS), or other agency standards and reflect relevant,
Filing Plans
site-specific conditions. Knowledge of BLM resource Onshore Oil and Gas Order No. 1 describes the
management plans (RMPs) and FS land and resource procedure for filing either an Application for Permit
management plans, as well as agency operational to Drill or Reenter (APD), Form 3160-3, or a Notice
standards, procedures, and environmental protection of Staking (NOS) followed by an APD (Appendix
requirements will help operators meet those standards. 2 – Forms and Formats for Required Information).
Early contact and discussions with the BLM and
Surface Management the surface management agency are highly
encouraged and will expedite approval of the APD. It
Agency is recommended that this contact be made prior to
Federal oil and gas lease surface operations the commitment of dates, equipment, access route
are managed by the BLM in cooperation with the acquisition, and preparation of the APD.
 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

The operator is required to file the complete APD identify site-specific resource protection concerns
package for all operations, including those on National and requirements. Prior to, or in conjunction with,
Forest System lands, with the appropriate BLM office. the onsite inspection, the surface management
The completed APD package must include APD Form agency will advise the operator if any special inven-
3160-3, a well plat, a Drilling Plan, a Surface Use tories or studies are required, such as for cultural
Plan of Operations (SUPO), evidence of bond resources or threatened and endangered species.
coverage, and operator certification in accordance
with the requirements of Onshore Order No. 1. Interim and Final
Drilling and related surface-disturbing operations
are not allowed without an approved APD. Requests Reclamation
for changes to an approved APD must be submitted The objective of reclamation in the short
to the BLM for prior approval on a Sundry Notice term is to provide site stability and basic resource
(SN) (Form 3160-5). Operators are encouraged to file productivity. The final goal of reclamation is to
APDs, Sundry Notices, and Well Completion Reports restore the character of the land and water to
(Form 3160-4) through the BLM’s electronic filing its pre-disturbance condition. The operator is
system. Contact any BLM State or Field Office for responsible for completing the reclamation activities
further information on electronic filing options. necessary to achieve the short-term objective, and
upon abandonment, establishing the conditions on
Environmental Analysis the site so that no impediment exists that would
prevent achieving the final goal.
The BLM, and if applicable, the FS, is responsible To reduce areas of disturbance not needed for
for ensuring compliance with the National Environ- long-term operations, interim reclamation will be
mental Policy Act (NEPA). Upon receipt of a complete initiated for areas such as active well and facility
APD or formal proposal that encompasses multiple locations, pipelines, and roads when well completion
wells in a specific area, the BLM, the surface man- operations or facility installation operations are
agement agency, or the agency’s or operator’s envi concluded. All surface disturbances associated with
ronmental contractor will conduct an environmental plugged wells and facility abandonment must be
analysis and prepare an environmental document reclaimed after operations have concluded. The
in conformance with the requirements of NEPA and final abandonment notice (FAN), including final
the regulations of the Council on Environmental reclamation, will not be approved by the BLM until
Quality (CEQ). Regardless of which agency, entity, reclamation work is determined to be successful
or individual prepares the environmental analysis by the BLM in consultation with the surface
document, the BLM (and FS, for actions on National management agency or surface owner.
Forest System lands) must concur with the content
prior to issuing a decision document. In the
case of National Forest System lands, where the Environmental Best
environmental analysis is conducted jointly with Management Practices
the BLM, each agency will issue its own decision.
Environmental Best Management Practices
The extent of the environmental analysis process
(BMPs) are state-of-the-art mitigation measures
and the time frame for issuance of a decision
designed to provide for safe and efficient operations
will depend upon the complexity of the proposed
while minimizing undesirable impacts to the
action and resulting analysis, the significance of the
environment. Proper planning and consultation
environmental effects disclosed, and the completion
among the operator, surface management agency,
of appropriate consultation processes.
and non-Federal surface owner, and the proactive
incorporation of environmental Best Management
Onsite Inspection Practices into the APD Surface Use Plan of
Before approval of the APD, an onsite inspection Operations by the operator, will typically result in
will be conducted with the operator to further a more efficient APD and environmental review
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 

Best Management Practices in this

photograph include a two-track,
primitive road with full interim
reclamation of the road and well
pad; flowlines and electrical lines
buried deep within the road;
remote monitoring to reduce traffic
to the well; a submersible pump;
and a small well box painted to
blend in with the background.

process, increased operating efficiency, reduced Other Federal, Tribal, State,

long-term operating costs, reduced final reclamation
needs, and less impact to the environment. or Local Permits or
Authorizations
Stipulations and Conditions A permit, right-of-way, or other authorization
from the BLM or surface management agency will
of Approval
be required unless otherwise exempted by Onshore
Constraints that are consistent with the Order or Notice to Lessee for on-lease uses, such as
rights granted by the lease may be imposed on disposal of produced water, authorization for use of
the location of access roads, well sites, and facility sand or gravel, and gas flaring. Off-lease uses, such as
sites or the timing of geophysical exploration, well facilities and roads, will require a permit, right-of-way,
drilling, or other operations. Constraints may result or other authorization from the surface management
from lease stipulations, the surface management agency. All facilities located on the lease, but owned
agency’s review and environmental analysis of the by parties other than the operator, will require
proposed operations, Notices to Lessees, Onshore authorization from the surface management agency.
Orders, or regulations. When consultation with the BLM approval of an APD does not relieve the
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Tribe, or operator from obtaining any other authorizations
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is required, required for drilling or subsequent operations. This
the time needed for an APD review may be extended includes any requirements of other Federal, Tribal,
and result in additional constraints on operations. State, or local authorities.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 

Chapter 2 – Geophysical
Operations
This chapter identifies the basic procedures
necessary for ensuring the efficient review
and approval of environmentally responsible
geophysical exploration. Prior to conducting
operations, the operator must contact the
surface management agency to obtain approval.
Requirements for operations on BLM-administered
lands can be found in the Code of Federal
Regulations at 43 CFR 3150 and on National Forest
System lands in the Forest Service (FS) Manual.

Geophysical operations may be conducted on most proposed 2D geophysical lines or 3D source and
Federal lands by bonded geophysical operators, receiver proposed locations; all access routes and
regardless of whether the Federal lands are leased ancillary facilities; and a proposed schedule of field
or by whom they are leased. activities. The map should be at a minimum scale
of one-half inch equals 1 mile; however, a 1:24,000
USGS topographic map is recommended.
BLM and FS Requirements The party filing the Notice of Intent (named
Geophysical Operator on the top of the form) will need a bond for most
An operator is required to file a Notice of operations. On BLM-managed lands, the geophysical
Intent (NOI) and Authorization to Conduct Oil exploration operator is required to be bonded.
and Gas Geophysical Exploration Operations (BLM On National Forest System lands, the authorized
Form 3150-4/FS Form 2800-16) with the BLM for officer will decide whether a bond is required. When
operations on BLM administered lands, with the FS applicable, a copy of the bond or other evidence of
for operations on National Forest System lands, and satisfactory bonding must accompany the Notice of
with both agencies for operations that overlap lands Intent. Holders of statewide or nationwide oil and
managed by both agencies. However, geophysical gas lease bonds may satisfy this requirement by
operations or testing that are conducted for a obtaining a rider to include coverage of geophysical
lessee entirely within the lessee’s Federal oil and operations. For geophysical operation methods
gas lease are considered lease operations that may involving surface disturbance, a cultural resources
be permitted either by Sundry Notice or by Notice survey may be necessary. In some circumstances,
of Intent. The operator will be apprised of practices sensitive or threatened and endangered species
and procedures to be followed prior to commencing surveys may also be necessary.
operations on BLM or National Forest System lands. The completion and signing of the Notice
The Notice of Intent shall include site-specific of Intent signifies agreement to comply with its
project information and field techniques to minimize terms and conditions and subsequent practices and
surface impacts; a map showing the location of the procedures specified by the authorized officer. A
 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

pre-work field conference is recommended and may including any required reclamation, the operator is
be conducted by the surface management agency. required to file a Notice of Completion (NOC) of Oil
Earth moving equipment shall not be used without and Gas Geophysical Exploration Operations (BLM
prior approval. Upon completion of operations, Form 3150-5/FS Form 2800-16a).

Articulated vibroseis trucks are one of many geophysical exploration methods.

Authorized Officer bond or terminate liability will not be granted by the

The authorized officer will contact the operator surface management agency until the operator has
after the Notice of Intent (BLM Form 3150-4/FS met the terms and conditions of the Notice of Intent.
Form 2800-16) is filed and inform the operator of
the practices and procedures to be followed and Split Estate Minerals
the estimated time frame for approval. On National
Forest System lands, a user fee will be assessed for Administered by the BLM
operations on Federal lands that are not under lease Where the minerals are federally owned and the
by the operator. surface is privately or State owned, no authorization
The authorized officer will complete a final is necessary from the Federal Government to
post-work inspection of the site and notify the conduct geophysical operations. Operators must
operator that the terms and conditions of the Notice work with the surface owner to obtain access to
of Intent have been met or that additional action private lands and the State permitting agency for
is required by the operator. Consent to release the authorization of operations proposed on State lands.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 

Chapter 3 – Permitting and

Approval of Lease Operations
This chapter identifies the process for ensuring the
efficient review and approval of environmentally
responsible oil and gas lease development. The
information provided will acquaint the operator
with the basic procedures required for approval
of lease operations.

The operator has two procedural options for

securing approval to drill: The Notice of Staking
(NOS) option and the Application for Permit to

Drill (APD) option. Although the time frames in the either an NOS or an APD to discuss the operator’s
regulations are the same for both options, each general plans for development. At this initial
option has specific advantages. The NOS option, planning meeting, the surface management agency
if properly coordinated early in the process, may will inform the operator of surface management
expedite final permit approval because it allows the agency procedures and requirements, sensitive
operator the opportunity to gather information and areas or seasons that have to be avoided, as well as
better address site-specific resource concerns while recommendations to aid in timely permit processing.
preparing the APD package. The APD option may be
more efficient for use with in-fill wells in developed
fields where the operator and surface management
Drilling Application Options
agency have developed a close working relationship Application for Permit to Drill
or have agreed on a Master Development Plan and No drilling operations or related surface
standard operating practices for the field. disturbing activities may be initiated without an
approved APD. The APD must be approved by an
authorized officer of the BLM, in consultation with
Initiating the Process the surface management agency as appropriate. On
The process for obtaining approval to drill is National Forest System lands, the FS must approve
generally initiated by filing either an NOS followed the Surface Use Plan of Operations portion of the
by an APD, or by filing just an APD. With either APD before the BLM can approve the APD. Operators
option, a complete and acceptable APD must be are strongly encouraged to consult with the
filed with the BLM. Planning and coordination with appropriate surface management agency as early
the BLM or other surface management agency as possible before filing an APD to identify local
can be critical to meeting the operator’s needs requirements and potential concerns.
for a smooth and timely permitting process. It is To help ensure timely processing, the APD
highly recommended that operators consult with should be complete and include all necessary
the surface management agency prior to filing supporting information, such as information on
 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

the well and associated rights-of-way, roads, after the filing of the APD, if the onsite inspection
pipelines, and production facilities. Onshore Order was not held previously under the NOS option.
No. 1, Section III, D, describes specific information Approved APDs are valid for 2 years from the
requirements for filing a complete APD, including date of approval as long as the lease does not expire
the Drilling Plan and Surface Use Plan of Operations. during that time. An APD may be extended for up to
For operations proposed on National Forest System 2 years at the discretion of the BLM and the surface
lands, also refer to Subpart E of 36 CFR 228. In management agency if a written request is filed
addition to these requirements, the onsite inspection before the 2 year expiration date. The terms of an
must be held before the APD package can be judged APD may require the operator to contact the BLM
complete. Within 10 days of receiving an APD, the and surface management agency before beginning
BLM (in consultation with the FS if the application construction activities.
is on National Forest System lands) will notify the
operator whether or not the application is complete. Notice of Staking
The APD package consists of: By filing a NOS with the BLM, the operator is
formally requesting an onsite inspection prior to
n Form 3160-3, Application for Permit to Drill or filing an APD. During or within 7 days of the onsite
Reenter inspection, all parties will jointly develop and
provide a list of resource concerns for the operator
n Surface Use Plan of Operations
to address in the APD. This will help the operator
n Drilling Plan in filing a complete APD. If an APD is not filed with
n A well plat certified by a registered surveyor the BLM within 60 days of the onsite inspection,
the NOS will be returned to the operator. Posting a
n Evidence of bond coverage
NOS in the local BLM and FS offices also initiates
n Operator certification the mandatory BLM/FS 30-day public notification
n Original or electronic signature requirement. There is no specific form available for
this information, but a sample format is provided
n Other information required by order, notice, or in Appendix 2 with the necessary information
regulation requirements. When the lands involved are managed
by a Federal agency other than the BLM, the BLM will
In order to facilitate processing multiple APDs, provide a copy of the NOS to the appropriate agency.
plan for orderly development, and better analyze
cumulative effects and appropriate mitigation, an
operator may elect or be asked to submit a Master Surveying and Staking
Development Plan for all or a portion of the wells Regardless of the option selected (NOS or APD),
proposed in a developing field. All wells within a the center stake for the proposed well and two
Master Development Plan share a common Drilling reference markers must be staked and the access
Plan, Surface Use Plan of Operations, and plans roads flagged along the centerline prior to the onsite
for future development and production. APD Form inspection. Surveying and staking are considered
3160-3 and survey plats must be submitted for each casual use unless the activity is expected to cause
proposed well either with the Master Development more than negligible disturbance or damage.
Plan or following its approval, but each APD must Surveying and staking may be initiated without
reference the common Drilling Plan and Surface Use advance approval from the BLM or the surface
Plan of Operations. management agency, except for lands administered
Posting a NOS or APD in the local BLM office by the Department of Defense or used for military
(and FS office for operations on National Forest purposes, Indian lands, lands where motorized
System lands) initiates the BLM/FS 30-day public access is prohibited, or where more than negligible
notification period that is required before a Federal disturbance is likely to occur.
APD can be approved. The onsite inspection is held
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 

Operators are advised to notify the surface Onsite Inspection,

management agency and are required to make a
good faith effort to notify the private surface owner Environmental Review, and
prior to entry. This will allow the surface management Permit Approval
agency or private surface owner to inform the
Within 10 days of receiving the NOS or APD
operator of sensitive resources or areas that need to
package, the BLM, in coordination with the operator
be avoided and any difficult or problem conditions.
and surface management agency or private
When an APD is submitted, staking must
surface owner, will schedule a date for the onsite
include the center stake for the proposed well, two
inspection. The onsite inspection will be held as
200-foot directional reference stakes, the exterior
soon as practicable based on schedules and weather
dimensions of the drill pad, reserve pit, cuts and
conditions. For operations on National Forest System
fills, and the outer limits of the area to be disturbed,
lands, the FS will schedule the onsite inspection with
unless a variance is granted. Because the well, road
BLM involvement.
location, and other associated off-location facilities
The onsite inspection team will include a
may change as a result of the onsite inspection,
BLM/surface management agency representative,
the operator may request a variance to the full
the operator or permitting agent, and other parties
staking requirements for purposes of conducting the
associated with planning work on the project, such
initial onsite inspection. However, the full staking
as the operator’s principal dirtwork contractor,
requirements found in Oil and Gas Onshore Order
agency resource specialists, surveyors, and pipeline
No. 1 must be met before the APD can be approved.
or utility company representatives. When the onsite
Off-location facilities must also be staked, as well
inspection is on private surface, the surface owner
as the centerlines of new roads and routes for
will be invited by the BLM.
flowlines and power lines, with stakes being visible
The purpose of the onsite inspection is to discuss
from one to the next (intervisible). In steep terrain or
the proposal; determine the best location for the well,
environmentally sensitive areas, cut and fill staking
road, and facilities; identify site-specific concerns and
or slope staking may be required for roads and any
potential environmental impacts associated with
ancillary facilities.
the proposal; and discuss the conditions of approval
The well location plat must describe the location
(COAs) or possible environmental Best Management
of the surface disturbances and their proximity to
Practices for mitigating these impacts. Before
the nearest section lines, lease lines, ownership,
conducting the onsite inspection, the BLM or surface
or special use area boundaries in geographical
management agency will determine whether any of
coordinates referenced to the National Spatial
the following requirements or features would affect
Reference System (NSRS), North American Datum
the operational proposal:
1983 (NAD83), and in feet and direction from
the nearest two adjacent section lines, or, if not
n Land management plan
within the Rectangular Survey System, the nearest
two adjacent property lines. The authorized n Lease stipulations
officer has the option of approving the use of the n Level of National Environmental Policy Act
BLM’s Geographic Coordinate Data Base (GCDB) (NEPA) analysis required
to describe the boundaries, when the GCDB
coordinates reliability ensures that operations will n Well spacing
be within the intended boundaries. In unsurveyed n Cultural survey needs
townships, the latest protraction or amended n Wildlife survey needs
protraction diagram will be used to describe the
boundaries. The registered surveyor should coordinate n Riparian and wetland areas
with the cadastral survey section of the appropriate n Excessive slopes and erosive soils
BLM State Office, particularly where the boundaries
n Landowner consultation
are uncertain or unsurveyed.
10 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

n Road, pipeline, or utility right-of-way or FS The request must explain the reason the variance
Special Use Authorization is needed and demonstrate how the operator will
satisfy the intent of the Order.
Cultural resources, sensitive or threatened
and endangered species, or other resource survey
information may be needed in order to comply with
Lease Stipulation
the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the Exceptions, Waivers, and
Endangered Species Act (ESA), or to complete a staff Modifications
review or an environmental analysis under NEPA.
If the operator is completing cultural or other Many leases contain stipulations developed
survey reports, the early submission of those reports during the land use planning process. The land use
to the surface management agency, at or prior plan also serves as the primary vehicle for explaining
to the onsite inspection, will help ensure timely to industry, other agencies, and to the public
and efficient consultation, environmental review, the circumstances and procedures under which
and processing of APDs. Cultural resource “block” exceptions, waivers, and modifications of lease
surveys are an option that can provide the operator stipulations may be granted.
with increased flexibility to locate or relocate wells, An operator may request that the authorized
roads, and utilities at the onsite inspection and officer grant an exception, waiver, or modification
reduce the need to conduct additional surveys that to a lease stipulation as explained in the Code of
could delay the project. Federal Regulations at 43 CFR 3101.1-4 (BLM) and
The BLM, surface management agency, or 36 CFR 228.104 (FS). Operator requests should
private contractor will complete the environmental be submitted in writing and include information
review process in accordance with the requirements demonstrating that the factors leading to its
of the BLM and the surface management agency. inclusion in the lease have changed sufficiently to
The BLM will issue the decision document, except in make the protection provided by the stipulation
the case of National Forest System lands where the no longer justified or that the proposed operation
environmental review is conducted jointly and each would not cause unacceptable impacts.
agency issues its own decision. APDs on Federal When the drilling operation is proposed on
leases will not be approved by the BLM until after land managed by another surface management
completion of the environmental review and the agency, the BLM will forward operator requests to
public posting/notification process. that surface management agency and obtain their
Approved permits will be subject to the concurrence or recommendation. All final decisions
operator’s permit application as modified by the will be processed through the BLM. After drilling
existing lease stipulations, rights-of-way terms and has commenced, the BLM (and FS for operations on
conditions, and APD or Sundry Notice conditions National Forest System lands) may consider verbal
of approval developed during the permit review requests for an exception, waiver, or modification;
process. The operator must have a copy of the however, the verbal request must be followed up by
approved APD and any Conditions of Approval a written request within 7 days. The BLM and FS will
available for review at the drill site, including confirm, in writing, any verbal approval.
during the construction and reclamation phases.
Operators are responsible for their contractor’s and BLM Rights-of-Way and FS
subcontractor’s compliance with the approved APD.
Special Use Authorizations
On BLM-administered lands and National Forest
Variances Systems lands, pipelines (upstream from the custody
The operator may make a written request to the transfer point), access roads, and utilities located
agency with jurisdiction to request a variance on a lease (or within a unitized area), which are to
from the requirements of Onshore Order No. 1. be constructed and managed by the leaseholder/
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 11

operator, can be authorized under an APD or Sundry Following the completion of NEPA analysis
Notice. On or off lease/unit, pipelines, roads, and for the entire project, a decision will be issued
utilities constructed and managed by someone other concerning approval of the right-of-way. Upon a
than the leaseholder/operator require a BLM right- decision to grant the right-of-way, BLM will request
of-way or an FS Special Use Authorization. that the applicant sign the right-of-way grant and
On BLM-administered lands, pipelines, access return it with payment of the rent and cost recovery
roads, and utilities located off the lease or the monitoring fees. After the rent, fees, and a signed
unitized area require a right-of-way. A pipeline on right-of-way grant are returned to the BLM, the grant
BLM-administered lands (or on lands administered will be executed by the authorized officer and a
by two or more Federal agencies), located copy returned to the applicant/leaseholder with the
downstream of the custody transfer point either on approved APD and Surface Use Plan of Operations.
or off a lease, also requires a right-of-way from the The FS uses a similar process to approve the
BLM. (Refer to 43 CFR 2800, April 22, 2005). On APD Surface Use Plan of Operations and associated
National Forest System lands, certain access roads Special Use Authorization when needed for pipelines,
and utilities, including pipelines downstream of the access roads, and utilities located entirely on National
custody transfer point, may require a Special Use Forest System lands. The Special Use Authorization
Authorization (36 CFR 252 Subpart B). may include the APD conditions of approval and any
A detailed APD can be accepted as an application special stipulations resulting from the NEPA analysis.
for a BLM right-of-way off lease or FS Special Use
Authorization for facilities owned by the leaseholder/
operator in lieu of the Application for Transportation
Other Authorizations
and Utility Systems and Facilities on Federal Lands All proposed drilling operations and related
(Standard Form 299). If the leaseholder/operator surface disturbance activities, as well as any change
plans to use the APD as the application, it should from an approved APD, must be approved before
provide sufficient detail for the entire proposal, such activities are conducted. Approval will be in
including all facilities located off the lease. At the accordance with lease terms, conditions of approval;
NOS or the APD onsite inspection involving rights- 43 CFR 3160; Onshore Oil and Gas Orders; and
of-way on BLM-administered lands, the BLM will Notices to Lessees.
review items on the pre-application checklist with For operations on National Forest System lands,
the operator, if a pre-application meeting has not approval of the Surface Use Plan of Operations must
already taken place, and will provide the operator also be in accordance with 36 CFR 228 Subpart E
with a blank SF-299. before BLM final approval of the APD. Approval must
Right-of-way project information may be be obtained from the BLM prior to drilling from
included in the APD or Sundry Notice rather than private surface into Federal minerals.
being submitted on the SF-299. To use this option, The BLM’s approval of an APD does not relieve
the operator must complete and submit an APD or the operator from obtaining any other authorizations
Sundry Notice to the BLM with a Surface Use Plan of or approvals required for conducting drilling or related
Operations, which references the requested rights-of- subsequent operations. This includes requirements of
way; maps; a plan of development containing other Federal, Tribal, State, or local authorities.
information specific to the right-of-way and
construction; and other required details. The BLM Exploration and Development
will evaluate the application, determine the cost
recovery processing fee category, and request the on Split Estates
non-refundable processing fee and any additional Non-Federally Owned Surface/
information that may be required. After the processing Federally Owned Minerals
fee and any additional information have been The operator must make a good faith effort to
received, BLM will process the right-of-way application. notify the private surface owner before entering
12 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

private surface to stake a well location and access reducing reclamation and surface damage costs. For
road or to conduct cultural or biological surveys. example, operator costs can might be minimized
Each APD, NOS, or Sundry Notice permitting new by placing roads and facilities in locations that
surface disturbing activities must contain the name, meet the surface owner’s long-term development
address, telephone number, and e-mail address (if plans for the property, thereby lessening the future
available), of the private surface owner. reclamation obligations of the operator.
The BLM will invite the surface owner to The surface use agreement between the surface
participate in the onsite and final reclamation owner and the operator is confidential. However, the
inspections and will take into consideration the needs APD Surface Use Plan of Operations must contain
of the surface owner when reviewing the APD sufficient detail about any aspects of the agreement
and reclamation plans and when approving final necessary for NEPA documentation and to determine
abandonment and reclamation. The BLM will offer that the operations will be in compliance with laws,
the surface owner the same level of surface protection regulations, Onshore Orders, and agency policies.
that the BLM provides on Federal surface. The BLM When the operator submits its Surface Use Plan
will not apply standards or conditions that exceed of Operations to the BLM, the operator must make
those that would normally be applied to Federal a good faith effort to provide a copy to the surface
surface, even when requested by the surface owner. owner. Following APD approval, the operator must
Prior to approval of the APD (or Sundry Notice also provide a copy of the Conditions of Approval
to conduct new surface disturbing activities), the to the surface owner. In addition, the operator must
operator must certify as part of the complete make a good faith effort to provide a copy of any
application that a good faith effort had been made proposal involving new surface disturbance to the
to reach a surface use agreement with the private private surface owner.
surface owner and that an agreement was reached
or that it failed. If the surface owner and operator
fail to reach an agreement, the operator must file
Indian Lands
a bond with the BLM ($1,000 minimum) for the The BLM will process APDs, Master Development
benefit of the surface owner to cover compensation, Plans, and Sundry Notices on Tribal and allotted oil
such as for reasonable and foreseeable loss of crops and gas leases and Indian Mineral Development
and damages to tangible improvements. Prior to Act mineral agreements in a manner similar to
approving the APD, the BLM will advise the surface Federal leases. However, the approval procedures,
owner of the right to object to the sufficiency of the including cultural resource and other environmental
bond and will review the value of the bond if the requirements, may vary between reservations
surface owner objects. The BLM will either confirm depending on Tribal ordinances and whether tribes
the current bond amount or establish a new amount. have assumed the functions of a State Historic
Once the operator has filed an adequate bond, the Preservation Office. Both the Bureau of Indian
BLM may approve the APD. Following APD approval, Affairs (BIA) and the Tribe have the opportunity to
the operator and the surface owner may appeal the recommend conditions of approval to the APD. For
BLM’s final decision on the bond amount. processing such applications, the BLM considers
The operator must negotiate in good faith the BIA to be the surface management agency
with the surface owner. Negotiating in good faith for all Indian lands unless a Tribe has contracted
provides a forum through which the operator and the BIA realty function for its lands. The BIA is the
surface owner can discuss the preferences and lead Federal agency for complying with Section
needs of both the surface owner and the operator. In 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act on
addressing those needs, the operator may be able to Indian lands, although this may vary in some States.
modify the development proposal to both minimize Operators are responsible for obtaining any special
damage to the surface owner’s property while use or access permits from appropriate BIA and/or
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 13

tribal offices. BLM is not required to post APDs for the total number, location, and depth of wells; the
minerals subject to Indian leases or agreements for age and production capability of the field; unique
public inspection. environmental issues; or the total cost of plugging
existing wells and reclaiming lands exceeds the
present bond amount by an unacceptable amount.
Bonding A bonded principal (operator or lessee) may
Bonding is required (43 CFR 3104 and 36 CFR request a partial release of a lease bond when
228 Subpart E) for oil and gas lease operations in portions of the abandonment or final reclamation
order to ensure that the operator performs all process are deemed complete by the authorized
obligations of the lease contract, including but not officer. Statewide and nationwide bonds cannot be
limited to: royalty obligations, plugging leasehold partially released. The operator must notify
wells, surface reclamation, and cleanup of abandoned the authorized officer prior to and upon the
operations. Operators may post the bond in their completion of all leasehold abandonment and
own name, or obtain consent of the surety under an final reclamation activities.
existing lessee’s bond or operating rights owner’s A separate bond may be required for rights-of-
bond, extending coverage under that existing bond way or Special Use Authorizations to cover losses,
to include such operations. damages, or injury to human health, the environment,
The bond may be a surety bond or pledge or property in connection with the use, occupancy,
backed by cash, negotiable securities, Certificate of and termination of the right-of-way (43 CFR 2800
Deposit, or Letter of Credit in the minimum amount and 36 CFR 251 Subpart B).
of $10,000. In lieu of a $10,000 lease bond, a bond The BLM will require a separate bond to protect
of not less than $25,000 for statewide operations the surface owner in split-estate situations if the
or $150,000 for nationwide operations may be operator and surface owner fail to reach an
furnished. The operator must identify the type of agreement regarding terms of use, compensation for
bond and the bond number on the APD form. loss or damages, or a waiver.
The authorized officer may require an increase For operations on National Forest System lands,
in the amount of any bond for factors, including the authorized FS officer may require additional
but not limited to, a history of previous violations; bonding prior to or during the conduct of operations
a notice from the Minerals Management Service (36 CFR 228.109).
(MMS) that there are uncollected royalties due;
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 15

Chapter 4 – Construction
and Maintenance
This chapter provides guidance for the operator
about the basic requirements for safe and envi-
ronmentally sound construction and maintenance
of oil and gas-related infrastructure. Construction
and maintenance must be performed to standards
that ensure the long-term health and productivity
of the land. The operator’s representative must
ensure compliance with all plans and designs.
The representative should be designated prior to
construction; be accessible to the surface

management agency authorized officer; have immedi- means designing a well site that has an irregular
ate access to an approved copy of the Application for shape, not rectangular. The site layout should be
Permit to Drill (APD), including all maps, drawings, located and staked in the most level area, off narrow
templates, and construction standards; and have the ridges, and set back from steep slopes, while taking
authority to make changes at the request or order of into consideration the geologic target, technical,
the BLM or surface management agency. economic, and operational feasibility, spacing rules,
natural resource concerns, and safety considerations.
Well locations constructed on steep slopes cost
Well Sites more to construct, maintain, and reclaim and result
Site Selection and Design in greater resource impacts. Locations on steep
To the extent permitted by the geologic target, slopes that require deep, nearly vertical cuts and
well spacing, and drilling and production technology, steep fill slopes should be avoided where possible
the locations selected for well sites, tank batteries, or appropriately mitigated. Operations should
pits, and compressor stations should be planned so also be avoided or properly mitigated in riparian
as to minimize long-term disruption of the surface areas, floodplains, playas, lakeshores, wetlands,
resources and existing uses, and to promote success- and areas subject to severe erosion and mass soil
ful reclamation. Design and construction techniques movement. In visually sensitive areas, locations
and other practices should be employed that would should be selected that provide for vegetative and
minimize surface disturbance and the associated topographic screening. The well site or production
effects of proposed operations and maintain the facility location should also be reviewed to
reclamation potential of the site. The following determine its effect on the location of the access
guidelines can be used to assist in meeting these road. The advantages gained by a good well site or
objectives and reducing the overall undesirable tank battery location should not be negated by the
impacts from well sites and other construction areas. adverse effects of the access road location.
Well sites should be designed to fit the landscape
and minimize construction needs. In many cases, this
16 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

Construction capable of supporting the rig. The drill rig, tanks,

Construction procedures must conform to the heater-treater, and other production equipment are
approved Surface Use Plan of Operations. In order to not to be placed on uncompacted fill material. The
minimize surface disturbance, construction equipment area used for mud tanks, generators, mud storage,
appropriately sized to the scope and scale of the and fuel tanks should be at a slight slope, where
proposed operation should be used. All surface soil possible, or a suitable alternative, such as ditching,
materials (topsoil) are to be removed from the entire should be used to provide surface drainage from the
cut and fill area and temporarily stockpiled for reuse work area to the pit.
during interim reclamation or final reclamation if To reduce erosion and soil loss, it may be
the well is a dry hole. The depth of topsoil to be appropriate to divert storm water away from the
removed and stockpiled should be determined at the well location with ditches, berms, or waterbars
onsite inspection and should be stated either in the above the cut slopes and to trap well location runoff
proposed Surface Use Plan of Operations or specified and sediments on or near the location through the
in the APD conditions of approval. use of sediment fences or water retention ponds.
Topsoil should be segregated and stored
separately from subsurface materials to avoid Reserve Pits
mixing during construction, storage, and interim Reserve pits are generally used for storage or
reclamation. Subsurface materials should never disposal of water, drill mud, and cuttings during
be placed on top of topsoil material at any point drilling operations. The pit should normally be
in the operation. Stockpiles should be located located entirely in cut material. Avoid constructing
and protected so that wind and water erosion are reserve pits in areas of shallow groundwater.
minimized and reclamation potential is maximized. Reserve pits should not be constructed in natural
Excavation of the cut and fill slopes is normally watercourses. Water courses include lake beds,
guided by information on the slope stakes. Fills gullies, draws, streambeds, washes, arroyos, or
should be compacted to minimize the chance of channels that are delineated on a 1:24,000 USGS
subsidence or slope failure. If excess cut material quadrangle map or have a hydrologic connection to
exists after fill areas have been brought to grade, streams, rivers, or lakes.
the excess material will be stockpiled at approved For reserve pit construction on sloping sites, the
locations. Snow and frozen soil material is not to preferred method is to locate the pit on the drill pad
be used in construction of fill areas, dikes, or berms. next to the high wall. Pits are constructed totally in
To reduce areas of soil disturbance, the surface cut at such locations. If this is not possible, at least
management agency may allow mowing or brush 50 percent of the reserve pit should be constructed
beating of vegetation for parts of the well location below original ground level to help prevent failure of
or access road where excavation is not necessary. the pit dike. Fill dikes should be properly compacted
The area of the well pad where the drilling in lifts. The necessary degree of compaction depends
rig substructure is located should be level and on soil texture and moisture content. The pit should
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 17

be designed to contain all anticipated drilling muds, weathering, chemicals, punctures, and tearing are
cuttings, fracture fluids, and precipitation while most commonly used, although some States may
maintaining at least 2 feet of freeboard. require liners that are thicker. Suitable bedding
Pits improperly constructed on slopes or poor material, such as sand, clay, or felt liners should be
soil types may leak along the plane between the used in areas where the base rock might puncture
natural ground level and the fill. There is a significant the liner.
potential for pit failure in these situations. When Depending on the proposed contents of the
constructing dikes for pits or impoundments pit and sensitivity of the environment, the surface
with fill embankment, a keyway or core trench management agency may require a leak detection
should be excavated to a minimum depth of 2 to system or the use of self-contained mud systems
3 feet below the original ground level. The core of with the drilling fluids, mud, and cuttings being
the embankment can then be constructed with transported to approved disposal areas.
compacted, water-impervious material. Reserve pits should be appropriately fenced
To prevent contamination of ground water and to prevent access by persons, wildlife, or livestock.
soils or to conserve water, it is recommended that During drilling in active livestock areas, the reserve
operators use a closed-loop drilling system or line pit must be fenced with an exclosure fence on
reserve pits with an impermeable liner, particularly three sides and then fenced on the fourth side once
when it is anticipated that pits will contain moderate drilling has been completed. Refer to Figure 1 for
or high levels of hydrocarbons and chloride, or the recommended fence construction standards in active
pits are located in areas of shallow groundwater or livestock areas. In areas where livestock will not be
porous soils over fractured bedrock aquifers. present, other types of fences may be appropriate.
Pits can be lined with synthetic liners or other The fence should remain in place until pit
materials such as bentonite or clay. Impermeable reclamation begins. After cessation of drilling and
liners should have a permeability of less than completion operations, any visible or measurable
10-7cm/sec. Liners must be installed so that they layer of oil must be removed from the surface of
will not leak and must be composed of materials the reserve pit and the pit kept free of oil. In some
compatible with all substances to be placed in situations and locations, precautions, such as
the pit. Synthetic liners with a minimum thickness netting, may be required in order to prevent access
of 12 mils and resistance to ultraviolet radiation, and mortality of birds and other animals.
18 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

7' minimum brace see mortise detail

spike

7' minimum 7' minimum 7' minimum 7' minimum

End Panel–Type 1 End Panel–Type 2

1"

1"

spike (spiking
or toe nailing
as specified)

Mortise Detail

9 – ga. smooth galv. wire

L

line post
7' minimum (wood or steel)
Add a rock deadman (min. weight 50 lbs.) when
space between bottom wire and ground exceeds 20"

Stress Panel Panel at Minor Depression

L
42"

wood line post steel line

twisted wire or wood stay post

Line Panels
Figure 1. Recommended construction standards for exclosure fences in livestock areas.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 19

Roads and Access Ways System lands. Contact the local BLM or FS office for
specific requirements. Exception to or modification
This section provides the minimum guidelines of these guidelines is at the surface management
for oil and gas operators on BLM and FS policy and agency’s discretion based on the physical conditions
standards relative to the planning, location, design, at the site and the project proposal. Figure 2
construction, maintenance, and operation of roads illustrates commonly used terms in road design and
and access ways on public and National Forest should be referred to when reviewing this section.

right-of-way
roadside
right-of-way line

roadside
clearing width
clearing
limit

x roadway y

ground line

traveled
shoulder

shoulder
way

right-of-way line
clearing limit
black slope surface
course
(cut slope)
base course
subgrade
drainage ditch

roadbed
fill slope

Note: Shapes and dimensions will vary to fit local conditions

See drawings for typical sections
x and y denote clearing outside of roadway

Figure 2. Illustration of commonly used terms in road design

To ensure public safety and the protection reclamation plan and are to be reclaimed after well
of Federal resources, BLM and FS roads must be and field operations are completed. In relatively rare
constructed to an appropriate standard no higher cases, the surface management agency or surface
than necessary to accommodate the intended use. owner may assume responsibility for the continued
In many cases, the construction of a lower-class operation and maintenance of roads deemed necessary.
road will meet the operator’s access needs, while The authorized officer has the option of
minimizing the effects on other important resource determining whether professional engineering
values. design and construction oversight is necessary or
Roads used to access oil and gas locations are whether the road can be constructed by the operator
typically constructed for that primary purpose, are consistent with site-specific standards and approved
rarely permanent, and exist only as long as necessary road design templates (Figures 2 and 3). The need
to complete exploration and production operations. for professional engineering design and oversight
They are authorized with an accompanying should be based on factors such as topography,
20 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

Construction Steps 1. Salvage topsoil 3. Redistribute topsoil

2. Construct road 4. Revegetate slopes

center line of roadway

shoulder turnout 10'

transition 25' 100' 25' transition

full turnout width Intervisible turnouts shall be constructed on
all single lane roads on all blind curves with
additional tunouts as needed to keep spacing
Typical Turnout Plan below 1000 feet.

crown
2% natural ground
3:1

Level Ground Section

road crown
1:1 type
3:1 e 2:1 co
1/2

com
1/4:1

rosiv mo m earth surface .03 – .05 ft/ft

e so m
:1 c

ils n on
ong

aggregate surface .02 – .04 ft/ft

solid
l

paved surface .02 – .03 ft/ft

rock

Depth measured from

the bottom of the ditch
natural gro
un d

Side Hill Section

nat nat
ura ura
l gr l gr
oun oun
d lin d li
ba e center ba ne
ck center
slo line ck
pe slo line
pe

fill
fill slo
slo pe
pe

travel surface travel surface

(slope 2 – 4%) (slope 2 – 4%)

Typical Outsloped Section Typical Inslope Section

Figure 3. Cross-sections and plans for typical road sections representative of BLM resource or FS local and higher-class roads.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 21

soils, hydrology, safety, and levels and types of use maintenance techniques may be required, as well as
by the operator and general public. For oil and gas seasonal vehicular closures to the general public.
roads on National Forest System lands, a qualified It is always a good practice to consult with the
FS engineer reviews all project design drawings, surface management agency or private landowner
officially attesting to their technical adequacy. prior to submitting the road design. Helpful design
To meet the requirements of Onshore Order No. 1 information can also be found on agency websites.
(Surface Use Plan of Operations, 2a and b) for new For the BLM, guidance can be found in BLM 9113–
or reconstructed roads, the operator must provide Roads Manual; and BLM 9130–Sign Manual. For the
information such as: FS, information is available in EM-7100-15: Sign and
Poster Guidelines for the FS or the FS Water/Road
n Road width, maximum grade, and crown design Interaction Series of publications.
n Location of turnouts
n Plans for soils-, hydrology-, and topography- Transportation Planning
dependent drainage, including ditches and The goal of transportation planning is to
locations and sizes of culverts and bridges identify and analyze feasible alternatives for access
n On- and off-site erosion control that meet the objectives of the surface management
agency, private surface owner, and the needs of the
n Plans for revegetation of disturbed areas diverse users of Federal lands. The transportation
n Fence cuts and cattle guards planning process:
n Major cuts and fills
n Considers future road use needs, including
n Source and storage sites for topsoil public access and resource development or use
n Types of surfacing materials, if any n Considers affected resource values and safety
n Plans for maintaining or improving existing roads n Avoids haphazard or unnecessary development
of roads and utility corridors
All roads must be designed, constructed,
and maintained by the operator in a safe and Road location and design criteria are also
environmentally responsible manner. Oil and gas developed and documented during the transportation
roads that are not closed to public use (through the planning process. Transportation planning can
use of gates or other traffic control devices) have the prevent unnecessary expenditures of time and
potential to serve secondary uses, such as providing money and prevent unnecessary surface disturbance.
access for hunters and other recreational users Therefore, it is important for the operator to become
who may not be familiar with the road and area. involved in the transportation planning process.
Therefore, safety is a primary design consideration.
Roads also have the potential to cause Road Location
environmental harm through erosion, air pollution, Road location is critical to the long-term
stream degradation, habitat alteration, and maintenance and environmental success of a road
increased public use of an area. Careful attention construction project. Proper road location can
to the proposed road location and design can significantly reduce or eliminate impacts to cultural,
significantly minimize environmental harm. For scenic, biological, and other environmental resources.
example, shorter roads constructed on steep slopes Operators are strongly encouraged to contact the
may cost more to construct, maintain, and reclaim surface management agency or private surface
and can also result in greater environmental owner about possible route locations before survey-
impacts than would longer roads constructed along ing and staking. This early communication between
the contours of the land or constructed in flatter the operator and the surface management agency or
terrain. In areas of high environmental sensitivity, private surface owner can minimize changes made
special road location, design, and construction and at the onsite inspection and reduce project delays.
22 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

Existing roads should be considered for use limitations, type of excavation, landslide areas,
as access routes and may be used when they meet subgrade conditions indicating the need for
agency standards, transportation and development surfacing, potential cut slope problems, surface or
needs, and environmental objectives. When access subsurface water problem areas, suitability of fill
involves the use of existing agency roads, operators material, potential gravel pits or quarries for road
must obtain agency approval and may be required aggregate, and potential borrow and waste sites.
to upgrade the roads, contribute to road maintenance A good road location analysis may avoid costly
funds, or participate in road maintenance agreements. problems and identify cost-saving opportunities.
When selecting a location for new roads,
consider following topographic contours. While Other Factors
laying out roads in a point-to-point approach Other factors to consider that are unique to the
minimizes the length of road, it often increases oil and gas industry include:
soil erosion, maintenance costs, long-term loss of
vegetation, and visual contrast. Following natural n The potential for encountering sour gas (H2S).
topographic contours preserves natural drainage Note the prevailing wind direction and identify
patterns and usually makes it possible to design a clear escape route from the drill site.
a more aesthetically pleasing road with lower
n The potential for year-round operation. Drill
construction, maintenance, and reclamation costs
sites and producing locations may require
and less impact on the environment.
all-weather access and special maintenance
Initial steps in road location include:
considerations for snow removal.

n Determination of the intended use of the road, n The potential for exploratory drilling to result in a
planned season of use, type of vehicles to producing operation. Select initial road alignments
be used, road class, and needs of the surface and road classes based on the potential for
owner or agency upgrade if the wells are completed for production.

n Examination of the surface management

When the road location information is submitted
agency’s transportation plan, which may already
to the surface management agency, the acceptability
have identified feasible routes for the area
of the proposed route, and if applicable, alternative
n Examination of existing data, including maps routes, can be evaluated. The preferred road location
and aerial photos, land use plan decisions, and will be identified by the authorized officer at the
biological, physical, and cultural conditions of onsite inspection in coordination with the private
the area surface owner on non-Federal surface.
n Determination of oil and gas lease obligations,
future development needs, and safety Road Design and
considerations.
Construction
Once these steps have been taken, an appropriate Construction and Reclamation
route can be identified. This process is critical to ensuring Considerations
that the safest and least intrusive route is chosen. New road construction or reconstruction by the
operator must be suitable for the intended use and
Geotechnical Factors must comply with BLM road and safety standards,
In complex terrain or conditions, it is such as those found in BLM’s 9113–Roads Manual.
recommended that the operator look at various Roads constructed within the jurisdiction of the FS
route alternatives before selecting the preferred must comply with applicable FS road and safety
route. Field reconnaissance of alternative routes standards.
may be necessary in order to provide information on Roads should be designed and constructed
such factors as soil types, construction/reclamation to allow for successful interim and eventual final
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 23

reclamation. Revegetation of road ditches and cut may serve as appropriate access to exploration
and fill slopes will help stabilize exposed soils and drilling locations where it is not certain if the well
reduce sediment loss, reduce the growth of noxious will be productive, or to producing wells where
weeds, reduce maintenance costs, maintain scenic vehicle traffic is infrequent due to the use of off-site
quality and forage, and protect habitat. To ensure production facilities and automated well monitoring.
successful growth of plants and forbs, topsoil must The appropriateness of primitive roads or routes
be salvaged where available during road construction is both site-specific and use-specific and is typically
and respread to the greatest degree practical on cut based on many factors, such as anticipated dry or
slopes, fill slopes, and borrow ditches prior to seeding. frozen soil conditions, seasonal weather conditions,
To ensure the stability of freshly topsoiled slopes flat terrain, low anticipated traffic, or driller’s or
during revegetation, the application of mulch or operator’s access needs. Primitive roads or routes
other sediment control measures may be appropriate. necessitate low vehicle speed and are typically
Construction with saturated or frozen soils limited to four-wheel drive or high clearance
results in unstable roads and should be avoided. vehicles. They can consist of existing or new roads
Vehicular travel under wet conditions can produce with minor or moderate grading; two-track roads
significant rutting of unsurfaced roads resulting in created by the operator’s direct vehicle use with
soil loss and safety concerns. If road use is anticipated little or no grading; overland routes within a defined
during saturated soil conditions, the surface manage- travel corridor leaving no defined roadway beyond
ment agency may require road surfacing to provide crushed vegetation; or any combination along the
safe vehicle access, ensure uninterrupted operations, route. Operators should not flat-blade roads. Drainage
and reduce road damage and sediment loss. must be maintained, where appropriate, to avoid
erosion or the creation of a muddy, braided road.
Nonconstructed Roads and Routes These roads and routes must be used
When site conditions are appropriate, the and maintained in a safe and environmentally
surface management agency may approve the responsible manner and are not intended for use as
creation or use of “primitive,” two-track roads or all-weather access roads. Resource damage must
overland route corridors to meet the operator’s be repaired as soon as possible and the operator
access needs. Primitive roads and route corridors must consult with the surface management agency

A minimum disturbance, primitive,

two-track road winds its way to a
drilling operation. To further reduce
disturbance, most of the well
location has not been stripped of
vegetation or topsoil.
24 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

to determine if all or a portion of the road needs to a clear view of the section of road between the
be upgraded to an all-weather access road. When two turnouts and can pull off to the side to let the
used and maintained appropriately, nonconstructed approaching driver pass. They are usually used for
roads and routes have the advantage of reducing dry weather, but may be surfaced, drained, and
construction, maintenance, and reclamation maintained for all-weather use. These roads connect
costs and reducing resource impacts. The use of terminal facilities, such as a well site, to collector,
nonconstructed roads must be approved by the local, arterial, or other higher-class roads. They serve
surface management agency. low average daily traffic (ADT) and are located on
the basis of the specific resource activity need rather
Constructed Roads than travel efficiency.
The surface management agency determines the
appropriate road type and associated road design BLM Local or FS Collector Roads
standards based on the expected traffic volume and BLM local or FS collector roads may be single-
other factors, such as seasonal or year-round use, lane or double-lane with travelways 12 to 24 feet
the design vehicle, soil types, rainfall, topography, in width and intervisible turnouts. They are normally
construction costs, compatibility with other resource graded, drained, and surfaced and are capable of
values, and safety. This information is documented carrying highway loads. These roads provide access to
during the transportation planning process and large areas and for various uses. They collect traffic
onsite meeting. Road types may vary along the same from resource or local roads or terminal facilities and
route depending on the operator’s or the surface are connected to arterial roads or public highways.
management agency’s access or resource protection The location and standards for these roads are based
needs. In some cases, exploration drilling may on both long-term resource needs and travel efficiency.
warrant a lower design standard or primitive road, They may be operated for either constant or inter-
mentioned previously, which could be upgraded if mittent service, depending on land use and resource
the well becomes a producing well. management objectives for the area being served.

BLM Resource or FS Local Roads BLM Collector or FS Arterial Roads

BLM resource or FS local roads are low- BLM collector or FS arterial roads are usually
volume, single-lane roads. They normally have a 12 double-lane, graded, drained and surfaced, with a 20
to14 foot travelway with “intervisible turnouts,” to 24 foot travelway. They serve large land areas and
as appropriate, where approaching drivers have are the major access route into development areas

General Design Specifications

for Different Types of Roads
Definitions

Design Criteria are requirements that govern the selection of elements and standards for a road, such as
resource management objectives, road management objectives, safety requirements, and traffic characteristics.

Design Elements are the physical characteristics of a road, such as the ditches, culverts, travelway clearing limits,
curve widening, slopes, and drainage characteristics that, when combined, comprise the planned facility.

Design Standards comprise the lengths, widths, and depths of design elements, such as a 14-foot-wide travelway,
2-foot shoulders, 2:1 cut slopes, 3-foot curve widening, and 6 inches of crushed aggregate. Design terms are
illustrated in Figure 2.

Design Vehicle is the vehicle most frequently using the road that determines the minimum standard for a
particular design element. No single vehicle, however, controls the standards for all the design elements for a road.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 25

with high average daily traffic rates. The locations speed. Turnouts are generally naturally occurring,
and standards are often determined by a demand for such as additional widths on ridges or other
maximum mobility and travel efficiency rather than available areas on flat terrain. On roads open to
a specific resource management service. They usually the public, turnouts must be located at 1,000-foot
connect with public highways or other arterials to intervals or be intervisible, whichever is less.
form an integrated network of primary travel routes • Drainage control must be ensured over the entire
and are operated for long-term land and resource road through the use of drainage dips, insloping,
management purposes and constant service. natural rolling topography, ditch turnouts, ditches,
or culverts. Ditches and culverts may be required
BLM Resource and FS Local Roads
in some situations, depending on grades, soils, and
Basic Design Requirements local hydrology. If culverts or drainage crossings
The surface management agency will provide are needed, they should be designed for a 25-year
requirements specific to proposed oil and gas roads or greater storm frequency, without development
during project planning and/or at the onsite review of a static head at the pipe inlet.
with consideration of safety, impacts on land and
• Gravel or other surfacing is not always required,
resources, and cost of transportation. Requirements
but may be necessary for “soft” road sections,
for specific proposals may vary somewhat from the
steep grades, highly erosive soils, clay soils, or
generalized requirements that follow.
where all-weather access is needed.

• Design speed specific to oil and gas roads is 10 to • At times, a limited number of oil field vehicles
30 miles per hour. For the FS, this should generally (critical vehicles) larger than the design vehicle
be less than 15 miles per hour. may make occasional use of the road. The operator
should consider these needs in road design.
• Preferred travelway width is 14 feet with turnouts.
For the FS, this can vary from two parallel vehicle
Field Survey Requirements
tracks, bladed 12-foot sections with turnouts, or a
Field survey requirements vary with topography,
broader defined overland corridor approved by the
geologic hazard, potential for public and recreational
surface management agency.
use, or other concerns. Each surface management
• Recommended minimum horizontal curve radii is agency has survey requirements based on design
determined by the design vehicle and design speed. requirements and concerns specific to the area. The
Where terrain will not allow the proper curve radii, surface management agency should be contacted as
curve widening is necessary. Specifications are early as possible to determine the survey requirements.
available from the surface management agency. The following general requirements are imposed to
• Road gradient has a major effect on the environ- control work and produce the desired road.
mental and visual impact of a road, particularly in
terms of erosion. The gradient should fit as closely • A flagline is established along the construction
as possible to the natural terrain, considering route. Flags should be placed approximately every
vehicle operational limitations, soil types, environ- 100 feet, or be intervisible, whichever is less.
mental constraints, and traffic service levels. The • Construction control staking may be required
gradient should not exceed 8 percent except for depending on conditions of the site.
pitch grades (300 feet or less in length) in order to
• Culvert installations are located and staked.
minimize environmental effects. In mountainous
or dissected terrain, grades greater than 8 percent
Design Drawings and Templates
up to 16 percent may be permissible with prior
• On side slopes of 0 to 20 percent, where horizontal
approval of the surface management agency.
and vertical alignment can be worked out on the
• The primary purpose of turnouts is for user ground, a plan and profile drawing may not be
convenience and safety and to maintain user required. Standard templates, drainage dip spacing,
26 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

culvert locations, and turnout spacing guides shall not be used until material from roadway
would be acceptable. excavation has been placed in the embankments,
• A plan and profile view would be the minimum unless otherwise permitted. Borrow areas used by
drawing required on steeper slopes and in areas the operator must be approved prior to the start
of environmental concern. The drawing should of excavation.
identify grade, alignment, stationing, turnouts, and Roadside ditches should conform to the slope,
culvert locations. grade, and shape of the required cross-section
with no projections of roots, stumps, rocks, or
• Standard templates of road cross-sections and similar debris. Side ditches must be excavated to a
drainage dips are required for all resource, local, depth of 1-foot minimum below the finished road
and higher-class roads. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate surface. Drainage turnout spacing on these ditches
these sections. should not exceed 500 feet; slopes greater than
• Additional information may be required in areas 5 percent may require closer spacing of turnout
of environmental or engineering concern. furrows (wing ditches or relief ditches).

Construction BLM Local and FS Collector Roads

The operator must take all necessary precautions Basic Design Requirements
for protection of the work and safety of the public • Design speed is generally 15 to 50 miles per
during construction of the road. Warning signs must hour. For the FS, it is 15 to 25 miles per hour. The
be posted during blasting operations. selected design speed establishes the minimum
sight distance for stopping and passing, and road
Clearing and Grubbing geometrics such as minimum radius of curvature,
Clearing and grubbing will normally be required the gradient, and type of running surface.
on all sections of the road. Exceptions would be
• Travelway minimum is 14 feet (single lane) and
allowed in areas of sparse, non-woody vegetation.
24 feet (double lane) with intervisible turnouts, as
All clearing and grubbing should be confined
may be required.
to a specified clearing width (Figure 2), which is
usually somewhat wider than the limits of actual • Recommended minimum horizontal curve radius is
construction (roadway). Branches of all trees 220 feet. Where terrain will not allow 220-foot
extending over the roadbed should be trimmed curve radii, curve widening is necessary. Super-
to provide a clear height of 14 feet above the elevation should be considered at speeds
roadbed surface. All vegetative debris must greater than 20 miles per hour. Specifications
be disposed of as specified by the surface are available from surface management agency
management agency. engineering offices.
• Vertical curves should be designed with an
Excavation appropriate “k” value (rate of vertical curvature
All soil material and fragmented rock length per percent of “A”, the algebraic difference
removed in excavation is to be used as directed in in grade) based on design speed (for example
the approved plan. Excess cut material shall not on FS, crest vertical curves, 30 mph k=9; 40 mph
be wasted unless specified in the approved plan. k=22; 50 mph k = 45).

Roadbed Construction • Maximum grades should not exceed 8 percent.

Roadbed material should not be placed when Pitch grades for lengths not to exceed 300 feet
the materials or the surface are frozen or too wet may be allowed to exceed 8 percent in some cases.
for satisfactory compaction. Equipment should • All culverts must be sized in accordance with
be routed over the layers of roadbed material accepted engineering practices and any special
already in place to help avoid uneven compaction environmental concerns. The minimum size culvert
anywhere along the travel route. Borrow material in any installation is 18 inches. Drainage crossings
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 27

and culverts should be designed for a 25-year or • Construction standards are the same as given in
greater storm frequency and allow fish passage in the BLM Resource and FS Local Roads Section.
perennial streams where fish are present.
• Turnouts are required on all single-lane roads. BLM Collector and FS Arterial Roads
Turnouts must be located at 1000-foot intervals or Basic Survey and Design Requirements
be intervisible, whichever is less. The length should • Vertical, horizontal, and topographic data, as
not be less than 100 feet, with additional 50-foot well as significant features should be plotted on
transitional tapers at each end. standard plan and profile sheets to a scale of
• Surfacing may be required to provide all-weather 1 inch = 100 feet horizontal and 1 inch = 20 feet
access. If surfacing is needed, aggregate size, type, vertical, or as otherwise directed by the surface
amount, and application method will be specified management agency. The design shall conform to
by the local office of the surface management the most current edition of the AASHTO, Guide-
agency. Subgrade analysis may be required to lines for Geometric Design of Very Low-Volume
determine load-bearing capacities. Local Roads, for access roads with an anticipated
average daily traffic of less than 400 vehicles.
Field Survey Requirements
Generally, the survey requirements for these • Plot “L” (layout) line along “P” (preliminary) line
roads are similar to those for BLM resource and using the following design standards criteria:
FS local roads. These roads, however, are designed - Design speed is 30 miles per hour or greater
for higher average daily traffic rates and greater unless otherwise directed.
speeds. Thus, in addition to flagline and culvert
- Travel width-minimum is 20 feet, maximum is
survey requirements, an instrument or topographic
24 feet.
survey with preliminary centerline staking and slope
staking is usually required on steep terrain and in - Minimum horizontal curve radius is 460 feet
areas requiring special engineering. Specific survey unless shorter radii are approved. The curve
requirements are available at the local office of the radius must take into account super-elevation.
surface management agency. - Design vertical curves with an appropriate “k”
value based on design speed.
Design Drawings and Templates
• Generally, the required drawings for this road - Maximum grade is 8 percent (except pitch
class would include a plan and profile (Figure 4). grades not exceeding 300 feet in length and 10
The drawing should identify grade, location, percent in grade).
stationing, surfacing, turnouts, culvert locations, - Mass diagrams and earthwork balancing may
and drainage dip spacing. be required. Obvious areas of waste or borrow
• Standard templates of the proposed road cross- shall be noted on the plan and profile as well as
section(s) (Figures 2 and 3) and drainage dip proposed locations of borrow or waste disposal
design are required for this type of road. areas.

• Additional information may be required in areas - All culverts should be designed for a minimum
of environmental or engineering concern. 25-year storm frequency with an allowable
head that does not overlap the roadway
Construction or cause damage. However, the minimum
• Drainage dips, construction, and spacing are the acceptable size culvert diameter is 18 inches.
same as for BLM resource and FS local roads. Show all culverts planned to accurate vertical
scale on plan profile sheets.
• Culvert cross-drains should be used in lieu of
drainage dips for road grades in excess of 10 - Slope staking is required.
percent. Culvert installation is discussed in the
Drainage and Drainage Structure Section.
28 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

Design Drawings and Templates materials shall be placed parallel to the axis of
• Complete plan and profile drawings are required the roadway in even, continuous, approximately
for any BLM collector or FS arterial road (Figure 4). horizontal layers not more than 8 inches in
These drawings should identify grade, location, thickness. The full cross-section of the fill must be
stationing, and all culvert sizes and locations (see maintained as each successive layer is placed. Place
Figure 7 for examples). successive layers of material on embankment areas
to produce the best practical distribution of the
• Standard templates of road cross-sections, drainage
material. The materials throughout the roadbed shall
design, and culvert location and installation are
be free from lenses, pockets, streaks, or layers of
required (Examples in Figures 3 through 6).
material differing substantially in texture, gradation,
• Mass diagrams and materials investigation and or compaction from the surrounding material.
classification may be required. Ordinarily, stones coarser than a 3-inch-square mesh
opening should be buried at least 4 inches below
Construction the finished surface of the roadway.
Except for the specific items that follow, The operator should route construction equipment
construction standards are given in the BLM over the layers of roadbed material already in place
Resource/FS Roads or the BLM Local/FS Collector and distribute the gravel evenly over the entire
Roads Sections. Construction shall be performed width of the embankment to obtain maximum
under the direction of a licensed, professional compaction while placing the material and to avoid
engineer as required by the BLM, or a qualified uneven compaction anywhere along the travel route.
engineer for roads on FS lands. Use excess excavation material, where practical,
Excavation and fill construction will be to improve the road grade line or to flatten fill
performed to secure the greatest practicable degree slopes. Other waste areas must be approved prior to
of roadbed compaction and stability. Roadbed placement of waste material.
 5680

5678

2
5680

568

5,690
5,715
5,740
5,765
5,790
5,694.07

AD
RO TO

0+00
0
LE
5684
' CMP

MI ILES
9.
" x 80

3
8: 18 0

3 0M
+14.1 . 0+00.0

5686
Sta. 0 Sta
88
56

5692
90
56

5694
5694

5696
5698

+10
96
56

.41%
5700

1+00
570
6 00 04 2
570 575702 57 5698
5708
5710
5710 1+00

0+14.18:18" x 80 CMP
5706
12
5712 57

8
5714

570
5706
1+75.00 EL. 5,712.29 5716

S 23˚
571
5708
57 5714
16
5718

33' 4

5714
5710

2"
E
6
2
5712

2+00
571
571
N

18
57

5718
5714
0
PC Sta

5716
572 2+00

571

4
8
. 1+7
1.51

571
5716
75
1+75 – 3+
CURVE 1 T Lt.
TURNOU
5720

VPI STA. 2+75.00

5718

5716
D1 = 16˚ 37

SECTION 8
' 14.0" (RT )

K = 15
SE1/4 NW1/4
EL. 5,722.70 D = 12˚ 43
' 56.6"

200.00' V.C.
57
14
5718
5720

R = 450.00'
57
2 0
5718

L = 130.54'

3+00
T = 65.73' 57
18

5720

PT Sta. 3+02.04 3+00

S 6˚ 56' 28" E

SECTION 8
PC Sta. 3+29.24

NE1/4 SW1/4
3+75.00 EL. 5,720.06
5722

-2.64%
3+75.00 EL. 5,720.06
5720

25 CURVE 2
1 – 5+
3+60.7 EN – 2' Lt. D1 = 25˚ 26
5718

E WID

4+00
' 17.5" (LT )
VPI STA. 4+15.00 CURV D = 19˚ 05
5716 ' 54.9"

K = 22
EL. 5,719.00 R = 300.00'
57

80.00' V.C.
18

57
L = 133.19'
14 4+00
T = 67.71'
571
6

4+55.00 EL. 5,719.38 'C MP

42" x 46
4+00:
.4 3
5718

4+75.00 EL. 5,719.56 +62

Figure 4. Typical road plan and profile drawing for an oil and gas road.
+0.94%
St a. 4
5716

PT

0
0
5718

"E
' 46
5716

˚ 22
S 32

5+00
5716

5 0
7+7 2' Rt. 5+0 8
571
5– –
4+2 IDEN
R VEW
CU
5720
5720

PC
5720

Sta
. 5+
VPI STA. 5+75.00
02.9
3

K = 23
EL. 5,720.50

200.00' V.C.
25
100
5722

6+00
CURVE 3
5722

D1 = 38˚ 24 6+00
5724

' 44.2" (RT )

D = 19˚ 05
5724

' 54.9"
R = 300.00'
V. Scale: 1" = 25'
5726

H. Scale: 1" = 100'

L = 201.13'
5726

6+75.00 EL. 5,730.00 T = 104.51'

5728
5730

Contour Interval: Two Feet

50
5728

200

5732

7+00
30
57

34
57
5732

7+00

+9.5
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

5736
%0
5734

5738
5736

75
300
5738

8+00
40
57

5742

8+00
29
30 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

Road Maintenance of crowns and outslopes to keep water off the road;
replacement of surfacing materials; clearing of
When required, the operator shall submit sediment blocking ditches and culverts; maintenance
a road maintenance plan for all roads that will of interim reclamation; and noxious weed control.
be constructed or used in conjunction with the Conduct additional inspections following
drilling program. The maintenance plan will contain snowmelt or heavy or prolonged rainfall to look
provisions for maintaining the traveled way, for drainage, erosion, or siltation problems. Blade
protection of the roadway features, requirements for only when necessary and avoid blading established
road management, and the method to be used in grass and forb vegetation in ditches and adjacent
carrying out maintenance activities. to the road. Ensure that maintenance operators
Maintenance activities normally required include have proper training and understand the surface
monitoring, blading, surface replacement, dust management agency’s road maintenance objectives.
abatement, spot repairs, slide removal, ditch cleaning, Authorized users may perform their share of
culvert cleaning, litter cleanup, noxious weed control, road maintenance, enter into road maintenance
and snow removal. When applicable, specific areas agreements administered by the users, or may be
shall be identified in the road maintenance plan for required to deposit sufficient funds with the surface
disposal of slide material, borrow or quarry sites, management agency to provide for their share of
stockpiles, or other uses that are needed for the project. maintenance. If the road has only one permitted
Key maintenance considerations include regular user, other than incidental use by others, that user
inspections; reduction of ruts and holes; maintenance may have total responsibility for maintenance.

This example of interim road reclamation shows that reapplying topsoil and the regrowth of vegetation along
the road borrow ditches of this resource road reduces the loss of forage, habitat, and sediment, decreases
maintenance costs, and helps maintain the scenic quality.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 31

Drainage and Drainage Drainage Structures

Proper location and design can provide
Structures economical and efficient drainage in many cases.
The proper design and construction of structures However, structural measures are often required to
for the drainage of water from or through the ensure proper and adequate drainage. Some of the
roadway often contributes the most to the long-term most common structures are drainage dips, ditches,
success of the road and structure and minimizes road crowning, culverts, and bridges.
maintenance and adverse environmental effects,
such as erosion and sediment production. It is vitally Drainage Dips
important to keep the water off the road. The primary purpose of a drainage dip is
to intercept and remove surface water from the
Road Drainage Design travelway and shoulders before the combination
The most economical control measure should be of water volume and velocity begins to erode
designed to meet resource and road management the surface materials. Drainage dips should not
objectives and constraints. The economic be confused with water bars, which are normally
considerations should include both construction and used for drainage and erosion protection of closed
maintenance costs. The need for drainage structures or blocked roads. See Figure 5 for an illustration
can be minimized by proper road location. However, of a typical drainage dip and construction
adequate drainage is essential for a stable road. specifications. Spacing of drainage dips depends
A proper drainage system should include the best upon local conditions such as soil material, grade,
combination of various design elements, such as and topography. The surface management agency
ditches, culverts, drainage dips, crown, in-slope or should be consulted for spacing instructions.
out-slope, low-water crossings, subsurface drains,
and bridges. Ditches
The geometric design of ditches must consider
Surface Drainage the resource objectives for soil, water, and visual
Surface drainage provides for the interception, quality; maintenance capabilities and associated
collection, and removal of water from the surface costs; and construction costs. Ditch grades should be
of roads and slope areas. The design may need to no less than 0.5 percent to provide positive drainage
allow for debris passage, mud flows, and water and to avoid siltation. The types of ditches normally
heavily laden with silt, sand, and gravel. Culverts used are drainage, trap, interception, and outlet.
should be designed in accordance with applicable
practices adopted by State and Federal water quality Road Crowning
regulators under authority of the Federal Clean Water Roads that use crowning and ditching are
Act (CWA). Culverts should accommodate a 10-year common and can be used with all road classes,
flood without development of a static head and except non-constructed roads. This design provides
avoid serious velocity damage from a 25-year flood. good drainage of water from the surface of the road.
Drainage of the inside ditch and sidehill runoff
Subsurface Road Drainage is essential if the travelway is to be kept dry and
Subsurface drainage is provided to intercept, passable during wet weather.
collect, and remove groundwater that may flow into
the base course and subgrade; to lower high water
tables; or to drain locally saturated deposits or soils.
32 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

Spacing depends upon grade,

soil, and precipitation
e
grad
road

channel grade
greater than
road grade
60˚

b b
a a
road grade
h d

Cross-Section of Waterdip on Center Line Road Grade d h a b

2% 0.6' 0.4' 10' 10'
4% 1.0' 0.8' 14' 14'
6% 1.2' 1.4' 16' 18'
8% 2.0' 2.2' 22' 24'

Figure 5. Typical drainage dip and construction specifications.

Culverts Culverts should have a minimum diameter of

Culverts are used in two applications: in 18 inches. The diameter should be determined by
streams and gullies to allow normal drainage to the anticipated amount of water that would flow
flow under the travelway and to drain inside road through the culvert. Factors to be considered include
ditches. The latter may not be required if drainage the geographic area being drained, soils and slopes
dips are used. The location of culverts should be in the drainage area, annual precipitation, and likely
shown on the plan and profile or similar drawings or storm events.
maps submitted with the APD. The outlet of all culverts should extend at least 1
All culverts should be laid on natural ground foot beyond the toe of any slope. It may be necessary
or at the original elevation of any drainage crossed, to install rip-rap or other energy dissipation devices
except as noted for ditch relief culverts. See Figures at the outlet end of the culvert to prevent soil erosion
6 and 7 for installation details. or trap sediment (see example in the photograph).
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 33

Properly sized rock rip-rap at culvert outlets helps reduce water velocity and resulting soil erosion.

Maximum Recommended Culvert Spacing (ft)

Soil Type Road Grade Road Grade Road Grade

2–4% 5–8% 9–12%

Highly erosive 240 180 140

granitic or sandy

Intermediate 310 260 200

erosive clay or load

Low erosive shale 400 325 250

or gravel

Figure 6. Culvert spacing.

All culverts used in the construction of access Ditch Relief Culverts

roads should be concrete, corrugated metal pipe Ditch relief culverts are installed to periodically
made of steel, or properly bedded and backfilled relieve the ditch line flow by piping water to the
corrugated plastic pipe. Only undamaged culverts opposite side of the road where the flow can be
are to be used, and any culvert should be inspected dispersed away from the roadway. The spacing of
for damage prior to installation. All spots on the ditch relief culverts (Figure 6) is dependent on the
pipes where the zinc coating has been injured road gradient, soil types, and runoff characteristics.
should be painted with two coats of zinc-rich paint A culvert with an 18-inch diameter is the
or otherwise repaired as approved by the surface minimum for ditch relief to prevent failure from
management agency. debris blockage.
Excavation, bedding, and backfilling of culverts The depth of culvert burial must be sufficient to
should be conducted according to requirements ensure protection of the culvert barrel for the design
of the surface management agency and good life of the culvert. This requires anticipating the
engineering practices. Compliance with applicable amount of material that may be lost due to road use
Clean Water Act Best Management Practices and and erosion.
requirements for passage of aquatic species is required.
34
Line and grade shall be as shown on
B + 1/3 H plans or as staked on the ground B + 1/3 H

ground line

impervious

12"
select backfill graduation
material
select backfill sieve percent
water designation passing water
carrying select backfill carrying

H = 3' – 0" min.

H=3' – 0" min.
strata strata
3/4" 100
No. 4 95–100
No. 16 45–80
No. 50 10–80
No. 100 2–10
D D

Place perforations on
lower side of pipe

6"
6"

B = D + 2' – 0"
B = D + 2' – 0"
Type 1 Perforated Underdrains Type 2

D D

slope as staked minimum 1' – 0" or 1/3 D

in narrow channels minimum 2' – 0" or 1/3 D
adjust to fit original
stream banks minimum 2' – 0" or 1/3 D
D = pipe diameter or span

natural D
ground minimum 1' – 0" or 1/3 D

2D 2D inlet D
1' – 0" or 1/3D
outlet 2D
Front View Side View
Hand–Laid Rock Headwalls

Typical Bedding Details

Culvert Construction Details
natural Suitable granular
channel materials uniformly
surface 1/10 D
compacted
6" D 6"

In live fish bearing streams

lower bottom of culvert 6"
below natural channel surface Do not raise outlet
above stream bed 1/2" per foot of fill above top pipe
Type 1
12" minimum 24" maximum
Rock Foundation

normal road backslope

Special archoring to be provided
when called for in the culvert listing
elbow
2 - 6' metal Provide 3 wraps of
fence posts #9 galvanized wire
minimum 2' or
1 1/2 pipe diameters around the pipe and
Type 2 imbedded rocks around each post

15
'm
axi
normal road backslope mu
m

must discharge
on natural
ground Special Anchoring Type 2 Downdrains
minimum 2' or
1 1/2 pipe diameters
riprap as required
Type 3 3D
1 dia. 1 dia. 1 dia.
12' max. 12' max.

115˚
56˚ side fill 6" compacted
1/10 dia.

layersto density
specified
road
centerline
existing ground
skew 56˚ Note: 2D Note:
skew 115˚
Bedding blanket to be suitable Minimum cover for paved
granular material roughly surface is 12" minimum
Sidefill
Skew Diagram shaped to fit bottom of pipe cover for dirt surface is 18"

Figure 7. Diagrams for proper culvert installation

Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 35

Ditch relief culverts can provide better flow and should be installed with the flowline below the
when skewed with an entrance angle of 45 to standing water level at its lowest elevation. Special
60 degrees with the side of the ditch. The culvert attention must be given to the selection of culvert
gradient should be greater than the approach ditch materials that will resist corrosion.
gradient. This improves the flow hydraulics and
reduces siltation and debris plugging the culvert Low-Water Crossings
inlet. Culverts placed in natural drainages can also Roads may cross small drainages and
be used for ditch relief. intermittent streams where culverts and bridges
are unnecessary. The crossing can be effectively
Bridges and Major Culverts accomplished by dipping the road down to the
Federal Highway Administration (FHA) bed of the drainage. Site-specific designs and the
regulations and BLM and FS road manuals require construction of gravel, rip-rap, or concrete bottoms
that on roads open to public travel, all bridges and may be required in some situations. In no case
culverts that in combination span at least 20 feet should the drainage be filled so that water will
horizontal distance, must comply with the National be impounded. Low-water crossings that are not
Bridge Inspection and Reporting Standards. Thus, surfaced should not be used in wet conditions. Low-
BLM and FS manuals require that all such facilities water crossings, in combination with culverts, may
have engineering approval from Regional or State be utilized if the crossing is designed such that the
offices. Operators are encouraged to prepare structure is stable and self cleaning.
applications requiring major culverts or bridges
to allow sufficient time for agency engineering Subdrainage
evaluations. Construction of some stream crossings If water is not removed from the subgrade or
may require a Section 404 Corps of Engineers pavement structure, it may create instability, reduce
permit in addition to the approval of the surface load-bearing capacity, increase possible damage
management agency. from frost action, and create a safety hazard by
freezing on the road surface.
Wetland Crossings Perforated pipe drains and associated filter
Wetlands are especially sensitive areas and fabric or aggregate filters may be used when
should be avoided, if possible. Generally, these areas necessary to provide subdrainage. Other methods
require crossings that prevent unnatural fluctuations may be approved by the authorized officer.
in water level. Marshy and swampy terrain may Subdrainage systems may effectively reduce
contain bodies of water with no discernible final road costs by decreasing the depth of base
current. The design of culverts for roads crossing course needed, thereby reducing subgrade widths.
these locations requires unique considerations. This, in turn, results in less clearing and excavation.
Construction of some wetland crossings may require Maintenance savings may also be realized as the
a Section 404 Corps of Engineers permit in addition result of a more stable subgrade.
to the approval of the surface management agency. The solutions to subdrainage problems can
The culvert should be designed with a flat be expensive. Road management techniques,
grade so water can flow either way and maintain such as reducing traffic loads or removing traffic
its natural water level on both sides. The culvert until a subgrade dries out, may be considered as
may become partially blocked by aquatic growth an alternative.
36 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

Pipelines and Flowlines subsurface material. Bladed materials must be

placed back into the cleared route upon completion
Construction of construction and returned back to the original
Steep hillsides and water courses should be contour before reapplying topsoil.
avoided in the location of pipelines and flowlines. Pipelines and flowlines should be tested for
Flowline routes should take advantage of road leaks before backfilling trenches. Pipeline trenches
corridors wherever possible to minimize surface should be compacted during backfilling. After
disturbance and provide better leak detection construction, cut-and-fill slopes must be regraded
and access for installation and repair operations. to conform to the adjacent terrain and reclaimed.
Consider maintenance needs and safety when Pipeline rights-of-way must be maintained in order
burying power and pipelines in or immediately to correct backfill settling and prevent erosion.
adjacent to the road. Pipeline construction should not block, dam,
When clearing is necessary, the width disturbed or change the natural course of any drainage.
should be kept to a minimum. Topsoil material Suspended pipelines should provide adequate
must be stockpiled to the side of the routes where clearance for high-flow events, floating debris,
cuts and fills or other surface disturbances occur wildlife, or livestock. Pipelines buried across stream
during pipeline construction. Topsoil material must crossings should be buried below the scouring depth.
be segregated and not be mixed or covered with
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 37

Chapter 5 – Drilling and

Production Operations
General Operating Standards and
Objectives
Onshore oil and gas lease operations are subject
to applicable laws, regulations, lease terms,
the Application for Permit to Drill (APD), APD
conditions of approval, Onshore Oil and Gas
Orders, Notices to Lessees, and orders and
instructions of the authorized officer. These
include, but are not limited to, conducting

operations in a manner that ensures the proper Subsequent Well

handling, measurement, disposition, and site security
of leasehold production and protecting other natural Operations
resources, environmental quality, life, and property. Productive wells and service wells periodically
The primary objective is to maximize the ultimate require repair and workover operations that may
recovery of oil and gas with minimum waste and or may not require prior approval or subsequent
with minimum adverse effect on the ultimate notification. The operator should contact the surface
recovery of other mineral resources, other natural management agency to confirm local requirements
resources, and environmental quality. when surface disturbance activities are involved.
Production and sales reports must be filed Operations requiring the prior approval of BLM’s
with the Minerals Management Service (MMS), as authorized officer include: deepening, plugging-
appropriate, under regulatory requirements at 30 back, non-routine fracturing jobs, recompletion in a
CFR Subpart B, using Oil and Gas Operations Report different interval, and conversion to a service well. If
(OGOR), Form MMS-4054. there is additional surface disturbance, the proposal
must include a Surface Use Plan of Operations.
A subsequent report of operations must also be
Well Completion Report filed for these operations following completion
A Well Completion or Recompletion Report of the work.
and Log, Form 3160-4, is required to be filed within Operations, such as routine fracturing or
30 days after completion of a well either for acidizing jobs or recompletion in the same interval,
abandonment or production. The well completion do not require prior approval if such operations
report must reflect the mechanical and physical do not involve additional surface disturbance and
condition of the well. Geologic information, and conform to standards of prudent operating practice.
when applicable, information on the completed However, a subsequent report of operations must be
interval and production is required. filed for these operations.
38 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

No prior approval or subsequent report is than the fifth business day after any well begins
required for operations such as well cleanout or production anywhere on a lease site or allocated to
routine operations. a lease site, or resumes production in the case of a
The required form for obtaining approval or well that has been off production for more than
reporting subsequent operations is Sundry Notices 90 days as required by Onshore Order No. 4 for oil
and Reports of Wells, Form 3160-5 (Appendix and Onshore Order No. 5 for gas.
2). For more detailed information on reporting
requirements, refer to 43 CFR 3162.3-2.
All wastes are to be treated or disposed of in an
Measurement of Production
approved manner consistent with existing laws and All oil, other hydrocarbons, and gas produced
regulations. Modifications of production handling from the leased lands are to be put in a marketable
equipment may require the submittal of a new site condition to the extent economically feasible.
facility diagram or may require a new site security plan. Oil production must be measured by tank
gauging, positive displacement metering system, or
other methods acceptable to the authorized officer.
Approval Procedures No oil is to be diverted to a pit except in emergency
For operations requiring prior approval by situations or with prior approval from the authorized
the surface management agency or the BLM, officer. Oil in the pit must be recovered promptly,
the operator must submit a Sundry Notice or and the pit must be kept reasonably free from
APD, as applicable. With the appropriate form, a surface accumulations.
detailed written statement of the plan of work Gas production must be measured by orifice
must be provided to the authorized officer. When meters or other methods acceptable to the
additional surface disturbance is proposed that authorized officer. The flaring or venting of gas from
was not previously authorized for the well pad or leasehold operations must meet the requirements of
right-of-way, a description of any subsequent new Notice to Lessee, NTL-4A: Royalty or Compensation
construction, reconstruction, or alteration of existing for Oil and Gas Lost, or an applicable Onshore Oil
facilities, including roads, dam sites, flowlines and and Gas Order.
pipelines, pits, tank batteries, or other production
facilities on any lease, must be submitted to the
authorized officer for environmental reviews and
Disposal of Produced Water
approval. On FS-administered lands, the BLM will Produced water from leasehold operations
coordinate with the FS to obtain its approval on will be disposed of by subsurface injection, lined
surface disturbing activities. or unlined pits, surface discharge into channels
Emergency repairs may be conducted without or impoundments, or other methods, including
prior approval provided the authorized officer is beneficial use, acceptable to the authorized officer
promptly notified. Emergency repairs are defined as and in accordance with the requirements of Onshore
actions that are necessary in order to avoid threats Order No. 7, Disposal of Produced Water, and other
to human safety or the environment, or to prevent Federal or State regulations.
significant loss of royalty income if such actions Disposal of produced water often requires
were delayed until prior approval could be given by permits from State agencies or the Environmental
the BLM authorized officer. Protection Agency (EPA), in addition to authorization
by the BLM under Onshore Order No. 7. Disposal or
Production Startup use of water produced from Federal wells must be
approved by the BLM before such operations begin,
Notification even if the operator has approval from the surface
Operators will notify the authorized officer management agency. In cases of water disposal into
by Sundry Notice (Form 3160-5) or letter no later pits or other impoundments, the structures must
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 39

conform to approved construction requirements in prevent and control spills and the BLM, the surface
accordance with Onshore Order No. 7, BLM Manual management agency, and other applicable regulatory
9172, and applicable State agency requirements. authorities must be consulted prior to treating or
Pits, water impoundments, and surface dis- disposing of wastes and spills. Operators should
charges that present a potential hazard to humans, become familiar with local surface management
livestock, wildlife, and other resources should be agency requirements for reporting and managing
subject to appropriate mitigation, such as fencing, spills and leaks.
netting, caging, or covers, as appropriate. Refer to Containment structures sufficiently impervious
Figure 1 for exclosure fence construction standards. to prevent a discharge to waters of the United
States, such as containment dikes, containment
Pollution Control/ walls, drip pans, or equivalent protection actions
are to be constructed and maintained around
Hazardous Waste all qualifying bulk oil storage facilities, including
Operators are encouraged to substitute less tank batteries, consistent with the Environmental
toxic, yet equally effective products for conventional Protection Agency’s Spill Prevention, Control, and
drilling products. All spills or leakages of oil, Countermeasure (SPCC) regulation (40 CFR 112).
gas, salt water, toxic liquids or waste materials, The containment structure must have sufficient
blowouts, fires, personal injuries, and fatalities shall volume to contain, at a minimum, the content of the
be reported by the operator to the BLM and the largest storage tank containing liquid hydrocarbons
surface management agency in accordance with the within the facility/battery and sufficient freeboard
requirements of Notice to Lessees NTL-3A; Reporting to contain precipitation, unless more stringent
of Undesirable Events, and in accordance with any protective requirements are deemed necessary by
applicable local requirements. the authorized officer. Drip pans should be routinely
The BLM requires immediate reporting of all checked and cleaned of petroleum or chemical
Class I major events, such as spills of more than discharges and designed to prevent access by
100 barrels of fluid/500 MCF of gas released; fires wildlife and livestock.
that consume 100 bbl or more oil or 500 MCF gas; Containment dikes are not to be constructed
life threatening or fatal injury/loss of well control; with topsoil or coarse, insufficiently impervious
release of reportable quantities of hazardous spoil material. Containment is strongly suggested
substances; spill, venting, or fire in sensitive areas, for produced water tanks. Chemicals should be
such as parks, recreation sites, wildlife refuges, lakes, placed within secondary containment and stored
reservoirs, streams, and urban
or suburban areas (see the Spill
Report format in Appendix 2).
Volumes discharged during any
of the above incidents will be
estimated as necessary. Operators
must take immediate action to

This central tank battery has been surrounded with a corrugated metal
containment wall.
40 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

so that the containers are not in contact with soil or neighbors should be controlled to reduce sound
standing water and product and hazard labels are levels. Suitable mufflers should be installed on all
not exposed to weathering. internal combustion engines and certain compressor
components. Other noise reduction techniques to
Safety and Emergency consider include siting wells, production facilities,
compressors, roads to take advantage of topography
Actions and distance, and constructing engineered sound
The operator must conduct and maintain its barriers or sound-insulated buildings. The placement
operations and facilities in a safe manner and of tank batteries and other facilities offsite and the
protect the public from any hazardous conditions. use of remote well monitoring systems can reduce
In the event of an emergency, the operator may vehicle traffic in the field and the associated noise.
take immediate action without prior surface
management agency approval to safeguard life or Visual/Scenic Resources
to prevent significant environmental degradation.
The BLM or the FS must receive notification of the The operator must comply with the visual
emergency situation and the remedial action taken resource management objectives established in the
by the operator as soon as possible, but not later land use plan for all activities that alter landforms,
than 24 hours after the emergency occurred. If the disturb vegetation, or require structures (BLM 8400
emergency involved surface resources on another Manual Series). Site-specific mitigation practices
agency’s land or on a private surface owner’s may be required by the surface management
land, the operator should also notify the agency or agency to minimize visual impacts, while remaining
surface owner within 24 hours. Operators may also consistent with the lessee’s right to conduct
undertake emergency repairs without prior approval operations under the lease. A primary consideration
if they promptly notify the BLM. is the selection of a paint color that allows long-
term facilities to blend in with the natural landscape
background. Other considerations in more visually
Noise Control sensitive areas may include the aesthetic siting
Noise that has the potential to disturb of roads, well locations, and production facilities;
wildlife, livestock, and private surface owners or avoiding straight roads; reducing unnecessary

This pumping unit has been painted a color that helps it blend in with the surrounding juniper tree screening.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 41

disturbance; modifying production facility or well maximum interim recontouring and revegetation of
pad shape or size; using low-profile or below ground the well location. Consider centralizing production
pumping units and low-profile tanks; avoiding the facilities offsite in an area that is out of important
placement of tanks on the ridgeline; manipulating wildlife habitat or is screened from view by
vegetation to feather straight edges; using natural- vegetation or topography. It is often possible to
looking earthwork berms or vegetative screening; and eliminate the need to construct all-weather roads
completing interim reclamation of disturbed areas. to each individual well by instead constructing one
all-weather access road to a centralized production
Painting of Facilities facility closer to the main access road.

All long-term facility structures should be painted

a color that enables the facilities to blend with the Inspection and Enforcement
natural background color of the landscape as seen Leaseholds that are producing or are expected
from a viewing distance and location typically used to produce significant quantities of oil or gas in
by the public. The selected color should be one or any year, or have a history of noncompliance, will
two shades darker than the dominant background be inspected by the BLM at least once a year and
color, typically a vegetation color. all operations on National Forest System lands will
In visually sensitive areas, the use of properly be inspected by the FS at least once a year. Other
chosen camouflage techniques may be an appropriate factors, such as health and safety, environmental
method for matching the texture of the landscape. concerns, and potential conflict with other resources
Semi-gloss paints may be preferred because of also determine inspection priority. Inspections of
their resistance to staining and weathering. Where leasehold operations are made to ensure compliance
necessary, the use of contrasting safety paint can with applicable laws, regulations, lease terms, the
be used to highlight and mitigate a potential hazard, APD and its conditions of approval, Onshore Oil
such as a tripping hazard or protruding or mechanical and Gas Orders, NTLs, and other written orders
edge that could harm the operator or public. of the authorized officer. Operators are expected
to initiate their own inspection programs, identify
Placement of Production noncompliance, and take appropriate corrective
actions, rather than relying on Federal inspections to
Facilities identify problems.
When production facilities are placed on
the well pad, they should be placed to allow for
 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 43

Chapter 6 – Reclamation
and Abandonment
Reclamation Objective
Oil and gas development is one of many uses of
the public lands and resources. While development
may have a short- or long-term effect on the
land, successful reclamation can ensure the
effect is not permanent. During the life of the
development, all disturbed areas not needed for
active support of production operations should
undergo “interim” reclamation in order to
minimize the environmental impacts of

development on other resources and uses. At final The reclamation process involves restoring
abandonment, well locations, production facilities, the original landform or creating a landform that
and access roads must undergo “final” reclamation approximates and blends in with the surrounding
so that the character and productivity of the land landform. It also involves salvaging and reusing all
and water are restored. available topsoil (whatever soil is on top) in a timely
Planning for reclamation prior to construction manner, revegetating disturbed areas to native
is critical to achieving successful reclamation in species, controlling erosion, controlling invasive non-
the future. Reclamation becomes significantly native plants and noxious weeds, and monitoring
more difficult, more expensive, and less effective if results. Reclamation measures should begin as soon
sufficient topsoil is not salvaged, interim reclamation as possible after the disturbance and continue until
is not completed, and if proper care is not taken to successful reclamation is achieved. With proper
construct pads and roads in locations that minimize reclamation measures, over time, local native species
reclamation needs. will become re-established on the site and the
The long-term objective of final reclamation is area will regain its original productive and scenic
to set the course for eventual ecosystem restoration, potential.
including the restoration of the natural vegetation Reclamation generally can be judged successful
community, hydrology, and wildlife habitats. In most when a self-sustaining, vigorous, diverse, native
cases, this means returning the land to a condition (or otherwise approved) plant community is
approximating or equal to that which existed prior established on the site, with a density sufficient to
to the disturbance. The operator is generally not control erosion and non-native plant invasion and
responsible for achieving full ecological restoration to re-establish wildlife habitat or forage production.
of the site. Instead, the operator must achieve the Erosion control is generally sufficient when adequate
short-term stability, visual, hydrological, and productivity groundcover is reestablished, water naturally
objectives of the surface management agency and infiltrates into the soil, and gullying, headcutting,
take the steps necessary to ensure that long-term slumping, and deep or excessive rilling is not
objectives will be reached through natural processes. observed. The site must be free of State- or county-
44 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

listed noxious weeds, oil field debris, contaminated pit must not be breached (cut) or filled (squeezed)
soil, and equipment. The operator should inform the while still containing fluids. Pits must be free of oil
surface management agency that reclamation has and other liquid and solid wastes prior to filling. Pits
been completed and that the site is ready for final may be allowed to air dry or may be solidified in
inspection when these requirements have been met. place with BLM or FS approval. The pit liner must be
removed to the solids level or treated to prevent its
reemergence to the surface or its interference with
Reclamation Plan long-term successful revegetation. If necessary, the
A reclamation plan is included in the Surface pit area should usually be mounded slightly to allow
Use Plan of Operations and should discuss plans for settling and positive surface drainage.
for both interim and final reclamation. Reclamation The concentration of nonexempt hazardous
is required of any disturbed surface that is not substances in the reserve pit at the time of pit
necessary for continued production operations. The backfilling must not exceed the standards set forth
operator should submit a new reclamation plan with in the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
the Notice of Intent to Abandon (NIA) or Subsequent Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA),
Report Plug and Abandon (SRA) using the Sundry 42 USC 9605, as amended by the Superfund
Notices and Reports on Wells Form 3160-5 when Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986
abandoning wells and other facilities that do not (SARA), PL 99-499. All oil and gas drilling-related
have an approved reclamation plan or when the CERCLA hazardous substances removed from a
operator would like to update the plan. The BLM location and not reused at another drilling location
will forward the request to the FS or other surface must be disposed of in accordance with applicable
management agency as appropriate. Additional Federal and State regulations. {(Refer to 42 USC
reclamation measures may be required based on the 9601(14)(Definition of “hazardous substances”);
conditions existing at the time of abandonment and 42 USC 6921(2)(A)(exclusion of certain wastes
made a part of the conditions of approval of the NIA associated with exploration and production); EPA
or SRA. Earthwork for interim and final reclamation 530-95-003, Crude Oil and Natural Gas Exploration
generally must be completed within 6 months of and Production Wastes: Exemption from RCRA
well completion or plugging (weather permitting). Subtitle C Regulation (May 1995)}.
The following information includes components of
the reclamation plan. Site Preparation and Revegetation
Disturbed areas should be revegetated after the
Plugging the Well site has been satisfactorily prepared. Site preparation
Well abandonment operations may not be will include respreading topsoil to an adequate
started without the prior approval of the Sundry depth, and may also include ripping, tilling, disking
Notices and Reports on Wells, Form 3160-5, by the on contour, and dozer track-imprinting. The operator
authorized officer. The Sundry Notice serves as the will usually be advised of the revegetation methods,
operator’s NIA. In the case of newly drilled dry holes, objectives, and seasons to plant, unless this
failures, and emergency situations, oral approval information is included in the Application for Permit
may be obtained from the authorized officer subject to Drill (APD) reclamation plan. Native perennial
to written confirmation. The operator must contact species or other plant materials specified by the
the BLM prior to plugging a well to allow for surface management agency or private surface
approval and witnessing of the plugging operations. owner will be used. Seeding should be accomplished
by drilling on the contour whenever practical or
Pit Reclamation by other approved methods such as dozer track-
All pits must be reclaimed to a safe and stable walking followed by broadcast seeding. Seeding or
condition and restored to a condition that blends planting may need to be repeated until revegetation
with the rest of the reclaimed pad area. If it was is successful, as determined by the surface
necessary to line the pit with a synthetic liner, the management agency.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 45

When conditions are not favorable for the other erosion control devices must be maintained
establishment of vegetation, such as periods of and repaired as necessary.
drought or the lack of sufficient salvaged topsoil, Following successful revegetation, surviving water-
the surface management agency may allow for bars must be flattened to blend with the slope and
subsequent reseedings to be delayed until soil then revegetated. If berms of topsoil were originally
moisture conditions become favorable or may placed over the trench to accommodate settling, the
require additional cultural techniques such as surviving berms should also be flattened to blend
mulching, fertilizing, irrigating, fencing, or other with the surrounding landform and revegetated.
practices. It is the operator’s responsibility to Final abandonment of pipelines and flowlines
monitor the site, take the necessary steps to ensure will involve flushing and properly disposing of
reclamation success, and to notify the surface any fluids in the lines. All surface lines and any
management agency when success is achieved. lines that are buried close to the surface that may
Reclamation is most effective when the become exposed due to water or wind erosion, soil
ecology of the site is considered. The previous plant movement, or anticipated subsequent use, must be
community or potential plant community native to removed. Deeply buried lines may remain in place
the site should be identified to help determine the unless otherwise directed by the authorized officer.
plant communities that can exist on the reclaimed
site. Revegetation efforts will be hampered and
costs increased if the site contains conditions
Well Site Reclamation
detrimental to revegetation, such as heavy grazing Well site reclamation includes both interim and final
pressure, insufficient salvaged topsoil, erosion, and reclamation.
compacted or contaminated soil. (Refer to Figure 1
for exclosure fence standards.) Interim Reclamation
Interim reclamation consists of minimizing the
Additional Guidelines footprint of disturbance by reclaiming all portions of
Supplemental guidelines and methods may the well site not needed for production operations.
be available that reflect local site and geographic The portions of the cleared well site not needed for
conditions. These guidelines or methods may be operational and safety purposes are recontoured to
obtained from the local surface management a final or intermediate contour that blends with the
agency. Technical advances in reclamation practices surrounding topography as much as possible. Suf-
are continually being developed that may be ficient level area remains for setup of a workover rig
successfully applied to lands affected by oil and and to park equipment. In some cases, rig anchors
gas development. may need to be pulled and reset after recontouring to
allow for maximum reclamation. Topsoil is respread
Pipeline and Flowline over areas not needed for all-weather operations.
When practical, the operator should respread topsoil
Reclamation over the entire location and revegetate to within
Pipeline routes and roads should be co-located a few feet of the production facilities, unless an
as much as possible to reduce reclamation needs all-weather, surfaced, access route or turnaround
and impacts to other resources. Pipeline trenches is needed. Production facilities should be clustered
are to be compacted during backfilling and must be or placed offsite to maximize the opportunity for
maintained to correct backfill settling and prevent interim reclamation. In order to inspect and operate
erosion. Reclamation involves placing fill in the the well or complete workover operations, it may be
trench, compacting the fill, regrading cut-and-fill necessary to drive, park, and operate on restored,
slopes to restore the original contour, replacing interim vegetation within the previously disturbed
topsoil, installing temporary waterbars only where area. This is generally acceptable provided damage
necessary to control erosion, and revegetating in is repaired and reclaimed following use. Under
accordance with a reclamation plan. Waterbars and some situations, such as the presence of moist, clay
46 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

soils, the operator or surface management agency at the time of final reclamation, the operator may
may prefer that vegetation and topsoil be removed set aside sufficient topsoil for final reclamation of
during workover operations and restored following the small, unreclaimed area around the wellhead.
operations to prevent soil compaction. Any topsoil pile set aside should be revegetated
To reduce final reclamation costs; maintain to prevent it from eroding and to help maintain its
healthy, biologically active topsoil; and to minimize biological viability. On sloped ground, during final
habitat, visual, and forage loss during the life of reclamation, the topsoil and interim vegetation must
the well, all salvaged topsoil should be spread be restripped from portions of the site that are not
over the area of interim reclamation, rather than at the original contour, the well pad recontoured,
stockpiled. Where the topography is flat and it is, and the topsoil respread over the entire disturbed
therefore, unnecessary to recontour the well location site to ensure successful revegetation.

During the start of well production, this well pad was recontoured, revegetated, and shaped to blend in with the
surrounding natural forest openings. Well production facilities were constructed off-site and out of view.

Final Reclamation landform is a key element in ensuring that the

Following well plugging, well sites that do not effects of oil and gas development are not
blend seamlessly with the surrounding landform permanent.
(contour) should not be left in place, even if there To achieve final reclamation of a recently
has been successful regrowth of vegetation on drilled dry hole, the well site must be recontoured
the site. Revegetation alone does not constitute to original contour or a contour that blends with
successful reclamation. Restoration of the original the surrounding landform, stockpiled topsoil evenly
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 47

redistributed, and the site revegetated. To achieve Road Reclamation

final reclamation of a formerly producing well, all
topsoil and vegetation must be restripped from all Interim reclamation consists of reclaiming
portions of the old well site that were not previously portions of the road not needed for vehicle travel.
reshaped to blend with the surrounding contour. All Wherever possible, cut slopes, fill slopes, and
disturbed areas are then recontoured back to the borrow ditches should be covered with topsoil
original contour or a contour that blends with the and revegetated to restore habitat, forage,
surrounding landform, topsoil is redistributed, and scenic resources, and to reduce soil erosion and
the site revegetated. maintenance costs.
In recontouring areas that have been surfaced At abandonment, roads must be reclaimed
with gravel or similar materials, the material must by the operator unless the surface management
be removed from the well location or buried deep agency or surface owner requests that they be
in the recontoured cut to prevent possible surface left unreclaimed.
exposure. All excavations and pits must be closed by Final reclamation includes recontouring the road
backfilling when they are dry and free of waste and back to the original contour, seeding, controlling
graded to conform to the surrounding terrain. noxious weeds, and may also include other
Salvaged topsoil must be respread evenly techniques to improve reclamation success, such as
over the surfaces to be revegetated. The topsoiled ripping, scarifying, replacing topsoil, constructing
site should be prepared to provide a seedbed waterbars, pitting, mulching, redistributing woody
for reestablishment of desirable vegetation. Site debris, and barricading.
preparation may include gouging, scarifying, dozer Seeds of native, perennial species or other plant
track-walking, mulching, fertilizing, seeding, and materials specified by the surface management
planting. agency or surface owner must be used. If waterbars
Water breaks and terracing should only be were used, they should be removed and seeded
installed when absolutely necessary to prevent following successful revegetation.
erosion of fill material and should be removed when
the site is successfully revegetated and stabilized.
48 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

The well pad and access road are constructed to the minimum size necessary to safely conduct drilling and
completion operations.

The well pad and access road have been recontoured back to the original contour, the topsoil respread, and the
site revegetated.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 49

Reclamation of Other reclamation operations, which indicates that the

site meets reclamation objectives and is ready for
Associated Facilities inspection. Upon receipt of the Final Abandonment
Other facilities and areas of surface disturbance Notice, the surface management agency will inspect
associated with Federal oil and gas lease the site to ensure reclamation is fully successful.
development, including water impoundments, power The BLM must approve the Final Abandonment
lines, metering buildings, compression facilities, Notice, even when the surface is managed by
and tank batteries must be removed and reclaimed another surface management agency. Final
in accordance with the standards identified abandonment will not be approved by the BLM until
previously and with the requirements of the surface the surface reclamation work required by the APD,
management agency or surface owner. Notice of Intent to Abandon, or Subsequent Report
Plug and Abandon has been completed and the
required reclamation is acceptable to the surface
Water Well Conversion management agency. The operator is responsible
In some instances, the surface management for monitoring reclamation progress and taking the
agency or private landowner may wish to acquire necessary actions to ensure success.
a well that has encountered usable fresh water.
Refer to 43 CFR 3162.3-4(b). In those cases, the
operator must abandon the well and complete Release of Bonds
surface cleanup and reclamation according to If the well and associated facilities are covered
BLM instructions. The BLM approval of the partial by an individual lease bond, the period of liability
abandonment, completion of successful reclamation, on that bond can be terminated once the final
and the signed release agreement will relieve the abandonment has been approved. The principal
operator of further obligation for the well. The party (operator or lessee) can request termination of the
acquiring the well assumes liability for the well. period of liability from the BLM State Office holding
the bond. If the well is covered by a statewide
Inspection and Final or nationwide bond, termination of the period of
liability of these bonds is not approved until final
Abandonment Approval abandonment of all activities conducted under the
The operator must file a Subsequent Report bond have been approved. The operator may r
Plug and Abandon (SRA) following the plugging equest termination of the bond on the Final
of a well. A Final Abandonment Notice (FAN) Abandonment Notice.
must be filed by the operator upon completion of
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 51

Chapter 7 – Appeals
Maintaining successful working relationships
can be accomplished by keeping the lines of
communication open. In most cases, up-front
and frequent phone calls, e-mails, meetings, and
field tours can generate understanding, lead to
agreement, and eliminate the delay, cost, and
frustration of the administrative appeals process.

Bureau of Land Management Use Plan of Operations (SUPO) and Special Use
Authorization (SUA) approvals based on analysis,
Administrative Relief documentation, and other requirements of the
All actions and decisions of the Bureau of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) are subject
Land Management (BLM), related to the oil and to agency appeal procedures under 36 CFR 215.
gas program as governed by 43 CFR 3160 and all Decisions solely affecting the business relationship
Onshore Oil and Gas Orders and Notices to Lessees between the FS and holders of written instruments
(NTLs) are subject to State Director Reviews (SDRs), regarding occupancy and use of National Forest
appeals, or both upon request. System lands can be appealed by permit holders
SDRs are conducted according to 43 CFR under 36 CFR part 251, subpart C, or under 36 CFR
3165.3. Appeals are processed according to 43 CFR 215, but not under both regulations.
3165.4. An SDR must be conducted before pursuing Appeals under either 36 CFR 215 or 251 must
an appeal under this set of regulations. SDRs apply be filed within 45 days of the date of written
to decisions related to Application for Permit to notice of the decision being appealed. Generally, a
Drill (APD) conditions of approval or stipulations, response to appeals will be issued within 30 days
inspection and enforcement actions, and APD or following the close of the appeal period for appeals
Sundry Notices. SDRs and appeals must be filed in filed under 36 CFR 251, and within 45 days following
the appropriate office according to the regulatory the close of the appeal period for appeals filed
timeframes prescribed. under 36 CFR 215.

Forest Service Appeals Bureau of Indian Affairs

Forest Service (FS) decisions approving use Appeals
of National Forest System lands are subject to Decisions of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) may
agency appeal procedures in accordance with be appealed under 25 CFR 2.
36 CFR 215 or 251. Decisions governing Surface
 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 53

List of Commonly Used

Abbreviations and Acronyms
ADT - Average Daily Traffic NOI - Notice of Intent
APD - Application for Permit to Drill NOS - Notice of Staking
BLM - Bureau of Land Management NSRS - National Spatial Reference System
BIA - Bureau of Indian Affairs NTL - Notice to Lessee (National, State, or
BMP - Best Management Practice District)
CA - Communitization Agreement POD - Plan of Development
CERCLA - Comprehensive Environmental Response, RMP - Resource Management Plan
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ROD - Record of Decision
CEQ - Council on Environmental Quality ROW - Right-of-Way
CFR - Code of Federal Regulations SARA - Superfund Amendments and
CMP - Corrugated Metal Pipe Reauthorization Act of 1986
COA - Condition of Approval SDR - State Director Review
CWA - Clean Water Act SHPO - State Historic Preservation Officer
EPA - Environmental Protection Agency SMA - Surface Management Agency, (includes
ESA - Endangered Species Act only Federal agencies with land
FAN - Final Abandonment Notice management responsibilities)
FHA - Federal Highway Administration SN - Sundry Notice
FWS - Fish and Wildlife Service SPCC - Spill Prevention, Control, and
FS - Forest Service Countermeasure
GCDB - Geographic Coordinate Data Base SRA - Subsequent Report Plug and Abandon
MLA - Mineral Leasing Act SUA - Special Use Authorization
MMS - Minerals Management Service SUPO - Surface Use Plan of Operations
NEPA - National Environmental Policy Act SWD - Salt Water Disposal
of 1969 UA - Unit Agreement
NFS - National Forest System USDA - United States Department of Agriculture
NHPA - National Historic Preservation Act USDI - United States Department of the Interior
NIA - Notice of Intent to Abandon USGS - United States Geological Survey
NOC - Notice of Completion
 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 55

Appendix 1 – BLM/FS Office Locations

Information is also available at the Bureau of Land Management Web site at www.blm.gov or
the Forest Service Web site at www.fs.fed.us

BLM/FS Office Locations

Anchorage LEGEND
Bureau of Land Management State Offices
Bureau of Land Management State Office Boundaries
Forest Service Regional Offices
Forest Service Regional Boundaries

Missoula
Portland Billings

Boise Milwaukee

Cheyenne
Sacramento Ogden
Reno

San Salt Lake Lakewood

Francisco City Springfield
Denver

Santa Fe

Phoenix
Albuquerque
Atlanta

BLM State Offices Forest Service Regional Offices

Alaska State Office Eastern States Office New Mexico State Office Northern Region Intermountain Region Southern Region
222 West 7th Avenue, #13 7450 Boston Boulevard 1474 Rodeo Road P.O. Box 7669 324 25th Street 1720 Peachtree Street
Anchorage, AK 99513 Springfield, VA 22153 Santa Fe, NM 87505 Missoula, MT 59807 Ogden, UT 84401 Suite 760S
907-271-5960 703-440-1600 505-438-7471 406-329-3511 801-625-5306 Atlanta, GA 30309
404-347-4177
Arizona State Office Idaho State Office Oregon State Office Rocky Mountain Region Pacific Southwest Region
1 North Central Avenue 1387 South Vinnell Way 333 SW 1st Avenue 740 Simms Street 1323 Club Drive Eastern Region
Phoenix, AZ 85004 Boise, ID 83709 Portland, OR 97204 Golden, CO 80401 Vallejo, CA 94592 626 East Wisconsin Ave.
602-417-9200 208-373-3889 503-808-6001 303-275-5350 707-562-8737 Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-297-3600
California State Office Montana State Office Utah State Office Southwestern Region Pacific Northwest Region
2800 Cottage Way 5001 Southgate Drive 440 West 200 South 333 Broadway Blvd SE P.O. Box 3623 Alaska Region
Suite W-1834 Billings, MT 59101 Suite 500 Albuquerque, NM 87102 Portland, OR 97208 P.O. Box 21628
Sacramento, CA 95825 406-896-5004 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 505-842-3292 503-808-2468 Juneau, AK 99802
916-978-4400 801-539-4001 907-586-8806
Nevada State Office
Colorado State Office 1340 Financial Boulevard Wyoming State Office
2850 Youngfield Street Reno, NV 89502 5353 Yellowstone Road
Lakewood, CO 80215 775-861-6500 Cheyenne, WY 82003
303-239-3600 307-775-6256
 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 57

Appendix 2 – Forms and Formats

for Required Information
Application for Permit to Drill or Reenter (APD). . . . Form 3160-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59-60

Notice of Staking (NOS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sample Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61-62

Sundry Notices and Reports on Wells. . . . . . . . . . . . Form 3160-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63-64

Spill Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sample Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65-66

Well Completion or
Recompletion Report and Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Form 3160-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67-69

Notice of Intent and Authorization to Conduct

Oil and Gas Geophysical Exploration Operations . . . BLM Form 3150-4/FS Form 2800-16 . . . 71-73

Notice of Completion of Oil and Gas

Geophysical Exploration Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . BLM Form 3150-5/FS Form 2800-16a . . 75-76
59
60
 61
Sample Format for Notice of Staking
(Not to be used in place of Application for Permit to Drill Form 3160-3)

1. Oil Well Gas Well Other (Specify)

2. Name, Address, and Telephone of Operator

3. Name and Telephone of Specific Contact Person

4. Surface Location of Well

Attach:
(a) Sketch showing road entry onto pad, pad dimensions, and reserve pit
(b) Topographical or other acceptable map showing location, access road,
and lease boundaries

4a. A map (e.g., a USGS 7-1/2" Quadrangle) of the area including the proposed well location and
access road

5. Lease Number 11. Section, Township, Range, Meridian; or Block

and Survey; or Area
6. If Indian, Allottee or Tribe Name
12. County, Parish, or Borough
7. Unit Agreement Name
13. State
8. Well Name and Number
14. Name and Depth of Formation Objective(s)
9. American Petroleum Institute Well
Number (if available) 15. Estimated Well Depth

10. Field Name or Wildcat 16. For directional or horizontal wells, anticipated
bottom hole location, if known

17. Additional Information (as appropriate; include surface owner's name, address and, if known,
telephone).

18. Signed Title Date

Note: When the Bureau of Land Management or Forest Service, as appropriate, receives this
Notice, the agency will schedule the date of the onsite inspection. You must stake the location
and flag the access road before the onsite inspection. Operators should consider the following
before the onsite inspection and incorporate these considerations into the Notice of Staking
Option, as appropriate:
(a) H2S Potential
(b) Cultural Resources (Archeology)
(c) Federal Right-of-Way or Special Use Permit
62
63
64
 65
Sample Format for Spill Report
To: (Appropriate BLM or FS Office) From: (Oil & Gas Operator)

Subject: Report of Undesirable Event (NTL-3A; CDM 642.3.36)

Date of Occurrence: Time of Occurrence: a.m./p.m.
Date Reported to BLM: Time Reported to BLM: a.m./p.m.
Date Reported to FS: Time Reported to FS: a.m./p.m.
Other Federal, State, and Local Government Agencies Notified and Date(s)

Location: State County

1/4 1/4 Section T. , R. ; Meridian
Operator:

Surface Ownership [Federal (FS, BLM, Other), Indian, Fee, State]:

Lease Number: Unit Name or C.A. Number

Type of Event: Blowout, Fire, Fatality, Injury, Property Damage, Oil Spill, Saltwater Spill,
Toxic Fluid Spill, Oil and Saltwater Spill, Oil and Toxic Fluid Spill,
Saltwater and Toxic Fluid Spill, Gas Venting, or Other (Specify)

Cause of Event:

Volumes of Pollutants I. Discharged or Consumed:

II. Recovered:
Time Required to Control Event (in hours):
Action Taken to Control Event, Description of Resultant Damage, Clean-up Procedures,
and Dates:

Cause and Extent of Personnel Injury:

Sensitive Areas or Surface Waters Potentially Affected:

Action Taken or Planned to Clean Up and Prevent Recurrence:

General Remarks:

Signature Date
Title

FOR BLM OR FS USE ONLY

District Date Reported to BLM or FS
Optional Event Classification
Date of Onsite Inspection Remarks
66

Operators are encouraged to substitute less toxic, yet equally effective

products for conventional drilling products. All spills or leakages of oil, gas, salt
water, toxic liquids or waste materials, blowouts, fires, personal injuries, and
fatalities shall be reported by the operator to the BLM and the surface management
agency in accordance with the requirements of Notice to Lessees NTL-3A;
Reporting of Undesirable Events,and in accordance with any applicable local
requirements.
The BLM requires immediate reporting of all Class I major events, such
as spills of more than 100 barrels of fluid/500 MCF of gas re­leased; fires that
consume 100 bbl or more oil or 500 MCF gas; life threatening or fatal injury/loss
of well control; release of reportable quantities of hazardous substances; spill,
venting, or fire in sensitive areas, such as parks, recreation sites, wildlife refuges,
lakes, reservoirs, streams, and urban or suburban areas. Volumes discharged
during any of the above incidents will be estimated as necessary. Operators
must take immediate action to prevent and control spills and the BLM, the
surface management agency, and other applicable regulatory authorities must
be consulted prior to treating or disposing of wastes and spills. Operators should
become familiar with local surface management agency requirements for
reporting and managing spills and leaks.
67
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69
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72
73
75
76
The mention of company names, trade names, or commercial products does not constitute endorsement
or recommendation for use by the Federal Government.