If a lease's wells get shut in, is the operator required to notify the OCC regarding the wells' change of status? If so, what is the time period wherein the operator must comply? Does the OCC oil and gas database even have a designation for "shut in," or does the operator wait until the wells are abandoned before notification? If a change in well status is recorded with the OCC, how soon will the database reflect the change after the operator notifies the OCC? Is there a scenario where an operator has shut in wells, but never notifies the OCC? In short, what is the likely scenario where wells have been shut in, but well status still lists them as "AC," active?
Thanks for any insight.