Just wondering how long does an operator in Texas to report a completed well? What are the statues concerning the first royalty payment, how long and is there a penalty if the time limit is not met? Any information would be helpful we are use to the statues in Okla.. concerning well completion and royalty payments.
§3.16. Log and Completion or Plugging Report.
(a) Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this section, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) Basic electric log--A density, sonic, or resistivity (except dip meter) log run over the entire wellbore.
(2) Drilling operation--A continuous effort to drill or deepen a wellbore for which the Commission has issued a permit.
(3) Operator--A person who assumes responsibility for the regulatory compliance of a well as shown by a form the person files with the Commission and the Commission approves.
(4) Well--A well drilled for any purpose related to exploration for or production or storage of oil or gas or geothermal resources, including a well drilled for injection of fluids to enhance hydrocarbon recovery, disposal of produced fluids, disposal of waste from exploration or production activity, or brine mining.
(b) Completion and plugging reports. The operator of a well shall file with the Commission the appropriate completion report within 30 days after completion of the well or within 90 days after the date on which the drilling operation is completed, whichever is earlier. The operator of a well shall file with the Commission an amended completion report within 30 days of any physical changes made to the well, such as any change in perforations, or openhole or casing records. If the well is a dry hole, the operator shall file with the Commission an appropriate plugging report within 30 days after the well is plugged.
As to the various requirements on the payment of royalty, please refer to the pdf here. I like it so much, I keep a copy on my computer for easy reference.
http://www.oildex.com/orcforms/chevrontexasroyalty.pdf
Best
Buddy CottenThank you Buddy for your response to my question. We are very hopeful that the horizontal drilling that they are starting on our property in Borden County will be productive. Thank you again for being so helpful and informative to many members of this forum.