Wyoming Administrative Code Agency 055 - Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
1. What It Is
The Wyoming Administrative Code (WAC) contains rules created by state agencies to implement laws passed by the Wyoming Legislature.
Agency 055 is the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (OGCC).
The OGCC is responsible for regulating oil and gas exploration, production, and conservation in Wyoming.
Its goal is to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible development of Wyoming’s oil and gas resources.
Think of OGCC as the "referee" for Wyoming oil and gas: they make sure companies follow the rules, protect the environment, and don’t waste resources.
2. Purpose of OGCC Rules
The rules under Agency 055 exist to:
Conserve Resources
Prevent the waste of oil, gas, and associated minerals.
Ensure that resources are produced efficiently over time.
Protect the Environment
Reduce the risk of spills, contamination, and land degradation.
Ensure proper plugging of wells and reclamation of land.
Promote Safety
Protect workers and the public from hazards related to drilling and production.
Regulate Operations
Provide guidelines for drilling, production, and well maintenance.
Set rules for spacing wells, pressure limits, and equipment standards.
Enforce Compliance
Investigate complaints and violations.
Impose penalties or corrective actions when rules are broken.
3. Key Areas Covered by OGCC Rules
The Wyoming Administrative Code for Agency 055 typically covers:
Permitting and Licensing
Rules for obtaining drilling permits.
Requirements for operators to be licensed in Wyoming.
Well Location and Spacing
Minimum distances between wells to prevent resource waste.
Rules to avoid conflicts with existing wells or sensitive areas.
Drilling and Production Standards
Technical standards for drilling and completing wells.
Rules for casing, cementing, and pressure control.
Environmental Protection
Waste management, including disposal of drilling fluids and produced water.
Rules for protecting groundwater, soil, and surface water.
Plugging and Reclamation
Procedures for safely plugging abandoned wells.
Guidelines for restoring land after drilling operations.
Reporting and Recordkeeping
Operators must report production volumes, well status, and incidents.
Ensures transparency and accurate resource accounting.
Inspections and Enforcement
OGCC can inspect sites to ensure compliance.
Violations can result in fines, orders to stop work, or other penalties.
4. Who It Applies To
Oil and gas companies operating in Wyoming.
Independent drillers and producers of oil, natural gas, or associated minerals.
Contractors working on oil and gas projects.
Landowners may be affected indirectly through permits and regulations.
Essentially, anyone involved in oil and gas activities in Wyoming must follow OGCC rules.
5. Why It’s Important
Resource Efficiency: Ensures oil and gas are not wasted.
Environmental Protection: Minimizes spills, contamination, and land damage.
Safety: Protects workers and the public from accidents.
Legal Compliance: Helps operators avoid fines or legal action.
Economic Stability: Ensures Wyoming benefits fairly from its oil and gas resources.
6. Example Scenarios
A company wants to drill a new well near existing wells:
OGCC rules determine minimum spacing to prevent overproduction and pressure loss.
A well is no longer productive:
OGCC requires proper plugging to prevent leaks and contamination.
Produced water or drilling waste needs disposal:
OGCC rules set approved methods to protect groundwater.
A company wants to expand operations:
OGCC may require environmental impact assessments before approval.
✅ Summary
Agency 055 – OGCC regulates oil and gas in Wyoming.
Purpose: conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure safety, and enforce laws.
Key areas: permits, well spacing, drilling standards, environmental protection, plugging, reporting, inspections.
Applies to companies, drillers, contractors, and indirectly landowners.
Essential for responsible energy development in Wyoming.
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