Navigating the administrative waters of the State of West Virginia's environmental regulations, particularly in the context of oil and gas well transactions, can be a meticulous process. Central to this process is the OP-77 form, a critical document issued by the Department of Environmental Protection in Charleston, WV. This form serves as an official record acknowledging the transfer of well ownership from one party to another, encompassing various aspects of the transfer including the well's API number, district well number, and pertinent details of both the transferor and transferee. The OP-77 form outlines specific obligations of the new owner, especially if the well has been non-operational for more than 12 months, emphasizing the need for compliance with production or plugging requirements within a set timeframe. Moreover, it touches on essential formalities such as the designation of an agent on form OP-1, the securing of the well with a financial guarantee, and the notarization of the transfer, thereby encapsulating the multifaceted responsibilities and procedural adherence required in the transfer process. The form signifies more than a mere transaction; it represents a commitment to regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and the smooth continuation of operations under new ownership.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | Form Op 77 |
| Form Length | 1 pages |
| Fillable? | No |
| Fillable fields | 0 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 15 sec |
| Other names | plugging, noncompliance, wvdep form op 77, OP-77 |