South Dakota Minerals and Mining Program

PUBLIC HEARINGS AND NOTICES OF RECOMMENDATION

ACTIVE OIL AND GAS CASES:

PUBLIC HEARINGS: As of July 1, 2012 and as required by South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL) 45-9, actions such as spacing, establishing new fields, forced pooling, and unitization only require a contested case hearing before the South Dakota Board of Minerals and Environment ("Board") if they are contested after publication of a notice of hearing. If there is no contest, orders will be issued administratively by the department Secretary.

SCHEDULING A BOARD OF MINERALS AND ENVIRONMENT HEARING: The board typically meets during the third week of each month, January through November. In order to schedule a hearing before the board, please contact the Minerals & Mining Program at least two months prior to the desired hearing date.

NOTICES OF RECOMMENDATION: Under the Administrative Rules of South Dakota (ARSD) 74:12:09, the Notice of Recommendation procedure allows the DANR Secretary to develop and public notice a recommendation on a proposed action, and then approve the application if there is no intervention. If there is intervention, a contested case hearing before the Board is required.

ISSUED BOARD ORDERS: Board order files are available in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format through the following indexes.

OIL AND GAS CASES:

Case 1-2024-- On June 12, 2024, the department received from Wadi Petroleum, Inc. an application requesting approval of a permit to drill a well at an exception location to statewide spacing, described as the South Dakota Federal 1-7 well, located 1,261 feet from the north line and 516 feet from the east line in Section 7, Township 8 South, Range 1 East. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:02:08 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Wadi's request was administratively approved on July 15, 2024.

Thomas Sunde Enforcement Hearing-- On April 5, 2024, the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Department) issued a Notice of Violation pertaining to 5 wells operated by Thomas Sunde. The Department petitioned the Board of Minerals and Environment (Board) to revoke Oil and Gas Permit nos. 348, 340, 342, 121, and 416. An enforcement hearing was held on October 24, 2024 at the Joe Foss Building, 523 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, South Dakota. This matter is considered an enforcement proceeding initiated by the Department under the provisions of ARSD 74:09:01:05. The parties to this proceeding are Thomas Sunde, as the operator in whose name the drilling permits were issued, and the Department. According to ARSD 74:09:01:06, no other party may intervene in a hearing held in an enforcement action. On September 10, 2024, a motion to appoint a Hearing Chair was submitted by the Department.On September 20, 2024, Robert Morris was appointed as Chair for the hearing. During the October 24 hearing, the Board approved revocation of Mr. Sunde's 6 permits and forfeiture of Mr. Sunde's surety.

2023 - 4 Cases

Case 1-2023-- On March 27, 2023, the department received from Gulf Exploration, LLC. an application requesting approval of a permit to drill a well at an exception location to statewide spacing, described as the Sunrise 1-28 well, located 1,700 feet from the south line and 1,800 feet from the west line in Section 28, Township 9 South, Range 1 East. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:02:08 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Gulf's request was administratively approved on May 9, 2023.

Case 2-2023-- On April 24, 2023, the department received from Gulf Exploration, LLC. an application requesting approval of a permit to drill a well at an exception location to statewide spacing, described as the Enigma 1-3 well, located 1,250 feet from the north line and 500 feet from the east line in Section 3, Township 9 South, Range 1 East. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:02:08 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Gulf's request was administratively approved On May 31, 2023.

Case 3-2023-- On April 28, 2023, the department received from Gulf Exploration, LLC. an application requesting approval of a permit to drill a well at an exception location to statewide spacing, described as the Avalanche 1-16 well, located 2,550 feet from the south line and 1,550 feet from the west line in Section 16, Township 9 South, Range 1 East. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:02:08 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Gulf's request was administratively approved On May 31, 2023.

Case 4-2023-- On June 14, 2023, the department received from Citation Oil and Gas Corp. an application requesting approval of a modification of its permit to inject for the 8-27H Clarkson well, located in the SENE of Section 27, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, in the West Buffalo 'B' Red River Unit of the Buffalo Field, Harding County. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:07 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Citation's request was administratively approved On August 28, 2023.

2022 - 4 Cases

Case 1-2022-- On May 4, 2022, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of a permit to inject into the WBRRU 34-36H well, located in the SW/4 of the SE/4, Section 36, Township 21 South, Range 3 East. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:02:08 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Continental's request was administratively approved On June 23, 2022.

Case 2-2022-- On May 4, 2022, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of a permit to inject into the SBRRU 13-32H well, located in the NW/4 of the SW/4, Section 32, Township 21 South, Range 4 East. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:02:08 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Continental's request was administratively approved On June 23, 2022.

Case 3-2022-- On May 4, 2022, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval to modify its permit to inject for the Koch 14-30 SBRRU well located in the SW/4 of the SW/4 of Section 30, Township 21 South, Range 4 East. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:02:08 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Continental's request was administratively approved on June 23, 2022.

Case 4-2022-- On August 29, 2022, the department received from Gulf Exploration, LLC. an application requesting approval of permit to drill an oil and gas well at an exception to Alum Creek Field spacing, described asthe Operation Teardrop 1-9 well, located 2,200 feet from the south line and 2,100 feet from the west line in Section 9, Township 11 South, Range 1 East. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:02:08 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Gulf's request was administratively approved on October 5, 2022.

2021 - 5 Cases

Case 1-2021-- On March 31, 2021, the department received from Gulf Exploration, L.L.C. an application requesting approval of a permit to drill an oil and gas well at an exception location to statewide spacing, described as the Bulge 1-8 well, located 2,367 feet from the north line and 261 feet from the east line in Section 8, Township 11 South, Range 1 East. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:02:08 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Gulf's request was administratively approved on May 6, 2021.

Case 2-2021-- On April 1, 2021, the department received from Gulf Exploration, L.L.C. an application requesting approval an order to establish a field for the production of oil and gas from the Leo sands of the Minnelusa Formation consisting of all of Section 10, Township 10 South, Range 1 East, with spacing of one well per 40-acre tract, each well to be located not closer than 200 feet from the spacing unit boundary, and not clser than 800 feet to the nearest well drilled to or producing form the Leo sands of the Minnelusa Formation. Because no person intervened in this matter, Gulf's request was administratively approved on May 17, 2021.

Case 3-2021-- On July 14, 2021, the department received from Gulf Exploration, L.L.C. an application requesting approval an permit to drill a directional oil well located in an area not already spaced for directional drilling located in the NW/4 SW/4 of Section 10, Township 10 South, Range 1 East, Fall River County. Because no person intervened in this matter, Gulf's request was administratively approved on August 13, 2021.

Case 4-2021-- On July 26, 2021, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of a permit to to inject production water into the existing Duke 41-15H well located in the NE/4 NE/4 of Section 15, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:07 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Continental Resources' request was administratively approved on September 21, 2021.

Case 5-2021-- On July 30, 2021, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval of a permit to to inject into the existing Eagles Nest RRU K-34H well located in the NE/4 SW/4 of Section 34, Township 23 North, Range 5 East, Harding County. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:07 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was administratively approved on September 21, 2021.

2020 - 1 Case

Case 1-2020-- On June 20, 2019, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval to modify its permit to inject for the Kirkwood 11-25 Federal WBRRU well located in the NW/4 of the NW/4 of Section 25, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, to support the water flood in the "B" zone of the Red River Formation in the West Buffalo Red River Unit for enhanced recovery of oil and gas. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:02:07 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Continental's request was administratively approved on July 20, 2020.

2019 - 8 Cases

Case 1-2019-- On February 25, 2019, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval to operate a portion of the Clarkson Ranch Field consisting of the S/2 of Section 13, SE/4 of Section 14, E/2 of Section 23, all of Section 24, and the N/2 of Section 25, Township 22 North, Range 4 East, as the Clarkson Ranch Red River Unit; providing for the recovery of risk compensation from owners who elect to have their share of unit expenses carried; and designating Luff Exploration Company as unit operator. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was administratively approved on April 23, 2019.

Case 2-2019-- On March 22, 2019, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval of a permit to inject into the Crooked Creek RRU F-3H well located in the SE/4 of the NW/4 of Section 3, Township 22 North, Range 6 East, in the Crooked Creek Red River Unit of the Corey Butte Field, to support the water flood in the "B" zone of the Red RIver Formation in the Crooked Creek Red River Unit for enhanced recovery of oil and gas. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:07 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was administratively approved on May 06, 2019.

Case 3-2019-- On April 4, 2019, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval of a permit to inject production water into the existing Miller M-33H well located in the SW/4 of the SW/4 of Section 33, Township 23 North, Range 6 East, in the Pete's Creek Field, to inject production water into the Inyan Kara Formation for salt water disposal. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:07 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was administratively approved on May 30, 2019.

Case 4-2019-- On April 17, 2019, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval of a permit to inject production water into the existing State I-14 well located in the NE/4 of the SE/4 of Section 14, Township 22 North, Range 4 East, in the Clarkson Ranch Red River Unit of the Clarkson Ranch Field, to support the water flood in the "B" zone of the Red River Formation. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained om ARSD 74:12:07 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was administratively approved on June 10, 2019.

Case 5-2019-- On June 5, 2019, the department received from T-C Oil an application requesting approval of a permit to drill an oil and gas well at an exception location to statewide spacing, described as the South Dakota Federal 7-1well, located 261 feet from the north line and 513 feet from the east line in Section 7, Township 8 South, Range 1 East. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:02:08 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, T-C Oil's request was administratively approved on July 9, 2019.

Case 6-2019-- On June 20, 2019, the department received from Gulf Exploration an application requesting approval of a permit to drill an oil and gas well at an exception location to statewide spacing, described as the Cobra 1-27 well, located 1,470 feet from the north line and 2,387 feet from the west line in Section 27, Township 10 South, Range 1 East. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:02:08 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Gulf's request was administratively approved on August 14, 2019.

Case 7-2019-- On June 20, 2019, the department received from Gulf Exploration an application requesting approval of a permit to drill an oil and gas well at an exception location to statewide spacing, described as the Pointe du Hoc 1-29 well, located 451 feet from the north line and 1,430 feet from the east line in Section 29, Township 10 South, Range 1 East. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:02:08 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Gulf's request was administratively approved on August 14, 2019.

Case 8-2019-- On June 20, 2019, the department received from Gulf Exploration an application requesting approval of a permit to drill an oil and gas well at an exception location to statewide spacing, described as the Fortitude 1-10 well, located 1,670 feet from the south line and 1,990 feet from the west line in Section 10, Township 10 South, Range 1 East. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:02:08 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Gulf's request was administratively approved on August 14, 2019.

2018 - 17 Cases

Case 1-2018-- On January 29, 2018, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval to operate a portion of the East Harding Springs Field consisting of the S/2 of Section 27 and all of Section 34, Township 23 North, Range 5 East, as the Eagle's Nest Red River Unit; providing for the recovery of risk compensation from owners who elect to have their share of unit expenses carried; and designating Luff Exploration Company as unit operator. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on April 06, 2018 by the Secretary or the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case 2-2018-- On March 2, 2018, the department received from Continental Resources an application requesting approval to modify its permit to inject for the WBRRU 23-25H/SBRRU 23-30H well located in the NE1/4 SW 1/4, Section 25, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, in the West Buffalo Red River Unit of the Buffalo Field to support water flood in the "B" zone of the Red River Formation for enhanced recovery of oil and gas. Because no person intervened in this matter, Continental's request was approved administratively on April 17, 2018.

Case 3-2018-- On March 2, 2018, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval of a permit to inject production water into the Cave Hills M-13 well located in the SW1/4 SW1/4 Section 13, Township 22 North, Range 4 East, in the Clarkson Ranch Field. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:07 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on April 17, 2018.

Case 4-2018-- On March 09, 2018, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval of a permit to inject into the existing Foust J-34H well located in the NWSE of Section 34, Township 23 North, Range 5 East, in the Eagles Nest Red River Unit of the East Harding Springs Field, to support the water flood in the "B" zone of the Red River Formation for enhanced recovery of oil and gas. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on May 22, 2018.

Case 5-2018-- On March 26, 2018, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting authority to pool all interests in a 320-acre spacing unit consisting of the E/2 of Section 30, Township 23 North, Range 6 East, in the East Harding Springs Field. On April 16, 2018, Luff withdrew the application.

Case 6-2018-- On March 26, 2018, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval to operate a portion of the Corey Butte Field and Pete's Creek Field consisting of all of Section 34 and the W/2 of Section 35, Township 23 North, Range 6 East, and all of Section 3, Township 22 North, Range 6 East, as the Crooked Creek Red River Unit and providing for the recovery of risk compensation from owners who elect to have their share of unit expenses carried. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on May 23, 2018.

Case 7-2018-- On May 7, 2018, the department received from Gulf Exploration an application requesting approval of a permit to drill an oil and gas well at an exception location to statewide spacing, described as the Bolero 1-10 well, located 276 feet from the south line and 1,316 feet from the west line in Section 10, Township 10 South, Range 1 East, in Fall River County. Because no person intervened in this matter, Gulf's request was administratively approved on June 20, 2018.

Case 8-2018-- On May 7, 2018, the department received from Gulf Exploration an application requesting approval of a permit to drill an oil and gas well at an exception location to statewide spacing, described as the Dragoon 1-2 well, located 1,995 feet from the north line and 2,496 feet from the west line in Section 2, Township 11 South, Range 1 East, in Fall River County. Because no person intervened in this matter, Gulf's request was administratively approved on June 20, 2018.

Case 9-2018-- On May 7, 2018, the department received from Gulf Exploration an application requesting approval of a permit to drill an oil and gas well at an exception location to statewide spacing, described as the Overlord 1-27 well, located 210 feet from the north line and 406 feet from the west line in Section 27, Township 10 South, Range 1 East, in Fall River County. Because no person intervened in this matter, Gulf's request was administratively approved on June 20, 2018.

Case 10-2018-- On May 7, 2018, the department received from Gulf Exploration an application requesting approval of a permit to drill an oil and gas well at an exception location to statewide spacing, described as the Stonewall 1-5 well, located 2,017 feet from the north line and 2,416 feet from the west line in Section 5, Township 10 South, Range 1 East, in Fall River County. Because no person intervened in this matter, Gulf's request was administratively approved on June 20, 2018.

Case 11-2018-- On May 25, 2018, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval of an order to establish a 960-acre spacing unit consisting of all of Section 22 and the N/2 of Section 27, Township 22 North, Range 4 East, in Harding County, authorize the drilling of a horizontal well with one or more laterals to be completed in the Red River "B" Zone at any location not closer than 500 feet to the boundary of said spacing unit, and to include all said lands in the Buffalo Field. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was administratively approved on July 6, 2018.

Case 12-2018-- On June 13, 2018, the department received from Continental Resources an application requesting approval of an application to modify the permit to inject for the Koch 32-6 WBRRU well located in the SW/4 of the NE/4 of Section 6, Township 20 North, Range 4 East, in the West Buffalo Red River Unit (WBRRU) of the Buffalo Field to support water flood in the "B" zone of the Red River Formation for enhanced recovery of oil and gas. Because no person intervened in this matter, Continental's request was administratively approved on July 24, 2018.

Case 13-2018-- On June 13, 2018, the department received from Continental Resources an application requesting approval of an application to modify the permit to inject for the Koch 12-24 WBRRU well located in the SW/4 of the NW/4 of Section 24, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, in the West Buffalo Red River Unit (WBRRU) of the Buffalo Field to support water flood in the "B" zone of the Red River Formation for enhanced recovery of oil and gas. Because no person intervened in this matter, Continental's request was administratively approved on July 24, 2018.

Case 14-2018-- On June 13, 2018, the department received from Continental Resources an application requesting approval of an application to modify the permit to inject for the Koch 23-23 WBRRU well located in the NE/4 of the SW/4 of Section 23, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, in the West Buffalo Red River Unit (WBRRU) of the Buffalo Field to support water flood in the "B" zone of the Red River Formation for enhanced recovery of oil and gas. Because no person intervened in this matter, Continental's request was administratively approved on July 24, 2018.

Case 15-2018-- On June 13, 2018, the department received from Continental Resources an application requesting approval of an application to modify the permit to inject for the Kirkwood 12-31 Federal WBRRU well located in the SW/4 of the NW/4 of Section 31, Township 21 North, Range 4 East, in the West Buffalo Red River Unit (WBRRU) of the Buffalo Field to support water flood in the "B" zone of the Red River Formation for enhanced recovery of oil and gas. Becaus no person intervened in this matter, Continental's request was administratively approved on July 24, 2018.

Spyglass Cedar Creek, LP Enforcement Hearing-- On July 10, 2018, the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Department) issued a Notice of Violation pertaining to 40 wells operated by Spyglass Cedar Creek, LP. The Department petitioned the Board of Minerals and Environment (Board) to revoke Oil and Gas Permit nos. 1780, 1778, 1781, 1789, 1793, 1814, 1825, 1826, 1827, 1828, 1829, 1863, 1864, 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1876, 1877, 1885, 1886, 1887, 1888, 1890, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1960, 1961, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1975, 1978, and 1979. On August 30, 2018, Spyglass submitted a petition to intervene and request a hearing as provided by law. A contested enforcement hearing will be held on November 15, 2018 at the Matthew Training Center, Joe Foss Building, 523 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, South Dakota. This matter is considered an enforcement proceeding initiated by the Department under the provisions of ARSD 74:09:01:05. The parties to this proceeding are Spyglass, as the operator in whose name the drilling permits were issued, and the Department. According to ARSD 74:09:01:06, no other party may intervene in a contested hearing held in an enforcement action. On September 5, 2018, a motion to appoint a Hearing Chair for the hearing was submitted by the department. On September 7, 2018, a Hearing Chair was appointed for the hearing. On October 2, 2018, a motion for Scheduling Order was submitted by the department. A Scheduling Order was subsequently issued. On October 24, 2018, the Board continued the case to their December 20, 2018 hearing and issued a second amended Notice of Hearing and Amended Scheduling Order. During the December 20 meeting, the Board considered a Consent Agreement between Spyglass and the department, and issued an order adopting the Agreement. Spyglass did not post additional surety by January 15, 2019 as stipulated in the Consent Agreement, so on January 17, 2019 the Board approved revocation of Spyglass's 40 permits and forfeiture of Spyglass's surety, and authorized the Department to pursue additional enforcement action against Spyglass.

Case 16-2018-- On July 19, 2018, the department received from Gulf Exploration an application requesting approval requesting approval of a permit to drill an oil and gas well at an exception location to statewide spacing, described as the Dragoon 1-2 well, located 2,191 feet from the north line and 2,566 feet from the east line in Section 5, Township 10 South, Range 1 East, in Fall River County. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:02:08 and 74:12:09. Because no person intervened in this matter, Gulf's request was administratively approved on August 27, 2018.

2017 - 6 Cases

Case 1-2017-- On August 29, 2017, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval to establish a 420-acre spacing unit for the State Line Field consisting of all of Section 20, Township 23 North, Range 5 East, Harding County and authorize the drilling of one vertical well to be completed in the Red River "C" and "D" zones at any location not closer than 500 feet to the boundary of said spacing unit. On October 10, 2017 Luff withdrew the application.

Case 2-2017-- On August 29, 2017, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval to establish a 420-acre spacing unit for the Pete's Creek Field consisting of all of Section 21, Township 23 North, Range 6 East, Harding County and authorize the drilling of one vertical well to be completed in the Red River "C" and "D" zones at any location not closer than 500 feet to the boundary of said spacing unit. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on October 6, 2017, by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case 3-2017-- On August 29, 2017, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval to establish a 320-acre spacing unit for the Travers Ranch Field consisting of the S/2 of Section 32, Township 23 North, Range 5 East, Harding County, authorize the drilling of one vertical well to be completed in the Red River "C" and "D" zones at any location not closer than 500 feet to the boundary of said spacing unit, and amend the existing orders for the Travers Ranch and State Line Fields to include all of said lands in the Travers Ranch Field. On October 10, 2017 Luff withdrew the application.

Case 4-2017-- On August 29, 2017, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval to establish a 320-acre spacing unit for the East Harding Springs Field consisting of the E/2 of Section 30, Township 23 North, Range 6 East, Harding County and authorize the drilling of one vertical well to be completed in the Red River "C" and "D" zones at any location not closer than 500 feet to the boundary of said spacing unit. Because no person intervened in this matter Luff's request was approved administratively on October 6, 2017 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case 5-2017-- On October 19, 2015, the department received from Peter K. Roosevelt an application requesting a permit to inject production water into the existing 2-33 Alkali Federal well located in the NW/4 of the NE/4 of Section 33, Township 11 South, Range 1 East. Authority for the Secretary to approve this application is contained in ARSD 74:12:07 and 74:12:09. Unless a person files a petition requesting a hearing on the above application pursuant to the provisions of ARSD 74:09:01 on or before May 02, 2018 the Secretary's recommendation will be considered final and the Secretary will approve the application in accordance with that recommendation. On April 19, 2018, the Department received intervention from the Fall River County Commissioners Office. On April 23, 2018, the Department received intervention from Brad Thomsen of the Eckard Water Company. On April 30, 2018, the Department received intervention from Susan Henderson. On August 13, 2018, Steven Blair, Assistant Attorney General, provided a Notice of Contested Case Hearing, a Notice of Appearance of Department's counsel, a Motion for Appointment of a Hearing Chair, and Certificate of Service on all parties. On November 15, 2018, the Board approved Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order approving Peter K. Roosevelt's request.

Case 6-2017-- On November 27, 2017, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval to to authorize the drilling of a second vertical well in an existing 320-acre spacing unit described as the S/2 of Section 24, Township 22 North, Range 4 East, to be completed in the Red River "C" and "D" zones with no minimum inter-well distance for the wells within the unit. Because no person intervened in this matter Luff's request was approved administratively on January 12, 2018 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case 7-2017-- On November 27, 2017, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval to establish a 960-acre spacing unit consisting of the SW/4 of Section 13, the SE/4 of Section 14, the E/2 of Section 23, and the W/2 of Section 24, all in Township 22 North, Range 4 East, Harding County South Dakota, and authorize the drilling of a horizontal well to be completed in the Red River "B" zone at any location not closer than 500 feet to the boundary of said spacing unit and with reduced inter-well distance requirements from other wells capable of producing from the Red River "B" zone, and to expand the outline of the Clarkson Ranch Field to include all said lands. Because no person intervened in this matter Luff's request was approved administratively on January 12, 2018 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

2016 - 4 Cases

Case No. 1-2016--On April 5, 2016, the department received from Murex Petroleum, an application requesting approval of a major modification to the permit to inject production water into the existing Njos 34-10 well located in the SW/4 of the SE/4 of Section 10, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Table Mountain Field, Harding County, about 22 miles northwest of Buffalo, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, Murex's request was approved in accordance with DANR's April 22, 2016 Notice of Recommendation. However, to date, Murex has not satisfied the conditions of DANR's Notice of Recommendation so Murex does not have permission to inject into this well.

Case No. 2-2016-- On June 30, 2016, the department received from Continental Resources, an application requesting approval of a permit to inject production water into the existing CBRRU 24-31 NH well located in the SE/4 of the SW/4 of Section 31, Township 22 North, Range 4 East, in the Central Buffalo Red River Unit of the Buffalo Field, Harding County, about 17 miles northwest of Buffalo, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter Continental's request was approved administratively on September 2, 2016 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 3-2016--On September 27, 2016, the department received from Peter K. Roosevelt, an application requesting approval of a permit to drill an oil and gas well at an exception location to the Edgemont Field spacing, described as the 8-16-1X State well, located 2,306 feet from the north line and 200 feet from the east line in Section 16, Township 09 South, Range 2 East, approximately three miles west-southwest of Edgemont, Fall River County. Because no person intervened in this matter, Peter Roosevelt's request was approved administratively on November 3, 2016 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Quartz Operations, LLC. Enforcement Hearing-- On July 1, 2016, the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources (Department) issued a notice of violation pertaining to the Quartz Operations, LLC Northern Points 1 well. On October 19, 2016, the Department petitioned the Board of Minerals and Environment (Board) to revoke Oil and Gas Permit no. 2026 issued by the Board to Quartz Operations, LLC, for the drilling of the Northern Points 1 well and declare the bond associated with that well forfeited to the State of South Dakota. A Hearing Chair was appointed on October 26, 2016 and the Board scheduled a contested case hearing on the above described matter for Thursday, November 17, 2016. Quartz Operations was granted a continuance and the hearing was rescheduled to January 19, 2017. At that hearing, the Board granted the Department's Petition and subsequently issued an Order revoking Oil and Gas Permit no. 2026 and forfeiting the bonds associated with the Quartz Northern Points 1 well.

2015 - 7 Cases

Case No. 1-2015--On January 20, 2015, the department received from Bowers Oil and Gas, an application requesting approval of an order amending Oil and Gas Order No. 5-81 to establish a 320-acre spacing unit for the West Short Pine Hills Field consisting of the S/2 of Section 3, Township 15 North, Range 2 East, Harding County, and authorize within the spacing unit two wells capable of producing from the Eagle Sand Unit of the Pierre Formation at any location not closer than 100 feet to the spacing unit boundary and not closer than 1,875 feet to any well capable of producing from the Eagle Sand. Because no person intervened in this matter, Bowers' request was approved administratively on March 6, 2015 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 2-2015--On January 22, 2015, Woodford Construction Company entered a petition requesting a contested case proceeding and requesting that a portion of the plugging and performance bond on the Northern Points 1 well be released in response to a Writ of Execution in favor of Woodford ConstructionCompany, Inc. by virtue of a judgment entry against Quartz Operations LLC.On April 9, 2015 the hearing chair for the Board of Minerals and Environment granted the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources' request to dismiss the case as a matter of law based on South Dakota Codified Laws 34A-10-2.2 and 34A-10-2.3. Findings of fact and conclusions of law were adopted by the BME on May 21, 2015.

Case No. 3-2015--On March 23, 2015, the department received from Luff Exploration, an application for a permit to inject into the existing PCRRU A-27H well located in the NE/4 of the NE/4 of Section 27, Township 23 North, Range 6 East, in the Pete's Creek Field, Harding County, to support the water flood in the "B" zone of the Red River Formation in the Pete's Creek Red River Unit for enhanced recovery of oil and gas. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on May 1, 2015 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 4-2015--On March 26, 2015, the department received from Luff Exploration, an application for an order amending Order Nos. 3-75A, 17-97, and any other applicable orders for the Corey Butte Field to establish a 960-acre spacing unit consisting of all of Section 25 and the E/2 of Section 26, Township 23 North, Range 6 East, Harding County, and authorize the drilling of up to two horizontal wells in the Red River "B" zone at any location not closer than 500 feet to the boundary of said spacing unit. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on May 26, 2015 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 5-2015-- On March 26, 2015, the department received from Luff Exploration, an application for a permit to inject into the existing PCRRU Miller 1-27H well located in the NW/4 of the SE/4 of Section 27, Township 23 North, Range 6 East, in the Pete's Creek Field, Harding County, to support the water flood in the "B" zone of the Red River Formation in the Pete's Creek Red River Unit for enhanced recovery of oil and gas. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on May 8, 2015 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 6-2015-- On June 1, 2015, the department received from Luff Exploration, an application for an order pooling all interests in a spacing unit for the Corey Butte Field described as all of Section 25 and the E/2 of Section 26, Township 23 North, Range 6 East, Harding County; prescribing the time and manner in which all owners may elect to participate in the drilling and operation of a well on such spacing unit; providing an alternative whereby an owner who does not elect to participate in the risk and cost of a well may participate on a limited or carried basis; authorizing the recovery of risk compensation in addition to the pro rata share of reasonable, actual costs from the interest of any lessee or unleased mineral owner who elects not to participate in the risk and cost of drilling and completing authorized wells on said spacing unit. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on September 28, 2015 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 7-2015--On August 3, 2015, the department received from Peter K. Roosevelt, an application for an order to establish a field for the production of oil and gas from the Second Leo Sands of the Minnelusa Formation, consisting of the N/2 of the SW/4 and the NW/4 of the SE/4 of Section 25, Township 9 South, Range 2 East, Fall River County, with spacing of one well per 40-acre tract, each well to be located not closer than 500 feet from the spacing unit boundary, and not closer than 1,000 feet to the nearest well drilled to or producing from the Second Leo Sands of the Minnelusa Formation. Because no person intervened in this matter, Peter Roosevelt's request was approved administratively on November 23, 2015 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

2014 - 12 Cases

Case No. 1-2014--On January 27, 2014, the department received fromContinental Resources, an application requesting approval of an order authorizing the recovery of risk compensation from certain non-participating owners, for the drilling and operating of the Duke 41-15H well located in a spacing unit described as Sections 15 and 22, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Table Mountain Field, Harding County. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on March 17, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 2-2014--On February 24, 2014, the department received from RIM Operating, an application requesting approval of an order to establish a 409.42-acre spacing unit comprised of all of Section 19, Township 23 North, Range 4 East, South Medicine Pole Hills Field, Harding County. Because no person intervened in this matter, RIM's request was approved administratively on April 4, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 3-2014-- On February 21, 2014, the department received from RIM Operating, an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the South Medicine Pole Hills Field to pool all interests in a a 409.42-acre spacing unit described as all of Section 19, Township 23 North, Range 4 East, South Medicine Pole Hills Field, Harding County. Because no person intervened in this matter, RIM's request was approved administratively on April 4, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 4-2014--On March 03, 2014, the department received from Luff Exploration Company, an application requesting approval of an order vacating an existing spacing unit consisting of the SW/4 of Section 2, the SE/4 of Section 3, the E/2 of Section 11, Township 22 North, Range 4 East and instead establish a 960-acre spacing unit for the Buffalo Field consisting of the W/2 of Section 2, the E/2 of Section 3, the NE/4 of Section 10, and the NW/4 of Section 11, Township 22 North, Range 4 East, Harding County, South Dakota and authorize the drilling of a horizontal well with one or more laterals. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on April 16, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 5-2014--On March 26, 2014, the department received from Luff Exploration Company, an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Buffalo Field to establish a 960-acre spacing unit consisting of the SE/4 of Section 9, the SW/4 of Section 10, the W/2 of Section 15, and the E/2 of Section 16, Township 22 North, Range 4 East, Harding County, South Dakota, and authorize the drilling of a horizontal well at any location not closer than 500 feet to the boundary of said spacing unit. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on May 19, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 6-2014--On May 21, 2014, the department received from Luff Exploration Company, an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Yellow Hair Field and the Clarkson Ranch Field to establish a 960-acre spacing unit for the Clarkson Ranch Field consisting of the S/2 of Section 13 and all of Section 24, Township 22 North, Range 4 East, Harding County, South Dakota, and authorize the drilling of a horizontal well at any location not closer than 500 feet to the boundary of said spacing unit. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on July 28, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 7-2014-- On June 19, 2014, the department received from Continental Resources, an application requesting approval of an order authorizing the recovery of risk compensation from certain non-participating owners, for the drilling and operating of the Schmidt 21-14H well, located on a 1280-acre spacing unit described as Sections 14 and 23, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on August 4, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 8-2014-- Petition withdrawn.

Case No. 9-2014-- Petition withdrawn.

Case No. 10-2014-- On September 10, 2014, the department received from Luff Exploration, an application requesting approval of an order poolng all interests in a spacing unit for the Clarkson Ranch Field described as the S/2 of Section 13 and all of Section 24, Township 22 North, Range 4 East, Harding County, South Dakota, and to authorize the recovery of risk compensation in addition to the pro rata share of reasonable, actual costs from the interest of any lessee or unleased mineral owner who elects not to participate in the risk and cost of drilling and completing a well on said spacing unit. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on October 27, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 11-2014-- On August 27, 2014, the department received from Zenergy Operating Company, an application requesting approval of a permit to inject production water into the existing Gunderson 31P-30-19H well located in the SE/4 of the SE/4 of Section 31, Township 23 North, Range 3 East, in the Border Field, Harding County. Because no person intervened in this matter, Zenergy's request was approved administratively on October 31, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 12-2014-- On October 14, 2014, the department received from Luff Exploration, an application requesting approval of an order amending applicable orders for the Buffalo Field to include the NW/4 of Section 14 and the NE/4 of Section 15, Township 22 North, Range 4 East within the field and establishing a 960-acre spacing unit for the field consisting of the E/2 of Section 10, the W/2 of Section 11, the NW/4 of Section 14, and the NE/4 of Section 15, Township 22 North, Range 4 East, Harding Couty, South Dakota, and authorize the drilling of a horizontal well with one or more laterals in the Red River "B" Zone at any location not closer than 500 feet to the boundary of said spacing unit. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on December 19, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

2013 - 67 Cases

Case No. 1-2013--On January 10, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. (CRI) an application requesting approval of an order granting change of operator of the Central Buffalo Red River Unit for the "B" zone of the Red River formation, Harding County, South Dakota; and such further and additional relief as the board deems appropriate. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on March 19 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 2-2013--On January 10, 2013, after receiving no intervention, the department approved an application from Continental Resources, Inc. (CRI) requesting approval to increase maximum injection volumes at the existing SBRRU 21-13H injection well located in the NE/4 of the NW/4, Section 13, Township 20 North, Range 4East; the SBRRU 42-10H injection well located in the SE/4 of the NE/4, Section 10, Township 20 North, Range 4 East; and the BRRU 32-21H injection well located in the SW/4 of the NE/4, Section 21, Township 21 North, Range 4 East, in the South Buffalo Red River Unit and Buffalo Red River Unit, Harding County, South Dakota.

Case No. 3-2013--On January 28, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. (CRI) an application requesting approval of an order to amend the field rules for the Buffalo Field so as to establish a 1280-acre spacing unit comprised of Sections 3 and 10, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, and to establish a 640-acre spacing unit comprised of the W/2 of Section 24 and the W/2 of Section 25, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Buffalo Field, Harding County, South Dakota; and allow the drilling of one horizontal well on each spacing unit not less than 500 feet to the spacing unit boundary. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on March 19 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 4-2013--On January 28, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. (CRI) an application requesting approval of an order to amend the field rules for the Table Mountain Field so as to establish the following 1280-acre spacing units: Sections 2 and 11, Sections 3 and 10, Sections 4 and 9, Sections 14 and 23, and Sections 16 and 21, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, and the following overlapping 1280-acre spacing unit: Sections 15 and 22. Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Table Mountain Field, Harding County, South Dakota; and allow the drilling of one horizontal well on each spacing unit not less than 500 feet to the spacing unit boundary. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on March 19 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 5-2013--On February 1, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources Inc., an application requesting approval of a permit to inject production water into the existing SBRRU 32-33A well located in the SW/4 of the NE/4 of Section 33, Township 21 North, Range 4 East, in the South Buffalo Red River Unit, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on May 9 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 6-2013--On February 4, 2013, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval of an order to amend the orders for the Buffalo Field, the South Medicine Pole Hills Field, the State Line Field, and the Travers Ranch Field to establish a 960-acre spacing unit for the Buffalo Field consisting of the SW/4 of Section 36 and the SE/4 of Section 35, Township 23 North, Range 4 East and the W/2 of Section 1 and the E/2 of Section 2, Township 22 North, Range 4 East, Harding County, South Dakota and authorize the drilling of a horizontal well with one or more laterals at any location not closer than 500 feet to the boundary of said spacing unit. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on April 1 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 7-2013--On March 4, 2013, the department received from Prima Exploration an application requesting approval of an order to amend any applicable orders for the South Medicine Pole Hills Field to establish a 897.60-acre spacing unit consisting of lots 1, 2, 3, 4, and S/2 of Section 20, and N/2, SE/4 of Section 29, Township 23 North, Range 4 East, Harding County, South Dakota and authorize the drilling of a horizontal well at a location not closer than 500 feet to the boundary of said spacing unit. Because no person intervened in this matter, Prima's request was approved administratively on April 29 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 8-2013--On March 4, 2013, the department received from Prima Exploration an application requesting approval of an order to pool all interests in a 897.60-acre spacing unit consisting of lots 1, 2, 3, 4, and S/2 of Section 20, and N/2, SE/4 of Section 29, Township 23 North, Range 4 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, Prima's request was approved administratively on April 29 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 9-2013--On March 4, 2013, the department received from Prima Exploration an application requesting approval of an order to pool all interests in a 1059.28-acre spacing unit consisting of Section 21 and Section 28, Township 23 North, Range 4 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, Prima's request was approved administratively on April 29 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 10-2013--On March 11, 2013, the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources (department) entered a petition requesting a contested case proceeding and approval of drilling permits with conditions including additional surety for Quartz Operations, LLC's Northern Points 1 well, located in the NW/4 of the NW/4, Section 7, Township 1 North, Range 14 East, and Northern Points 2 well, located in the NE/4 of the NE/4, Section 12, Township 1 North, Range 13 East, Pennington County, South Dakota. The department recommends that the plugging and performance bond for these wells be increased to $130,000 per well. On March 21, the Board of Minerals and Environment held a hearing in Pierre to consider the application. After hearing testimony from Quartz's expert witness and the department, and no one having contested the application, the Board approved the permits with increased surety.

Case No. 11-2013--On March 25, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources Inc., an application requesting approval of permits to drill two horizontal oil and gas wells in a portion of the Buffalo Field not already spaced for horizontal wells by the Board of Minerals and Environment described as the Stafford 44-1H horizontal well, located in the SE/4 of the SE/4, Section 1, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, and the Haise 41-1H horizontal well, located in the NE/4 of the NE/4, Section 1, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on May 1 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 12-2013-- Petition withdrawn.

Case No. 13-2013--On April 17, 2013, the department received from Luff Exploration, an application requesting approval of a permit to inject into the existing EHSRRU J-30H well located in the NW/4 of the SE/4 of Section 30, Township 23 North, Range 6 East, in the East Harding Springs Red River Unit, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on May 31 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 14-2013-- On April 19, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources Inc., an application requesting approval of a permit to inject into the existing BRRU 12-19 well located in the SW/4 of the NW/4 of Section 19, Township 21 North, Range 4 East, in the Buffalo Red River Unit, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on May 31 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 15-2013--On April 22, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order to pool all interests in a 320-acre spacing unit described as the S/2 of Section 12, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on June 24 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 16-2013--On April 22, 2013, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval of an order to two overlapping 960-acre spacing units for the Buffalo Field described as (1) the E/2 of Section 33 and the W/2 of Section 34, Township 23 North, Range 4 East, and the NW/4 of Section 3 and the NE/4 of Section 4, Township 22 North, Range 4 East; and (2) the E/2 of Section 31 and all of Section 32, Township 23 North, Range 4 East, Harding County, South Dakota, and to authorize the drilling of a horizontal well with one or more laterals at any location not closer than 500 feet to the boundary of each of said spacing units. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on July 1 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 17-2013--On June 20, 2013, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval of an permit to inject into the existing TRRRU O-32H well located in the SW/4 of the SE/4 of Section 32, Township 23 North, Range 5 East, in the Travers Ranch Red River Unit of the Travers Ranch Field, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on August 2 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 18-2013--On July 1, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Buffalo Field to pool all interests in a 640-acre spacing unit described as the E/2 of Section 25 and the E/2 of Section 36, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on August 19 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 19-2013--On July 1, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Buffalo Field to pool all interests in a 320-acre spacing unit described as the N/2 of Section 1, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on August 19 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 20-2013--On July 1, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Table Mountain Field to pool all interests in an overlapping 1280-acre spacing unit described as Sections 16 and 21, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on August 19 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 21-2013--On July 1, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Table Mountain Field to pool all interests in an overlapping 1280-acre spacing unit described as Sections 15 and 22, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on August 19 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 22-2013--On July 1, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Table Mountain Field to pool all interests in an 1280-acre spacing unit described as Sections 4 and 9, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on August 19 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 23-2013--On July 1, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Table Mountain Field to pool all interests in an 1280-acre spacing unit described as Sections 3 and 10, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on August 19 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 24-2013--On July 1, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Buffalo Field to pool all interests in an 1280-acre spacing unit described as Sections 3 and 10, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on August 19 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 25-2013--On July 1, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Buffalo Field to pool all interests in an 960-acre spacing unit described as all of Section 13 and the E/2 of Section 24, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on August 19 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 26-2013--On July 5, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending Order No. 6-83, and any other field orders or spacing rules so as to allow the Mitchell 31-16H well, located in the NW/4 of the NE/4 of Section 16, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Table Mountain Field, Harding County, South Dakota, to be located, completed, and/or to produce at a distance of not less than 500 feet from the Koch 34-16 State well.Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on August 19 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 27-2013--On July 15, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Table Mountain Field to pool all interests in an 1280-acre spacing unit described as all of Sections 2 and 11, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on August 26 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 28-2013--On July 26, 2013, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval of an order pooling all interests in a spacing unit for the South Medicine Pole Hills Field described as the E/2 of Section 33 and the W/2 of Section 34, Township 23 North, Range 4 East and the NW/4 of Section 3 and the NE/4 of Section 4, Township 22 North, Range 4 East, Harding County, South Dakota. After hearing testimony from Luff's expert witness, the Board of Minerals and Environment (BME) voted 6 to 1 to approve Luff's request. The board issued the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order at its regularly scheduled meeting on November 21, 2013.The case was appealed to the South Dakota Supreme Court, who then remanded the case bsck to the BME. The BME heard testimony and issued an amended order at its regularly scheduled meeting on October 15, 2015.

Case No. 29-2013-- Petition withdrawn.

Case No. 30-2013--On August 5, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Buffalo Field to pool all interests for the Aldrin 24-25H well, located on a 640-acre spacing unit described as the W/2 of Section 24 and the W/2 of Section 25, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on September 16 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 31-2013--On August 5, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Table Mountain Field to pool all interests for the Schmidt 21-14H well, located on a 1280-acre spacing unit described as all of Sections 14 and 23, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on September 16 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 32-2013--On August 15, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order authorizing the recovery of a risk penalty from non-participating owners, for the drilling and operating of the Lennerville 44-12H well located in a spacing unit described as the S/2 of Section 12, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, Buffalo Field, Harding County, South Dakota. On October 11, CRI requested dismissal of this case.

Case No. 33-2013--On September 9, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending the field rules for the Table Mountain Field and establish the following overlapping 1280-acre spacing unit: Sections 1 and 12, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, and the following 1280-acre spacing units: Sections 17 and 20, Sections 18 and 19, sections 29 and 32, and Sections 30 and 31. Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Table Mountain Field, Harding County, South Dakota; and allow the drilling of one horizontal well on each spacing unit. On October 11, CRI requested dismissal of Sections 30 and 31, Township 22 North, Range 3 East from this case. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on October 21 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 34-2013--On September 9, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending the field rules for the Buffalo Field and establish the following 1280-acre spacing units: Sections 2 and 11, Sections 4 and 9, Sections 5 and 8, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, the following 480-acre spacing unit: N/2 and SE/4 of Section 15, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, the following 960-acre spacing unit: all of Section 13 and the E/2 of Section 24, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, the following 1280-acre spacing units: Section s26 and 35, Sections 27 and 34, and Sections 28 and 33, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, and the following 320-acre spacing unit: W/2 of Section 36, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Buffalo Field, Harding County, South Dakota; and allow the drilling of one horizontal well on each spacing unit. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on October 21 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 35-2013--On September 9, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Table Mountain Field to pool all interests in an overlapping 1280-acre spacing unit described as all of Sections 1 and 12, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on October 21 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 36-2013--On September 9, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Table Mountain Field to pool all interests in a 1280-acre spacing unit described as all of Sections 18 and 19, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on October 21 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 37-2013--On September 9, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Table Mountain Field to pool all interests in a 1280-acre spacing unit described as all of Sections 17 and 20, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on October 21 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 38-2013--On September 9, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Table Mountain Field to pool all interests in a 1280-acre spacing unit described as all of Sections 30 and 31, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. On October 11, CRI requested dismissal of this case.

Case No. 39-2013--On September 9, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Table Mountain Field to pool all interests in a 1280-acre spacing unit described as all of Sections 29 and 32, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on October 21 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 40-2013--On September 9, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Buffalo Field to pool all interests in a 960-acre spacing unit described as all of Section 13 and the E/2 of Section 24, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on October 21 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 41-2013--On September 9, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Buffalo Field to pool all interests in a 1280-acre spacing unit described as all of Sections 28 and 33, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on October 21 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 42-2013--On September 9, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Buffalo Field to pool all interests in a 1280-acre spacing unit described as all of Sections 27 and 34, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on October 21 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 43-2013--On September 9, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Buffalo Field to pool all interests in a 1280-acre spacing unit described as all of Sections 26 and 35, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on October 21 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 44-2013--Petition withdrawn.

Case No. 45-2013--On September 9, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Buffalo Field to pool all interests in a 1280-acre spacing unit described as all of Sections 5 and 8, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on October 21 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 46-2013--On September 9, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Buffalo Field to pool all interests in a 1280-acre spacing unit described as all of Sections 4 and 9, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on October 21 by the Secretary of the Department ofAgriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 47-2013--On September 9, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Buffalo Field to pool all interests in a 1280-acre spacing unit described as all of Sections 2 and 11, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on October 21 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 48-2013--On September 9, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources, Inc. an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Buffalo Field to pool all interests in a 480-acre spacing unit described as the N/2 and SE/4 of Section 15, Township 21 North, Range 3 East, Harding County, South Dakota. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on October 21 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 49-2013--On January 16, 2014, after receiving no intervention, the department approved an application from Continental Resources, Inc. (CRI) requesting approval of a permit to inject production water into the existing Hansen State 34-1 well located in the SW/4 of the SE/4 of Section 1, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Table Mountain Field, Harding County.

Case No. 50-2013--Petition withdrawn

Case No. 51-2013--On November 15, 2013, the department received from Zenergy Operating Company an application requesting approval of an order amending the field rules for the Border Field and to establish the following 1,280-acre spacing units: Sections 5 and 8, and Sections 6 and 7, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, and the following 1,700-acre spacing units: Sections 19, 30, and 31, and Sections 20, 29, and 32, Township 23 North, Range 3 East, Border Field, Harding County South Dakota; and allow the drilling of one horizontal well on each spacing unit. Because no person intervened in this matter, Zenergy's request was approved administratively on January 21, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 52-2013--Petition withdrawn

Case No. 53-2013--Petition withdrawn

Case No. 54-2013--On November 15, 2013, the department received from Zenergy Operating Company an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Border Field to pool all interests in a 1,280-acre spacing unit described as all of Sections 5 and 8, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County. Because no person intervened in this matter, Zenergy's request was approved administratively on January 21, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 55-2013--On November 15, 2013, the department received from Zenergy Operating Company an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Border Field to pool all interests in a 1,280-acre spacing unit described as all of Sections 6 and 7, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Harding County. Because no person intervened in this matter, Zenergy's request was approved administratively on January 21, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 56-2013--On November 15, 2013, the department received from Zenergy Operating Company an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Border Field to pool all interests in a 1,700-acre spacing unit described as all of Sections 19, 30, and 31, Township 23 North, Range 3 East, Harding County. Because no person intervened in this matter, Zenergy's request was approved administratively on January 21, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 57-2013--On November 15, 2013, the department received from Zenergy Operating Company an application requesting approval of an order amending any applicable orders for the Border Field to pool all interests in a 1,700-acre spacing unit described as all of Sections 20, 29, and 32, Township 23 North, Range 3 East, Harding County. Because no person intervened in this matter, Zenergy's request was approved administratively on January 21, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 58-2013-- Petition withdrawn.

Case No. 59-2013-- Petition withdrawn.

Case No. 60-2013--On November 27, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources an application requesting approval of an authorizing the recovery of risk compensation from certain non-participating owners, for the drilling and operating of the Conrad 24-11H well located in a spacing unit described as Sections 2 and 11, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Table Mountain Field, Harding County. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on January 27, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 61-2013--On November 27, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources an application requesting approval of an order authorizing the recovery of risk compensation from certain non-participating owners, for the drilling and operating of the Mitchell 31-16H well located in a spacing unit described as Sections 16 and 21, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Table Mountain Field, Harding County. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on January 27, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 62-2013--On November 27, 2013, the department received from Continental Resources an application requesting approval of an order authorizing the recovery of risk compensation from certain non-participating owners, for the drilling and operating of the Aldrin 24-25H well located in a spacing unit described as the W/2 of Section 24 and the W/2 of Section 25, Township 22 North, Range 3 East, Buffalo Field, Harding County. Because no person intervened in this matter, CRI's request was approved administratively on January 27, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 63-2013-- Petition withdrawn.

Case No. 64-2013--On December 26, 2013, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval of an order vacating an existing 640-acre spacing unit consisting of all of Section 35, Township 23 North, Range 6 East, and establishing instead a 320-acre spacing unit consisting of the W/2 of Section 35, and authorize the drilling of a horizontal well at any location not closer than 500 feet to the boundary of said spacing unit. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on March 24, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 65-2013--On December 26, 2013, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval of an order to include all of Sections 22 and 23, Township 23 North, Range 3 East, Harding County within the Table Mountain Field and to establish a spacing unit containing 831.36 acres, more or less, and consisting of Sections 22 and 23, and authorize the drilling of a horizontal well at any location not closer than 500 feet to the boundary of said spacing unit. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on March 24, 2014 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Case No. 66-2013--On December 26, 2013, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval of an order authorizing the recovery of risk compensation in addition to the pro rata share of reasonable, actual costs from the interests of certain unleased mineral owners who elected not to participate in the risk and cost of drilling and completing the McKitrick I-28H well on a spacing unit described as the SW/4 of Section 27, the SE/4 of Section 28, the E/2 of Section 33, and the W/2 of Section 34, all in Township 23 North, Range 4 East, Harding County. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on February 14 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Case No. 67-2013--On December 30, 2013, the department received from Luff Exploration an application requesting approval of a permit to inject into the existing TRRRU D-5H well located in the NW/4 of the NW/4 of Section 5, Township 22 North, Range 5 East, in the Travers Ranch Red River Unit of the Travers Ranch Field, Harding County, to support the water flood in the "B" zone of the Red River Formation in the Travers Ranch Red River Unit for enhanced recovery of oil and gas. Because no person intervened in this matter, Luff's request was approved administratively on February 14 by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

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Oil & Gas
IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Noteworthy Items:

Oil & Gas Resources

Oil & Gas IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Noteworthy Items:

Oil & Gas Resources

Oil & Gas
IN SOUTH DAKOTA