43 CFR § 3261.13 - What is a drilling program and how do I apply for drilling program approval?

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t43/s3261.13"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "43 CFR § 3261.13 - What is a drilling program and how do I apply for drilling program approval?"
title_number: 43
title_name: "Public Lands: Interior"
section_number: "3261.13"
section_name: "What is a drilling program and how do I apply for drilling program approval?"
chapter_name: "BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR"
subchapter_number: "C"
subchapter_name: "MINERALS MANAGEMENT (3000)"
part_number: "3200"
part_name: "GEOTHERMAL RESOURCE LEASING"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "30 U.S.C. 1001-1028; 43 U.S.C. 1701  and Pub. L. 109-58."
regulatory_source: "72 FR 24400, May 2, 2007, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "3200"
---


# 3261.13 What is a drilling program and how do I apply for drilling program approval?

(a) A drilling program describes all the operational aspects of your proposal to drill, complete, and test a well.

(b) Send to BLM:

(1) A detailed description of the equipment, materials, and procedures you will use;

(2) The proposed/anticipated depth of the well;

(3) If you plan to directionally drill your well, also send us:

(i) The proposed bottom hole location and distances from the nearest section or tract lines;

(ii) The kick-off point;

(iii) The direction of deviation;

(iv) The angle of build-up and maximum angle; and

(v) Plan and cross section maps indicating the surface and bottom hole locations;

(4) The casing and cementing program;

(5) The circulation media (mud, air, foam, etc.);

(6) A description of the logs that you will run;

(7) A description and diagram of the blowout prevention equipment you will use during each phase of drilling;

(8) The expected depth and thickness of fresh water zones;

(9) Anticipated lost circulation zones;

(10) Anticipated reservoir temperature and pressure;

(11) Anticipated temperature gradient in the area;

(12) A plat certified by a licensed surveyor showing the surveyed surface location and distances from the nearest section or tract lines;

(13) Procedures and durations of well testing; and

(14) Any other information we may require.