KRS 353.588: Investigation of abandoned wells -- Application -- Report -- Bond.

(1) Any person may investigate an abandoned well upon receipt of approval from the

department. The person shall submit to the department:

(a) An application requesting approval to investigate and stating the planned

methods for the investigation. In all cases where there has been a complete

severance of the ownership of the oil and gas from the ownership of the

surface to be disturbed, the application shall include a plan to prevent erosion

and sedimentation;

(b) A twenty-five dollar ($25) fee; and

(c) A certification by the applicant that he has the authority to enter the property

upon which the well is located and to conduct the investigation.

(2) The department shall review all applications for investigation. If the department

approves the request for investigation, the applicant shall be allowed to produce the

well without a permit as required by KRS 353.570, and the applicant shall submit a

report of investigation to the department on forms provided by the department. In

order to produce the well for more th an sixty (60) days, the applicant must obtain a

bond as required by KRS 353.590(7) or (12). Notwithstanding the provisions of

KRS 353.590(2), no fee shall be required for any such well.