(a) The regulations in subparts 3260 through 3267 establish permitting and operating procedures for drilling wells and conducting related activities for the purposes of performing flow tests, producing geothermal fluids, or injecting fluids into a geothermal reservoir. These subparts also address redrilling, deepening, plugging back, and other subsequent well operations.

(b) The operations regulations in subparts 3260 through 3267 do not address conducting exploration operations, which are covered in subpart 3250, or geothermal resources utilization, which is covered in subpart 3270.

Your drilling operations must:

(a) Meet all environmental and operational standards;

(b) Prevent unnecessary impacts on surface and subsurface resources;

(c) Conserve geothermal resources and minimize waste;

(d) Protect public health, safety, and property; and

(e) Comply with the requirements of § 3200.4.

BLM may issue:

(a) Geothermal resource operational orders for detailed requirements that apply nationwide;

(b) Notices to Lessees for detailed requirements on a statewide or regional basis;

(c) Other orders and instructions specific to a field or area;

(d) Permit conditions of approval; and

(e) Oral orders, which will be confirmed in writing.