Section 11.84.755. Plan of exploration.

	(a)  Before initiating exploration or prospecting activities that require a land use permit under 11 AAC, a holder of a competitive geothermal lease or a holder of a prospecting permit must submit and receive approval of a plan of exploration.  
	(b)  A plan of exploration must include  
		(1) a description of the proposed exploration or prospecting activities;  
		(2) the types of exploratory wells planned, including drilling methods to be used, drilling sequence to be followed, proposed safety measures, drill site and bottom hole locations, and depths of proposed wells; and  
		(3) the estimated date drilling will commence.  
	(c)  The holder of a geothermal lease issued competitively must update the plan of exploration every two years after issuance of the lease and must  
		(1) describe in detail the extent to which the lessee carried out the previous plan; and  
		(2) show, to the satisfaction of the commissioner, that the lessee plans to exercise diligence in the exploration of the area covered by the lease.  
	(d)  A plan of exploration must be modified and reapproved if actual exploration or prospecting activity deviates significantly from that authorized by a previously approved plan.  
	(e)  Within 65 days after receiving a plan of exploration, an updated plan, or a modified plan, the commissioner will approve or disapprove it. If the plan is disapproved, the commissioner will state the reasons for disapproval and will, in his discretion, propose modifications which, if accepted by the holder of the lease or prospecting permit, would qualify the plan for approval.  

Authorities

38.05.020;38.05.035;38.05.145;38.05.181

Notes

Authority

AS 38.05.020 AS 38.05.035 AS 38.05.145 AS 38.05.181

History

Eff. 8/22/82, Register 83