STATE OF COLORADO OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE REDUCTION IN BONDING ) CAUSE NO. 1
REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 706. OF THE COLORADO )
OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION RULES ) ORDER NO. 1-84
AND REGULATIONS, EL PASO COUNTY, COLORADO )
This cause came on for hearing before the Commission at 8:30 a.m. on December 2, 1999, in Suite 801, The Chancery Building, 1120 Lincoln Street, Denver, Colorado on the application of Tom and Toni Niswonger for an order to allow a reduction in the bonding requirements provided in Rule 706. of the Rules and Regulations of the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission for the Niswonger #1 Well located in the SW¼ SE¼ of Section 20, Township 11 South, Range 67 West, 6th P. M., El Paso County.
FINDINGS
The Commission finds as follows:
1. Tom and Toni Niswonger, as applicants herein, are interested parties in the above-referenced hearing.
2. Due notice of the time, place and purpose of the hearing has been given in all respects as required by law.
3. The Commission has jurisdiction over the subject matter embraced in said Notice, and of the parties interested therein, and jurisdiction to promulgate the hereinafter prescribed order.
4. On April 22, 1992, a water well was drilled on the Niswonger’s land. The well did not encounter water, but instead produced natural gas. The well was completed as a natural gas well and the Niswongers have used this well to provide domestic gas for their home. Exhibits and testimony presented at the administrative hearing showed that this well is 660 feet deep.
5. Testimony and exhibits presented at the administrative hearing provided a deed of trust for the Niswonger’s land, showing that they are the mineral owners. Additional testimony and exhibits provided a letter from the El Paso County Assessor’s Office showing there are no other separately assessed mineral rights for this property.
6. Testimony and exhibits presented at the administrative hearing showed two (2) estimates for the cost of plugging and abandonment of the well estimated at One Thousand dollars ($1000).
7. The Niswonger gas well is not equipped with an ordorizer, however, the Niswonger’s home is equipped with a natural gas detector.
8. At the time of the administrative hearing, the Niswongers agreed to be bound by oral order of the Commission.
9. Based on the facts stated in the application, having received no protests and having been heard by the Hearing Officer who recommends approval, the Commission should enter an order approving the application.
NOW, THEREFORE IT IS ORDERED that the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission shall allow for a reduction in the bonding requirements provided in Rule 706. of the Rules and Regulations of the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission for the Niswonger #1 Well located in the SW¼ SE¼ of Section 20, Township 11 South, Range 67 West, 6th P. M., El Paso County.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that financial assurance in the amount of One Thousand dollars ($1000) shall be posted with the Commission within thirty (30) days of the date this order is entered.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the provisions contained in the above order shall become effective forthwith.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Commission expressly reserves its right, after notice and hearing, to alter, amend or repeal any and/or all of the above orders.
ENTERED this day of December, as of December 2, 1999.
OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION
OF THE STATE OF COLORADO
By
Patricia C. Beaver, Secretary
Dated at Suite 801
1120 Lincoln Street
Denver, Colorado 80203
July 25, 2019