---
kind: "range"
citation: "36 C.F.R. §§ 9.50–9.53"
title: "36"
from: "9.50"
to: "9.53"
count: 4
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/36/9.50..9.53"
---

# §9.50. Do I need an operations permit for my previously exempt operations?


Yes. You must obtain an NPS operations permit.


# §9.51. How do I apply for my operations permit?


Within 90 days after December 5, 2016 or within 90 days after the effective date of a boundary change, or establishment of a new System unit, as applicable, you must submit the following to the Superintendent of the System unit in which you propose to continue to conduct operations:

- (a) The names and contact information of the operator, the owner, and the individuals responsible for overall management, field supervision, and emergency response of the proposed operations;
- (b) Documentation demonstrating that you hold a right, and the extent of such right, to operate within the System unit;
- (c) A brief description of the current operations and any anticipated changes to the current operations;
- (d) The American Petroleum Institute (API) well number or State well-identification permit number;
- (e) Maps to scale that clearly delineate your current area of operations as of December 5, 2016 or the effective date of a boundary change, or establishment of a new System unit, as applicable, and that identify the area of surface disturbance and equipment layout within your proposed area of operations;
- (f) The results of any reconnaissance surveys you have conducted to be used by the Superintendent to identify resource protection measures in your operations permit.
- (g) A spill control and emergency preparedness plan as required by [§ 9.86](/cfr/36/9.86.md);
- (h) Documentation of the current operating methods, surface equipment, downhole well construction and completion, materials produced or used, and monitoring methods;
- (i) A description of how your proposed operation will meet each applicable operating standard at §§ [9.110 through 9.116](/cfr/36/9.110..9.116.md) and [9.118](/cfr/36/9.118.md); and
- (j) A description of the procedures to be used and cost estimates for well plugging and surface reclamation.

# §9.52. What will the NPS do with my application?


The NPS will review your application and take action under [§§ 9.100 through 9.104](/cfr/36/9.100..9.104.md).


# §9.53. May I continue to operate while the NPS reviews my application?


During this interim period, you may continue to conduct operations subject to the following conditions:

- (a) Continuation of operations is limited to those methods and the area of disturbance that existed on December 5, 2016 or the effective date of a boundary change, or establishment of a new System unit, as applicable.
- (b) Your operation is subject to the general terms and conditions in [§§ 9.120 through 9.122](/cfr/36/9.120..9.122.md) and the prohibitions and penalties in [§§ 9.180 through 9.182](/cfr/36/9.180..9.182.md).
- (c) Except in an emergency, we will not take any steps to directly regulate your operation before 90 days after December 5, 2016 or 90 days after the effective date of a boundary change, or establishment of a new System unit, as applicable.