---
kind: "range"
citation: "43 C.F.R. §§ 3281.2–3281.6"
title: "43"
from: "3281.2"
to: "3281.6"
count: 5
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/43/3281.2..3281.6"
---

# §3281.2. What documents must the unit operator submit to BLM before we may designate a unit area?

- (a) The unit operator must submit the following documents before BLM may designate a proposed unit area:
  - (1) A report detailing the geologic information and interpretation that indicates, to the satisfaction of BLM, the proposed area is geologically appropriate for unitization;
  - (2) **A map showing—**
    - (i) The proposed unit area;
    - (ii) All leases (including Federal, state, or private) and tracts (unleased privately owned land or mineral rights);
    - (iii) The Federal lease number and lessee; and
    - (iv) An individual unit tract number;
  - (3) A list which includes the following information as to each Federal, state, and private lease, and tracts of unleased land, to be included in the unit:
    - (i) The lease number;
    - (ii) The legal land description of each lease and tract;
    - (iii) The acreage of each lease or tract;
    - (iv) The lessor and lessee of each lease;
    - (v) The mineral rights owner of any unleased tract; and
    - (vi) **The total number of acres—**
      - (A) In the unit area;
      - (B) Under Federal administration; and
      - (C) In private or other (such as state) ownership; and
  - (4) Any other information BLM may require.
- (b) **Before submitting any documents, ask BLM how many copies are required.**

# §3281.3. What geologic information may a unit operator use in proposing a unit area?

- (a) A unit operator may use any reasonable geologic information necessary to justify its proposed unit area. The information must document that the proposed unit area is:
  - (1) Geologically contiguous; and
  - (2) **Suitable for resource exploration, development and production under a unit agreement.**
- (b) BLM will decide which information and interpretations are acceptable. BLM's acceptance of the information and interpretations may vary depending on the types and level of geologic information available for the area.

# §3281.4. What are the size and shape requirements for a unit area?


There are no specific size or shape requirements for a unit area, except that it must meet the requirements of [§ 3281.3](/cfr/43/3281.3.md). The size of the unit area may affect the minimum initial unit obligation requirements (see [§ 3281.15(b)](/cfr/43/3281.15.md?p=b)).


# §3281.5. What happens if BLM receives applications that include overlapping unit areas?

- (a) If BLM receives unit area applications that include overlapping lands, we will request that each prospective unit operator resolve the issue with the other operator(s). If the prospective operators cannot reach a resolution, BLM may:
  - (1) Return all unit applications and request all applicants to revise their proposed unit areas;
  - (2) Designate any unit area proposal that is geologically appropriate for unitization and best meets public interest requirements; or
  - (3) **Designate a different area for unitization when doing so is in the public interest.**
- (b) BLM will reject either an application or a portion of an application that includes lands already in an approved unit area.

# §3281.6. What action will BLM take after reviewing a proposed unit area designation?

- (a) BLM will approve the unit area designation in writing and notify the prospective unit operator once we determine that:
  - (1) We have received the information required at [§ 3281.2](/cfr/43/3281.2.md);
  - (2) Information available to BLM documents that the area is geologically appropriate for unitization; and
  - (3) Unitization is appropriate to conserve the natural resources of a geothermal reservoir, field, or like area, or part thereof.
- (b) BLM will notify a prospective unit operator in writing if we do not designate a proposed unit area.