---
kind: "section"
citation: "43 C.F.R. § 3281.5"
title: "43"
number: "3281.5"
heading: "What happens if BLM receives applications that include overlapping unit areas?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/43/3281.5"
---

# §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.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1001-1028 and 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.

### Source

Source: 72 FR 24432, May 2, 2007, unless otherwise noted.