Oil and Gas Frequently Asked Questions - Ohio DNR Division of Mineral Resources Management


ODNR Division of Mineral Resources Management - Oil and Gas

Additional Resources:

Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission

US Army Corps of Engineers

Ground Water Protection Council

Ohio Oil and Gas Association

Map to Our Offices:
Fountain Square, Building H-3

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

For general information email your questions here.

Mineral Resources Management
2045 Morse Rd.
Building H-3
Columbus, OH 43229-6693
(614) 265-6633
Fax H-2 (614) 265-7999
Fax H-3 (614) 265-7998

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Oil and Gas Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

View an expanded page (pdf) of these questions and answers.

WELL INFORMATION

Q. How can I get a copy of a record for a specific well?

Q. How can I get oil and gas well location maps?

Q. How can I contact an oil and gas operator?

Q. How can I obtain the Division’s oil and gas well database?

WELLS ON A PROPERTY

Q. How can I determine if a well exists on a specific property?

Q. How can I determine the status of a well if I found an old casing?

Q. What should be done with a well that is not producing on my property?

Q. How can I have a well plugged on my property?

PRODUCTION

Q. How can I find production information for a well?

Q. What can I do if I am not receiving royalty payments?

Q. How can I find out the wellhead prices for oil and natural gas at a given time, and how can I be sure that my royalty payments are correct?

OWNERSHIP

Q. Who is required to be a registered well owner?

Q. How do I become a registered well owner?

Q. Can I drill a well on my own property?

WELL SPACING

Q. How close to my property line can a well be drilled?

Q. How close can a well be drilled to a road?

Q. How close can I build a house to a well and/or storage tanks?

LEASING

Q. Is there a lease on my property?

Q. What should I know about leasing my land if someone approaches me?

Q. How can I find information about a company (history, performance, reputation, etc.) to make an informed decision whether they are a 'good' company to do business with?

Q. What is the Division's opinion or experience with a specific company?

OBTAINING PERMIT

Q. What is required to obtain a permit?

Q. How long does it take to receive a permit?

Q. Can a permit be rushed?

URBANIZED DRILLING

Q. What is urbanized drilling?

Q. Are the rules and requirements different in urbanized areas for permitting and drilling wells?

Q. Are urban area fees the same as non-urban area fees?

OIL AND GAS INSPECTORS

Q. How do I contact the oil and gas inspector for my county?

PIPELINES

Q. Does the Division regulate gas transmission lines?

Q. Are pipelines located on the lease required to be buried?

Q. How can I find out where pipelines are buried?

Q. Are buried pipelines required to be removed when the well is plugged?

SEISMIC EXPLORATION

Q. Is a permit required for a company wanting to conduct seismic testing on my property?

Q. Can I get a copy of the seismic survey results?