Unitization, Communitization, Spacing, and Drainage

Unitization (Exploratory and Secondary): Unitization provides for the exploration and development of an entire geologic structure or area by a single operator so that drilling and production may proceed in the most efficient and economic manner.

Communitization (Pooling): Provides guidelines for submitting communitization agreements. Information on communitization in Montana and the Dakotas.

Gas Storage Agreements: Provides guidelines for submitting gas storage agreements.

Unleased Federal Lands Within a Spacing Unit: Frequently asked questions.

Drainage of Federal and Indian Resources: Provides guidelines for the protection and loss of oil and gas resources resulting from drainage.

Spacing Orders on Indian Lands: Oil and Gas Spacing Orders approved by the Bureau of Land Management on Indian lands.

Spacing Orders on Private (Fee), State, and Federal Wells: For spacing orders issued by the state oil and gas regulatory agencies on private (fee), state, and federal wells in the Montana/Dakotas.

The BLM has regulations that govern the protection of federal and Indian lands from drainage. They can be found at 43 CFR 3160.

Regional Information

For information on communitization in Montana and the Dakotas, please click here.