1. (a) An owner or operator shall plug and abandon a well that:

   1. (1) is completed as a nonproductive well;
   2. (2) ceases to produce oil or natural gas; or

   3. (3) is no longer operated for the purpose for which the well is permitted;

      unless the owner or operator is authorized to delay the plugging and abandonment of the well under section 8 of this chapter.

2. (b) The department may assess a civil penalty of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) against an owner or operator of a well who:

   1. (1) ceases to operate the well; and
   2. (2) knowingly fails to plug and abandon the well in violation of subsection (a).
3. (c) An owner or operator who knowingly or intentionally violates this section commits a Level 6 felony if the violation or failure to comply relates to the operation of a Class II well.
4. (d) A civil penalty assessed under this section shall be deposited in the oil and gas environmental fund established by IC 14-37-10-2 .

5. (e) Each day that the well remains not plugged and not abandoned constitutes a separate violation of subsection (a).

   [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 13-8-10-1.]

As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.30. Amended by P.L.195-2014, SEC.40.