PURPOSE: Spacing patterns for wells in a pool or reservoir to prevent waste, to contribute to orderly development and to protect property rights are established by this rule. It is common practice in establishing spacing units to insure that there will be sufficient distance between wells so that other wells and property will not be endangered if a blowout or fire occurs. Wells should be located in a relatively uniform spacing pattern even under diversified ownership conditions to prevent crowding of wells along property lines. Preferably, spacing patterns should be such that the area allotted to each well will not be less than the approximate area that can be economically and efficiently drained by that well.

The council may upon its own motion or upon the motion of any interested party and after notice and hearing establish spacing units of a specified and approximate uniform size and shape for each pool within this state.

AUTHORITY: section 259.100, RSMo 1986.* Original rule filed Sept. 12, 1973, effective Sept. 22, 1973. *Original authority: 259.100, RSMo 1965.