In pulling outside strings of casing from an oil or gas well, the operator shall keep and leave the space outside the casing left in the hole full of mud-laden fluid or cement of adequate specific gravity to seal off fresh and salt water strata and strata bearing oil or gas not producing.

[19.15.16.13 NMAC - Rp, 19.15.3.110 NMAC, 12/1/2008]