A. No person shall commence exploration for oil or gas in the State without first obtaining an exploration permit from the Commission. In order to obtain an exploration permit, an applicant shall submit the following information:

1. (1) A letter or statement describing the nature of the proposed activity, including the procedure to be followed in conducting the activity;
2. (2) A map, plat, or drawing sufficient in scale to show the location(s) of the activity;
3. (3) Proof of insurance or other financial coverage in an amount sufficient to cover personal or property damage which might reasonably be expected to occur in such operations;
4. (4) An application fee of fifty (50) dollars, in cash, certified check, or bank draft made payable to the South Carolina Water Resources Commission;
5. (5) For activities to occur on a State highway right-of-way, a letter or right-of-way agreement from the Department of Highways and Public Transportation permitting the use of such highway right-of-way and agreement to comply with necessary highway standards; and
6. (6) Such additional illustrations or narrative material necessary to sufficiently describe, to the satisfaction of the Commission, the activity and its impact on public health and safety.