State Regulations: Nevada

The Nevada Division of Minerals (Nevada Commission of Mineral Resources) administers programs and activities to further the responsible development and production of Nevada's mineral resources, including the regulation of oil- and gas-well drilling operations. Otherwise, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (Nevada Department of Conservation and Mineral Resources) administers the major environmental protection laws.

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Disposal Practices and Applicable Regulations

The oil and gas regulations administered by the Nevada Division of Minerals are contained in Chapter 522 of the Nevada Administrative Code. The regulations administered by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) are provided in various portions of the Nevada Administrative Code.

• The oil and gas regulations do not explicitly cover injection activities related to drilling wastes. The plugging regulations (NAC 522.445) contain language with respect to plugging methods that could involve drilling wastes.
• Abandonment of Wells. The regulatory requirements govern filling materials, bridge plugs, cement plugs, concrete plugs, intervals between plugs, and methods for uncased holes. The Division may approve a different method and procedure.
• Abandonment of Holes Drilled for Exploratory Purposes. The hole must be filled with the original cuttings or gravel. If artesian flow is encountered, additional requirements apply.
• Consolidated Oil and Gas Forms.



• The DEP regulations govern, among other areas, disposal of solid waste and water control.