Check papers for an Application for Permit to Drill without filing it
Key facts
- Human involvement
- RedLawyer-led
- How AI is used
- Against the papers the lawyer supplies, note whether a Form 3160-3, a drilling plan, a surface use plan of operations, and evidence of bond coverage are present, and whether an oil-well file includes a waste minimization plan or a self-certification. Do not complete the form, do not file it, and do not write the self-certification.
- What the lawyer must review
- 43 C.F.R. 3162.3-1(c) provides that the operator shall submit an Application for Permit to Drill for each well, and that no drilling operations, nor surface disturbance preliminary to them, may be commenced before the authorized officer approves the permit. Paragraph (d) provides that the process must be initiated at least 30 days before commencement of operations is desired, and that a complete application consists of Form 3160-3 and the attachments listed in that paragraph, including a drilling plan, a surface use plan of operations, evidence of bond coverage, and, for an oil well, a waste minimization plan or a self-certification, which does not apply to gas wells. Paragraph (i) provides that approval does not warrant or certify that the applicant holds legal or equitable title. Paragraph (k) describes a self-certification as the operator's written statement about capture of oil-well gas. The tool does not make that statement. The lawyer decides what is submitted.
- Written for / version
- United States versionUS
Who does what
| Role | What they do |
|---|---|
| Assistance | Do not begin AI assistance until the responsible lawyer has defined and confirmed its permitted scope. |
| Lawyer | Perform the substantive analysis and decisions. Independently check any permitted supporting work and approve the exact output for its intended use. |
Checklist
- Calculate operative dates independently from the current rule and actual triggering event. Check exceptions and record the verified deadline.
- Check the current court or regulator requirements, prescribed form and attachments for the intended document and filing.
- Confirm the output against the client’s instructions and the complete relevant source material, including omissions or contradictions.
- Resolve exceptions and record the responsible lawyer’s approval of the exact output and intended use.