FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Texas RRC compliance, our services, and how we can help your operations.
H-15 Plugging
What is an H-15 form and when do I need one?
An H-15 form is the official plugging report required by the Texas Railroad Commission when permanently abandoning a well. You need to file an H-15 within 90 days of completing the plugging operation. The form documents how the well was plugged, materials used, and certification that the work meets RRC standards.
How long does H-15 approval typically take?
The RRC review process typically takes 30-60 days, depending on the district workload and completeness of your submission. With our thorough preparation and validation process, we achieve a 98% first-time approval rate, avoiding costly delays and resubmissions.
What documents do I need for an H-15 submission?
You'll need plugging witness reports, cement and fluid records, well location details, operator information, and any required insurance documentation. Our platform provides a complete checklist and guides you through collecting all necessary documents before submission.
Can I submit an H-15 myself or do I need help?
While you can submit directly to the RRC, many operators choose professional support to ensure accuracy and avoid rejections. We handle data validation, coordinate with field witnesses, prepare submission packages, and monitor status through approval—saving you hours of work and reducing rejection risk.
P-4 Transfers
What is a P-4 transfer and why is it required?
A P-4 form officially transfers well operator designation from one party to another with the Texas RRC. It's required whenever ownership changes hands, ensuring the RRC knows who is responsible for each well's regulatory compliance and operations.
How long does a P-4 transfer take?
Most P-4 transfers are approved within 30-45 days if all documentation is complete and accurate. Our streamlined process includes digital signature routing, proactive reviewer communication, and status tracking to keep your transfer on schedule.
What can delay a P-4 transfer approval?
Common delays include incomplete financial assurance documentation, missing signatures from all required parties, unclear chain of title, or outstanding compliance issues on the wells being transferred. We proactively address these issues before submission to avoid delays.
Do both parties need to sign the P-4?
Yes, both the transferring operator (seller) and the assuming operator (buyer) must sign the P-4 form. Our digital signature routing system makes this process seamless, automatically notifying all parties and tracking completion status in real-time.
Compliance & Deadlines
What is a P-5 renewal and when is it due?
The P-5 is an annual organization report that updates the RRC on your company's financial status and key personnel. It's due by March 31st each year. Missing the deadline can result in penalties and potential suspension of drilling permits.
What happens if I miss an RRC deadline?
Missing RRC deadlines can result in financial penalties, operational restrictions, and in severe cases, well shut-in orders. Our automated deadline tracking system sends proactive reminders 60, 30, and 14 days before critical dates, ensuring you never miss a filing.
How do I know what deadlines apply to my wells?
Deadlines vary by well status, location, and operator designation. Our platform analyzes your well portfolio and creates a custom compliance calendar showing all upcoming deadlines, required filings, and renewal dates specific to your operations.
What is idle well compliance?
Wells that haven't produced for 12+ consecutive months are classified as 'idle' and require additional compliance monitoring. This includes regular status updates, plugging bonds, and potential testing requirements. We help you track idle well obligations and prepare required documentation.
Working with Panhandle Management Services
How quickly can you respond to urgent filing needs?
We provide 24-hour response times for urgent compliance needs. For emergency situations, we can often begin work within hours. Our team understands that RRC deadlines don't always provide advance notice, and we're equipped to handle rush situations.
Do you work with small operators or only large companies?
We serve operators of all sizes—from single-well owners to large portfolios. Our technology platform and efficient processes make professional RRC compliance support accessible and affordable regardless of your operation's size.
How do I track the status of my filings?
Our custom dashboard provides real-time status updates on all your filings. You'll see when documents are submitted, when the RRC reviewer opens them, any questions or issues that arise, and final approval notifications—all in one place.
What makes your service different from other compliance firms?
We combine deep RRC expertise (our team includes former operators and landmen) with modern technology (live tracking, digital signatures, automated reminders). You get the personal service of a small firm with the efficiency of a technology platform—at 24-hour response times.
How much does your service cost?
Pricing varies based on your specific needs—well count, filing types, and service level. Contact us for a free assessment and custom quote. Most clients find our service pays for itself through time saved, penalty avoidance, and first-time approval rates.
Texas RRC Resources
Where can I find official RRC forms and guidelines?
The official Texas RRC website (rrc.texas.gov) provides all forms, rules, and guidelines. We stay current with all RRC updates and incorporate the latest requirements into our processes, so you don't need to track regulatory changes yourself.
Which RRC district office covers my wells?
Texas is divided into multiple RRC districts, each covering specific counties. We automatically identify the correct district for each of your wells and route submissions to the appropriate office, including direct contacts when needed.
Can I contact the RRC directly with questions?
Yes, the RRC maintains district offices with staff available to answer questions. However, many operators find it faster and more efficient to work through an experienced compliance partner who knows the reviewers, understands the processes, and can resolve issues quickly.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Reach out and we'll provide answers specific to your situation.