NTL 1997-G11 - Special Security Handling of Well Logs and Data Generated from Oil and Gas Leases - April 29, 1997

This Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) rescinds NTL 73-4, dated June 1, 1973, and NTL 89-02, dated March 30, 1989. The Gulf of Mexico OCS Region recognizes the need to provide security handling for all proprietary well logs and data. Since June 1, 1973, NTL 73-4, a Special Security Handling was also provided for wellbore data collected within 2,000 feet of open or unleased acreage. This service was modified by NTL 89-02 to limit the time that access to these data would be restricted within the Minerals Management Service (MMS). Under NTL 89-02, the access was restricted until after the open acreage was included in a lease sale offering, the data’s proprietary term expired pursuant to 30 CFR 250.18, a determination was made pursuant to 30 CFR 250.11 that the well was capable of producing in paying quantities, or the lease involved was placed on production, whichever occurred first. This resulted in a period of restricted access to these data of less than 12 months.