Railroad Commission Further Enhances Efficiency

Form H-15 available for filing online

AUSTIN – During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Railroad Commission of Texas has made yet another form, Form H-15, available for online filing. This is the second online form the Commission has released in two months; Form W-3, Plugging Record was launched in April.

Oil and gas operators can now go online to easily file Form H-15, Test on an Inactive Well More than 25 Years Old. This test is vital to protecting ground water quality in Texas. On average more than a thousand of these forms are mailed to the agency each month. The new online filing option for Form H-15 saves time for staff and industry.

Operators are required to conduct tests on wells older than 25 years in each year that a well is inactive. The test results are submitted in H-15 forms to ensure an inactive well does not pose a pollution threat to ground water.  

“Operators have been asking for an easier filing option for these important forms and we delivered,” said Wei Wang, RRC Executive Director.

“This is another step in our long-term goal to make the agency’s operations efficient and reduce administrative burdens for both the agency and the operators. Online filing is also beneficial in unique situations such as the current COVID-19 pandemic in which we try to minimize in-person contact to maintain the safety of staff and the public.”

While the RRC will continue to accept hard copy filings of the Form H-15, operators are strongly encouraged to file online for efficient and timely filing. The Notice to Operators, which includes instructions for online filing, can be found on the RRC website.