§ 69-3-7 NMSA 1978

Any person drilling a mine lode discovery or mine drill hole to a depth of ten feet or more, who shall encounter natural gas or hydrocarbons in any form shall within ten days from the date of encountering natural gas or hydrocarbons report in writing to the state oil conservation commission the depth and location of the natural gas or hydrocarbons and thereafter within a reasonable time shall plug in accordance with the rules and regulations of the New Mexico oil conservation commission.