Drilling will typically last approximately two to four weeks, depending upon many factors, including the depth of the well and the time of year. Deep gas well drilling may last two months.
Once an oil and gas company determines where to locate a proposed well, the company must generally obtain appropriate permits from local officials. Contractors will construct the access road and drilling pad to accommodate the drilling rig and other equipment. The drilling location can range in size from less than one acre to two or more acres depending on the depth of the well. Trees and vegetation will have to be cleared and dust, noise, and exhaust fumes will be generated by the drilling rig and heavy equipment during drilling operations. Drilling is a temporary disturbance, but some impacts, such as removal of vegetation, may be longer in duration.
If the well is capable of production, most of the drilling site will be reclaimed within 45 days, depending on weather. Wellhead assemblies, meters and various tanks will remain on-site, near the well location, for the life of the well.
If the well is not completed or is no longer capable of production, most state regulations require that a plugging permit be obtained and that the well be plugged and the site reclaimed in accordance with local regulations. If you have specific plans for the site, you may want to negotiate a specific reclamation approval clause in the lease.