Operators that have obtained a lease must submit an application for a permit to drill to BLM before beginning to prepare land or drilling any new oil or gas wells. The complete permit application package is a lengthy and detailed set of forms and documents, which, among other things, must include proof of bond coverage and a surface use plan of operations; this surface use plan must include a reclamation plan that details the steps operators propose to take to reclaim the site. However, operators generally do not have to submit cost estimates for completing the reclamation. The Mineral Leasing.
