Whenever natural gas in commercial quantities, or a gas-bearing stratum, known to contain natural gas in such quantity, is encountered in any well drilled for oil or gas in this state, such gas shall be confined to its original stratum until such time as the same can be produced and utilized without waste, and all such strata shall be adequately protected from infiltrating waters. Any unrestricted flow of natural gas in excess of two million (2,000,000) cubic feet per twenty-four (24) hours shall be considered a commercial quantity thereof; provided, that if in the opinion of the Corporation Commission, gas of a lesser quantity shall be of commercial value, said Commission shall have authority to require the conservation of said gas in accordance with the provisions of this act; and provided, further, the gauge of the capacity of any gas well shall not be taken until such well has been allowed an open flow for the period of three (3) days.
Laws 1915, c. 197, § 3, emerg. eff. March 30, 1915.