Ala. Admin. Code r. 400-6-4-.01
Prior to the design and development of an underground storage cavity, an engineer or geologist experienced in the development and operation of a solution-mined storage facility shall perform an investigation to determine the feasibility of such a facility at a particular site. The data obtained during the feasibility investigation shall be considered in the design of the storage facility, and such data shall be filed with the Board as a part of the permit application. The design shall be performed by or under the supervision of an engineer or geologist and shall include, but not be limited to, such factors as: location of the cavities; cavity capacity; number and location of plugged and abandoned wells penetrating the salt structure; and the maximum development diameter of the cavity. The design shall assure that project development can be conducted in a reasonable, prudent and systematic manner and shall insure environmental safety and the prevention of waste. The design and development shall be continually reviewed in order to take into consideration pertinent additional subsurface data. The Board shall be advised of any tests or surveys conducted during the development phase and copies shall be made available to the Board as soon as practical. Each solution-mined storage cavity shall be constructed with a blanket material in place in order to prevent uncontrolled leaching of the cavity roof. Storage operations utilizing fresh water or brine to displace stored gas shall be conducted in such a manner that the washing of the cavity will not result in an uncontrolled increase of the cavity diameter or capacity, or washing of the cavity roof. A solution-mined underground storage cavity cannot be used to store gas until the Board issues an order of approval, after notice and hearing pursuant to the provisions of Section 9-17-152 of the Code of Ala. 1975.
Author: State Oil And Gas Board
Ala. Admin. Code r. 400-6-4-.01
Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 9-17-1etseq.