La. Admin. Code tit. 43 § XVII-3331

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section XVII-3331 - Inactive Caverns and Caverns in which Mining Activities are to be Concluded

A. The operator shall comply with the following minimum requirements when there has been no injection into a solution-mining cavern for one year or the operator is prepared to conclude mining activities, regardless of the reason:

1. notify the Office of Conservation in writing within seven days of the well or cavern becoming inactive (out-of-service). The notification shall include the date the cavern was removed from service, the reason for taking the cavern out of service, and the expected date when the cavern may be returned to service (if known);

2. disconnect all flowlines for injection to the solution-mining well. If the operator anticipates that the cavern will be put back into service within the following year, they may submit a request to the commissioner to allow the cavern to remain inactive without disconnecting the flowlines;

3. maintain continuous monitoring of cavern pressure, fluid withdrawal, and other parameters required by the permit;

4. submit quarterly reports on the appropriate Form (Form UIC-50 or successor) in accordance with §3333

5. maintain and demonstrate well and cavern mechanical integrity if mining operations were suspended for reasons other than a lack of mechanical integrity;

7. maintain compliance with financial responsibility requirements of these rules and regulations; and

8. any additional requirements of the Office of Conservation to document the solution-mining well and cavern shall not endanger the environment, or the health, safety and welfare of the public during the period of cavern inactivity.

9. No inactive solution-mining cavern may be returned to service without first submitting a written request and work permit application to the Office of Conservation and obtaining approval of the commissioner.

La. Admin. Code tit. 43, § XVII-3331

Promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 40:339 (February 2014), Amended LR 42418 (3/1/2016), Amended LR 482314 (9/1/2022).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:4 et seq.