La. Admin. Code tit. 43 § XVII-627

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

Section XVII-627 - Mechanical Integrity

A. Mechanical Integrity

1. A Class VI well has mechanical integrity if:

a. there is no significant leak in the casing, tubing, or packer; and

b. there is no significant fluid movement into a USDW through channels adjacent to the injection wellbore.

2. To evaluate the absence of significant leaks, owners or operators must:

a. perform an annulus pressure test:

i. after initial well construction or conversion as part of the pre-operating requirements;

ii. at least once every 12 months witnessed by an agent of the Office of Conservation; and

iii. after performing any well remedial work that involves unseating the tubing or packer.

b. continuously monitor injection pressure, rate, injected volumes; pressure on the annulus between tubing and long-string casing; and annulus fluid volume as specified in §621.A 6

3. At least once every 12 months, use one of the following methods to determine the absence of significant fluid movement:

a. an approved tracer-type survey such as a radioactive tracer, oxygen-activation log, or similar tool; or

b. a temperature or noise log.

4. If required by the commissioner, run a casing inspection log at a frequency specified in the testing and monitoring plan at §625 to determine the presence or absence of corrosion in the long-string casing.

5. The commissioner may require other tests to evaluate well mechanical integrity.

a. The commissioner may allow the use of a test to demonstrate mechanical integrity other than those listed above with written approval of the USEPA. To obtain approval for the use of a new mechanical integrity test, the owner or operator must submit a written request to the commissioner with details of the proposed test and all technical data supporting its use, and the commissioner will submit a written request to the USEPA.

6. In conducting and evaluating the tests enumerated in this section to be allowed by the commissioner, the owner or operator and the commissioner must apply methods and standards generally accepted in the industry. When the owner or operator reports the results of mechanical integrity tests to the commissioner, a description of the test(s) and the method(s) used must be included. In making the evaluation, the commissioner must review monitoring and other test data submitted since the previous evaluation.

7. The commissioner may require additional or alternative tests if the mechanical integrity test results presented are not satisfactory to the commissioner to demonstrate that there is no significant leak in the casing, tubing, or packer, or to demonstrate that there is no significant movement of fluid into a USDW resulting from the injection activity.

La. Admin. Code tit. 43, § XVII-627

Promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 4775 (1/1/2021).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:4 et seq., 30:22 et seq., and 30:1101 et seq.