N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 6 § 555.5

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 50, December 11, 2024

Section 555.5 - Plugging methods, procedures and reports

(a) The plugging of a well shall be conducted in accordance with the following sequence of operations:

(1) The well bore, whether to remain cased or uncased, shall be filled with cement from total depth to at least 15 feet above the top of the shallowest formation from which the production of oil or gas has ever been obtained in the vicinity. Alternatively, a bridge topped with at least 15 feet of cement shall be placed immediately above each formation from which the production of oil or gas has ever been obtained in the vicinity.

(2) If any casing is to be left in the ground, a cement plug of at least 15 feet in length shall be placed at the bottom of such section of casing. A similar plug shall be placed at the top of such section of casing unless it shall extend to the surface. In the latter event, the casing shall be capped in any such manner as will prevent the migration of fluids and not interfere with normal soil cultivation.

(3) If casing extending below the deepest potable fresh water level shall not remain in the ground, a cement plug of at least 15 feet in length shall be placed in the open hole at a position approximately 50 feet below the deepest potable fresh water level.

(4) If the conductor or surface casing is drawn, a cement plug of at least 15 feet in length shall be placed immediately below the point where the lower end of the conductor or surface casing shall previously have rested. The hole thereabove then shall be filled with cement, sand or rock sediment or other suitable material in such a manner as will prevent erosion of the well bore area and not interfere with normal soil cultivation.

(5) The interval between all plugs mentioned in paragraphs (1) through (4) of this subdivision shall be filled with a heavy mud-laden or other approved fluid.

(6) The operator shall have the option as to the method of placing any cement in the hole by either (i) dump bailer, (ii) pumping or siphoning through tubing or drill pipe, (iii) pump and plug, or (iv) such other method as shall be approved by the department.

(b) In the event mechanical or other unusual conditions in the well are such as to make plugging following the sequence outlined in subdivision (a) of this section impractical, the owner or operator may be granted permission by the department to use some alternative or equivalent plugging procedure.

(c) As a part of the plugging and abandonment operation, the owner or operator shall fill with earth any pit or other excavation, including any rat hole or mouse hole, which has been created to facilitate the drilling or production of the well. In addition, a reasonable effort to smooth the surface adjacent to the well and filled pit or excavation so as to place the surface in a condition similar to the adjacent terrain and without undue elevation shall be made. If it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the department that no hazard will result and the landowner has signed an appropriate release, these surface restoration requirements will be waived.

(d) Within 30 days after the plugging of any well, a plugging report on form OG13 shall be filed with the department by the owner or operator or person responsible for the plugging operation.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 6 § 555.5