S.D. Admin. R. 74:29:11:16

Current through Register Vol. 51, page 67, December 16, 2024

Section 74:29:11:16 - Mechanical integrity testing of injection wells

Before putting a new injection well into service, it must be subjected to mechanical integrity testing. A schedule and methods for mechanical integrity testing shall be included in the permit, and constitute conditions of the permit. The schedule and methods shall meet the following requirements:

(1) One of the following methods must be used to evaluate the absence of significant leaks in the casing, tubing or packer:

(a) Following an initial pressure test, monitoring of the tubing-casing annulus pressure with sufficient frequency to be representative, as determined by the department, while maintaining an annulus pressure different from atmospheric pressure measured at the surface;

(b) Pressure test with liquid or gas; or

(c) An alternative test to demonstrate mechanical integrity other than those listed in this subdivision if it is specified in the permit or is approved by the department through a technical revision;

(2) One of the following methods must be used to determine the absence of significant fluid movement into any authorized zone, underground source of drinking water, or water-bearing strata through vertical channels adjacent to the injection bore:

(a) The results of a temperature, neutron, or noise log (e.g., cement bond log);

(b) If the nature of the casing precludes the use of the logging techniques prescribed above, sealing records demonstrating the presence of adequate sealing material to prevent such migration shall be provided; or

(c) If the department elects to rely on sealing records to demonstrate the absence of significant fluid movement, the monitoring program shall be designed to verify the absence of significant fluid movement;

(3) Maintenance of the mechanical integrity of each injection well that has not been plugged or converted shall be demonstrated at least once every five years or on a schedule determined by the department;

(4) Before resuming injection into any injection well that has been damaged by surface or subsurface activity or that has undergone an activity that may jeopardize the mechanical integrity of the well, such as the use of downhole cutting and underreaming tools, the operator must demonstrate the mechanical integrity of that well;

(5) If the department determines that an injection well lacks mechanical integrity, the department shall give written notice of this determination to the operator of the well. Unless the department requires immediate cessation, the operator shall cease injection into the well within 48 hours of receipt of the department's determination. The department may allow plugging of the well or require the operator to perform such additional construction, operation, monitoring, reporting, and corrective action as is necessary to prevent the movement of fluid into unauthorized zones or onto the surface caused by the lack of mechanical integrity. Repair or plugging of the well must be completed within 120 days of the testing that indicates the well lacks mechanical integrity. If the well is repaired rather than plugged, retesting of the well must be completed within 120 days after the repair is completed. The operator may resume injection upon written notification from the department that the operator has demonstrated mechanical integrity; and

(6) Results of mechanical integrity testing shall be reported in accordance with the requirements of § 74:29:11:42.

Injection and production wells shall maintain mechanical integrity until the wells are properly plugged in accordance with the approved plugging and abandonment plan.

S.D. Admin. R. 74:29:11:16

33 SDR 160, effective 4/17/2007; 34 SDR 323, effective 7/2/2008.

General Authority: SDCL 45-6B-81.

Law Implemented: SDCL 45-6B-41.