Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 35-4-11 - Operational Criteria11.1. Casing Not Exclusive -- In addition to the casing required by W. Va. Code §§ 22-6-18, 22-6-19, 22-6-20, and 22-6-21, there shall be used in each well such material and equipment and there shall be employed such additional procedures as are necessary for the purpose of separating high pressure zones from low pressure zones, the producing horizons, the water bearing strata, and mineable coal zones for the life of the well.11.2. Multiple Casing Through Coal Seams. 11.2.a. The coal protection casing required by W. Va. Code §§ 22-6-18 through 22-6-20 to be installed through the workable coal seam or seams shall be in addition to the production casing.11.2.b. The coal protection casing required by W. Va. Code § 22-6-18 shall have cement circulated in the annular space outside said casing. The volume of the cement needed shall be calculated by using approved methods to assure the return of the cement to the surface. In the event cement does not return to the surface, every reasonable attempt will be made to fill the annular space by introducing cement from the surface.11.3. Fresh Water Casing -- The fresh water protective casing required by W. Va. Code § 22-6-21 shall extend at least thirty (30) feet below the deepest fresh water horizon (that being the deepest horizon that will replenish itself and from which fresh water or usable water for household, domestic, industrial, agricultural, or public use may be economically and feasibly recovered) and shall have cement circulated in the annular space outside the casing. The volume of cement needed shall be calculated using approved engineering methods to assure the return of the cement to the surface. In the event cement does not return to the surface, the district inspector shall be notified. If the top of cement cannot be located using sound engineering practices approved by the Chief or his authorized representative, then an electric log or similar technology approved by the Chief shall be used. Sound engineering practice approved by the Chief or his authorized representative shall be used to fill the annular space back to the surface. Requests to approve methods other than pre-approved practices shall be acted upon by the Chief or his authorized representative within twelve (12) hours of actual notice to the Chief or his authorized representative, otherwise the request will be deemed approved. If the coal protection casing is cemented to the surface in accordance with the prescribed procedure, this may also be considered a fresh water protective casing. In no case shall the fresh water casing penetrate salt water or gas bearing strata or extend below sea level. There shall be no oil and gas production through the fresh water casing for new wells or the redrilling of existing wells permitted on or after August 1, 1993. Variances from the requirements of this section shall be granted on a site specific or area basis in accordance with section 18 of this rule.11.4. Cement Strength -- Cement placed in the annular space around the casing shall be allowed to set to a minimum compressive strength of five hundred (500) pounds per square inch, using approved engineering data for the type of cement used. The waiting time for cement used in compliance with subsection 11.5 of this rule shall be eight (8) hours. The waiting time on any other cement shall be in no case less than eight (8) hours.11.5. Cement Type -- Cement used to fill the annular space around the casing required in subsections 11.2 and 11.3 of this rule shall be American Petroleum Institute Class A Ordinary Portland cement with no greater than three percent (3%) calcium chloride and no other additives; Provided, that if the well operator furnishes satisfactory proof that different cement types are adequate, the Chief may approve use of such different cement types.11.6. Annual Inspection -- The operator shall conduct an inspection at the surface of each unplugged well at which drilling has been completed for more than five (5) years. Such an inspection shall be conducted no less frequently than once each calendar year in a method approved by the Chief. Certification of the performance of such inspection, in a form approved by the Chief, shall be filed with the Office of Oil and Gas in conjunction with the operator's annual report as required by subsection 15.1 below. Should the operator detect evidence of any significant leakage or other indications of casing integrity failure, the operator shall give notice to the Office of Oil and Gas and take such measures as may be appropriate to eliminate or mitigate the leakage.11.7. Drilling Practices Prior to Freshwater Casing -- Prior to the cementing of the freshwater casing as required by subsection 11.3 above, drilling practices and procedures, such as air or water pressure and soaping, shall be conducted using operating practices so as to minimize damage or disturbance or the possibility of unnecessary damages or disturbance to the uncased strata/formations and groundwater contained in any of those formations. The requirements of this section shall not prevent the use of drilling practices and procedures reasonably necessary to the successful drilling of the well in a safe manner. The requirements of this section shall not be construed to prohibit practices specifically allowed by statute or other regulations.11.8. Blowout Prevention Training -- The well operator shall assure that, at all times during the operation of the drilling rig, a person shall be present who has successfully completed a training course on blowout prevention approved by the Chief.