Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 35-4-14 - Plugging Methods14.1. Materials Used in Plugging -- The non-porous materials and cements mentioned in W. Va. Code § 22-6-24 must be specified in the work order portion of Form WW-4(B), "Application to Plug and Abandon a Well." All cement, except where expanding cement is required, used in conjunction with plugging shall be American Petroleum Institute Class A Ordinary Portland cement with no greater than three percent (3%) calcium chloride and no other additives. All non-porous materials used in conjunction with plugging shall be at least six percent (6%) bentonite gel. If the operator furnishes satisfactory proof that different cement or non-porous material types are adequate, the Chief or his authorized representative may approve use of such different cement or non-porous materials. Materials and cements must be of a kind and quality accepted by the oil and gas industry, approved by the Office as suitable for the intended purpose, and which otherwise comply with all provisions of law and accepted standards. The Chief may approve use of non-standard material or cement.14.2. Cleaning Out and Replugging Application; Objections; Order. 14.2.a. Application pursuant to W. Va. Code § 22-6-24(e) to clean out and replug a previously plugged well shall be made by completed Form WW-4, "Notice of Intention and Application to Plug and Abandon a Well," and by the associated comments required to accompany Form WW-4 by subsection 13.1 above.14.2.b. Objections to a Form WW-4 application to clean out and replug a well, whether by the Office or by any affected person, shall not be made except for violation or impending violation of the provisions of W. Va. Code §§ 22-6-23, 22-6-24 or section 13 of this rule. If such an objection is filed or made, a hearing date shall be set and notice given by the Office by endorsement on the objection and mailed in accordance with W. Va. Code § 22-6-24(e). The endorsement shall indicate the date, time and location of the hearing, identifying the well by reference to the API number.14.2.c. The Office's order permitting or rejecting such application shall be endorsed on the Form WW-4 application and shall be mailed to the parties indicated in the method provided by W. Va. Code § 22-6-24(e).