Ala. Admin. Code r. 400-8-1-.31

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 3, December 31, 2024

Section 400-8-1-.31 - [Effective 1/11/2025] Injection Well Mechanical Integrity

1. An injection 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 an underground source of drinking water through channels adjacent to the well bore.

2. To evaluate the absence of significant leaks, the storage operator shall, following an initial annulus pressure test, continuously monitor injection pressure, rate, injected volumes, pressure on the annulus between tubing and long string casing, and volume.

3. On a schedule determined by the Board, but at least annually, the storage operator shall use one of the following methods to determine the absence of significant fluid movement:

a. An approved tracer survey; or

b. A temperature or noise log.

4. If required by the Board, at a frequency specified in the testing and monitoring plan, the storage operator shall run a casing inspection log to determine the presence or absence of corrosion in the long string casing.

5. The Board may require alternative and additional methods to evaluate mechanical integrity. Also, the Board may allow the use of an alternative method to demonstrate mechanical integrity other than those listed above with the written approval of the Board.

6. To conduct and evaluate mechanical integrity, the storage operator shall apply methods and standards generally accepted in the industry. When the storage operator reports the results of mechanical integrity tests to the Board, the storage operator shall include a description of the test and the method used.

7. The Board may require additional or alternative tests if the results presented by the storage operator are not satisfactory to the Board to demonstrate mechanical integrity.

8. If the Board determines that an injection well lacks mechanical integrity pursuant to this section, the Board shall give written notice of its determination to the storage operator. Unless the Board requires immediate cessation of injection, the storage operator shall cease injection into the well within forty-eight hours of receipt of the Board's determination. The Board may allow plugging of the well or require the storage operator to perform such additional construction, operation, monitoring, reporting, and corrective action as is necessary to prevent the movement of fluid into or between underground sources of drinking water caused by the lack of mechanical integrity. The storage operator may resume injection upon written notification from the Board that the storage operator has demonstrated mechanical integrity pursuant to this section.

9. The Board may allow the storage operator of an injection well that lacks mechanical integrity pursuant to this section to continue or resume injection, if the storage operator has made a satisfactory demonstration that there is no movement of fluid into or between underground sources of drinking water.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 400-8-1-.31

Adopted by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XLIII, Issue No. 02, November 27, 2024, eff. 1/11/2025.

Author: S. Marvin Rogers

Statutory Authority: 9-17-150 et seq. of the Code of Alabama (1975)