Ala. Admin. Code r. 400-1-4-.11
Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024
Section 400-1-4-.11 - Recycling Or Disposal Of Pit Fluids And Pit Closure(1) Recycling or Disposal of Pit Fluids. (a) After a well is drilled, completed, or worked over, all fluids and recoverable slurry that remain in pits shall be recycled or disposed of in accordance with this rule within thirty (30) days of completion, unless otherwise approved by the Supervisor. The Supervisor may require that a pit be agitated in order to remove recoverable slurry. Prior to the subsurface disposal of pit fluids down the surface casing or first intermediate casing/production casing annulus, any oil that is present in the pit must be skimmed immediately after drilling operations cease and recycled or disposed of in accordance with appropriate permit(s) and regulations. If pit fluids and recoverable slurry are transported off location, except for disposal in an approved well, then these materials should be disposed of in a lawfully approved disposal facility, or recycled or disposed of in accordance with appropriate permit(s) and regulation(s).(b) The following procedures shall be implemented regarding the subsurface disposal of pit fluids down the surface casing or first intermediate casing/production casing annulus. These procedures are applicable for subsurface disposal into the well on location or to an approved well.1. Approval must be obtained from the Supervisor prior to implementing subsurface disposal operations.2. Pressure testing for subsurface disposal of pit fluids shall be conducted and recorded in accordance with applicable requirements of Rule 400-1-4-.09(4), relating to Pressure Testing, and Rule 400-1-4-.10(5), relating to Recording Test Pressures.3. During disposal operations the injection pressure shall not exceed ninety percent (90%) of the mechanical integrity test pressure of the casing. A pressure relief valve, set to the authorized maximum disposal pressure, shall be installed. Verification of the pressure setting of the relief valve may be requested by the Supervisor.4. If surface or first intermediate casing is not set below the base of the underground source of drinking water (USDW) containing fluids of less than ten thousand (10,000) milligrams per liter total dissolved solids in the well to be used for subsurface disposal of pit fluids, then in addition to section (1)(b)1, (1)(b)2, (1)(b)3, and (1)(b)4. the following may apply:(i) The operator shall submit a schematic showing the downhole construction of such well and the approximate location and construction of all known water wells, core holes and oil and gas wells within a one-quarter (1/4) mile radius; and(ii) The operator shall submit an affidavit certifying that the disposal fluids contain only materials that are exempt under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, that the chloride concentration of the disposal fluids does not exceed two thousand (2,000) parts per million (ppm), and that the pH of the disposal fluids ranges between 6.0 and 9.0 standard units.(c) Alternative methods may be used, if approved by the Supervisor.(2) Pit Closure. Within ninety (90) days after a well is drilled, completed, or worked over all pits shall be properly filled and compacted unless otherwise approved by the Supervisor. Pits shall be backfilled with earth and compacted to the satisfaction of the Supervisor. After all fluids and recoverable slurry in such pits have been disposed of, the Supervisor may permit the operator to leave such pit for use by the landowner, if the surface owner requests in a written statement to the Board that the pit be left open. The written statement should include the intended use for the pit. Author: State Oil and Gas Board
Ala. Admin. Code r. 400-1-4-.11
New Rule: Filed April 11, 2000; effective May 16, 2000.Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 9-17-1, etseq.