Ala. Admin. Code r. 400-2-4-.10

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 400-2-4-.10 - Recycling Or Disposal Of Tank Fluids

(1) After a well is drilled, completed, or worked over, all fluids that remain in tanks shall be recycled or disposed of in accordance with this rule within thirty (30) days of completion, unless otherwise approved by the Supervisor. Prior to the subsurface disposal of tank fluids down the surface casing or first intermediate casing/production casing annulus, any oil that is present in the tank must be skimmed immediately after drilling operations cease and recycled or disposed of in accordance with appropriate permit(s) and regulations. If tank fluids are transported off location, except for disposal in an acceptable well, then these fluids should be disposed in a lawfully approved disposal facility, or recycled or disposed of in accordance with appropriate permit(s) and regulations.

(2) The following procedures shall be implemented regarding the subsurface disposal of tank 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.

(a) Approval must be obtained from the Supervisor prior to implementing subsurface disposal operations.

(b) Pressure testing for subsurface disposal of tank fluids shall be conducted and recorded in accordance with applicable requirements of Rule 400-2-4-.09(1)(e), relating to Pressure Testing, and Rule 400-2-4-.09(1)(f), relating to Recording Test Pressures.

(c) 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.

(d) 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 tank fluids, then in addition to section (2)(a), (2)(b), (2)(c), and (2)(d) the following may apply:

1. 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

2. 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.

Author: State Oil and Gas Board

Ala. Admin. Code r. 400-2-4-.10

New Rule: Filed April 11, 2000; effective May 16, 2000.

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 9-17-1, etseq.