Ariz. Admin. Code § 12-7-182

Current through Register Vol. 30, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section R12-7-182 - Operation, Inspection, and Closure of Storage-well Systems

A. The maximum and minimum operating pressures of a storage system shall be determined in consideration of the lithologic characteristics of the host rock. The maximum operating pressure at the shallower of the casing seat or cavity ceiling shall not exceed 0.9 psi per foot of depth.

1. The storage system shall not be subjected to pressures exceeding the maximum operating pressure even for short periods of time, including pressure pulsation peaks and abnormal operating conditions.

2. The wellhead, flowlines, valves, and all related connections shall have a test pressure rating equivalent to 125% of the maximum pressure which could be exerted at the surface. All valves shall be periodically inspected and maintained in good working order.

3. The wellhead and storage system shall be protected with safety devices to prevent pressures exceeding the maximum operating pressure from being exerted on the storage system and to prevent backflow of stored products in the event of flowline rupture.

4. Personnel shall be at either the well or other control sites for the well during injection or withdrawal from any storage well.

B. The flare, as required in R12-7-180(4), shall be burned continuously when a liquified gas or other flammable substance is being injected into a cavern.

C. Each operator of a storage well shall conduct semiannual safety inspections of the operator's facility and file with the Commission a written report on the inspection procedures and results within 5 days following the inspection. The operator shall notify the Commission at least 5 days before an inspection to allow a representative of the Commission to witness the inspection. Inspections shall include, the following:

1. Operation of all manual valves;

2. Operation of all automatic shut-in safety valves, including sounding or alarm devices;

3. Examination of flare system or other safety system installation;

4. Examination of earthen brine pits, tanks, firewalls, and related equipment;

5. Examination of flowlines, manifolds, and related equipment;

6. Examination of warning signs and safety fences;

7. Examination of housekeeping practices including the removal of weeds, used equipment, and debris from the area of operations;

8. The Commission may require additional inspections at any time during regular working hours and upon reasonable notice to the operator.

D. A capacity determination for each storage cavity shall be made and filed with the Commission upon completion of the storage cavity. These determinations shall be verified at least once every 5 years.

E. Safety precaution signs shall be displayed and unauthorized personnel kept out of the storage area. Each storage wellhead shall be visibly marked in accordance with R12-7-106(D). Guard rails shall be installed where the Commission determines it is necessary to ensure safety.

F. Storage wells shall be plugged and abandoned in accordance with R12-7-126 and R12-7-127.

G. If the Commission determines that the continued operation of a storage well or associated facilities, including valves, brine tanks or pits, flares, dehydrators, and loading and docking facilities, would cause unsafe operating conditions, waste, pollution, or contamination of air, fresh water, or soil, or encroachment on adjacent property, the Commission shall order discontinuance of operations of the storage facility or any part thereof until the Commission determines that the project can and will be conducted in a physically and environmentally safe manner.

H. The operator shall notify the Commission within 24 hours of every accident or equipment malfunction which causes loss of life or requires hospitalization of personnel; threatens the public health and safety; pollutes the air, soil, or fresh water; or causes loss of the stored substance. A final written report shall be filed with the Commission in accordance with R12-7-120(B).

I. The Commission may administratively grant exceptions to the guidelines and requirements of this Section if the applicant can show that the exception is reasonable, justified by site-specific geologic or engineering parameters, are no less stringent, and consistent with the intent of these rules regarding physical and environmental safety, conservation of the resource, and the prevention of waste. An applicant may request a hearing pursuant to A.R.S. § 27-517.

Ariz. Admin. Code § R12-7-182

Adopted by moving subsections (A)(1)(h) through (m) of R12-7-181 and amending the text effective January 2, 1996 (Supp. 96-1).