Kan. Admin. Regs. § 82-3-115

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 49, December 5, 2024

Section 82-3-115 - Plugging methods and procedure for core and other stratigraphic holes; fees

The methods and procedure for plugging core and other stratigraphic holes shall be as follows:

(a) The owner or operator shall notify the commission prior to the plugging of each core or stratigraphic hole pursuant to the requirements of K.A.R. 82-3-113. An on-site inspection of the plugging operation may be conducted by a representative of the commission.

(b) Each core or stratigraphic hole that penetrates a regionally confined salt water aquifer shall be plugged so as to prevent the migration of salt waters into fresh or usable water.

(1) As used in this regulation, a "regionally confined salt water aquifer" means a salt water-bearing zone overlain by an aquitard which, in area, is coextensive with the salt water zone and restricts the movement of the salt water. Aquitard means a zone of low permeability.

(2) The hole shall be filled with a cement plug from a point 20 feet below the base of the regionally confined salt water aquifer to within 10 feet of the surface. The remaining hole shall be filled to surface with coarse ground bentonite.

(c) Each core or stratigraphic hole that does not penetrate a regionally confined salt water aquifer shall be plugged as follows:

(1) A bridge and cement plug shall be placed at the depth set forth as the base of the deepest fresh and usable water. The cement plug shall be not less than 50 feet in length or shall be placed to a point within 12 feet of the surface, whichever is the lesser length. The remaining hole shall be filled to the surface with coarse ground bentonite as defined in K.A.R. 82-3-101(a)(12);

(2) The interval or intervals between the bottom of any hole and the plug or plugs set in any hole shall be filled with an approved heavy mud-laden fluid of not less than 9.4 pounds per gallon.

(d) Each core or stratigraphic hole that penetrates multiple usable or fresh water aquifers regionally confined by consolidated rock or strata, as distinguished from usable or fresh water zones in an unconsolidated stratum, shall be filled with cement from the bottom of the hole to the top of the highest aquifer, if identifiable and the remaining hole shall be filled with fine grain materials to within 20 feet of the surface, then with impermeable material to within 12 feet of the surface and the top 12 feet of the hole filled with coarse ground bentonite. If the top of the highest aquifer is not identifiable the hole shall be filled with cement from the bottom to within 12 feet of the surface and the remaining hole filled with coarse ground bentonite.

(e) Each core or stratigraphic hole that penetrates a usable or fresh water zone resulting in an artesian flow to the surface shall have a cement plug placed immediately above the top of the artesian water zone. The plug shall not be less than 25 feet in length or shall be placed to a point within 12 feet of the surface, whichever is the lesser length. The remaining hole shall be filled with coarse ground bentonite.

(f) If circulation is lost in the drilling of any hole and circulation cannot be regained, a cement plug shall be placed immediately above the zone of lost circulation. The plug shall not be less than 25 feet in length or shall be placed to a point within 12 feet of surface, whichever is the lesser length. The remaining hole shall be filled with coarse ground bentonite.

(g) Alternative plugging methods may be specified by the district supervisor when geological conditions warrant.

(h) Alternative plugging materials may be substituted for coarse ground bentonite upon approval by the Director of the Conservation Division. The Director shall base approval or denial upon material specifications including experimental results supplied by the manufacturer of such material and will keep a list available of all materials approved. The approval process for alternative plugging materials shall also be applicable to K.A.R. 82-3-115b.

(i) All core and stratigraphic holes shall be plugged as soon after being used as is reasonably practicable. However, such holes shall not remain unplugged for a period of more than 10 days after the drilling of the hole. An extension may be granted by the district supervisor if access to the hole is prevented by force of nature.

(j) A minimum fee of $5 shall be assessed for plugging of core and other stratigraphic holes. The minimum fee for any hole which penetrates a regionally confined salt water aquifer shall be assessed pursuant to K.A.R. 82-3-118.

Kan. Admin. Regs. § 82-3-115

Authorized by K.S.A. 1992 Supp. 55-152; implementing K.S.A. 1993 Supp. 55-152, 55-156, 55-157; effective, T-83-44, Dec. 8, 1982; effective May 1, 1983; amended May 1, 1984; amended March 20, 1995.