La. Admin. Code tit. 43 § XVII-331

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section XVII-331 - Inactive Caverns

A. The following minimum requirements apply when a hydrocarbon storage cavern is removed from storage service and is expected to remain out of service for one year or more:

1. notify the Office of Conservation in writing within seven days of the well or cavern becoming inactive (out-of-service). The notification shall include the date the cavern was removed from service, the reason for taking the cavern out of service, and the expected date when the cavern may be returned to service (if known);

2. disconnect all flowlines for injection to the well;

3. maintain continuous monitoring of cavern pressures, fluid withdrawal, and other parameters required by the permit;

4. submit quarterly reports on the appropriate Form (Form UIC-50 or successor) in accordance with §333;

5. maintain and demonstrate well and cavern mechanical integrity if storage operations were suspended for reasons other than a lack of mechanical integrity;

6. maintain compliance with financial responsibility requirements of these rules and regulations; and

7. any additional requirements of the Office of Conservation to document the hydrocarbon storage well and cavern shall not endanger the environment, or the health, safety, and welfare of the public during the period of cavern inactivity;

8. no inactive hydrocarbon storage cavern may be returned to service without first submitting a written request with Form UIC-17 to the Office of Conservation and obtaining approval of the commissioner.

La. Admin. Code tit. 43, § XVII-331

Promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 40:366 (February 2014), Amended LR 42424 (3/1/2016), Amended LR 482357 (9/1/2022).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:4 et seq.