N.M. Admin. Code § 19.15.26.11

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 23, December 10, 2024

Section 19.15.26.11 - TESTING, MONITORING, STEP-RATE TESTS, NOTICE TO THE DIVISION, REQUESTS FOR PRESSURE INCREASES

A. Testing.

(1) Prior to commencement of injection and any time the operator pulls the tubing or reseats the packer, the operator shall test the well to assure the integrity of the casing and the tubing and packer, if used, including pressure testing of the casing-tubing annulus to a minimum of 300 psi for 30 minutes or such other pressure or time as the appropriate district supervisor may approve. The operator shall use a pressure recorder and submit copies of the chart to the appropriate division district office within 30 days following the test date.

(2) At least once every five years thereafter, the operator shall test an injection well to assure its continued mechanical integrity. Tests demonstrating continued mechanical integrity shall include the following:

(a) measurement of annular pressures in a well injecting at positive pressure under a packer or a balanced fluid seal;

(b) pressure testing of the casing-tubing annulus for a well injecting under vacuum conditions; or

(c) other tests that are demonstrably effective and that the division may approve for use.

(3) Notwithstanding the test procedures outlined in Paragraphs (1) and (2) of Subsection A of 19.15.26.11 NMAC, the division may require the operator to conduct more comprehensive testing of the injection well when deemed advisable, including the use of tracer surveys, noise logs, temperature logs or other test procedures or devices.

(4) In addition, the division may order that the operator conduct special tests prior to the expiration of five years if the division believes conditions so warrant. The division shall consider a special test that demonstrates a well's continued mechanical integrity the equivalent of an initial test for test scheduling purposes, and the regular five-year testing schedule shall be applicable thereafter.

(5) The operator shall advise the division of the date and time any initial, five-year or special tests are to be commenced so the division may witness the tests.

B. Monitoring. The operator shall equip an injection well so that the injection pressure and annular pressure may be determined at the wellhead and the injected volume may be determined at least monthly.

C. Step-rate tests, notice to the division, requests for injection pressure limit increases.

(1) Whenever an operator conducts a step-rate test for the purpose of increasing an authorized injection or disposal well pressure limit, the operator shall give notice of the date and time of the test in advance to the appropriate division district office.

(2) The operator shall submit copies of injection or disposal well pressure-limit increase applications and supporting documentation to the division's Santa Fe office and to the appropriate division district office.

N.M. Admin. Code § 19.15.26.11

19.15.26.11 NMAC - Rp, 19.15.9.704 NMAC, 12/1/08