S.D. Admin. R. 74:55:01:29

Current through Register Vol. 51, page 71, January 6, 2025

Section 74:55:01:29 - Well mechanical integrity test

Prior to putting a new well into service or reissuance of a permit for a salt solution well, the well shall be tested by the owner or operator to determine the mechanical integrity of the well. A well is considered to be of acceptable mechanical integrity if no leak exists in the casing, tubing, or packer and no fluid movement takes place into an underground source of drinking water through annulus channels adjacent to the injection well bore. A schedule and methods for mechanical integrity testing shall be included in the permit, and constitute conditions of the permit. The schedule and methods shall meet the following requirements:

(1) One of the following methods must be used to evaluate the absence of significant leaks in the casing, tubing or packer:

(a) Following an initial pressure test, monitoring of the tubing-casing annulus pressure with sufficient frequency to be representative, as determined by the secretary, while maintaining an annulus pressure different from atmospheric pressure measured at the surface;

(b) Pressure test with liquid or gas; or

(c) An alternative test to demonstrate mechanical integrity other than those listed in this subdivision if it is specified in the permit or is approved by the secretary through a technical revision;

(2) One of the following methods must be used to determine the absence of significant fluid movement into any unauthorized zone, underground source of drinking water, or water-bearing strata through vertical channels adjacent to the injection bore:

(a) The results of a temperature, neutron, or noise log (e.g., cement bond log);

(b) If the nature of the casing precludes the use of the logging techniques prescribed above, sealing records demonstrating the presence of adequate sealing material to prevent such migration shall be provided; or

(c) If the secretary elects to rely on sealing records to demonstrate the absence of significant fluid movement, the monitoring program shall be designed to verify the absence of significant fluid movement;

(3) Maintenance of the mechanical integrity of each injection well that has not been plugged or converted shall be demonstrated at least once every five years or on a schedule determined by the secretary;

(4) Before resuming injection into any injection well that has been damaged by surface or subsurface activity or that has undergone an activity that may jeopardize the mechanical integrity of the well, such as the use of downhole cutting and underreaming tools, the operator must demonstrate the mechanical integrity of that well;

(5) If the secretary determines that an injection well lacks mechanical integrity, the secretary shall give written notice of this determination to the operator of the well. Unless the secretary requires immediate cessation, the operator shall cease injection into the well within 48 hours of receipt of the secretary's determination. The secretary may allow plugging of the well or require the operator to perform such additional construction, operation, monitoring, reporting, and corrective action as is necessary to prevent the movement of fluid into unauthorized zones or onto the surface caused by the lack of mechanical integrity. Repair or plugging of the well must be completed within 120 days of the testing that indicates the well lacks mechanical integrity. If the well is repaired rather than plugged, retesting of the well must be completed within 120 days after the repair is completed. The operator may resume injection upon written notification from the secretary that the operator has demonstrated mechanical integrity; and

(6) Results of mechanical integrity testing shall be reported in accordance with the requirements in § 74:55:01:49.

Injection and production wells shall maintain mechanical integrity until the wells are properly plugged in accordance with the approved plugging and abandonment plan.

S.D. Admin. R. 74:55:01:29

8 SDR 71, effective 12/24/1981; 11 SDR 30, effective 8/30/1984; 13 SDR 129, 13 SDR 141, effective 7/1/1987; transferred from

General Authority: SDCL 34A-2-93(15).

Law Implemented: SDCL 34A-2-44.