Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 37, September 13, 2024
Section 38-23-7 - Work Order: Manner and Method of Plugging a CBM Well7.1. An applicant for a permit to plug a well shall set forth a detailed statement of the manner in which the work of plugging and filling such well is to be performed, including: 7.1.1. location (by depth),7.1.2. kind and length of plugs to be used and the method chosen to insure that no gap exists between the bottom of the coal protection string of casing and the expanding cement plug thereunder,7.1.3. plans for mudding, cementing, and filling,7.1.4. plans for altering or removing casing if required, and7.1.5. all other pertinent information regarding said plugging and filling, all of which shall be in compliance with W.Va. Code § 22-21-23. The information shall be submitted on Form "Application to Plug and Abandon a CBM Well".7.2 . Rights of Coal Owner or Operator Pursuant to W.Va. Code § 22-21-22(b). 7.2.1. Any coal owner or operator noticed within the "Application to Plug and Abandon" and whose coal seam is affected by such well shall have the following rights pursuant to W.Va. Code § 22-21-22: 7.2.1.1. To convert the well to a vent hole or otherwise take the well. In such event the chief, upon determination that the coal owner or operator has placed the well under a mining permit, shall release the well operator's bond and the well operator shall be relieved of further responsibility for the well.7.2.1.2. To file comment or objection with the chief, within fifteen (15) days after receipt of intent to plug, with respect to the proposed manner or method of plugging. The chief shall consider any such comment or objection and issue an order specifying the manner and method of plugging and reclamation.7.3. Issuance of a Permit to Plug and Abandon a CBM Well.7.3.1. The Chief shall issue an order within fifteen (15) days after the expiration of the comment and objection period, either permitting or rejecting such application and endorsed on Form WW-6B. The issuance or rejection shall be mailed to all parties noticed on the application to plug and abandon a CBM Well. In entering any such order, the chief shall give special consideration to the ability to mine any affected coal seam safely and the protection of any affected coal seam for future mining.7.3.2. Verbal permission may be given pursuant to W.Va. Code § 22B-1-33(c) in the event the well to be plugged and abandoned is one on which drilling or working operations have been continuously progressing pursuant to authorization granted by the Office. Any verbal permission shall be given by the Chief, or the supervising inspector, or any inspector who is available to supervise the plugging work. Unless such verbal approval is given by the Chief, the well operator shall notify the Chief's office by telephone of such verbal approval no later than the next regular working day.7.4. When any coalbed methane well is located in that portion of a coal seam which will be mined within six (6) months, the well operator shall, within sixty (60) days after notice from the coal owner or coal operator that the well is to be mined through, plug the well. The well shall be plugged in accordance with the requirements of Section 8.