California Code of Regulations
Title 14 - Natural Resources
Division 2 - Department of Conservation
Chapter 4 - Development, Regulation, and Conservation of Oil and Gas Resources
Subchapter 1 - Onshore Well Regulations
Article 3 - Requirements
Section 1723.2 - Plugging for Freshwater Protection

Universal Citation: 14 CA Code of Regs 1723.2

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

(a) Plugging in Open Hole.

(1) A minimum 200-foot cement plug shall be placed across all fresh-saltwater interfaces.

(2) An interface plug may be placed wholly within a thick shale if such shale separates the freshwater sands from the brackish or saltwater sands.

(b) Plugging in a Cased Hole.

(1) If there is cement behind the casing across the fresh-saltwater interface, a 100-foot cement plug shall be placed inside the casing across the interface.

(2) If the top of the cement behind the casing is below the top of the highest saltwater sands, squeeze-cementing shall be required through perforations to protect the freshwater deposits. In addition, a 100-foot cement plug shall be placed inside the casing across the fresh-saltwater interface.

(3) Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, the district deputy may require or allow a cavity shot immediately below the base of the freshwater sands. In such cases, the hole shall be cleaned out to the estimated bottom of the cavity and a 100-foot cement plug shall be placed in the casing from the cleanout point.

(c) Special Plugging Requirements. Where geologic or groundwater conditions dictate, special plugging procedures may be specified to prevent contamination of usable waters by downward percolation of poor quality surface waters, separate water zones of varying quality, and isolate dry sands that are in hydraulic continuity with groundwater aquifers.

1. Amendment filed 9-21-76; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 76, No. 39).
2. Amendment filed 12-28-84; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 84, No. 52).
3. Amendment of subsection (c) and NOTE filed 8-4-95; operative 9-3-95 (Register 95, No. 31).

Note: Authority cited: Section 3013, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 3106 and 3228, Public Resources Code.

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