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 2 - Environmental Protection
Article 3 - Requirements
Section 1772.4 - Prioritization of Idle Wells for Testing and Plugging and Abandonment

Universal Citation: 14 CA Code of Regs 1772.4

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

(a) When proposing a Testing Compliance Work Plan under Section 1772.1.4, a Testing Waiver Plan under Section 1772.2, or an Idle Well Management Plan under Public Resources Code section 3206, subdivision (a)(2), the operator shall consider all of the following when prioritizing idle wells for testing or plugging and abandonment:

(1) Whether the idle well is a critical well, in an urban area, or has an environmentally sensitive wellhead;

(2) Whether the idle well is located in an area of known geologic hazard, such as subsidence, landslides, or a history of damage to wells in the area from seismicity;

(3) Whether the idle well has pressure in the casing or tubing at the surface, and whether the well is open to the atmosphere;

(4) Whether the idle well has surface obstacles or other impediments preventing access to the wellhead, including but not limited to buildings or structures, surface-use activities, irrigation systems, roads, terrain, or restricted access;

(5) Whether the idle well has known downhole issues that would make it difficult to either reactivate the well or plug and abandon the well, such as known holes in casing, collapsed casing, stuck rods, packer, or fish;

(6) Whether the fluid level in the idle well is above the base of freshwater;

(7) Whether the fluid level in the idle well is above the base of a USDW;

(8) The age of the idle well;

(9) Any other indications that the idle well potentially poses a threat to life, health, property, or natural resources; and

(10) Operational or economic efficiencies that may be achieved by ordering work in a particular manner.

(b) In evaluating an operator's proposed Idle Well Management Plan, Testing Waiver Plan, or Testing Compliance Work Plan for approval, or in a subsequent review of a plan by the Division, the Division may adjust the order of idle wells to be tested or plugged and abandoned based on the considerations listed in subdivision (a).

1. New section filed 3-20-2019; operative 4-1-2019 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2019, No. 12).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 3013 and 3106, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 3106, 3206 and 3206.1, Public Resources Code.

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