Illinois Administrative Code
Title 62 - MINING
Part 240 - THE ILLINOIS OIL AND GAS ACT
Subpart L - REQUIREMENTS FOR TEST WELLS
Section 240.1260 - Plugging and Restoration Requirements

1) If the total depth of the well or hole extends below the base of the freshwater as determined by the Department, the well or hole shall be plugged from total depth to the top of the bedrock with cement. When the plugging requirements of subsection (b)(1) would be impractical due to the presence of fractures in the bedrock or other geologic conditions that would prohibit the containment of fluids in the well, the Department may authorize alternative plugging requirements. In determining whether to approve and in selecting alternative plugging requirements, the Department shall consider the total depth of the hole and the depth and quality of the freshwater.

2) If the total depth of the well or test hole does not extend below the base of the freshwater as determined by the Department, the hole shall be plugged as stated above or may be plugged by circulating bentonite slurry from total depth to surface. When the plugging requirements of subsection (b)(2) would be impractical due to the presence of fractures in the bedrock or other geologic conditions that would prohibit the containment of fluids in the well, the permittee shall place a bridge plug above the fractured zone and circulate bentonite slurry from the plug to the surface.