North Carolina Administrative Code
Title 15A - Environmental Quality
Chapter 05 - MINING - MINERAL RESOURCES
Subchapter H - OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION
Section .1600 - WELL CONSTRUCTION AND COMPLETION
Section 05H .1608 - WELL INSTALLATION FOR CONDUCTOR CASING

Universal Citation: 15A NC Admin Code 05H .1608

Current through Register Vol. 39, No. 6, September 16, 2024

(a) Conductor casing design and setting depth shall be based on the geological conditions at the wellbore location, including the presence or absence of hydrocarbons and potential drilling hazards.

(b) Conductor casing shall be cemented from bottom to top, with return to the surface. If cement does not return to the surface, the permittee shall consult with and obtain approval from the Department to determine the appropriate method to emplace cement.

(c) Conductor casing shall:

(1) stabilize unconsolidated sediments;

(2) isolate and seal off shallow groundwater zones;

(3) isolate any shallow drilling hazards, hydrocarbon bearing zones, or coal formations;

(4) provide a stable platform for oil or gas well construction; and

(5) provide solid structural anchorage for a diverter system in air drilling operations.

(d) A mechanical or cement seal shall be installed at the surface to block downward migration of surface pollutants.

Authority G.S. 113-391(a)(5)c;
Eff. March 17, 2015.

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