reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › GENERAL › Section 78a.74 - Venting of gas

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
The venting of gas to the atmosphere from a well is
							 prohibited when the venting produces a hazard to the public health and
							 safety.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › GENERAL › Section 78a.75 - Alternative methods

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) A well
						  operator may request approval from the Department to use an alternative method
						  or material for the casing, plugging or equipping of a well under section 3221
						  of the act (relating to alternative methods).
(b) A well operator seeking approval under
						  this section shall file an application with the Department on forms furnished
						  by the Department. The application must:
(1)
						  Describe the proposed alternative method or material, in reasonable
						  detail.
(2) Indicate the manner in
						  which the alternative will satisfy the goals of the act and this
						  chapter.
(3) Include a drawing or
						  schematic of the alternative method, if appropriate.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › GENERAL › Section 78a.75a - Area of alternative methods

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) A well operator may request approval from
						  the Department to use an alternative method or material for the casing,
						  plugging or equipping of a well under section 3221 of the act (relating to
						  alternative methods).
(b) To
						  establish an area of alternative methods, the Department will publish a notice
						  in the
Pennsylvania Bulletin
of the proposed area of
						  alternative methods and provide the public with an opportunity to comment on
						  the proposal. After reviewing any comments received on the proposal, the
						  Department will publish a final designation of the area and required
						  alternative methods in the
Pennsylvania Bulletin
.
(c) Wells drilled within an area of
						  alternative methods established under subsection (b) must meet the requirements
						  specified by the Department unless the operator obtains approval from the
						  Department to drill, operate or plug the well in a different manner that is at
						  least as safe and protective of the environment as the requirements of the area
						  of alternative methods.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › GENERAL › Section 78a.76 - Drilling within a gas storage reservoir area

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) An operator proposing to drill a well
						  within a gas storage reservoir area or a reservoir protective area shall
						  forward by certified mail a copy of the well location plat, the drilling,
						  casing and cementing plan, and the anticipated date drilling will start to the
						  gas storage reservoir operator and to the Department for approval by the
						  Department and shall submit proof of notification to the gas storage reservoir
						  operator to the Department with the well permit application.
(b) The storage operator may file an
						  objection with the Department to the drilling, casing and cementing plan or the
						  proposed well location within 15 calendar days of receipt of the notification
						  and request a conference in accordance with section 3251 of the act (relating
						  to conferences).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › GENERAL › Section 78a.77 - Wells in a hydrogen sulfide area

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) An operator proposing to drill a well
						  within a 1-mile radius of a well drilled to or through the same formation where
						  hydrogen sulfide has been found while drilling shall install monitoring
						  equipment during drilling at the well site to detect the presence of hydrogen
						  sulfide in accordance with American Petroleum Institute publication RP49,
						  "Recommended Practices for Safe Drilling of Wells Containing Hydrogen
						  Sulfide."
(b) When hydrogen sulfide
						  is detected in concentrations of 20 ppm or greater, the well shall be drilled
						  in accordance with American Petroleum Institute publication RP49, "Recommended
						  Practices for Safe Drilling of Wells Containing Hydrogen Sulfide."
(c) An operator who operates a well in which
						  hydrogen sulfide is discovered in concentrations of 20 ppm or greater shall
						  operate the well in a way that presents no danger to human health or to the
						  environment.
(d) When an operator
						  discovers hydrogen sulfide in concentrations of 20 ppm or greater during the
						  drilling of a well, the operator shall notify the Department and identify the
						  location of the well and the concentration of hydrogen sulfide detected. The
						  Department will maintain a list of all notices that will be available to
						  operators for their reference.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › GENERAL › Section 78a.78 - Pillar permit applications

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) The
						  Department will use recommendations for coal pillar size and configuration set
						  forth in the coal pillar study, listed in the Department's
Coal
						  Pillars
, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental
						  Protection, No. 550-2100-006, as amended and updated, as a basis for approval
						  or disapproval of coal pillar permit applications submitted by underground coal
						  mine operators.
(b) Where proposed
						  coal pillar size and configuration does not conform to the recommendations of
						  the coal pillar study referenced in subsection (a), the underground coal mine
						  operator may request Department approval for an alternate coal pillar size and
						  configuration.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › CASING AND CEMENTING › Section 78a.81 - General provisions

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) The
						  operator shall conduct casing and cementing activities under this section and
						  §§
													78a.82,
						  78a.83,
						  78a.83a,
						  78a.83b,
						  78a.83c and
						  78a.84-78a.87 or an approved alternate
						  method under §
													78a.75 (relating to alternative
						  methods). The operator shall case and cement a well to accomplish the
						  following:
(1) Allow effective control of the
						  well at all times.
(2) Prevent the
						  migration of gas or other fluids into sources of fresh groundwater.
(3) Prevent pollution or diminution of fresh
						  groundwater.
(4) Prevent the
						  migration of gas or other fluids into coal seams.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › CASING AND CEMENTING › Section 78a.82 - Use of conductor pipe

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
If the operator installs conductor pipe in the well,
							 the following provisions apply:
(1)
						  The operator may not remove the pipe.
(2) Conductor pipe shall be installed in a
						  manner that prevents the subsurface infiltration of surface water or fluids by
						  either driving the pipe into place or cementing the pipe from the seat to the
						  surface.
(3) Conductor pipe must be
						  made of steel unless a different material is approved for use by the
						  Department.
This section cited in 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.81 (relating to general
								provisions); 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.102 (relating to criteria for
								approval of inactive status); and 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.103 (relating to annual
								monitoring of inactive wells).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › CASING AND CEMENTING › Section 78a.83 - Surface and coal protective casing and cementing procedures

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) For wells
						  drilled, altered, reconditioned or recompleted after February 5, 2011, surface
						  casing or any casing functioning as a water protection casing may not be
						  utilized as production casing unless one of the following applies:
(1) In oil wells where the operator does not
						  produce any gas generated by the well and the annulus between the surface
						  casing and the production pipe is left open.
(2) The operator demonstrates that the
						  pressure in the well is no greater than the pressure permitted under §
														78a.73(e)
						  (relating to general provision for well construction and operation),
						  demonstrates through a pressure test or other method approved by the Department
						  that all gas and fluids will be contained within the well, and installs a
						  working pressure gauge that can be inspected by the
						  Department.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › CASING AND CEMENTING › Section 78a.83a - Casing and cementing plan

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a)
						  The operator shall prepare and maintain a casing and cementing plan showing how
						  the well will be drilled and completed. The plan must demonstrate compliance
						  with this subchapter and include the following information:
(1) The anticipated depth and thickness of
						  any producing formation, expected pressures, anticipated fresh groundwater
						  zones and the method or information by which the depth of the deepest fresh
						  groundwater was determined.
(2) The
						  diameter of the borehole.
(3)
						  Casing type, whether the casing is new or used, depth, diameter, wall thickness
						  and burst pressure rating.
(4)
						  Cement type, yield, additives and estimated amount.
(5) The estimated location of
						  centralizers.
(6) The proposed
						  borehole conditioning procedures.
(7) Alternative methods or materials as
						  required by the Department as a condition of the well permit.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › CASING AND CEMENTING › Section 78a.83b - Casing and cementing-lost circulation

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) If cement used to permanently cement the
						  surface or coal protective casing is not circulated to the surface despite
						  pumping a volume of cement equal to or greater than 120% of the calculated
						  annular space, the operator shall determine the top of the cement, notify the
						  Department and meet one of the following requirements as approved by the
						  Department:
(1) Run an additional string of
						  casing at least 50 feet deeper than the string where circulation was lost and
						  cement the additional string of casing back to the seat of the string where
						  circulation was lost and vent the annulus of the additional casing string to
						  the atmosphere at all times unless closed for well testing or maintenance.
						  Shut-in pressure on the casing seat of the additional string of casing may not
						  exceed the requirements of §
														78a.73(e)
						  (relating to general provision for well construction and operation).
(2) Run production casing and set the
						  production casing on a packer in a competent formation below the string where
						  circulation was lost and vent the annulus of the production casing to the
						  atmosphere at all times unless closed for well testing or
						  maintenance.
(3) Run production
						  casing at least to the top of the formation that is being produced and cement
						  the production casing to the surface.
(4) Run intermediate and production casing
						  and cement both strings of casing to the surface.
(5) Produce oil but not gas and leave the
						  annulus between the surface casing and the production pipe open.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › CASING AND CEMENTING › Section 78a.83c - Intermediate and production casing

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) Prior to cementing the intermediate and
						  production casing, the borehole, mud and cement shall be conditioned to ensure
						  an adequate cement bond between the casing and the formation.
(b) If the well is to be equipped with an
						  intermediate casing, centralizers shall be used and the casing shall be
						  cemented to the surface by the displacement method. Gas may be produced off the
						  intermediate casing if a shoe test demonstrates that all gas will be contained
						  within the well and a relief valve is installed at the surface that is set less
						  than the shoe test pressure. The shoe test pressure shall be recorded in the
						  completion report.
(c) Except as
						  provided in §
													78a.83 (relating to surface and
						  coal protective casing and cementing procedures), each well must be equipped
						  with production casing. The production string may be set on a packer or
						  cemented in place. If the production casing is cemented in place, centralizers
						  shall be used and cement shall be placed by the displacement method with
						  sufficient cement to fill the annular space to a point at least 500 feet above
						  true vertical depth or at least 200 feet above the uppermost perforations,
						  whichever is greater.
This section cited in 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.81 (relating to general
								provisions); 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.102 (relating to criteria for
								approval of inactive status); and 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.103 (relating to annual
								monitoring of inactive wells).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › CASING AND CEMENTING › Section 78a.84 - Casing standards

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) The
						  operator shall install casing that can withstand the effects of tension, and
						  prevent leaks, burst and collapse during its installation, cementing and
						  subsequent drilling and producing operations.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c), all
						  casing must be a string of new pipe with an internal pressure rating that is at
						  least 20% greater than the anticipated maximum pressure to which the casing
						  will be exposed.
(c) Used casing
						  may be approved for use as surface, intermediate or production casing but shall
						  be pressure tested after cementing and before continuation of drilling. A
						  passing pressure test is holding the anticipated maximum pressure to which it
						  will be exposed for 30 minutes with not more than a 10% decrease in
						  pressure.
(d) New or used plain end
						  casing, except when being used as conductor pipe, that is welded together for
						  use must meet the following requirements:
(1)
						  The casing must pass a pressure test by holding the anticipated maximum
						  pressure to which the casing will be exposed for 30 minutes with not more than
						  a 10% decrease in pressure. The operator shall notify the Department at least
						  24 hours before conducting the test. The test results shall be entered on the
						  drilling log.
(2) The casing shall
						  be welded using at least three passes with the joint cleaned between each
						  pass.
(3) The casing shall be
						  welded by a person trained and certified in the applicable American Petroleum
						  Institute, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Welding Society
						  or equivalent standard for welding casing and pipe or an equivalent training
						  and certification program as approved by the Department. The certification
						  requirements of this paragraph shall take effect August 5, 2011. A person with
						  10 years or more of experience welding casing as of February 5, 2011, who
						  registered with the Department by November 7, 2011, is deemed to be
						  certified.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › CASING AND CEMENTING › Section 78a.85 - Cement standards

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) When
						  cementing surface casing or coal protective casing, the operator shall use
						  cement that meets or exceeds the ASTM International C 150, Type I, II or III
						  Standard or API Specification 10. The cement must also:
(1) Secure the casing in the
						  wellbore.
(2) Isolate the wellbore
						  from fresh groundwater.
(3) Contain
						  any pressure from drilling, completion and production.
(4) Protect the casing from corrosion from,
						  and degradation by, the geochemical, lithologic and physical conditions of the
						  surrounding wellbore. For wells employing coal protective casing, this
						  includes, but is not limited to, formulating cement to withstand elevated
						  sulfate concentrations and other geochemical constituents of coal and
						  associated strata which have the potential to adversely affect the integrity of
						  the cement.
(5) Prevent gas flow in
						  the annulus. In areas of known shallow gas producing zones, gas block additives
						  and low fluid loss slurries shall be used.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › CASING AND CEMENTING › Section 78a.86 - Defective casing or cementing

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
In a well that has defective, insufficient or
							 improperly cemented casing, the operator shall report the defect to the
							 Department within 24 hours of discovery by the operator and shall correct the
							 defect. The operator shall correct the defect or submit a plan to correct the
							 defect for approval by the Department within 30 days. If the defect cannot be
							 corrected or an alternate method is not approved by the Department, the well
							 shall be plugged under §§
													78a.91-78a.98 (relating to plugging).
This section cited in 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.81 (relating to general
								provisions); 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.102 (relating to criteria for
								approval of inactive status); and 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.103 (relating to annual
								monitoring of inactive wells).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › CASING AND CEMENTING › Section 78a.87 - Gas storage reservoir protective casing and cementing procedures

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) In addition to
						  the other provisions in this subchapter, a well drilled through a gas storage
						  reservoir or a gas storage reservoir protective area shall be drilled, cased
						  and cemented as follows:
(1) An operator
						  shall use drilling procedures capable of controlling anticipated gas flows and
						  pressures when drilling from the surface to 200 feet above a gas storage
						  reservoir or gas storage horizon.
(2) An operator shall use drilling procedures
						  capable of controlling anticipated gas storage reservoir pressures and flows at
						  all times when drilling from 200 feet above a gas storage reservoir horizon to
						  the depth at which the gas storage protective casing will be installed.
						  Operators shall use blow-out prevention equipment with a pressure rating in
						  excess of the allowable maximum storage pressure for the gas storage
						  reservoir.
(3) To protect the gas
						  storage reservoir, an operator shall run intermediate or production casing from
						  a point located at least 100 feet below the gas storage horizon to the surface.
						  The operator shall cement this casing by circulating cement to a point at least
						  200 feet above the gas storage reservoir or gas storage horizon.
(4) When cementing casing in a well drilled
						  through a gas storage reservoir, the operator shall ensure that no gas is
						  present in the drilling fluids in an amount that could interfere with the
						  integrity of the cement.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › OPERATING WELLS › Section 78a.88 - Mechanical integrity of operating wells

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) Except for wells that have been granted
						  inactive status, the operator shall inspect each operating well at least
						  quarterly to ensure it is in compliance with the well construction and
						  operating requirements of this chapter and the act. The results of the
						  inspections shall be recorded and retained by the operator for at least 5 years
						  and be available for review by the Department and the coal owner or
						  operator.
(b) At a minimum,
						  inspections shall determine:
(1) The
						  well-head pressure or water level measurement.
(2) The open flow on the annulus of the
						  production casing or the annulus pressure if the annulus is shut in.
(3) If there is evidence of gas escaping from
						  the well and the amount escaping, using measurement or best estimate of
						  quantity.
(4) If there is evidence
						  of progressive corrosion, rusting or other signs of equipment
						  deterioration.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › OPERATING WELLS › Section 78a.89 - Gas migration response

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) When
						  an operator or owner is notified of or otherwise made aware of a potential
						  natural gas migration incident, the operator shall immediately conduct an
						  investigation of the incident. The purpose of the investigation is to determine
						  the nature of the incident, assess the potential for hazards to public health
						  and safety, and mitigate any hazard posed by the concentrations of stray
						  natural gas.
(b) The investigation
						  undertaken by the operator under subsection (a) shall include, but not be
						  limited to, the following:
(1) A site visit
						  and interview with the complainant to obtain information about the complaint
						  and to assess the reported natural gas migration incident.
(2) A field survey to assess the presence and
						  concentrations of natural gas and aerial extent of the stray natural gas.
(3) If necessary, establishment of
						  monitoring locations at potential sources, in potentially impacted structures
						  and the subsurface.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › PLUGGING › Section 78a.91 - General provisions

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) Upon
						  abandoning a well, the owner or operator shall plug the well under §§
													78a.92-78a.98 or an approved alternate
						  method under section 3221 of the act (relating to alternative methods) to stop
						  the vertical flow of fluids or gas within the well bore unless one of the
						  following applies:
(1) The Department has
						  granted inactive status under §§
														78a.101-78a.105 (relating to inactive
						  status).
(2) The well is part of a
						  plugging schedule that has been approved by the Department and the operator is
						  complying with that schedule, and the schedule takes into account potential
						  harm that the well poses to the environment or public health and
						  safety.
(3) The Department has
						  approved the identification of the well as an orphan well under section 3213 of
						  the act (relating to well registration and identification), and the Department
						  has not determined a prior owner or operator received economic benefit after
						  April 18, 1979, from this well other than economic benefit derived only as a
						  landowner or from a royalty interest.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › PLUGGING › Section 78a.95 - Wells in noncoal areas-surface casing is cemented

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) The owner or operator shall plug a well,
						  where the surface casing is cemented and the production casing is not cemented
						  or not present, as follows:
(1) The
						  retrievable production casing shall be removed by applying a pulling force at
						  least equal to the casing weight plus 5,000 pounds or 120%, whichever is
						  greater. If this fails, an attempt shall be made to separate the casing by
						  cutting, ripping, shooting or other method approved by the Department, and
						  making a second attempt to remove the casing by exerting a pulling force equal
						  to the casing weight plus 5,000 pounds or 120% of the casing weight, whichever
						  is greater. The well shall be filled with nonporous material from the total
						  depth or attainable bottom of the well to a point 50 feet below the lowest
						  stratum bearing or having borne oil, gas or water. At this point there shall be
						  placed a plug of cement, which extends for at least 50 feet above this stratum.
						  Each overlying formation bearing or having borne oil, gas or water shall be
						  plugged with cement a minimum of 50 feet below this formation to a point 50
						  feet above this formation. The zone between cement plugs shall be filled with
						  nonporous material. The cement plugs shall be placed in a manner that will
						  completely seal the hole. The operator may treat multiple strata as one stratum
						  and plug as described in this subsection with a single column of cement or
						  other materials as approved by the Department. When the production casing is
						  not retrievable, the operator shall plug this portion of the well under §
														78a.91(d)
						  (relating to general provisions).
(2) After plugging all strata bearing or
						  having borne oil, gas or water, the well shall be filled with nonporous
						  material to approximately 100 feet below the surface casing seat. Another plug
						  of cement, or other equally nonporous material approved by the Department,
						  shall be placed extending at least 50 feet above that point.
(3) After setting the 50-foot plug, the hole
						  shall be filled from the top of the 50-foot plug to the surface with a
						  noncementing material or the operator shall set a 100-foot cement plug which
						  extends 50-feet into the surface casing and fill the hole to the surface with
						  noncementing material.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › PLUGGING › Section 78a.96 - Marking the location of a plugged well

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
Upon the completion of plugging or replugging a well,
							 the operator shall erect over the plugged well a permanent marker of concrete,
							 metal, plastic or equally durable material. The marker must extend at least 4
							 feet above the ground surface and enough below the surface to make the marker
							 permanent. Cement may be used to hold the marker in place provided the cement
							 does not prevent inspection of the adequacy of the well plugging. The permit or
							 registration number shall be stamped or cast or otherwise permanently affixed
							 to the marker. In lieu of placing the marker above the ground surface, the
							 marker may be buried below plow depth and shall contain enough metal to be
							 detected at the surface by conventional metal detectors.
This section cited in 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.86 (relating to defective
								casing or cementing); and 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.91 (relating to general
								provisions).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › PLUGGING › Section 78a.97 - Plugging a well stimulated with explosives

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
Where strata bearing or having borne oil, gas or
							 water in the well have been stimulated with explosives, thereby creating
							 cavities which cannot be readily filled as described in §§
													78a.92-78a.95, the well operator shall
							 place at the nearest suitable point, but at least 20 feet above the stratum, a
							 plug of cement which extends at least 50 feet above that point. If the
							 stimulation has been done above one or more strata bearing or having borne oil,
							 gas or water in the well, plugging in the applicable manner specified in
							 §§
													78a.92-78a.95 shall be done at the
							 nearest suitable points, to at least 20 feet below and at least 20 feet above
							 the stratum stimulated. From a point immediately above and below these plugs,
							 the well shall be plugged under §§
													78a.94 and
							 78a.95 (relating to wells in
							 noncoal areas-surface casing is not cemented or not present; and wells in
							 noncoal areas-surface casing is cemented).
This section cited in 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.86 (relating to defective
								casing or cementing); and 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.91 (relating to general
								provisions).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › PLUGGING › Section 78a.98 - Restricting surface water from the well bore

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
When casing, including conductor pipe, is left in the
							 well at the surface, the area between the casings or the casing and the well
							 bore shall be permanently filled to the surface with a nonporous material to
							 restrict surface water from the well bore.
This section cited in 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.86 (relating to defective
								casing or cementing); and 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.91 (relating to general
								provisions).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › INACTIVE STATUS › Section 78a.101 - General provisions

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
Upon application, the Department will grant inactive
							 status for 5 years for a permitted or registered well if the application meets
							 the requirements of section 3214 of the act (relating to inactive status) and
							 §§
													78a.102-78a.105. The Department may
							 require information to demonstrate that the conditions imposed by §
													78a.102 (relating to criteria for
							 approval of inactive status) are satisfied.
This section cited in 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.1 (relating to definitions);
								and 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.91 (relating to general
								provisions).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › INACTIVE STATUS › Section 78a.102 - Criteria for approval of inactive status

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
To obtain inactive status, the applicant shall
							 affirmatively demonstrate to the Department's satisfaction that:
(1) The condition of the well is sufficient
						  to:
(i) Prevent damage to the producing zone
						  or contamination of fresh water or other natural resources or surface leakage
						  of substances.
(ii) Stop the
						  vertical flow of fluid or gas within the well bore.
(iii) Protect fresh groundwater.
(iv) Pose no threat to the health and safety
						  of persons, property or the environment.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › INACTIVE STATUS › Section 78a.103 - Annual monitoring of inactive wells

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
The owner or operator of a well granted inactive
							 status shall monitor the integrity of the well on an annual basis and shall
							 report the results to the Department. The owner or operator shall give the
							 Department 3 business days prior notice of the annual monitoring and mechanical
							 integrity testing. For wells that were drilled in accordance with the casing
							 and cementing standards of §§
													78a.81-78a.83,
							 78a.83a,
							 78a.83b,
							 78a.83c and
							 78a.84-78a.86, the operator shall monitor
							 the integrity of the well by using the method described in §
													78a.102(2)(ii)(A), (B), (D) or (E)
							  (relating to criteria for approval of
							 inactive status), as appropriate. For a well that was not drilled in accordance
							 with the casing and cementing standards, the wells shall be monitored in
							 accordance with §
													78a.102(1). To
							 qualify for continued inactive status, the owner or operator shall demonstrate,
							 by the data in the monitoring reports, that the condition of the well continues
							 to satisfy the requirements of §
													78a.102. The owner or operator
							 shall submit the report by March 31 of the following year.
This section cited in 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.91 (relating to general
								provisions); 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.101 (relating to general
								provisions); 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.102 (relating to criteria for
								approval of inactive status); 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.104 (relating to term of
								inactive status); and 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.105 (relating to revocation of
								inactive status).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › INACTIVE STATUS › Section 78a.104 - Term of inactive status

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
Approval of inactive status for a well is valid for 5
							 years unless revoked. After 5 years, the owner or operator shall plug or return
							 to active status a well granted inactive status unless the Department grants an
							 application for a 1-year extension. The operator of a well granted inactive
							 status may apply for renewal of inactive status by demonstrating that the well
							 continues to satisfy the conditions imposed on the well by §§
													78a.102 and
							 78a.103 (relating to criteria for
							 approval of inactive status; and annual monitoring of inactive
							 wells).
This section cited in 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.91 (relating to general
								provisions); 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.101 (relating to general
								provisions); and 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.105 (relating to revocation of
								inactive status).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › INACTIVE STATUS › Section 78a.105 - Revocation of inactive status

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
The Department may revoke inactive status and may
							 order the immediate plugging of a well if one of the following applies:
(1) The well is in violation of the act or
						  regulations administered by the Department.
(2) The operator of the inactive well has
						  become insolvent, to the extent that the plan provided under §
													78a.102 (relating to criteria for
						  approval of inactive status) is no longer viable to return the well to active
						  status, or the operator otherwise demonstrates a lack of ability or intention
						  to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
(3) The condition of the well no longer
						  satisfies the requirements of section 3214 of the act (relating to inactive
						  status) and §
													78a.102 and §§
													78a.103 and
						  78a.104 (relating to annual
						  monitoring of inactive wells; and term of inactive status).
(4) The owner or operator is unwilling or
						  unable to perform his obligations under the act.
This section cited in 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.91 (relating to general
								provisions); and 25 Pa. Code §
															78a.101 (relating to general
								provisions).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter D - WELL DRILLING, OPERATION AND PLUGGING › RADIOACTIVE LOGGING SOURCES › Section 78a.111 - Abandonment

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) The owner or
						  operator may not abandon a radioactive source licensed by the Commonwealth for
						  logging purposes without consent of the Department. Approval of a plan of
						  abandonment may be arranged with the Department by telephone and is to be
						  followed by a written report to the Department within 30 days after abandonment
						  of the radioactive source. The plan shall be approved by the
						  Department.
(b) The operator shall
						  notify the Department of his intention to leave a radioactive source in a
						  well.
(c) The operator shall
						  mechanically equip a well in which a radioactive source is abandoned to prevent
						  the accidental or intentional mechanical disintegration of the radioactive
						  source.
(1) The operator shall cover the
						  radioactive source being abandoned in the bottom of a well with a substantial
						  standard color-dyed cement plug on top of which a mechanical stop or deflector
						  shall be set. The dye must contrast with the color of the formation to alert a
						  re-entry operator prior to encountering the source.
(2) In a well where a logging source has been
						  cemented in place behind a casing string and above total depth, upon plugging
						  the well, a color-dyed cement plug shall be placed opposite the abandoned
						  source inside the well bore and a mechanical stop or deflector shall be placed
						  on top of the plug.
(3) If, after
						  expending a reasonable effort, the operator cannot comply with paragraph (1) or
						  (2) because of hole conditions, the operator shall request Department approval
						  to cease efforts to comply with paragraph (1) or (2) and shall obtain approval
						  for an alternate method for abandoning the source and plugging the
						  well.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter E - WELL REPORTING › Section 78a.121 - Production reporting

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) Each
						operator of an unconventional well shall submit a monthly production and status
						report for each well on an individual basis within 45 calendar days of the
						close of each monthly reporting period. Production shall be reported for the
						preceding reporting period. When the production data is not available to the
						operator on a well basis, the operator shall report production on the most
						well-specific basis available.
(b)
						The monthly production report must include information on the amount and type
						of waste produced and the method of waste disposal or reuse, including the
						specific facility or well site where the waste was managed. Waste information
						submitted to the Department in accordance with this subsection is deemed to
						satisfy the residual waste biennial reporting requirements of §
												287.52 (relating to biennial
						report).
(c) The production report
						shall be submitted electronically to the Department through its web
						site.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › Part I - Department of Environmental Protection › Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources › Article I - Land Resources › Chapter 78a - UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS › Subchapter E - WELL REPORTING › Section 78a.122 - Well record and completion report

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) For each well that is drilled or altered,
						the operator shall keep a detailed drillers log at the well site available for
						inspection until drilling is completed. Within 30 calendar days of cessation of
						drilling or altering a well, the well operator shall submit a well record to
						the Department on a form provided by the Department that includes the following
						information:
(1) Name, address and telephone
						number of the permittee.
(2) Permit
						number, and farm name and number.
(3) Township and county.
(4) Date drilling started and
						completed.
(5) Method of
						drilling.
(6) Size and depth of
						conductor pipe, surface casing, coal protective casing, intermediate casing,
						production casing and borehole.
(7)
						Type and amount of cement and results of cementing procedures.
(8) Elevation and total depth.
(9) Drillers log that includes the name and
						depth of formations from the surface to total depth, depth of oil and gas
						producing zone, depth of fresh water and brines and source of
						information.
(10) Certification by
						the operator that the well has been constructed in accordance with this chapter
						and any permit conditions imposed by the Department.
(11) Whether methane was encountered other
						than in a target formation.
(12)
						The country of origin and manufacture of tubular steel products used in the
						construction of the well.
(13) The
						borrow pit used for well site development, if any.
(14) Other information required by the
						Department.