§ 147.1154 - Existing Class II enhanced recovery and hydrocarbon storage wells authorized by rule in Indian country.

§ 147.1154 Existing Class II enhanced recovery and hydrocarbon storage wells authorized by rule .

Cross Reference

Link to an amendment published at 87 FR 45256, July 28, 2022.

in Indian country.

(a) Maximum injection pressure.

(1) To meet the operating requirements of § 144.28(f)(3)(ii)(A) and (B) of this chapter, the owner or operator:

(i) Shall use an injection pressure no greater than the pressure established by the Regional Administrator for the field or formation in which the well is located. The Regional Administrator shall establish such a maximum pressure after notice, opportunity for comment, and opportunity for a public hearing, according to the provisions of part 124, subpart A, of this chapter, and will inform owners and operators in writing of the applicable maximum pressure; or

(ii) May inject at pressures greater than those specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section for the field or formation in which he is operating provided he submits a request in writing to the Regional Administrator , and demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Regonal Regional Administrator that such injection pressure will not violate the requirement requirements of § 144.28(f)(3)(ii)(A) and (B) of this chapter. The Regional Administrator may grant such a request after notice, opportunity for comment, and opportunity for a public hearing, according to the provisions of part 124, subpart A, of this chapter.

(2) Prior to such time as the Regional Administrator establishes field rules for maximum injection pressure based on data provided pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section the owner or operator shall:

(i) Limit injection pressure to a value which will not exceed the operating requirements of § 144.28(f)(3)(ii) of this chapter; and

(ii) Submit data acceptable to the Regional Administrator, which defines the fracture pressure of the formation in which injection is taking place. A single test may be submitted on behalf of two or more operators conducting operations in the same formation , if the Regional Administrator approves such submission. The data shall be submitted to the Regional Administrator within 1 one year following the effective date of this program.

(b) Casing and cementing. Where the Regional Administrator determines that the owner or operator of an existing enhanced recovery or hydrocarbon storage will well may not be in compliance with the requirements of §§ 144.28(e) and 146.22 of this chapter, the owner or operator shall comply with paragraphs (b)(1) through (4) of this section, when required by the regional Regional Administrator:

(1) Protect underground sources of drinking water (USDWs) by:

(i) Cementing surface casing by recirculating the cement to the surface from a point 50 feet below the lowermost USDW; or

(ii) Isolating all USDWs by placing cement between the outermost casing and the well bore; and

(2) Isolate any injection zones by placing sufficient cement to fill the calculated space between the casing and the well bore to a point 250 feet above the injection zone; and

(3) Use cement:

(i) Of sufficient quantity and quality to withstand the maximum operating pressure;

(ii) Which is resistant to deterioration from formation and injection fluids; and

(iii) In a quantity no less than 120% of the calculated volume necessary to cement-off a zone.

(4) The Regional Administrator may specify other requirements in addition to or in lieu of the requirements set forth in paragraphs (b)(1) through (3) of this section, as needed to protect USDWs.

[87 FR 45256, July 28, 2022]