Mechanical integrity

1. Prior to commencing operations, the operator of a new injection well must demonstrate the mechanical integrity of the well. Prior to performing any workover project on an existing well, during which the packer or other means of annular isolation could be affected, the operator shall obtain approval from the director. All existing injection wells must demonstrate continual mechanical integrity and be tested at least once every five years. Following the completion of any remedial work, the operator shall demonstrate the mechanical integrity of the well. The director may require further mechanical integrity tests or other remedial work to ensure the mechanical integrity of the well to prevent the movement of fluid into an underground source of drinking water or an unauthorized zone. Mechanical integrity pressure tests must be performed at one thousand pounds per square inch [6900 kilopascals] for a minimum of fifteen minutes. A mechanical integrity test pressure of less than one thousand pounds per square inch [6900 kilopascals] may be approved by the director. Once an injection well is determined to lack mechanical integrity, within ninety days of the determination, it must be repaired and retested or plugged and abandoned. An injection well has mechanical integrity if: a. There is no significant leak in the casing, tubing, or packer; and b. There is no significant fluid movement into an underground source of drinking water or an unauthorized zone through vertical channels adjacent to the injection bore. 2. One of the following methods must be used to evaluate the absence of significant leaks: a. Pressure test with liquid or gas. b. Monitoring of positive annulus pressure following a valid pressure test. c. Radioactive tracer survey. 3. One of the following methods must be used to establish the absence of significant fluid movement: a. A log from which cement can be determined or well records demonstrating the presence of adequate cement to prevent such migration. b. Radioactive tracer survey, temperature log, or noise log. 4. The operator of an injection well immediately shall shut-in the well if mechanical failure indicates fluids are, or may be, migrating into an underground source of drinking water or an unauthorized zone, or if so directed by the director.