Mechanical integrity - Injection wells

1. 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 through channels adjacent to the well bore. 2. To evaluate the absence of significant leaks, the storage operator shall, following initial annulus pressure test, continuously monitor injection pressure, rate, injected volumes, pressure on the annulus between tubing and long string casing, and annulus fluid volume. 3. On a schedule determined by the commission, but at least annually, the storage operator shall use one of the following methods to determine the absence of significant fluid movement: a. An approved tracer survey; or b. A temperature or noise log. 4. If required by the commission, at a frequency specified in the testing and monitoring plan, the storage operator shall run a casing inspection log to determine the presence or absence of corrosion in the long string casing. 5. The commission may require alternative and additional methods to evaluate mechanical integrity. Also, the commission may allow the use of an alternative method to demonstrate mechanical integrity other than those listed above with the written approval of the United States environmental protection agency administrator. To obtain approval for a new mechanical integrity test, the commission shall submit a written request to the United States environmental protection agency administrator. 6. To conduct and evaluate mechanical integrity, the storage operator shall apply methods and standards generally accepted in the industry. When the storage operator reports the results of mechanical integrity tests to the commission, the storage operator shall include a description of the test and the method used. 7. The commission may require additional or alternative tests if the results presented by the storage operator are not satisfactory to the commission to demonstrate mechanical integrity. 8. If the commission determines that an injection well lacks mechanical integrity pursuant to this section, the commission shall give written notice of its determination to the storage operator. Unless the commission requires immediate cessation of injection, the storage operator shall cease injection into the well within forty-eight hours of receipt of the commission's determination. The commission may allow plugging of the well pursuant to the requirements of section 43-05-01-11.5 or require the storage operator to perform such additional construction, operation, monitoring, reporting, and corrective action as is necessary to prevent the movement of fluid into or between underground sources of drinking water caused by the lack of mechanical integrity. The storage operator may resume injection upon written notification from the commission that the storage operator has demonstrated mechanical integrity pursuant to this section. 9. The commission may allow the storage operator of an injection well that lacks mechanical integrity pursuant to this section to continue or resume injection, if the storage operator has made a satisfactory demonstration that there is no movement of fluid into or between underground sources of drinking water.