NDAC 43-05-01-11.5
Injection well plugging
Cite as N.D. Admin. Code ยง 43-05-01-11.5
1.
Prior to the well plugging, the storage operator shall flush each injection well with a buffer fluid,
determine bottom hole reservoir pressure, and perform a final external mechanical integrity
test.
2.
The storage operator shall prepare, maintain, and comply with a plugging plan that is
acceptable to the commission. The requirement to maintain and implement a
commission-approved plan is directly enforceable regardless of whether the requirement is a
condition of the permit. The plan must be submitted as part of the storage facility permit
application and must include the following:
a.
Appropriate tests or measures for determining bottom hole reservoir pressure;
b.
Appropriate testing methods to ensure external mechanical integrity;
c.
The type and number of plugs to be used;
d.
The placement of each plug, including the elevation of the top and bottom of each plug;
e.
The type, grade, and quantity of material to be used in plugging. The material must be
compatible with the carbon dioxide stream; and
f.
The method of placement of the plugs.
3.
The storage operator shall notify the commission in writing, at least sixty days before plugging
a well, although the commission may allow a shorter period. At this time, if any changes have
been made to the original well plugging plan, the storage operator shall also provide the
revised well plugging plan. Any amendments to the plan are subject to the commission's
approval and must be incorporated into the storage facility permit and are subject to the permit
modification requirements.
4.
Within sixty days after plugging, the storage operator shall submit a plugging report to the
commission. The report must be certified as accurate by the storage operator and by the
person who performed the plugging operation if other than the storage operator. The storage
operator shall retain the well plugging report until project completion. Upon project completion
the storage operator shall deliver the records to the commission.