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| Rule |
Rule 1501:9-11-01 | Definitions.
As used in Chapter 1501:9-11 of the Administrative
Code: (A) "Big lime" means all
geologic formations above the Silurian Rochester Shale and below the Devonian
Olentangy Shale. (B) "Brush and stone bridge" means an obstruction
made of timber and stone and placed in a well bore to form an effective base
for plugging material. (C) "Casing" means lengths of steel pipe coupled
or connected together to form a continuous conduit in the well
bore. (D) "Cement" means a complex, finely-ground
kiln-fired calcium silicate that when mixed with water forms a slurry that will
harden in the borehole to form an effective seal between the well bore and
casing or tubing, or to effectively seal formations penetrated by the well
bore. (E) "Clay" means, for purposes of paragraph (H)
of rule 1501:9-11-07 of the Administrative Code, any material with a particle
size of 4.0 microns or less and the sand fraction will be all particles with a
grain size exceeding 62.5 microns. (F) "Drilling Mud" means any mixture of water,
bentonite, and/or clay to form a slurry as commonly used in the oil and gas
industry. (G) "Fine grout" means a mix of: Portland type I,
II or III cement manufactured to meet ASTM "C150/C150M/C595"
standards or API "10 A Specification for Cements and Materials for Well
Cementing;" water and sand that meets ASTM "C-33" standards and
specifications. (H) "Fresh water strata" means all unconsolidated
rock material or sedimentary rock containing water with less than ten thousand
milligrams per liter total of dissolved solids. (I) "Identification tag" means a brass or steel
plate with the initials ODNR and the plug permit number legibly braised,
burned, or stamped in the surface that is affixed on top of the
casing. (J) "Long string" means any casing placed in the
well bore for the purpose of protecting the producing zones. (K) "Mechanical bridge plug" means a manufactured
device designed to seal the well bore or inside diameter of any diameter of
casing that may be used as a base for approved plugging material. (L) "Mineable coal seam" means any underground
coal seam of sufficient thickness that may be economically mined by current
mining methods. (M) "Plugging plan" means a written plan that
includes all information set forth in section 1509.13 of the Revised Code in
addition to all of the following: (1) The diameter of each
uncased segment of the wellbore; (2) The length, weight,
and outer diameter of each casing string in the well; (3) The depth to the base
and top of the cemented interval of each casing string; (4) The base and top of
any mineable coal seams; (5) The name, if known,
and depth to the base and top of the deepest underground source of drinking
water; (6) The depth to the base
and top of each reservoir rock, thief zone, underground mine zone, karst void,
or mineable coal seam that will be plugged or isolated; (7) The proposed depth to
the top and base of each plug; (8) The class of cement
to be used to plug the well; (9) The yield and optimum
slurry density for each cement plug; and (10) If the well will be
plugged with an approved clay, the total weight of clay in tons that will be
emplaced across each interval plugged. (N) "Precast concrete plug" means a tapered plug
constructed of concrete and precast in various sizes expressly for creating a
bridge on a casing seat or ripped casing. (O) "Prepared clay" has the same meaning as in
section 1509.01 of the Revised Code. (P) "Reservoir rock" means a rock formation that
has or had any of the following: (1) Production of oil or
natural gas; (2) Injection into
it; (3) Hydrogen sulfide; or
(4) A flow of
brine. (Q) "Squeeze" means the pumping of a cement
slurry under pressure through perforations to seal the back side of
casing. (R) "Sulfate resistant cement" means a
cement-additive blend that resists deterioration in the presence of hydrogen
sulfide. (S) "Thief zone" means a geologic formation
encountered into which fluids can be lost.
Last updated June 30, 2024 at 7:30 PM
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Rule 1501:9-11-02 | Permit to plug or plug back.
(A) Except as provided in rule
1501:9-11-05 of the Administrative Code, a person may plug or plug back a well
only pursuant to the three following options: (1) A valid permit to
plug issued under section 1509.13 of the Revised Code or a valid permit to plug
back issued under section 1509.06 of the Revised Code; (2) Division (C) of
section 1509.13 of the Revised Code; or (3) Plugging operations
that are otherwise authorized by the chief in writing. The chief may authorize
a person in writing to commence plugging or plug back operations without a
permit if necessary to protect public health, safety, or the environment,
however the person will apply for a permit to plug or plug back within five
business days after receiving the chiefs written
authorization. (B) Except as otherwise authorized in
paragraph (A)(3) of this rule, a person may commence well plugging operations
only if a copy of the permit to plug or the permit to plug back, all terms and
conditions of the permit, and the approved plugging plan are maintained at the
well site at all times plugging operations are taking place. (C) With each application for a permit to
plug a well, in addition to the information set forth in division (B) of
section 1509.13 of the Revised Code, the person needs to include an affidavit
attesting that the person will attempt to notify, by certified mail, regarding
the persons intention to plug the well and of the issuance date and
expiration date of the permit all of the following persons: (1) The owner of the land
upon which the wellhead is located; (2) Any person that
receives gas from the well pursuant to an agreement with the well owner;
and (3) The owner or lessee
of any active mine that has excavations and workings as defined in section
1561.01 of the Revised Code within one hundred linear feet of any section of
the well. (D) A person may only file an application
for a permit to plug or a permit to plug back a well on a form approved by the
chief. In addition to the application information prescribed in division (B) of
section 1509.13 of the Revised Code, an application is not complete and will
not be reviewed by the chief unless the application contains all of the
following: name, title, twenty-four hour phone number, and electronic mail
address of the persons emergency coordinator for the plugging operation
and the name of the persons authorized representatives on location
during plugging operations. If any of the information changes prior to
plugging, an update detatiling the changes is to be provided at the time of the
twenty-four hour notification that is prescribed pursuant to paragraph (B) of
rule 1501:9-11-04 of the Administrative Code. (E) Plugging plan
provisions. (1) With each application
for a permit to plug a well, a person will include a written plugging plan as
defined in rule 1501:9-11-01 of the Administrative Code on a form prescribed
and provided by the chief. (2) In addition to the
information set forth in paragraph (E)(1) of this rule and if the well was
drilled to produce oil and gas or is associated with underground gas storage,
the person also shall provide the following information: (a) The pressure measured on the production casing and
tubing; (b) The pressure measured on the annular spaces outside the
production casing; and (c) Whether the production or annular gas contains hydrogen
sulfide. (3) With each application
for a permit to plug back a well submitted under section 1509.06 of the Revised
Code, a person will include a written plugging plan on a form prescribed and
provided by the chief. The chief may waive some or all of the provisions of
this rule. (4) When no well
construction records are available for a well and to assist the division in
evaluating and approving a written plugging plan that complies with this rule,
a person will do at least one of the following: (a) Log the well in a manner of the persons choosing that
allows the division to evaluate the plugging plan; or (b) Provide casing data on the well and depth to the base and top
of each reservoir rock based on records for off-set wellbores adjusted for
surface elevation or other reliable sources of formation depth information.
Sources of formation depth information may include core records or published
structural contour maps. (5) If production or
annular gas contains hydrogen sulfide, the plan must address hydrogen sulfide
control and monitoring. (F) The division will issue the permit
subject to the approved written plugging plan and in compliance with this rule.
The division may issue a permit to plug or a permit to plug back a well subject
to terms and conditions. (G) The division will provide electronic
notice to all underground mine owners and to the division of mineral resources
management by posting applications for a permit to plug a well or to plug back
a well that have been filed with the division and permits to plug or plug back
that have been issued by the division on the divisions
website. (H) A permit to plug or a permit to plug
back issued pursuant to sections 1509.06 and 1509.13 of the Revised Code is not
transferable. A permit to plug or a permit to plug back may be reissued as a
new permit to a successor person.
Last updated June 30, 2024 at 7:31 PM
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Rule 1501:9-11-03 | Objective and methods.
(A) Any proposed plugging plan or
plugging activity will be designed to accomplish all of the following: isolate
oil, natural gas, hydrogen sulfide, brine, water, or other fluids to the
reservoir rock in which it occurs or originates; isolate mineable coal seams;
and prevent movement of fluids into or between underground sources of drinking
water. (1) The person will take
precautions to maintain well control, and to ensure protection of public health
and safety, the environment or natural resources, and underground miner safety
from the hazards that may be encountered during plugging
operations. (2) The person may use
any method of emplacing cement or plugging materials that are approved by the
chief including but not limited to a bullhead squeeze, bullhead, pumping
through tubing, casing, or drill pipe and the following apply:. No person shall
emplace cement through tubulars that lack mechanical integrity. (a) No person may emplace
cement through tubulars that lack mechanical integrity. Prior to the use of the bullhead squeeze
method, integrity of the casing has been verified by testing witnessed by a
division inspector; (b) If such testing shows
that annular isolation between casings is inadequate, the bullhead squeeze
method cannot be used for bottom plug emplacement. If the test shows that
annular isolation between casings is adequate, the surface casing annular port
valve will be open during all bullhead squeezing operations, and, if
circulation occurs through the annular port, the well is to be circulated until
all recoverable cement is circulated to surface; and (c) If a cement plug
fails, the plug may only be placed using another method approved by the
chief. (3) If casing is cut, the wellbore is to
be conditioned to ensure an adequate bond between the plugging material and the
wellbore to achieve isolation. (B) The chief may authorize alternate methods of plugging not
specified in Chapter 1501:9-11 of the Administrative Code so long as the
plugging method complies with Chapter 1509. of the Revised Code and rules
adopted under it. The chief also may direct a person to install casing or a
vault and a vent pipe to provide additional safety. (C) If in production or drilling operations a wellbore becomes
obstructed because of lost tools or equipment that cannot be recovered by
reasonable attempts, a person will have to submit a written plugging plan that
accomplishes the objectives of this rule. The plugging report will include
documentation of the exact method of plugging and the equipment
lost. (D) The chief may order the immediate suspension of plugging
activities if a person may cause or is causing, may engage in or is engaging
in, may maintain or is maintaining a condition or activity that presents an
imminent danger to underground miner safety, public health or safety, or
results in or is likely to result in damage to the environment or natural
resources.
Last updated June 30, 2024 at 7:33 PM
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Rule 1501:9-11-04 | Notification and supervision.
(A) A person to whom a permit to plug or
a permit to plug back a dry or lost hole has been issued may conduct plugging
or plugback operations only if the person notifies the applicable division
inspector to enable the inspector to be present when operations will
commence. (B) Except as provided in paragraph (A)
of this rule, a person may commence plugging only if the person notifies the
applicable division inspector a minimum of twenty-four hours prior to
commencement of plugging. (C) If a well is located in a coal
bearing township, the person will also notify the appropriate division of
mineral resources management deputy mine inspector. (D) Except as provided in paragraph (E)
of this rule, each plugging operation is to be witnessed by a division
inspector and supervised by a representative of the person authorized to plug a
well. (E) The chief may grant written
permission to a person to commence or continue plugging operations when the
applicable inspector is unable to be present in accordance with the provisions
in sections 1509.13 and 1509.14 of the Revised Code.
Last updated June 30, 2024 at 7:33 PM
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Rule 1501:9-11-06 | Top-hole considerations.
(A) No person may pull conductor casing
or drive pipe from the wellbore during plugging of the well. (B) A person has to attempt to pull
un-cemented surface casing from a well prior to emplacing approved plugging
material to protect underground sources of drinking water or a mineable coal
seam. Prior to pulling un-cemented surface casing from a well, the person has
to bail or circulate the wellbore using fresh water in a manner that removes
all free crude oil and brine from inside the wellbore. (C) When a well does not have drive pipe,
conductor casing, or surface casing, the plugging plan set forth in paragraph
(E) of rule 1501:9-11-02 of the Administrative Code has to protect all USDWs
and provide a means of well control for completion of plugging operations. Any
casing installed in the well has to be installed in accordance with the
standards established in rule 1501:9-1-08 of the Administrative
Code.
Last updated June 30, 2024 at 7:35 PM
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Rule 1501:9-11-07 | Materials.
(A) Wells to be plugged or plugged back
with cement include all of the following: (1) A well drilled with
rotary tools; (2) A Class II brine
injection well regulated under Chapter 1509. of the Revised Code and Chapter
1501:9-3 of the Administrative Code; (3) An enhanced recovery
well regulated under Chapter 1509. of the Revised Code and Chapter 1501:9-5 of
the Administrative Code; (4) A Class III solution
mining well regulated under Chapter 1501:9-7 of the Administrative
Code; (5) A well associated with underground
storage of natural gas; and (6) A well drilled to
extract natural or artificial brine, or oil field waters. (B) A person, with the approval of the
chief, may plug a cable tool drilled well with either cement or approved
prepared clay. (C) Cement used to plug a well or plug back a well may only be
cement manufactured to meet the standards of API "10A Specification for
Cements and Materials for Well Cementing" - or ASTM "C150/C150M/C595
Standard Specification for Portland Cement" or is otherwise approved by
the chief in writing. The chief may disapprove or suspend use of a cement that
is found not to meet the objectives of this rule. (D) A cement slurry has to attain a
minimum compressive strength of five hundred pounds per square inch after
twenty-four hours when tested in accordance with API standards established in
"R.P. 10 B-2 Recommended Practice for Testing Well Cements." If a
pozzolan cement mixture is used, pozzolanic materials cannot exceed fifty per
cent by volume of a cement blend. (E) A cement slurry has to be mixed in a
manner that ensures consistent and optimum slurry density. Cement slurry
systems are to be mixed to standards contained in commonly accepted oil and gas
industry engineering handbooks that are based on tests conducted in accordance
with standards found in API Specification 10A as referenced in paragraph (C) of
this rule. A person may only propose to use a cement slurry system not found in
a commonly accepted oil and gas industry engineering handbook, if the person
provides laboratory data that defines optimum properties based upon tests
conducted in accordance with API Specification 10A as referenced in paragraph
(C) of this rule. The density of a cement slurry may only be based upon a
laboratory free fluid separation test demonstrating an average fluid loss of no
more than three milliliters per two hundred fifty milliliters of cement tested
in accordance with API "RP 10 B-2 Recommended Practice for Testing Well
Cement." (F) The chief may approve the use of a
fine grout that is able to attain a minimum compressive strength of five
hundred pounds per square inch after twenty-four hours when tested in
accordance with API standards established in "R.P. 10 B-2 Recommended
Practice for Testing Well Cements" at a test temperature within ten
degrees Fahrenheit of the formation equilibrium temperature of the cemented
interval. (G) A person has to ensure that the
cement mix water quality and chemistry is compatible for the cement slurry
design. (H) The chief will evaluate sources of
prepared clay to determine whether the clay satisfies the standards of this
rule. The chief will approve prepared clay sources based upon tests
demonstrating that the material has a clay content of not less than forty per
cent and sand or greater size content not exceeding thirty per cent. For
purposes of the evaluation, clay means the same as in rule 1501:9-11-01 of the
Administrative Code. The division will collect a composite sample of material
from the clay seam, stockpile, or bagged product that is deemed representative
of the source material. The division will seal, label, and deliver the sample
to a qualified laboratory for testing. Upon receipt of the analysis, the
division will inform the person that owns the clay mining or processing
operation whether the sample meets applicable standards and provide a copy of
the analysis. In addition to meeting the grain size standards, the person that
owns an approved clay mining or processing operation shall process the material
and store the material in a dry condition for delivery. The division will
maintain an updated list of approved prepared clay sources and post the list on
the division's website. (I) A person may only place materials or
substances in a wellbore that have been approved by the chief.
Last updated June 30, 2024 at 7:35 PM
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Rule 1501:9-11-08 | Plugging with cement.
(A) Unless otherwise provided in the
terms or conditions of the plugging permit, this rule applies to all of the
following wells: (1) A well drilled with
rotary tools; (2) A Class II brine
injection well regulated under Chapter 1509. of the Revised Code and Chapter
1501:9-3 of the Administrative Code; (3) An enhanced recovery
well regulated under Chapter 1509. of the Revised Code and Chapter 1501:9-5 of
the Administrative Code; (4) A Class III solution
mining well regulated under Chapter 1501:9-7 of the Administrative
Code; (5) A well associated
with underground storage of natural gas; and (6) A well drilled to
extract natural or artificial brine, or oil field waters. (B) Plug placement intervals for a well
listed under paragraph (A) of this rule are as follow: (1) When placing the
bottom plug in a well drilled horizontally, the person needs to place a
mechanical bridge plug rated at a pressure greater than the determined
reservoir pressure at the time of plugging. The mechanical bridge plug needs to
be set above the last perforation and below the last known producing zone with
competent cement behind the production casing as determined by a cement
evaluation tool if the annular space behind the production casing has a
sustained pressure that is below the maximum allowable annular pressure as
provided in rule 1501:9-01-08 of the Administrative Code, unless otherwise
approved in writing by the chief. Prior to emplacing cement on top of the
mechanical bridge plug, the hole has to be loaded and the bridge plug
hydrostatically tested at a surface pressure of at least five hundred psi for a
period of fifteen minutes with no more than a ten-per cent deviation in
pressure. If the hydrostatic test on the mechanical bridge plug fails, the
person has to set a new mechanical bridge plug, unless otherwise approved in
writing by the chief. After the mechanical bridge plug has been set and passed
testing, the appropriate amount of cement for the interval to be plugged, as
specified in the approved plugging plan, is to be placed on top of the
mechanical bridge plug. (2) When placing the
bottom plug in a vertical or directional wellbore, the person has to place
cement from the bottom of the lowest interval tested or produced to a minimum
of four hundred feet above the top of the lowest interval tested or
produced; (3) Unless exceptions
have been granted by the chief in writing, from a minimum of fifty feet below
the base to a minimum of one hundred feet above the top of each reservoir rock
to within one hundred fifty feet of the bottom of the surface
casing; (4) From a minimum of two
hundred feet below the top of the Big Lime to the top of the Big Lime, when
plugging a well east of the updip pinch-out of the Silurian Clinton
sandstone; (5) From a minimum of one
hundred fifty feet below to a minimum of one hundred feet above the base of the
surface casing; (6) If the surface casing
of a cable tool well has been removed and results in a USDW being unprotected,
a cement plug has to be placed from a minimum of fifty feet below the base of
the underground source of drinking water to thirty inches below grade
level; (7) Within the permitted
area of an underground mine, a mechanical bridge plug is to be placed in the
wellbore a minimum of two hundred feet below the mineable coal seam and the
wellbore is to be filled with cement from the top of the mechanical bridge plug
to within a minimum of thirty inches of the grade level. The person authorized
to plug a well and the coal owner will make reasonable efforts to coordinate
plugging to minimize any potential adverse effect to the mining operation
and/or future re-plugging of the well; (8) From a minimum of one
hundred feet below the grade level to thirty inches below grade level. The hole
is to be left open for the chief or chiefs representatives to inspect
for at least three business days. (C) For a Class III solution mining well
regulated under Chapter 1509. of the Revised Code and under Chapter 1501:9-7 of
the Administrative Code, a person has to place a mechanical bridge plug inside
the cemented production casing as close to the base of the casing as possible.
Prior to placing cement on top of the mechanical bridge plug, the person will
hydrostatically test the mechanical bridge plug at five hundred psi for at
least fifteen minutes with no more than a five per cent decline. After a
successful test, the person has to place at least two hundred feet of Class A
cement on top of the mechanical bridge plug. After the cement reaches a minimum
compressive strength of five hundred psi, the person has to fill the production
casing to surface with Class A cement. (D) If a thief zone is anticipated, the
person has to develop a plan to ensure proper placement of plugs and obtain
approval in writing from the chief. (E) A person will establish and sustain
static conditions at the surface prior to emplacing a cement plug. The chief
may grant an exception to the requirement of circulation when plugging wells
with hydrogen sulfide if circulation of the well could jeopardize worker and/or
public safety. (F) No person may pump cement into a well
if static conditions do not exist. No person may pump cement into a well that
is flowing oil, gas, brine, or freshwater to the surface. (G) If during the plugging operation a
thief zone is present, a person may: (1) Place a mechanical
bridge plug in the well above the thief zone to provide a base on which to
place a cement plug not less than two hundred feet in length above such a zone.
(2) Pump or place any
material, including lost circulation materials, approved by the chief to plug
off the thief zone. A person will place a cement plug, not less than two
hundred feet in length above or across the thief zone and may mix additional
lost circulation materials into the cement slurry, if necessary. (H) During plugging, the person has to
make a good faith effort to recover all casing, other than conductor casing and
drive pipe, which is not cemented. (I) If it is determined by the chief that
wellbore conditions render compliance with the approved plugging plan that
complies with paragraph (E) of rule 1501:9-11-02 of the Administrative Code
impossible or impractical or render any provisions set forth in paragraphs (A)
to (G) of this rule impossible or impractical, the person will develop a new
plan and obtain written approval from the chief.
Last updated June 30, 2024 at 7:36 PM
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Rule 1501:9-11-09 | Plugging with prepared clay.
(A) For all wells drilled with cable
tools that are plugged with prepared clay, a clay slurry will be placed in the
following intervals in the well bore: (1) From total depth to a
minimum of five hundred feet above the top of the lowest reservoir rock
penetrated or perforated. (2) From a minimum of
fifty feet below the base of each succeeding reservoir rock formation to a
minimum of two hundred feet above the top of such formation, until the plugging
operation has been completed to within a minimum of one hundred feet of the
bottom of the surface casing. (3) From approximately
fifty feet below the base of the fresh water strata to a minimum of thirty
inches below the grade level. (4) Within the permitted
area of an underground mine, a mechanical bridge plug is to be placed in the
wellbore a minimum of two hundred feet below the mineable coal seam, and the
wellbore filled with cement from the top of the mechanical bridge plug to
within a minimum of thirty inches below the grade level. The person authorized
to plug a well and the coal owner will make reasonable efforts to coordinate
plugging to minimize any potential adverse effect to the mining operation
and/or future re-plugging of the well. (B) During the plugging operation, the
person is to make a good faith effort to recover all casing, other than
conductor pipe, which is not cemented. When a string of casing has been
withdrawn by either removing the casing above the casing seat, or by parting
the casing string, an approved precast concrete plug may be lowered in place
either on the casing seat or on the parted casing point to serve as a base for
a prepared clay plug. If the surface casing is parted during the pulling
operation, and cannot be recovered or removed, the well will be filled from the
previous set plug to thirty inches below grade level with prepared
clay. (C) The chief may also direct the person
to place brush and stone bridges, and/or mechanical bridges in the well bore or
casings, when in the chief's judgment such bridges will be necessary to
ensure that the prepared clay placed in the well remains at the point in the
well where such prepared clay had been placed. (D) If it is determined by the inspector that borehole conditions
render compliance with the the plugging provisions of this rule impossible or
impractical or if it is determined by the inspector that the the provisions
established under this rule will not fulfill the requirements set forth under
paragraph (A) of rule 1501:9-11-03 of the Administrative Code, the inspector
may designate an alternate thickness and method of emplacement of the plugs to
ensure compliance with paragraph (A) of rule 1501:9-11-03 of the Administrative
Code. (E) In order to promote enhanced recovery, including but not
limited to secondary and tertiary operations, the chief or his authorized
representative may direct a person to use special plugging
conditions.
Last updated June 30, 2024 at 7:37 PM
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Rule 1501:9-11-10 | Cutting off conductor pipe or surface casing below grade; identification tag.
Effective:
August 10, 2020
(A) When the plugging operations have
been completed, a person has to cut off the remaining casing in the well to a
minimum of thirty inches below the surface of the grade. The chief may grant
exceptions to this rule including allowing the person to delay cutoff until all
wells on a horizontal well site have been plugged. (B) No sooner than three business days
after emplacing the uppermost plug, a plate with an identification tag has to
be tack-welded or attached on the top of the remaining casing. If the landowner
signs a waiver, casing may be left in place, not less than thirty inches above
grade, with an identification tag.
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Rule 1501:9-11-12 | Plugging report.
(A) Any person that plugs a well has to
file a plugging report with the division within thirty days on a form
prescribed and provided by the chief and signed by the person or the
persons authorized representative. The chief may direct a person to
submit the report before thirty days. In addition to the information set forth
in divisions (A) to (I) of section 1509.14 of the Revised Code for all wells
plugged with cement, the owner also has to attach to the plugging report a
cementing ticket prepared by the person cementing the well. In addition to the
information set forth in divisions (A) to (I) of section 1509.14 of the Revised
Code for all wells plugged with prepared clay, a copy of the prepared clay
purchase record has to be attached to the plugging report. (B) The plugging report described in
paragraph (A) of this rule has to be signed by the person authorized to plug
the well and has to include an affidavit attesting that all information
included in the report and the attached tickets are true and
accurate.
Last updated June 30, 2024 at 7:38 PM
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