Rule 1501:9-7-10 | Mechanical integrity.
(A) A solution mining well has mechanical integrity if:
(1) There is no significant leak in the casing, tubing, or packer; and
(2) There is no significant fluid movement into an underground source of drinking water through vertical channels adjacent to the well-bore.
(B) One of the following methods shall be used to evaluate the absence of significant leaks under paragraph (A)(1) of this rule:
(1) Monitoring of annulus pressure; or
(2) Pressure test with liquid or gas; or
(3) Freshwater - brine interface test.
(C) One of the following methods shall be used to determine the absence of significant fluid movement under paragraph (A)(2) of this rule:
(1) The results of a temperature, noise, or cement quality (bond) log;
(2) For solution mining wells where the nature of the casing precludes the use of the logging techniques prescribed in paragraph (C)(1) of this rule, cementing records demonstrating the presence of adequate cement to prevent such migration;
(3) For solution mining wells where the chief elects to rely on cementing records to demonstrate the absence of significant fluid movement, the monitoring program prescribed by paragraph (B) of rule 1501:9-7-09 of the Administrative Code shall be designed to verify the absence of significant fluid movement.
(D) The chief must approve the use of any test to demonstrate mechanical integrity other than those listed in paragraphs (B) and (C) of this rule.
(E) In conducting and evaluating the tests enumerated in this rule or others allowed by the chief, the owner or operator and the chief shall apply methods and standards generally accepted in the industry. When the owner or operator reports the results of mechanical integrity tests to the chief, he shall include a description of the tests and the methods used. In making his evaluation, the chief shall review monitoring and other test data submitted since the previous evaluation.
(F) The chief may accept continuous monitoring data, at his discretion, in lieu of some required periodic testing.
(G) A permit for any solution mining well that lacks mechanical integrity shall include a condition prohibiting injection operations until the permittee shows to the satisfaction of the chief under this rule that the well has mechanical integrity.
(H) Solution mining wells shall be required to demonstrate mechanical integrity at least once every five years.
Last updated February 27, 2023 at 9:35 AM
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