Section 11.87.170. Plugging requirements for geothermal wells.

All geothermal wells must be plugged before abandonment, using the following procedures:  
		(1) The hole must be filled with mud-laden fluid from bottom to top of the hole with the exception of intervals required to be plugged with cement.  
		(2) For each producing formation, a cement plug must be placed which extends either from the bottom of the hole or from 25 feet below the bottom of the producing formation upward to at least 50 feet above producing formation.  
		(3) If a well penetrates below a fresh water zone, a cement plug must extend from 25 feet below the bottom of the fresh water zone to at least 50 feet above the water zone.  
		(4) A 20-foot cement plug must be placed at the top of the casing in each hole plugged. A steel plate must be welded over the casing stub.  
		(5) If the surface string of casing is set below the deepest fresh water-bearing formation, a cement plug must be placed in the hole extending from a point at least 25 feet below the base of a surface string and 25 feet into the bottom of the casing. The hole must also be capped as provided in (d) of this section.  
		(6) The operator may place cement in the hole  
			(A) by using the dump bailer;  
			(B) by pumping through the tubing or drill pipe;  
			(C) by pump and plug displacement; or  
			(D) by any other comparable method approved by the commissioner.  

Authorities

41.06.040

Notes

Reference

11 AAC 87.160
11 AAC 87.180

Authority

AS 41.06.040

History

Eff. 5/8/83, Register 86