Rule 1501:9-11-05 | Plugging a Lost or Dry hole.
(A) A person shall commence plugging operations immediately on a dry hole or lost hole upon abandonment of the well if the permit to drill has not expired and after the chief approves a written plugging plan that complies with the requirements of paragraph (E) of rule 1501:9-11-02 of the Administrative Code. However, the chief may approve an alternative written plugging plan on a dry or lost hole that complies with the requirements of paragraph (E) of rule 1501:9-11-02 of the Administrative Code and that allows the well to be plugged not later than fourteen days after the day the drilling rig is moved from the well if the permit to drill the well has not expired.
(1) A lost hole is considered abandoned when the person makes the decision that completion of drilling operations for the well is not feasible.
(2) A dry hole is considered abandoned when the person makes the decision not to complete the well and the well does not satisfy the criteria for temporary inactive status designation as listed in section 1509.062 of the Revised Code or the person has not applied for or received approval of temporary inactive status.
(B) Prior to commencement of plugging operations for a dry hole or lost hole, a person has to furnish to the chief a record of the depth of the top and the base of formations penetrated during the drilling of the well; the depths where oil, gas or water were encountered; the depth of the base of the deepest underground source of drinking water; the cemented intervals; and a record of any casing present in the well. If reasonably available, the information furnished needs to include a copy of the geophysical, electrical, or mechanical log and/or the drilling contractors report. The chief will review the written plugging plan in conjunction with the information furnished. The chief will approve the plan if the plan complies with rule 1501:9-11 of the Administrative Code and the proposed plug emplacement methods and plugging materials are approved by the chief. When no records are available, the person has to make every reasonable effort to obtain sufficient formation and casing data on the well, to assist the chief or chief's representative in determining the proper plugging procedure to be incorporated. Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the chief. This requirement does not apply to paragraph (C) of rule 1501:9-11-03 of the Administrative Code.
(C) If plugging operations are commenced, a person authorized to plug a well has to proceed until plugging operations are completed, unless the chief issues an order suspending operations.
Last updated April 12, 2024 at 4:10 PM
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