Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-37-3

Affected: IC 14-37

Sec. 13. (a) This section establishes requirements for the construction of oil production wells capable of flowing oil to the surface without the aid of a pumping unit or other means of artificial lift. An owner or operator shall not operate a flowing oil well unless it is constructed in accordance with the requirements of this section.

(b) Unless a flowing well meets the requirements and conditions of subsection (c), flowing oil production wells shall be produced through tubing inside a packer set inside the cemented portion of the production string of casing at a point no greater than two hundred (200) feet above the uppermost production interval.

(c) The division director may approve the construction of a flowing well producing oil through the production casing string provided the owner or operator complies with the following:

1. (1) The production casing is circulated with cement to the surface.
2. (2) An initial pressure test demonstrates that the production casing has mechanical integrity.
3. (3) The pressure test establishing mechanical integrity is conducted at least once every five (5) years that the flowing oil well is in operation.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 29-20-13; filed Dec 1, 2017, 10:35 a.m.: 20171227-IR- 312160230FRA; readopted filed Jan 17, 2023, 1:53 p.m.: 20230215-IR-312220328RFA)