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

Affected: IC 14-37; IC 25-39-4

Sec. 3. (a) The owner or operator shall determine the type and grade of casing used in a well for oil and gas purposes according to standard industry practices that take into consideration:

1. (1) the anticipated maximum pressure the casing will be exposed to during the life of the well; and

2. (2) factors in the well that could reduce the integrity of the casing during the life of the well including:

   1. (A) harsh chemical environments; and
   2. (B) the potential for mechanical damage.

All casing shall meet the requirements of this section.

(b) Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d), new wells for oil and gas purposes shall be constructed with steel casing that meets at least one (1) of the following minimum requirements:

1. (1) "Specification for Casing and Tubing", Ninth Edition, published by the American Petroleum Institute (API), July 2011.

2. (2) Casing shall have an internal pressure rating at least twenty percent (20%) greater than the anticipated maximum pressure to which the casing will be exposed determined as follows:

   1. (A) For new or reconditioned pipe, the mill test pressure may be used.
   2. (B) For used pipe the operator shall pressure test the casing at a pressure at least twenty percent (20%) greater than the anticipated maximum pressure to which the casing will be exposed for a minimum of thirty (30) minutes with a pressure drop of no more than ten percent (10%).

(c) A water supply well used to provide water in connection with an enhanced recovery well that is drilled to a depth at or above the depth of the lowermost underground source of drinking water may be constructed with casing manufactured of material other than steel provided the casing meets the specifications set forth at IC 25-39-4 and 312 IAC 12-3.

(d) The use of fiberglass casing in the construction of a well for oil and gas purposes may be authorized by the division director upon written request from the owner or operator that includes the following:

1. (1) A statement of the reason for the use of fiberglass casing.

2. (2) A demonstration that:

   1. (A) the casing meets the requirements for fiberglass well casing in "Specification for Fiberglass Casing and Tubing", 3rd Edition, published by the American Petroleum Institute, (API) May 1987; and
   2. (B) the casing will provide protection equivalent to steel casing according to the requirements of subsections (a) and (b).

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 29-20-3; filed Dec 1, 2017, 10:35 a.m.: 20171227-IR-312160230FRA; readopted filed Jan 17, 2023, 1:53 p.m.: 20230215-IR-312220328RFA)