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

Affected: IC 14-37

Sec. 4. (a) In conjunction with the establishment of internal mechanical integrity for Class II wells, the external mechanical integrity shall be evaluated by the division of reclamation to establish that underground sources of drinking water are protected from upward migration of injection fluids.

(b) To establish external mechanical integrity, all Class II wells shall be constructed in accordance with 312 IAC 29-20-7 through 312 IAC 29-20-9.

(c) If external mechanical integrity of a Class II well drilled in accordance with 312 IAC 29-20-7 through 312 IAC 29-20-9 cannot be demonstrated by cement records, the owner or operator may establish external mechanical integrity through one (1) or more of the following methods:

1. (1) A temperature or noise log indicating top of cement.
2. (2) A cement bond log showing gamma ray, transit time, collar locator, and variable density log.
3. (3) Advanced cement evaluation logs.
4. (4) Radioactive tracer survey indicating lack of fluid migration behind the casing.
5. (5) Oxygen-activation log indicating lack of fluid migration behind the casing.
6. (6) Another method authorized by the division of reclamation upon a demonstration by the owner or operator that the test applies methods and standards generally accepted in the petroleum industry that have been found reliable for demonstrating external mechanical integrity.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 29-28-4; filed Dec 1, 2017, 10:35 a.m.: 20171227-IR-312160230FRA; readopted filed Jan 17, 2023, 1:53 p.m.: 20230215-IR-312220328RFA; errata filed Mar 18, 2026, 9:59 a.m.: 20260325-IR-312260094ACA)