1. (a) In addition to the other provisions in this subchapter, a well drilled through a gas storage reservoir or a gas storage reservoir protective area shall be drilled, cased and cemented as follows:

   1. (1) An operator shall use drilling procedures capable of controlling anticipated gas flows and pressures when drilling from the surface to 200 feet above a gas storage reservoir or gas storage horizon.
   2. (2) An operator shall use drilling procedures capable of controlling anticipated gas storage reservoir pressures and flows at all times when drilling from 200 feet above a gas storage reservoir horizon to the depth at which the gas storage protective casing will be installed. Operators shall use blow-out prevention equipment with a pressure rating in excess of the allowable maximum storage pressure for the gas storage reservoir.
   3. (3) To protect the gas storage reservoir, an operator shall run intermediate or production casing from a point located at least 100 feet below the gas storage horizon to the surface. The operator shall cement this casing by circulating cement to a point at least 200 feet above the gas storage reservoir or gas storage horizon.
   4. (4) When cementing casing in a well drilled through a gas storage reservoir, the operator shall insure that no gas is present in the drilling fluids in an amount that could interfere with the integrity of the cement.
2. (b) A request by an operator for approval from the Department to use an alternative method or material for the casing, plugging or equipping of a well drilled through a gas storage reservoir under section 211 of the act (58 P. S. § 601.211) shall be made in accordance with § 78.75 (relating to alternative methods).

Source

The provisions of this § 78.87 adopted March 30, 2001, effective March 31, 2001, 31 Pa.B. 1736.

Cross References

This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 78.81 (relating to general provisions).