1. (1) A CO2 Sequestration facility permit shall include an acceptable plugging plan for each Class VI well that meets the requirements set forth in this section and in Section R649-3-24 as appropriate, and shall be incorporated into the permit as a permit condition.
2. (2) Prior to well plugging, the operator must flush each Class VI well with a buffer fluid, determine bottomhole reservoir pressure, and perform a final external mechanical integrity test.

3. (3) Well Plugging Plan. The operator of a Class VI well shall prepare, maintain, and comply with a plan acceptable to the division. The requirement to maintain and implement an approved plan is directly enforceable regardless of whether the requirement is a condition of the permit. The well plugging plan shall be submitted as part of the permit application and shall include the following minimum information:

   1. (a) appropriate tests or measures for determining bottomhole reservoir pressure;
   2. (b) appropriate testing methods to ensure external mechanical integrity as specified in Rule R644-14;
   3. (c) the type and number of plugs to be used;
   4. (d) the placement of each plug, including the elevation of the top and bottom of each plug;
   5. (e) the type, grade, yield, and quantity of material, such as cement, to be used in plugging. The material must be compatible with the carbon dioxide stream;
   6. (f) the method of placement of the plugs;
   7. (g) pre-closure and proposed post-closure well schematics;

   8. (h) that each plug shall be appropriately tagged and tested for seal and stability;

      1. (i) that the well casings shall be cut at least five feet below ground surface.
   9. (j) that upon successful completion of well closure, a steel plate shall be welded across all casings and inscribed with the well name, location, API number, date plugged and abandoned, operator name; and
   10. (k) any additional information that the division may require.
4. (4) Notice of Intent to Plug. The operator must notify the division in writing, at least 60 days before plugging a well. The division may allow for a shorter notice period. If any changes have been made to the original well plugging plan, the operator shall provide the revised plugging plan. Any amendments to the plugging plan shall be approved by the division and shall be incorporated into the permit, and are subject to the permit modification requirements.
5. (5) Well Closure Report. The operator shall submit a plugging report to the division within 30 days after well plug and abandonment. The report shall be certified as accurate by the operator and by the person charged with overseeing the plugging operation. The operator shall retain the well closure report at least 10 years following site closure.

6. (6) Abandonment of wells. The removal of injection equipment or failure to operate an injection well for one year constitutes abandonment of the well. An abandoned well shall be plugged in accordance with the plugging plan and its location shall be reclaimed.

   1. (a) After a cessation of operations of two years, the operator shall plug and abandon the well in accordance with the plugging plan unless they receive approval for temporarily abandoned status described in Subsection (b).
   2. (b) At the request of the operator and approval by the division, temporarily abandoned status may be granted for a period of up to five years. If, at the end of the five years, the well has not been returned to active status, the operator shall plug the well and reclaim its location in accordance with the plugging plan.
   3. (c) Upon approval of temporarily abandoned status, the well's perforations shall be isolated and all mechanical integrity conditions shall be met as set forth in Rule R644-14.

KEY: oil and gas law

Date of Last Change: July 31, 2025

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 40-11-3