§146.12. Construction requirements. — Inbound Citations

In addition to the cementing requirement of § 146.12(b) of this chapter, owners and operators of Class I wells shall, through circulation, cement all casing to the surface.

(5) For Class I wells, unless an alternative to a packer has been approved under § 146.12(c) of this chapter, the owner or operator shall fill the annulus between the tubing and the long string of casings with a fluid approved by the Director and maintain a pressure, also approved by the Director, on the annulus. For EPA administered programs, the owner or operator of a Class I well completed with tubing and packer shall fill the annulus between tubing and casing with a noncorrosive fluid and maintain a positive pressure on the annulus. For other Class I wells, the owner or operator shall insure that the alternative completion method will reliably provide a comparable level of protection to underground sources of drinking water.

(3) Unless an alternative to a packer has been approved under § 146.12(c), the annulus between the tubing and the long string of casings shall be filled with a fluid approved by the Director and a pressure, also approved by the Director, shall be maintained on the annulus.

Notwithstanding §§ 144.28(f)(2) and 146.12(c) of this chapter, owners and operators shall not use a fluid seal as an alternative to a packer.