Mr. Erik Milito - The House Committee on Natural Resources ...

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR ONSHORE OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION OPERATIONS AND LEASES 13
6.1.2 Equipment Selection
Temporary equipment required to carry out well completion and workover operations should be included in the
overall operation plan. Equipment should be installed in a manner so as to utilize the smallest practical area for
prudent operations. Equipment should be maintained to present an acceptable appearance.
6.1.3 Producing Wells
Producing wells should be completed so production zones and drinking waters zones are isolated and cannot be
contaminated by other formations. <strong>The</strong> well must be cased and cemented properly to provide this protection.
6.1.4 Injection/Disposal Wells
Injection/disposal wells should be completed so the injected fluids enter the desired formations and do not enter
other formations or drinking water zones. Typical injections are completed with three levels of protection for drinking
water formations:
1) surface casing and cement,
2) long string casing and cement, and
3) tubing and packer.
Also, the area around the injection should be reviewed to see of any wells (active, inactive or abandoned) were
drilled through the injection/disposal zone. If wells were drilled close to the injection/disposal well that penetrated the
injection/disposal formation and those wells did not isolate those zones, the injected fluids could flow from the
injection zone through the improperly plugged or completed well to other oil and gas zones or drinking water zones.
6.1.5 Remedial Cementing
For both new and existing wells, the known and anticipated needs for remedial cementing to protect underground
sources of drinking water (USDW) should be considered in the planning stage.
Excess cement, cement returns, and water used to wash cementing equipment should be contained and disposed
of in an environmentally sound manner. Refer to API Environmental Guidance Document: Onshore Solid Waste
Management in Exploration and Production Operations for additional information.
6.1.6 Selection, Use, and Storage of Fuels and Completion Fluids
Completion fluid selection should take into account the safety and logistics of transporting, handling, storing, and
disposing of clean and contaminated fluid.
For both new and existing well sites, all fuels, treatment chemicals, completion brines, and other similar liquids
should be properly stored in labeled containers intended for that purpose. Containment should be constructed so
spilled fuels or chemicals do not reach the ground.