New Edition of Directive 020: Well Abandonment
Today we released a new edition of Directive 020: Well Abandonment. Licensees now have more options when determining the depth at which to set isolation devices when abandoning lower-risk injection or disposal wells and producing wells with an H2S concentration of less than 15%.
Licensees may either set the plug within 15 metres above the perforations, single-zone open-hole interval, and liner top or choose a depth that meets the following criteria:
- The depth is within the same formation as the completed interval or within the next formation provided there are no other effective porous zones located between the bridge plug setting depth and completed interval.
- The cement top behind the casing extends above the top of the formation in which the isolation device will be set.
- The depth is below the base of groundwater protection.
No other requirements have changed.
Directive 020: Well Abandonment is available on our website, www.aer.ca. Printed copies of the directive can be purchased from AER Order Fulfillment, Suite 1000, 250 – 5 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 0R4; telephone: 403-297-8311 or 1-855-297-8311 (toll free; option 0); fax: 403-297-7040; email: @email. For more information, please contact Well Operations by phone at 403-297-5290 or by email at @email.