SECTION 331.170. Cavern Closure

(a) The owner or operator of a Class I salt cavern disposal well shall prepare, maintain, and comply with a plan for cavern closure that meets the minimum following requirements, and that is acceptable to the executive director.

(1) The owner or operator shall submit the plan as a part of the permit application and, upon approval, or approval with modifications, by the executive director, such plan shall be a condition of any permit issued.

(2) The owner or operator shall submit all proposed revisions to the plan and obtain any necessary permit amendments, as appropriate, over the life of the well and cavern.

(3) The plan shall include, at a minimum, the following information:

(A) upon cessation of waste disposal, and prior to cavern sealing, the operator shall:

(i) monitor the cavern pressure and cavern fluid volume and fluid chemical composition, to provide information regarding the cavern's natural closure characteristics and any ensuant pressure buildup;

(ii) provide predictions from data gathered in clause (i) of this subparagraph of cavern behavior after sealing is completed;

(iii) demonstrate, to the executive director, utilizing actual pre-closure monitoring data, that the sealing of the cavern will not result in any pressure buildup within the cavern that could adversely affect the integrity of the cavern, well, or seal;

(iv) fill all partially filled caverns with crushed salt or another approved suitable material which is compatible with the waste and the salt stock;

(v) complete any monitoring of the cavern and its contents required by rule or permit;

(vi) use redundant seals or plugs, comprised of different compositions and sealing properties, to provide for immediate as well as long-term salt cavern injection zone containment;

(vii) obtain written authorization from the executive director for cavern sealing;

(B) upon completion of cavern sealing, the owner or operator shall:

(i) monitor the seal for leaks;

(ii) demonstrate to the executive director that the seal is not leaking prior to requesting authorization for closing the wellbore;

(iii) obtain written authorization from the executive director to begin well closure.

(b) The well shall be closed in accordance with §331.46 of this title (relating to Closure Standards).

Source Note: The provisions of this §331.170 adopted to be effective June 22, 1992, 17 TexReg 4097; amended to be effective August 16, 2012, 37 TexReg 6078