74:55:01:59.03.  Corrective actions for improperly sealed wells. Corrective actions shall be done on wells that are improperly sealed, completed, or abandoned. The operator shall submit a corrective action plan, for secretary review and approval, for wells that are improperly sealed, completed, or abandoned, consisting of the proposed actions to be taken to prevent movement of fluid into unauthorized zones. The plan shall provide information on each well to be remediated including whether it is a production, monitoring, or abandoned well, the well name or number, and a description of the condition of the well.

          In determining the adequacy of corrective actions proposed by the operator to prevent fluid movement between or into water-bearing strata, including underground sources of drinking water, the secretary shall consider the following criteria and factors:

          (1)  Nature and volume of injected fluid;

          (2)  Nature of native fluids or by-products of injection;

          (3)  Geology;

          (4)  Hydrology;

          (5)  History of the injection operation;

          (6)  Completion and plugging records;

          (7)  Abandonment procedures in effect at the time the well was abandoned; and

          (8)  Hydraulic connections between water-bearing strata, including underground sources of drinking water.

          Source: 34 SDR 279, effective May 12, 2008.

          General Authority: SDCL 34A-2-93(15).

          Law Implemented: SDCL 34A-2-48.