312 IAC 29-21-2 - Handling and storage of saltwater-based or oil-based drilling fluid

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-37-3

Affected: IC 14-37

Sec. 2.

(a) In addition to the requirements of section 1 of this rule, if the owner or operator is using saltwater-based or oil-based drilling or completion fluid the drilling or completion pit shall be constructed with a synthetic liner meeting the specifications of subsection (b).

(b) Synthetic liners required under this section shall meet the following specifications:

(1) Be at least twenty (20) mils thick unless the division director approves, in writing, the use of an alternative material following a demonstration by the owner or operator that alternative liner material will provide equivalent protection.

(2) Be overlapped and welded or fused according to manufacturer requirements with a four (4) inch welded seam overlap when the use of a continuous liner is not practical.

(3) Be installed over a sand base if a rocky or uneven surface is encountered beneath the synthetic liner material.

(4) Completely cover the pit bottom and inside walls.

(c) If drilling or completion activities begin with the use of fresh water drilling fluid and an unexpected condition necessitates conversion to the use of saltwater-based or oil-based drilling or completion fluids, a synthetic liner is not required if the owner or operator:

(1) establishes a mud cake in the drilling pit prior to the use of the saltwater-based or oil-based drilling fluid;

(2) provides notice to the oil and gas inspector before using saltwater-based or oil-based drilling fluid; and

(3) removes saltwater-based or oil-based drilling fluids from the drilling pit within forty-eight (48) hours, or greater period approved in writing by the division director, of completing drilling operations.

Notes

312 IAC 29-21-2

Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 29-21-2; filed 12/1/2017, 10:35 a.m.: 20171227-IR-312160230FRA Readopted filed 1/17/2023, 1:53 p.m.: 20230215-IR-312220328RFA