Section 245.540  Establishment of Internal Mechanical Integrity

An internal mechanical integrity test shall be performed on each cemented casing string after installation for all wells regulated by this Part.

a)         The permittee shall contact the Department's District Office by phone and electronic mail at least 24 hours before conducting an internal mechanical integrity pressure test to enable an inspector to be present when the test is performed (Section 1-70(d)(16) of the Act).

b)         Mechanical Integrity

1)         The internal mechanical integrity of surface and intermediate casing strings shall be tested:

A)        with fresh water, mud or brine. If mud is used, the mud cannot be so viscous or contain so much particulate that it blocks, plugs or obscures the presence of any potential leaks in the casing string;

B)        to no less than 0.22 psi per foot of casing string length or 1,500 psi, whichever is greater, but not to exceed 70% of the minimum internal yield; and

C)        for at least 30 minutes with less than a 5% pressure loss.

2)         If the pressure declines more than 5% or if there are other indications of a leak, corrective action shall be taken before conducting further drilling operations. (Section 1-70(d)(16) of the Act)

c)         The internal mechanical integrity of the production casing string or any casing string that will have pressure exerted on it during stimulation of the well shall be tested:

1)         with fresh water, mud or brine. If mud is used, the mud cannot be so viscous or contain so much particulate that it blocks, plugs or obscures the presence of any potential leaks in the casing string;

2)         to at least the maximum anticipated treatment pressure or 1,500 psi, whichever is greater, but not to exceed 70% of the minimum internal yield;

3)         for at least 30 minutes with less than a 5% pressure loss; and

4)         if the pressure declines more than 5% or if there are other indications of a leak, corrective action shall be taken before conducting further drilling operations. (Section 1-70(d)(16) of the Act)

d)         Records of internal mechanical integrity pressure tests for all casing strings must be kept pursuant to the following requirements: 

1)         A record of the internal mechanical integrity pressure test for each casing string must be maintained by the permittee in the well file and must be submitted to the Department on a form prescribed by the Department before conducting high volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing operations (Section 1-70(d)(16) of the Act).

2)         Permittee shall provide the Department with a copy of all internal mechanical integrity pressure test results for all casing strings within 30 days after completion of well construction; and

3)         Permittee shall retain these records for the life of the well until the well is plugged, abandoned and restored in accordance with the Illinois Oil and Gas Act, the administrative rules promulgated under that Act, and Subpart J of this Part.