62-528.460. Class I and Class III Well Plugging and Abandonment Permit

(1) The Department shall require a Class I or III well, or a test well, or monitor well associated with a Class I or III well, to be abandoned when it is no longer usable for its intended purpose or other purpose as approved by the Department, or when it poses a potential threat to the quality of the waters of the State. The permittee may also initiate abandonment procedures.

(2) In order to receive approval for the plugging and abandonment of a Class I or III well, or a test or monitor well associated with a Class I or III well, the applicant shall provide reasonable assurance that the well will be plugged and abandoned in accordance with Rule 62-528.435, F.A.C. The applicant shall submit the following:

(a) The justification for abandonment;

(b) A proposed plan for plugging and abandonment describing the preferred and alternate methods:

1. The type and number of plugs to be used;

2. The placement of each plug including the elevation of the top and bottom;

3. The type, grade, and quantity of cement or for Class III wells only, any other approved plugging material to be used in the cased portion of the well;

4. The type, grade, and quantity of cement or any other approved plugging material (if any) to be used to fill the open hole portion of the well;

5. The method for placement of the plugs;

(c) The procedure to be used to meet the requirements of Rule 62-528.435, F.A.C.; and

(d) The results of mechanical integrity testing if required under subsection 62-528.435(2), F.A.C.

(3) In the event of a well failure that requires abandonment, the applicant shall conduct an investigation to collect sufficient information to identify the most appropriate method to properly abandon the well.

(4) Within 90 days of completion of plugging and abandonment procedures, the engineer of record shall provide certification of completion in accordance with the plans and specifications.

(5) Under Section 403.091, F.S., the Department conducts periodic inspections at certain stages of plugging.

(6) The permittee shall retain all records concerning the nature and composition of injected fluid until five years after completion of any plugging and abandonment procedures specified under subsection 62-528.400(3) (hazardous waste wells) or Rule 62-528.435, F.A.C. Whenever after this retention period the permittee no longer wishes to retain the records, the permittee shall deliver the records to the Department office that issued the permit.

Specific Authority 403.061, 403.087, 403.704, 403.721 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.061, 403.062, 403.087, 403.088, 403.091, 403.161 FS. History–New 4-1-82, Formerly 17-28.35, 17-28.350, 62-28.350, Amended 8-10-95, 6-24-97.