§ 78.73. General provision for well construction and operation.

 (a)  The operator shall prevent gas and other fluids from lower formations from entering fresh groundwater.

 (b)  After a well has been completed, recompleted, reconditioned or altered the operator shall prevent shut-in pressure or producing back pressure at the surface casing seat or coal protective casing seat from exceeding the hydrostatic pressure of the surrounding fresh groundwater system in accordance with the following formula. The maximum allowable shut-in pressure or producing back pressure to be exerted at the surface casing seat or coal protective casing seat may not exceed the hydrostatic pressure calculated as follows: Maximum pressure = (0.433 psi) multiplied by (casing length in feet).

 (c)  After a well has been completed, recompleted, reconditioned or altered, if the shut-in pressure or producing back pressure exceeds the hydrostatic pressure at the surface casing seat or coal protective casing seat as calculated in subsection (b), the operator shall take action to prevent the migration of gas and other fluids from lower formations into fresh groundwater. To meet this standard the operator may cement or install on a packer sufficient intermediate or production casing or take other actions approved by the Department. This section does not apply during testing for mechanical integrity in accordance with State or Federal requirements.

   The provisions of this §  78.73 adopted July 28, 1989, effective July 29, 1989, 19 Pa.B. 3229.