Ariz. Admin. Code § R12-7-182 - Operation, Inspection, and Closure of Storage-well Systems
A. The maximum and
minimum operating pressures of a storage system shall be determined in
consideration of the lithologic characteristics of the host rock. The maximum
operating pressure at the shallower of the casing seat or cavity ceiling shall
not exceed 0.9 psi per foot of depth.
1. The
storage system shall not be subjected to pressures exceeding the maximum
operating pressure even for short periods of time, including pressure pulsation
peaks and abnormal operating conditions.
2. The wellhead, flowlines, valves, and all
related connections shall have a test pressure rating equivalent to 125% of the
maximum pressure which could be exerted at the surface. All valves shall be
periodically inspected and maintained in good working order.
3. The wellhead and storage system shall be
protected with safety devices to prevent pressures exceeding the maximum
operating pressure from being exerted on the storage system and to prevent
backflow of stored products in the event of flowline rupture.
4. Personnel shall be at either the well or
other control sites for the well during injection or withdrawal from any
storage well.
B. The
flare, as required in
R12-7-180(4),
shall be burned continuously when a liquified gas or other flammable substance
is being injected into a cavern.
C.
Each operator of a storage well shall conduct semiannual safety inspections of
the operator's facility and file with the Commission a written report on the
inspection procedures and results within 5 days following the inspection. The
operator shall notify the Commission at least 5 days before an inspection to
allow a representative of the Commission to witness the inspection. Inspections
shall include, the following:
1. Operation of
all manual valves;
2. Operation of
all automatic shut-in safety valves, including sounding or alarm
devices;
3. Examination of flare
system or other safety system installation;
4. Examination of earthen brine pits, tanks,
firewalls, and related equipment;
5. Examination of flowlines, manifolds, and
related equipment;
6. Examination
of warning signs and safety fences;
7. Examination of housekeeping practices
including the removal of weeds, used equipment, and debris from the area of
operations;
8. The Commission may
require additional inspections at any time during regular working hours and
upon reasonable notice to the operator.
D. A capacity determination for each storage
cavity shall be made and filed with the Commission upon completion of the
storage cavity. These determinations shall be verified at least once every 5
years.
E. Safety precaution signs
shall be displayed and unauthorized personnel kept out of the storage area.
Each storage wellhead shall be visibly marked in accordance with
R12-7-106(D).
Guard rails shall be installed where the Commission determines it is necessary
to ensure safety.
G. If the Commission determines that the
continued operation of a storage well or associated facilities, including
valves, brine tanks or pits, flares, dehydrators, and loading and docking
facilities, would cause unsafe operating conditions, waste, pollution, or
contamination of air, fresh water, or soil, or encroachment on adjacent
property, the Commission shall order discontinuance of operations of the
storage facility or any part thereof until the Commission determines that the
project can and will be conducted in a physically and environmentally safe
manner.
H. The operator shall
notify the Commission within 24 hours of every accident or equipment
malfunction which causes loss of life or requires hospitalization of personnel;
threatens the public health and safety; pollutes the air, soil, or fresh water;
or causes loss of the stored substance. A final written report shall be filed
with the Commission in accordance with
R12-7-120(B).
I. The Commission may administratively grant
exceptions to the guidelines and requirements of this Section if the applicant
can show that the exception is reasonable, justified by site-specific geologic
or engineering parameters, are no less stringent, and consistent with the
intent of these rules regarding physical and environmental safety, conservation
of the resource, and the prevention of waste. An applicant may request a
hearing pursuant to A.R.S. §
27-517.
Notes
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