Section 245.580  Establishment of Formation Integrity

a)         A formation pressure integrity test shall be conducted below the surface casing and below all intermediate casing in order to demonstrate:

1)         that the integrity of the casing shoe is sufficient to contain the wellbore pressures anticipated in the permit application;

2)         that no flow path exists to formations above the casing shoe; and

3)         that the casing shoe is competent to handle an influx of formation fluid or gas without breaking down.

b)         The permittee shall notify the Department's District Office by phone and electronic mail at least 24 hours before conducting a formation pressure integrity test to enable an inspector to be present when the test is performed.

c)         The actual hydraulic fracturing treatment pressure must not exceed the mechanical integrity test pressure of the casing tested pursuant to Section 245.540 at any time during high volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing operations. 

d)         Records of all formation integrity tests must be kept pursuant to the following requirements: 

1)         A record of the formation integrity test 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)(18) of the Act)

2)         Permittee shall provide the Department with a copy of all formation integrity test results 30 days after completion of well construction.

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.