New Mexico Register / Volume XXXVI, Issue 14 / July 29, 2025

This is an amendment to 19.15.25 NMAC, Section 14, effective 07/29/2025.

19.15.25.14 Demonstrating mechanical integrity:

A. An operator may use the following methods of demonstrating internal casing integrity for casing repairs and wells to be placed in approved temporary abandonment.

(1) the operator may set a cast iron bridge plug within 100 feet of uppermost perforations or production casing shoe, load the casing with inert fluid and pressure test to 500 psi surface pressure with a pressure drop of not more than ten percent over a 30 minute period;

(2) the operator may run a retrievable bridge plug or packer to within 100 feet of uppermost perforations or production casing shoe, and test the well to 500 psi surface pressure for 30 minutes with a pressure drop of not greater than ten percent over a 30 minute period; or

(3) the operator may demonstrate that the well has been completed for less than five years and has not been connected to a pipeline.

B. During the testing described in Paragraphs (1) and (2) of Subsection A of 19.15.25.14 NMAC the operator shall:

(1) open all casing valves during the internal pressure tests and report a flow or pressure change occurring immediately before, during or immediately after the 30 minute pressure test;

(2) top off the casing with inert fluid prior to leaving the location;

(3) report flow during the test in Paragraph (2) of Subsection A of 19.15.25.14 NMAC to the appropriate division district office prior to completion of the temporary abandonment operations; the division may require remediation of the flow prior to approving the well’s temporary abandonment.

C. An operator may use any method approved by the EPA in 40 C.F.R. section 146.8(c) to demonstrate external casing and cement integrity for wells to be placed in approved temporary abandonment.

D. The division shall not accept mechanical integrity tests or logs conducted more than 12 months prior to submittal.

E. The operator shall record mechanical integrity tests on a chart recorder with a maximum two hour clock and maximum 1000 pound spring, which has been calibrated within the six months prior to conducting the test. Witnesses to the test shall sign the chart. The operator shall submit the chart with form C-103 requesting approved temporary abandonment.

F. The division may approve other testing methods the operator proposes if the operator demonstrates that the test satisfies the requirements of Subsection B of 19.15.25.13 NMAC.

[19.15.25.14 NMAC - Rp, 19.15.4.203 NMAC, 12/1/2008; A, 7/29/2025]