California Operators Face New Regulations and Large Fines

 

New California Department of Conservation Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) underground injection control (UIC) compliance regulations, effective April 1, 2019, impact ~55,000 enhanced recovery and water disposal wells in California. Key elements of this new regulation include:

  • Stronger testing requirements to identify potential leaks
  • Increased data requirements to ensure proposed projects are fully evaluated
  • Continuous pressure monitoring and recording requirements
  • Requirements to automatically cease injection when there is a risk to safety or environment
  • Requirements to disclose chemical additives for injection wells close to water supply wells

Operators must fully implement a continuous monitoring system no later than April 1, 2021. Fines for non-compliance are up to $25,000 per day per inciden

Wellaware’s Calgem Division-approved Monitoring and Data Collection Service Keeps You in Compliance

WellAware’s Continuous Monitoring service installs in minutes and helps operators achieve compliance so they can eliminate manual data collection, avoid potential fines and failures.

 

Report

Automated reports delivered on a set schedule, contain injection values, flow rates, maximum pressures, and alarm conditions.

Monitor

Continuous monitoring of measurements every 5 minutes allows Operators to comply with CalGEM requirements.

Alarm

Receive high pressure alarm notifications via text or email based on well conditions

 

Read our How-To Guide to get compliant quickly

Download the How To Guide

See how a California operator got compliant

Download the Case Study

WellAware Literally Checks all the Boxes for Calgem Underground Injection Control Monitoring Compliance

  • Section 1724.8- Each well must be evaluated for potential to allow fluid migration and CalGEM may require continuous monitoring as a condition of approval
  • Section 1724.10.4(b) – Operators must be implement a continuous monitoring system no later than April 1, 2021.
  • Section 1724.10.4.1 – “Well specific injection pressure shall be continuously recorded at all times…”
  • Section 1724.10.1(a)2(D) – “The casing-tubing annular pressure shall be measured at lease as frequently as every five minutes…”
  • Section 1724.10.1(a)(2)(D) – “A Division-approved, SCADA system, with automatic computer alarm notification, may be used to satisfy this requirement and is a preferred methodology”
  • Section 1724.10(c) – Monthly Injection Volumes Report
  • Section 17.24.10.4(a)(3) – Monthly Max Pressure Report
  • Section 1724.10(e)(3) – Annual Chemical Injection Report
  • Section 1724.10(l)(4) – Annual Monitored Well Inventory Report

Complete the Preparedness Checklist to See Where You Stand

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This is the CalGEM UIC Program Monitoring Preparedness Checklist, created by WellAware to help California-based oil and gas operators assess their level of preparedness for complying with the recently released UIC program regulations.

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