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The
NewsRoom
Release: #3510
Date: May 22, 2006
MMS Proposes To Incorporate Recommended
Practice For Cementing Shallow Water Flow Zones In Deep Water
Operators Provided
Hazard Mitigation Options
WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior’s
Minerals Management Service today published a Proposed Rule in the
Federal Register requesting comments on cementing wells in deep
water areas of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) that are prone to
shallow water flow (i.e. water flow at shallow well depths). “Oil
and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf—
Incorporate API RP 65 for Cementing Shallow Water Flow Zones”,
revises regulations at 30 CFR Part 250 to clarify best cementing
practices used in deep water, shallow water flow areas.
Certain geologic conditions can result in the
pressurization of the pore water above normal hydrostatic pressure
in shallow formations. This abnormally pressured formation, once
penetrated, may result in an influx of water or sediment into or
around the wellbore, or a shallow water flow. The flow may result
in the creation of a channel behind the casing, creation of a large
washout, buckling of casing, cross flow between a localized group of
wells, premature permanent abandonment of the well, and expenditure
of additional time and expense for the operator to control the
well.
MMS and industry groups have recognized the safety
and environmental consequences resulting from shallow water flow
encounters, and have jointly assembled this Recommended Practice.
MMS is proposing to incorporate this recommended practice to give
operators options of best cementing practices available to help
mitigate shallow water flow hazards.
MMS is accepting comments for the next 60 days.
All comments must be identified with 1010-AD19, and can be submitted
electronically through MMS’s Public Connect on-line commenting
system, by email, by fax at 703-787-1546; or via mail
to:
The U.S. Department of the Interior
Minerals Management Service
Attention: Rules Processing Team
381 Elden Street, MS-4024
Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817
Relevant Web
Site:
MMS Main Website
Media Contact:
Nicolette Nye 703/787-1011
MMS: Securing Ocean Energy & Economic Value for
America
U.S. Department of the Interior
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