Completion and Servicing of Sour Wells
This directive replaces Informational Letter 84-9 and sets out the requirements for completion and/or servicing operations as they apply to sour wells. Sections 1 to 4 set out the procedures and requirements for sour wells. Sections 5 to 8 set out the requirements for approval to conduct completion or servicing operations for critical sour wells.
Completion or servicing operations on critical sour wells where the wellhead is removed will require the submission of a site-specific application to the Board. The application must be approved by the Board prior to commencement of operations at the well. The Board will also require a brief submission for initial well completion operations on critical sour wells, where the wellhead is not removed. Details of these submission requirements are outlined in Section 6.
This interim directive clarifies the requirements for sour wells with respect to emergency response plans and flaring applications when conducting any completion or servicing operations.
The requirements of this directive are in addition to those set out in the Oil and Gas Conservation Act and Regulations.
Applicants requiring assistance or further information regarding this directive should contact the Drilling and Production Department at 297-8326 or 297-3554. Please note that the Contact Information in this Interim Directive is outdated. Please contact the Customer Contact Centre 297-8311 - select 0 or e-mail inquiries@ercb.ca for assistance.
<original signed by>
N.A. Strom
Vice Chairman
