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71Completion, testing and operation of development wells#
(1)The operator of a development well must ensure that
(a)the well is completed, tested and operated in a safe manner that allows for maximum recovery of petroleum without waste or pollution throughout the life cycle of the well;
(b)except in the case of commingled production, each completion interval is isolated from any other porous or permeable interval penetrated by the well;
(c)if applicable, the production of sand, carbonate or other solids is controlled and does not create a safety hazard or cause waste;
(d)the setting depth of each packer is as deep as possible and is such that any leak through the production casing below the packer will be contained by the barrier envelope outside the casing;
(e)the formation and any annulus seal can withstand the pressures and temperatures expected throughout the life cycle of the well;
(f)if practicable, any mechanical well condition that may have an adverse effect on the production of petroleum from, or the injection of fluids into, the well is corrected;
(g)the injection or production profile of the well is improved or the completion interval of the well is changed if it is necessary to do so to prevent waste;
(h)if different pressure and inflow characteristics of two or more pools might adversely affect the recovery of petroleum from any of those pools, the well is operated as a single pool well or as a segregated multi-pool well;
(i)during completion operations and before the removal of pressure control equipment and handover for operations, all barrier elements are tested to the maximum pressure to which they are anticipated to be subjected and, if possible, pressure testing is in the direction of flow; and
(j)following any workover or intervention, any affected barrier elements are pressure-tested.
(2)If the development well is a segregated multi-pool well, the operator must also ensure that
(a)after the well is completed, segregation within and outside the well casing is verified; and
(b)if there is reason to doubt that segregation is being maintained, a segregation test is conducted as soon as the circumstances permit.
(3)In this section, multi-pool well means a well that is completed in more than one pool.
Federal laws of Canada reproduced under the Reproduction of Federal Law Order (SI/97-5); not the official version. Source: Justice Laws Website.