The bill amends Section 22-6-24 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, to modernize the regulations surrounding the plugging of wells by differentiating between modern and non-modern wells. It removes the requirement for a four and one-half inch casing for modern wells and eliminates the obligation to remove intermediate or surface casings for non-modern wells. New requirements are established for plugs and casing perforations, along with monitoring and documentation protocols to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells. The legislation also allows coal operators or coal seam owners to request alternative plugging methods for wells that penetrate workable coal beds, provided that the cost of the requested method is less than the standard method and necessary payments are made into escrow.

Furthermore, the bill sets specific cement placement requirements based on the total depth of the well, mandating a minimum of 400 feet of expanding cement for wells 4,000 feet or deeper and 200 feet for those less than 4,000 feet. It outlines procedures for cleaning out and replugging previously plugged wells, including documentation and notification processes for landowners and oil and gas lessees. Exemptions from standard requirements for pulling production casing are also introduced under certain conditions. The bill defines "modern wells" and "non-modern wells," ensures judicial review rights for individuals adversely affected by the secretary's determinations, and will take effect 90 days after passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22-6-24
Committee Substitute: 22-6-24
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 22-6-24
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 22-6-24