The NewsRoom
Release: #3621
Date: March 12, 2007
MMS Incorporates
Recommended Practice for Cementing Shallow Water Flows
Rule Effective March 30, 2007
WASHINGTON -- A
final rule published in the
Federal Register February 28, 2007 will give oil and gas operators
on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) options of best cementing
practices available to help mitigate shallow water flow (SWF)
hazards in deep water areas. The rule incorporates by reference into
Minerals Management Service (MMS) regulations the First Edition of
the American Petroleum Institute's Recommended Practice for
Cementing Shallow Water Flow Zones in Deep Water Wells (API RP 65).
The rule becomes effective March 30, 2007.
A SWF is the influx of water or sediment into or
around a wellbore following the penetration of an abnormally
pressured geologic formation. From 1987 to 2004, at least 113 OCS
wells encountered SWF. While the majority of these wells experienced
SWF to only a minor degree, there were instances of severe
encounters resulting in abandonment of well sites and loss of wells.
MMS and industry groups recognized the safety and environmental
consequences resulting from shallow water flow encounters, and
worked together to develop recommended cementing practices.
MMS published a proposed rule on May 22, 2006
which solicited public comment on incorporating API RP 65. The
public comment period ended on July 21, 2006. MMS received six
comments on the proposed rule from companies or organizations
working in the oil and gas industry, including ExxonMobil, BP,
Devon, BJ Services Company, Schlumberger, and the Offshore Operators
Committee.
Relevant Web Site:
MMS Main Website
Media Contacts:
Nicolette Nye
703/787-1011
MMS: Securing Ocean Energy & Economic Value for
America
U.S. Department of the Interior
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