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Wednesday, July 23, 2008

NM To Review Regulations After Brine Well Collapse


Associated Press
       SANTA FE — The recent collapse of a brine well in southeastern New Mexico has prompted the state Oil Conservation Division to review rules and regulations covering all brine wells across the state.
    The review will include an internal audit and inspection of all existing brine wells, which are used to create saturated salt water used in oil and gas production.
    Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Secretary Joanna Prukop said she also is considering strengthening oversight of the wells to protect against failures such as the recent collapse in Artesia.
    "There are several brine wells in New Mexico and we must ensure that they are all properly monitored to ensure safety and stability," she said. "We have now seen that these wells can collapse and the extensive damage such a collapse can generate."
    A well owned by Jim's Water Service collapsed last week, creating a huge sinkhole and forcing the closure of an Eddy County road. The well was located on state trust land about 17 miles southeast of Artesia.
    Engineers with the Oil Conservation Division estimate that the sinkhole is about 300 to 400 feet in diameter and 70 feet to the water level. The actual depth to the bottom is unknown.
    Division scientists along with the Bureau of Land Management, the state Land Office, the state Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources and the National Cave & Karst Research Institute are trying to assess horizontal and vertical movements to project any future subsidence.

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