❓ Question regarding well integrity tests for Buru Energy's proposed fracking program in the Kimberley. The Minister provides information on testing dates, anomalies, data release, and further testing requirements.
AnsweredQoN 1509Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Regarding Buru Energy’s proposed fracking program in the Kimberley, I ask: (a) when were the most recent well integrity tests conducted on the following Buru Energy wells: (i) Valhalla; (ii) Asgard; (iii) Yulleroo 3; and (iv) Yulleroo 4; (b) did these well integrity tests show any problems or anomalies with best practice for any of the wells: (i) if yes to (d), what was the nature of the problem(s) with the wells; (c) will the Minister provide all of the results from the well testing, including the pressure testing and cement bond logs: (i) if no to (c), why not; (d) is further testing required on the wells and well casings prior to fracking: (i) if yes to (d), what is the nature of these tests; (e) with regard to the tests conducted so far, has pressure testing shown well integrity is satisfactory in all instances: (i) if no to (e), what are the anomalies; (f) with regard to the cementing outside of the well casing, is the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) satisfied that this complies with industry best practice in the case of all four wells: (i) if no to (f), which wells do not conform, and why; and (ii) if some wells do not conform to best practice standards, will the DMP prevent fracking in these wells: (A) if no to (f)(ii), why not; (g) Buru Energy has stated they are postponing the "test fracks" for the above wells until 2015 but they will conduct "mini-fracks" in 2014, has the DMP been provided information detailing these mini-fracks: (i) if no to (g), why not; and (ii) if yes to (g), will the Minister please table the information: (A) if no to (g)(ii), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 October 2014
Responded by
Minister for Agriculture and Food representing the Minister for Mines and Petroleum
Response time
35 days
The Department of Mines and Petroleum advises:
(a)
Testing for well integrity was conducted from 9-15 November 2013.
(b)
Yes
(i)
There appears to be an anomaly with the cement bond log on one of the wells which is being further investigated to determine if this is a genuine issue with the well cement or a performance issue with the logging tool.
(c)
Yes - The timing of the release of exploration and production data is currently governed by Section 112 of the
Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources Act 1967
. For these data, the confidentiality period extends two years and one month after the date of rig release (see (a) i-iv for these dates). The well testing data and logs are released publicly, after the statutory confidentiality period, via the WAPIMS database on the Department of Mines and Petroleum's website.
(i)
Not applicable
(d)
Yes
(i)
Testing for well integrity, either by pressure testing and/or cement bond logging, is required during any operation on a well.
(e)
Yes
(i)
Not applicable
(f)
No
(i)
There was an anomaly with the cement bond log from one well which is being further investigated to determine if there is a problem with the logging tool or the well cement itself. However, the well did pass pressure testing. A second round of cement bond logs will be required for all listed wells prior to approval to continue any stimulation program.
(ii)
Yes
(A)
Not applicable
(g)
No
(i)
Revised management plans have not yet been submitted.
(ii)
Not applicable
(A)
Not applicable
(a)
Testing for well integrity was conducted from 9-15 November 2013.
(b)
Yes
(i)
There appears to be an anomaly with the cement bond log on one of the wells which is being further investigated to determine if this is a genuine issue with the well cement or a performance issue with the logging tool.
(c)
Yes - The timing of the release of exploration and production data is currently governed by Section 112 of the
Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources Act 1967
. For these data, the confidentiality period extends two years and one month after the date of rig release (see (a) i-iv for these dates). The well testing data and logs are released publicly, after the statutory confidentiality period, via the WAPIMS database on the Department of Mines and Petroleum's website.
(i)
Not applicable
(d)
Yes
(i)
Testing for well integrity, either by pressure testing and/or cement bond logging, is required during any operation on a well.
(e)
Yes
(i)
Not applicable
(f)
No
(i)
There was an anomaly with the cement bond log from one well which is being further investigated to determine if there is a problem with the logging tool or the well cement itself. However, the well did pass pressure testing. A second round of cement bond logs will be required for all listed wells prior to approval to continue any stimulation program.
(ii)
Yes
(A)
Not applicable
(g)
No
(i)
Revised management plans have not yet been submitted.
(ii)
Not applicable
(A)
Not applicable
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