US MMS proposes adopting offshore well flooding industry practice

Washington (Platts)--22May2006

The US Minerals Management Service on Monday proposed the adoption of an
industry practice for the prevention of flooding of offshore oil and natural
gas wells.

In a Federal Register notice, MMS proposed incorporating into its
regulations the American Petroleum Institute's "recommended practice" for
"cementing shallow water flow zones."

According to the agency, certain geologic conditions can trigger
pressurization of wells in shallow waters, causing water to pour into the
wellbore -- a condition known as "shallow water flow." This can in turn force
operators to prematurely abandon a well, an issue that has plagued more than
100 wells over the past two decades, MMS said.

The API practice recommends the use of proper cementing techniques to
mitigate for the risk of shallow water flow.

MMS is accepting comments on the proposal until July 21.

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