California § 3190.4 - The division shall require mechanical integrity testing before the conversion of

§ 3190.4. The division shall require mechanical integrity testing before the conversion of

(a) The division shall require mechanical integrity testing before the conversion of a well to a gravity-based energy storage well, and not less than annually thereafter, that shall include, at a minimum, pressure testing. Test results and testing requirements shall be part of the well record. A gravity-based energy storage well that has lost mechanical integrity shall cease operation as a gravity-based energy storage well until mechanical integrity is restored. In the event of a loss of mechanical integrity or leak to the environment, the operator of a gravity-based energy storage well shall notify the division, the State Air Resources Board, the appropriate regional water quality control board, and any schools or community members living within 3,200 feet of the well of the loss of mechanical integrity or leak. (b) A well, after being converted for use as a gravity-based energy storage well, shall be continuously monitored for leaks, including, but not limited to, methane leaks. The supervisor, in consultation with the State Air Resources Board and the State Water Resources Control Board, shall establish criteria for leak monitoring and reporting. (c) The operator of a gravity-based energy storage well shall annually report data, including, but not limited to, the number of wells converted to gravity-based energy storage wells, the number of converted gravity-based energy storage wells that were previously leaking methane or other fluid, the average number of cycles to store and produce energy per day by gravity-based energy storage wells, and energy production from gravity-based energy storage wells, to the division. (d) This section does not alter or affect the obligation of the operator to comply with Section 8589.7 of the Government Code, as applicable.