51. The operator shall ensure that every formation in a well is tested and sampled to obtain reservoir pressure data and fluid samples from the formation, if there is an indication that the data or samples would contribute substantially to the geological and reservoir evaluation.

• 52. (1) The operator shall ensure that

  • (a) no development well is put into production unless the Board has approved a formation flow test in respect of the development well; and

  • (b) if a development well is subjected to a well operation that might change its deliverability, productivity or injectivity, a formation flow test is conducted within a reasonable time frame after the well operation is ended to determine the effects of that operation on the well’s deliverability, productivity or injectivity.

• (2) The operator may conduct a formation flow test on a well drilled on a geological feature if, before conducting that test, the operator

  • (a) submits to the Board a detailed testing program; and

  • (b) obtains the Board’s approval to conduct the test.

• (3) The Board may require that the operator conduct a formation flow test on a well drilled on a geological feature, other than the first well, if there is an indication that the test would contribute substantially to the geological and reservoir evaluation.

• (4) The Board shall approve a formation flow test if the operator demonstrates that the test will be conducted safely, without pollution and in accordance with good oilfield practices and that the test will enable the operator to

  • (a) obtain data on the deliverability or productivity of the well;

  • (b) establish the characteristics of the reservoir; and

  • (c) obtain representative samples of the formation fluids.

53. The operator shall ensure that all cutting samples, fluid samples and cores collected as part of the well and field data acquisition programs are

• (a) transported and stored in a manner that prevents any loss or deterioration;

• (b) delivered to the Board within 60 days after the rig release date unless analyses are ongoing, in which case those samples and cores, or the remaining parts, are to be delivered on completion of the analyses; and

• (c) stored in durable containers properly labelled for identification.

54. The operator shall ensure that after any samples necessary for analysis or for research or academic studies have been removed from a conventional core, the remaining core, or a longitudinal slab that is not less than one half of the cross-sectional area of that core, is submitted to the Board.

55. Before disposing of cutting samples, fluid samples, cores or evaluation data under these Regulations, the operator shall ensure that the Board is notified in writing and is given an opportunity to request delivery of the samples, cores or data.

56. The operator shall ensure that every well that is suspended or abandoned can be readily located and left in a condition that

• (a) provides for isolation of all oil or gas bearing zones and discrete pressure zones; and, in the case of an onshore well, potable water zones; and

• (b) prevents any formation fluid from flowing through or escaping from the well-bore.