Contractors for AMI conducted the Initial Response phase of this incident.  An earthen berm was constructed around the well head.  Vacuum trucks began recovery of oil from the stock pond.  A BLM representative was on-site to oversee AMI's response efforts.

Initial Response Objectives:

1.  Determine the extent of the spill and area that has been impacted.

2.  Contain and recover oil released from the well.

3.  Develop a clean-up plan.

On May 1st, EPA OSC arrived on scene and met with representatives from BLM, the Tribe, and AMI. The Site inspection was conducted from the wellhead down to the stock dams and past toward Porcupine Creek stock pond.  The drainage area between the wellhead and the dam was heavily oiled, and there was oil on the pond behind the dam as well. 

On the morning of May 2, 2018 OSC Dhieux issued AMI both a Notice of Federal Interest and a CWA 311(c) Field Order requiring AMI to develop and implement a comprehensive clean-up plan.  Ongoing operation will include identifying and collecting brine and oil and minimizing environmental impacts. EPA will work closely with BLM, the Tribe, AMI, and other local officials. 

As of May 4, AMI's contractors deployed boom across the stock pond to facilitate collection of oil through the drainage ditch from the well pad to the stock pond. Crews continued to collect oil from the stock pond. 

Soil samples were collected along the drainage areas to assess the impacts from the brine and oil. Water samples have been collected from the stock pond at varying depths and samples were taken from nearby ponds. 

AMI is preparing an intermediate clean-up plan to address the remaining oil contamination.

1.  Contain and recover oil released from the well.

2.  Excavate oil and brine contaminated soils along the drainage.

3.  Continue to remove oil from the stock pond with a high volume, low pressure flush of the shoreline.

4.  Deter migratory birds from landing in the stock pond with mylar flagging, "scarecrows", and air horns.

On May 7, 2018, AMI received approval to proceed with excavation of the oil and brine contaminated soils along the drainage from the well pad to the stock pond.  Based on an initial assessment, three to six inches of soil will be removed along the drainage. The excavation will be deeper, up to twelve inches, in the area adjacent to the well pad.  The oil and brine emulsion concentrated into a pool of fluid adjacent to the well pad before discharging into the drainage. 

Crews continue to remove oil from the shoreline of the stock pond with high volume, low pressure flushing and raking activities.  Flushing and oil removal activities are expected to be completed by May 18, 2018.

Crews completed excavation of impacted soil within the drainage from the well pad to the stock pond.  Straw waddles were placed in the drainage to prevent erosion.

In addition, oil was collected and removed from the stock pond.  Crews completed the high volume, low-pressure rinse along the shoreline.  Approximately 7,900 feet of shoreline was rinsed.

These efforts were completed by May 24, 2018.