United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region IV
POLLUTION REPORT

Subject: 

At approximately 6:30 am, Wednesday, March 19th, the Partin No. 5 Oil Well caught fire during drilling operations northwest of Oliver Springs, Tenn.  Apparently, a large zone of natural gas was hit and the blow off preventer failed resulting in a substantial fire and release of approximately 2000 barrels of crude oil to a secondary retention pond. According to TDEC a small amount of crude oil found its way to an unnamed tributary of Indian Creek.  Local fire and hazmat arrived on scene, placed boom at several locations along the creek, and evacuated a few homes in the vicinity of the well. The responsible party, Walden Resources has hired Wild Well Services of Houston,Texas to assess and extinguish the fire at the well head. The OSC continues to work within a unified command structure with the local EMA coordinator, TDEC and TEMA. EPA,  with START contractor support, will conduct air monitoring and site oversight as needed throughout the response.

Walden Resources contractor, Wild Well Services were successful in making repairs to a key piece of high pressure cutting equipment (called an Athey frame cutter) and were able to cut the remaining drill rig, platform structure and blow out preventer from the oil well stem pipe. Following this operation, a 15 foot section of 14" venturi pipe was then placed over the bore hole pipe resulting in a "flaring effect" which controls the flame vertically. During all phases of the cutting operation, a significant amount of cooling water was used from three water cannons placed strategically around the well head flame and the resulting crude oil and cooling water mixture is diverted into two retention ponds.  Wild Well will attempt to sting into the remaining bore hole pipe tomorrow and add enough high density drilling mud to extinguish the flare.

Anderson County EMA, TDEC, TEMA and EPA continue to work with the RP in a unified structure to facilitate the response effort. EPA and START contractors continue air monitoring efforts. No elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide, volatile organics or sulfur dioxide have been found in the vicinity of the well fire. START is utilizing the rapid assessment tool (RAT) air monitoring system in combination with seven Area Rae's to continuosly monitor toxic gases and particulates. In addition, START have been able to develop air plume models for oil well fires using Aloha modeling software for future use.  OSC Carter Williamson arrived on site to assist with an assessment of Wrights Creek and Indian Creek and approximately 200 acres of adjacent farm land. EPA continues to hold public meetings every evening to address local resident concerns.  Media interest remains high.