On February 26, 2007, a 4-inch crude oil gathering pipeline operated by Benson-Montin-Greer Drilling (BMG) was discovered to have discharged an estimated 200-barrels (bbl) of crude oil to Arroyo Puerto Chiquito, which is located within the Santa Fe National Forest in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. BMG initially installed two underflow dams downstream of the discharge site, but site work has progressed slowly due to lack of resources obtained by the RP, inefficient cleanup techniques, and icy, snowy and muddy conditions in the arroyo. Recently, BMG hired an Red J Environmental to conduct removal and cleanup activities. EPA responded to the site after a request for assistance from the U.S. Forest Service. Arroyo Puerto Chiquito is a tributary of Rio Chama, which flows into the Rio Grande. The arroyo remains heavily oiled throughout much of the upper reaches, with small pools of free oil and heavily saturated grasses. Please refer to previous Polreps for a more complete past history.
On March 7, 2007, RED J Environmental representative, Mr. Moots, performed a site walk-through. Mr. Moots agreed with the OSC's assessment that additional personnel and resources were needed for an adequate response, and stated that BMG and Red J and BMG were committed to mobilizing additional resources to the site by March 8th. However no resources were mobilized on the 8th. BMG and Red J have recommitted to mobilizing additional resources by March 9th.
On March 7 - 8, 2007, BMG workers continued to excavate soils from the area immediately around the pipeline break point. Three vacuum trucks were staged at various oil collection points along the spill pathway. One vacuum truck was used to conduct soil washing and the other two were used to remove oil and oily water from oil collection areas. Four BMG workers were being utilized to recover contaminated vegetation and maintain the absorbent boom and hay bale installations at the distal end of the spill pathway.
On March 8, 2007, a USFS representative toured the site. The USFS representative was concerned about the lack of progress at the site, as well as erosion from the use of heavy equipment. Soils continue to be staged on site and will be transported to BMG's landfarm when road conditions improve. Landfarm operations will be conducted under the State of New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (OCD) oversight. After a meeting with EPA on site safety, BMG has committed to correct observed site safety deficiencies, and submit a site safety plan to EPA for review.
BMG work crews will continue to excavate around the area of the pipeline. BMG has stated they will also vacuum oil and oily water from underflow dam collection points, remove contaminated vegetation and the thin layer of contaminated soil on the private land along the spill pathway. High volume, low pressure soil washing will continue on the National Forest land. The EPA OSC has advised BMG to continue to work with their archeological consultant, and to insure all work will be restricted to a 100-foot radius of the arroyo to prevent damage to any potential historical sites in the area.
EPA will continue to advise and coordinate with BMG representatives, the USFS, USFW, and archeological consultants to ensure timely and appropriate cleanup actions in the sensitive area. At the request of the EPA OSC, the USFS will provide regular site visits to assist with oversight.
A crude oil spill discharged in a wetland type of arroyo, which flows to the Chama River and through the Jicarilla Apache Reservation. Portions of the arroyo remain heavily oiled. The spill is one of three spills that originated from the same pipeline into the same arroyo within three years. BMG work has previously been slow and often inefficient. However, lack of readily obtainable resources, as well as melting ice, snow and muddy conditions have also made response efforts difficult.
The site is located in a wetland area that appears to be teeming with wildlife (elk, bear, coyotes, rabbits, birds, etc.). The area is known for having an abundance of archeological sites. The USFS has concerns about removal of arroyo soils (and vegetation) which are very sensitive and are not easily replaced through natural processes.
During this reporting period, no additional resources were mobilized by the RP, except for the OSRO removal manager.
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