On February 26, 2007, Benson-Montin-Greer Drilling (BMG) reported an estimated 200-barrel (bbl) crude oil spill to the National Response Center (827552). The spill is located in a remote area in northern New Mexico within the Santa Fe National Forest in Rio Arriba County. The oil spill occurred when a buried, BMG 4-inch crude oil gathering pipeline began leaking underneath the bank of Arroyo Puerto Chiquito, then discharged directly into the arroyo. Arroyo Puerto Chiquito is a tributary of Rio Chama, which flows into the Rio Grande. Please see POLREPs 1-6 for previous activities.
On 9 April 2007, EPA OSC Franklin and START-3 remobilized to the site to conduct a follow-up visit. EPA observed that BMG had made substantive progress on the removal of free oil and oiled vegetation since EPA demobilized from the site on 21 March 2007. BMG completed improvements to the sides of the arroyo to prevent erosion and repaired damage that had occurred during the clean-up. EPA did not observe any personnel on-site; however, all underflow dams and boom locations were in place. EPA observed substantial regrowth of vegetation since the last site visit. EPA also observed small amounts of oil pooling behind the dams and boom locations. In addition peat moss was observed to have been distributed broadly across the spill pathway. EPA did not observe a significant sheen downstream of last boom location.
Following the site tour, EPA discussed the site conditions with BMG representatives. EPA OSC Franklin stated that it was necessary to maintain the boom locations and actively recover the oil that collects at the boom and dam locations. EPA also advised BMG that any sorbent materials placed in the arroyo, such as peat moss, needed to be ultimately removed. EPA and BMG discussed the long-term plan of leaving underflow dams in place until the New Mexico summer rainy season, then remove them upon approval of the U.S. Forest Service. EPA and START-3 demobilized from site on 10 April, 2007.
On 7 July 2007, START-3 contacted BMG representative Ben Gonzalez for an update on the site. Gonzalez stated that all of the boom and dams had been removed from the arroyo and that vegetation regrowth was vigorous and substantial.
In addition OSC Franklin contacted representatives form the United States Forestry Service (USFS)concerning their knowledge and satisfaction with the current site conditions. District and statewide representatives stated that they understood that all underflow dams have been removed. USFS district representatives advised Franklin that they were satisfied with the state of the site and remedial efforts undertaken by BMG.
None. Case Closed.
The damaged pipeline still had not been replaced, but the RP is assessing options for replacement and operation of the line.
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