On March 19th, EPA ERRB responded to an oil well fire in Oliver Springs Tenn. The RP, Walden Resources hired Wild Well Services from Houston, Texas to put out the well fire and cap the well. After mobing necessary personnel and equipment, the fire was extinguished and the well was successfully capped on Tuesday March 25th. EPA and START contractors conducted air monitoring throughout the response effort and conducted daily public meetings to keep the local residents aprised of the response effort. During the effort on March 25th however, the RP was found to be dumping oil contaminated water from the retention ponds onto a pasture approximately 3/4 mile from the well site. On Wednesday, March 26th, the OSC informed the RP that EPA would be taking over the clean up under a Federal Assumption Notice.
April 28th thru May 3rd.
Personnel On Site: EPA -2 (C Eger and M Bates), START-1, USCG Strike - 4, ERRs -10
ERRs continued loading out and disposing of oil contaminated soil from the site. Approximately 7000 tons of contaminated soil have been disposed of to date. ERRs also continued internal washing of all frac tanks on site and six have been removed to date.
ERRs also began grinding and mulching all wood debris stockpiled from the hillside near the well. Mulch is being spread along the hillside with new saplings and seeded for regrowth.
The USCG Strike Team and START contractors continue to oversee clean up efforts, monitor the air levels near the well head and provide sampling and technical support as needed. On April 23rd, EPA’s consultant, Mick Reed began planning additional work at the well head to seal a leak from a lower flange.
Planned Disposal Operations
Disposal of approximately 4500 cubic yards of oil contaminated soil began on April 23rd. Soil disposal continued through April 30th and all contaminated soil has been removed from the site. Over 200,000 gallons of stored contaminated water is currently being utilized by a local drilling company for fracing operations at no charge to EPA/NPFC. Local drillers have used 120,000 gallons of this water to date.
EPA continues to coordinate clean up efforts with TDEC and TEMA. Additional funding to complete the removal phase was secured from NPFC's case officer Miguel Bella on May 1st. EPA's attorney, Wilda Cobb continues to coordinate legal efforts with Tenn Oil and Gas attorneys and the RP's attorney.
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