On April 23, the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection (KYDEP) responded to a report of an oil spill in Dry Branch (a/k/a Dry Fork Creek) near Fordsville, Ohio Co., KY (NRC #756642). Dry Branch is a tributary within the watershed of the Green River, a navigable water of the U.S. KYDEP responders observed crude oil in the creek caused by an abandoned production well. Sorbent boom was placed in the creek at multiple locations in an attempt to contain the oil spill. On April 25, KYDEP notified the EPA Region 4 Duty Officer and requested federal assistance, citing the inability to finance the required removal activities. OSC Smith was dispatched to respond and mitigate the oil discharge into surface water. Observations by the OSC onscene indicate that the release is a minor discharge as classified under the NCP, and that less than 100 gallons of oil has impacted surface water.
On May 5, EPA and the ERRS contractor (CMC, Inc.) demobilized the Site. The OSC determined at that point that the efforts to plug the abandoned well appeared to be successful. The oil discharge from the leaking well and via the subsurface into Dry Branch had diminished significantly. With the conditions stabilized, further active removal efforts were unnecessary. The construction of a containment basin between the creek and the leaking well, and an earthen underflow dam in Dry Branch would serve to collect any additional oil seeps. KYDEP agreed to monitor the status for an indefinite period, awaiting re-mobilization by EPA for final cleanup and restoration of the Site.
Prior to demobilization, approximately 1,200 gallons of crude oil pumped from the collection sump was hauled to an oil production facility nearby for re-processing.
On June 10, OSC Smith and CMC re-mobilized to the Site. Although the seep into the creekbed of Dry Branch had not subsided completely, conditions were determined to be stable enough by the OSC to initiate final restoration of the Site. Areas near the well head were excavated and the oil-soaked soils were reclaimed onsite. All disturbed areas were re-graded to promote positive drainage, and the underflow dam was dismantled. Work activities were dramatically affected by the remnants of a tropical storm, and final grading was called off. The OSC contacted landowners and informed them that the oil removal action was considered to be complete.
On June 13, 2005, all parties demobilized the Site, marking the completion of the oil removal action for this Site.
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The oil field in the immediate area where this well was plugged is characterized by numerous improperly abandoned wells (see map under "Documents" tab on this website). Until all the wells are located and identified as to the potential for leaks, and properly abandoned, the threat of an additional oil discharge is very likely.
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