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The Site consists of nine (9) presumed abandoned oil wells. These wells are located in the stream or flood plan leading to the Hughes River. There is evidence that these wells have been releasing oil into the stream during rain events and will continue to do so if not properly addressed.
A. On July 20, 2004, David Belcher of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Oil and Gas reported this Site to the NRC (Incident Report #728898) and requested EPA assistance in plugging these wells.
B. On July 21, 2004, OSC Bob Kelly met with Mr. Belcher and visited the Site.
C. OSC Kelly did not have access from the property owners and thereby did not enter onto the property. However, OSC Kelly was able to observe the wells via the public road adjacent to the wells.
D. OSC Kelly did observe 4 wells directly in the stream and Mr. Belcher provided pictures of the wells having oil at the top of the wellbore. OSC Kelly observed staining in the stream bed indicating that there has been a discharge of oil into the Big Island Run which flows into South Fork of Hughes River. OSC Kelly also observed the remaining wells in the flood plan of the stream.
E. OSC Kelly questioned Mr. Belcher on land ownership and was told that the nine wells were located on four different parcels of land and thereby have 4 different surface owners. Mr. Belcher also stated that the wells did not have a known operator/owner.
F. OSC Kelly determined that there was a threat of release and the wells needed to be plugged. OSC Kelly questioned Mr. Belcher on the availability of getting a contractor on Site to address the situation. Mr. Belcher stated that he could not have anyone on Site for a least five weeks. OSC Kelly determined that, at a minumin, temporary containment needs to be installed to prevent any more discharges.
G. OSC Kelly, using CANAPS, obtained funding in the amount of $10,000 for the Office of Oil and Gas to provided temporary containment, obtain a survey and get all permits in advance of plugging these wells. Additionally, OSC issued a TDD to START contractor (EnE) to perform a Deed and Title Search to determine if there is a Responsible Party for these wells and giving them Notice of Federal Interest prior to the Federal government incurring costs in plugging these wells. (FPN E04318).
H. OSC Kelly created a web site for this Site at www.epaosc.net/BigIslandRun.
No planned removal actions are anticipated at this time
A. OSC will await START contractor report on possible Responsible Parties and issue Notice of Federal Interest, if warranted.
B. OSC will contact and received access from the four surface owners.
C. No further field activity is anticipated at this time.
Oil being released into the waters of West Virginia.
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