Site consists of one abandoned oil well that is leaking into the waters of West Virginia.
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 #728901) and requested EPA assistance in plugging these wells.
b. On July 21, 2004, OSC Bob Kelly met with Mr. Belcher and viewed documents of the Site.
c. The documents presented to OSC Kelly indicated that the well was actually discharging and needed immediate attention. (See photos #1, #2,#3 and #4 at website)
d. OSC Kelly questioned Mr. Belcher on well ownership and was told initial investigation did not reveal a current owner. Mr. Belcher went on to say that this well was turned in by a neighbor who noticed a sheen in the creek.
e. Mr. Belcher further stated that State Inspector Rodney Dillon drove to Site on July 1 and observed the tank associated with this well was leaking (see photos #5, #6, #7 and #8 on web site) and he took immediate action by hiring a contractor to empty, remove and clean up the ground contamination associated with the tank. Mr. Belcher stated the State did not have the funds to address the plugging of the well.
f. OSC Kelly determined that there was a continuing release and the well 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, $5000 of which will be issued to the Office of Oil and Gas to provide 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 E04319).
h. OSC Kelly created a web site for this Site at www.epaosc.net/joe'screek
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. The State will take immediate action to contain any oil release by constructing a ditch and monitor the discharge until such time as they can plug the well.
b. OSC will contact and receive written access from the current property owner.
c. No further field activity is anticipated at this time.
Oil being released into the waters of West Virginia.
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