In early January 2017, local hunters discovered a leaking abandoned oil well located on Dry Larto Island, located within the Dewey Wills Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near the town of Larto, LA in Catahoula Parish. The well is approximately 200 yards from navigable waters.
According to Louisiana Dept. of Natural Resources (LDNR) records, the well was drilled in late 1958 and was plugged and abandoned later that same year. Current observations of the well site include a 5.5 inch diameter casing sitting approximately 3 feet above grade. A metal plate appears to be welded to the top and oil is leaking around out the top of the plate and flows down on to surrounding soils. LDNR indicates that the well may be under pressure.
EPA Region 6 will conduct an assessment of the well the week of January 23, 2017, and is planning to plug/abandon the well as soon as possible thereafter.
