On 1 December 2014, a spill of crude oil from the Cobb etal B-1 well, Serial #97981, located near Greenwood, Louisiana, was reported by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR).  The Cobb etal B-1 well is considered abandoned/orphaned by the LDNR.  Although the total volume of oil released is unknown, EPA estimates about 30 bbls.  The oil discharged on to surrounding soil and vegetation and then released directly into the adjacent creek.

The spill origin is located adjacent to an above ground high voltage transmission line right of way in Greenwood, LA , Latitude: 32.52975067° North, Longitude 94.036338759° West.  After entering a stream adjacent to the spill origin, crude oil flowed downstream to the south-southeast.  The initial estimated spill pathway distance between the origin and the most downstream impacted area is approximately 0.3 miles.  The stream distance between the spill origin and the most downstream containment, located at the Alexander B1 well, Serial #93964, is approximately 0.7 miles.

The Site is located in Greenwood, LA , Latitude: 32.52975067° North, Longitude 94.036338759° West.

Crude oil impacted soil, vegetation, and water between the spill origin and a fork in the creek of the Paw Paw Bayou, located at Latitude:  32.526228° North, 94.033673° West. 

On 2 December 2014 at 1504, On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) Mike McAteer activated the START and ERRS contractors.

The EPA Team (OSC, START, and ERRS) arrived onsite at approximately 0900 on 3 December 2014.  The EPA Team performed an initial assessment of the well site and spill area.  

During the initial assessment, crude oil was observed actively purging from a pinhole leak on the well discharging oil on the surrounding ground before entering the adjacent Paw Paw Bayou.  EPA's
ERRS cleanup contractor was directed to begin clearing a path to the creek and begin initial debris removal and boom placement in the bayou.  START tracked the spill pathway, and initial distance is an estimated 0.3 miles. The LDNR representative asked for assistance from a local well drilling company in order to repair the leak. One live oiled snake (water mocassin) was observed on the bank of the creek.  No other impacts to wildlife have been observed.

The current recovery team consists of 5 ERRS cleanup crew members and one vacuum truck.  The ERRS crew will increase to 9 tomorrow when recovery operations will ramp up.   

On 3 December 2014, START tracked the spill pathway, and initial distance is an estimated 0.3 miles.
ERRS placed boom (hard and absorbent booms) in the creek to contain the oil and prevent any further downstream impact.  Boom was placed at the farthest point downstream where no further oil was observed.  ERRS also began to use absorbent pads to remove oil from the creek and initiated oil contaminated debris removal from the creek.

Excavation of impacted soils at the spill origin point. Oil recovery operations and debris removal from the creek. EPA will continue to attempt to contact the prior operator for the well
 

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

2.2.2 Issues

No information available at this time.

No information available at this time.

1 FOSC
2 START (Weston)
5 ERRS (SWS)

No information available at this time.

No information available at this time.