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2.1.1 Narrative
At this time, an abandoned oil/gas well component to an oil facility has been identified under the structure and this well is discharging oil and gas to Stackyard Run and the residential building located atop the well. EPA directed its contractor to remove oil and debris from the well (using hand methods) to an attainable depth and to place cement into the well. However, it appears that the attempt was not successful and may have increased the migration of oil into Stackyard Run without stopping the flow of gas to the surface of the well and into the overlying structure. Additional actions are required.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
See Prior POLREPs for activities through December 1, 2015.
After determining that the discharge of oil into Stackyard Run may have increased after the EPA actions of Fall 2015 and the flow of gas into the overlying structure was not curtailed, the OSC determined that additional removal actions were required to stem the discharge of oil and mitigate the hazards to the surrounding community. An update to the evaluation of options available to stop the discharge of oil and an update to the OPA 90 Removal Project Plan was completed on December 23, 2015 and forwarded to NPFC. The OSC requested additional funding to conduct additional removal actions (inclusive of actions to remove the ineffective cement plug placed into the well by EPA's contractors).
The newly proposed actions would involve the construction of a drilling rig over the well and inside the existing residential structure capable of drilling through the cement placed into the well and then to the oil-producing zone in order to place cement in a manner to effectively plug the well. The OSC coordinated with NPFC to raise the FPN ceiling and fund a PRFA to be issued to the WVDEP Office of Oil and Gas. This PRFA would allow a driller to construct the rig and conduct the necessary actions.
On January 11, 2016, the FPN ceiling was raised and a PRFA was funded. The WVDEP and OSC conducted a Site visit and obtained a competitively awarded driller (Wharton) to conduct the requested activities. A rig specifically fabricated to fit within the structure and capable of drilling the cement and other debris from the well was requested. The contractor began to obtain the necessary components and the process of fabrication in early February. By February 18th, the OSC observed the progress; WVDEP and the OSC concurred on the final assembly. On March 1, the OSC again observed the rig fully assembled and tested. On March 2, the rig was disassembled and readied for transportation to Wheeling, WV.
On March 7, the major components were transported to Wheeling, WV and assembly inside the structure began. The property owner assisted the OSC by modifying interior walls and ceiling and installing stabilizing supports in order to allow construction of the rig.
On March 8, 2016, assembly of the rig continued and EPA set up air monitoring equipment to be used to evaluate the levels of gases and vapors that have the potential to affect the community during Site operations. Air monitoring locations to allow for continuous detection capability were set up all around the work location. EPA will be able to continually monitor air and alter operations should levels begin to pose a potential threat.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
See Prior POLREPs.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
| Waste Stream |
Medium |
Quantity |
Manifest # |
Treatment |
Disposal |
| oil |
solids |
4 - 55-gallon drums |
|
|
X |
| oil |
oily liquids |
3100 gallons |
|
|
X |
| oil |
oil solids |
2 tons |
|
|
X |
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