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47-079-01492
and 47-079-00731
19
April 2009
Complaint
for 47-079-01492 and 47-079-00731
1)
Natural gas and condensate is bubbling to the surface on flat
below 1492, southeast of 731. We couldn't directly observe
the exact spot because it's under the immense log and brush
pile north of 1492's fill slope, at the east end. (There's
another log and brush pile east of 731 which is smaller. Gas
and condensate is emerging under the larger pile's eastern
corner.)
We
could hear gas and fluid come to the surface, could smell
the condensate, and water puddles north of the spot, away
from the log pile, had an oily sheen. Further north and down
hill, there were lots of deer tracks; an indication of brine.
Water drains from the site north of this spot, down a short
slope into a culvert directly into the river.
We
saw parts of two yellow plastic pipeline markers (or two parts
of one marker) in the log and brush pile; gas and condensate
was emerging between them. It's impossible to tell if the
markers are anywhere near their original location. The one
undisturbed pipeline marker on the site is much closer to
the road and we didn't see markers east of the pile.
While
the leak could be from a pipeline, it is just as likely to
be a blowout from the recently drilled well. In either case,
the problem needs to be taken care of.
2)
On the pad for 1492, the pit has been inadequately covered
and imperfectly contoured. Walking across the pit area I sank
in mud and a foul odor like something was dead came from the
mud. Ponding on the surface was widespread, unlike the rest
of the pad.
3)
The 200-barrel tank has an adequate dike, but a trench has
been cut through the dike for over 4 months. As the site is
now, the tank is in violation with federal SPCC regulations.
4)
47-079-00731 has the improper API number (wrong county).
5)
Sedimentation control for the site is laughable. There should
be a silt fence between the road and river and between the
site and road. Straw bales need to be installed correctly
(sideways in a ditch so that water can run around isn't correct)
and silt traps cleaned of clogging sediment.
6)
The site entrance off the state road should have a fresh installment
of gravel to replace the almost entirely lost gravel. The
new gravel should be deep enough this time.
7)
The waterbar on the steep well access road (more than 20%
grade) for 1492 and 731 is no longer functioning properly.
Either it should be refurbished or, better yet, a graveled
broadbased dip should be used instead.
8)
There is an item of abandoned production equipment between
731 and the plugged well ?47-079-00595 (the API number on
the monument isn't entirely clear). This needs to be hauled
away as part of the site's reclamation.
We
are available, given advance notice of a day or more by telephone,
to meet with the inspector at the site.
Please
let know what action is taken on these items. The number and
significance of the issues at this site are extremely troubling.
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