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Saga Continues For DEP Trying To Get A Conventional Operator To Plug Warren County Well Venting Gas Since At Least 2018

The continuing saga of trying to get Tatonka Oil Co. LLC-- an Ohio-based company-- to plug the Nancy 13 conventional gas well in Deerfield Township, Warren County that was found to be leaking brine and gas since at least December 20, 2018 -- continues. [Read prior history here.]

On February 8, 2019, a DEP inspection report said Commonwealth Court had issued an order to Tatonka Oil Co. LLC to plug a number of wells it operated, including the Nancy 13 well. [DEP inspection report]

DEP inspections documented repeated violations at Nancy 13, but finally on May 17, 2023 an inspection report noted Tatonka said the plugging of Nancy 13 would start in April or May. [DEP inspection report]

And now an update….

On June 7, 2023, a DEP inspection report said Tatonka Oil retained Oil Valley Well Service to “replug” the Nancy 13 well, but no start date was established. [DEP inspection report]

On November 8, 2023, a DEP onsite inspection occurred to review well records, bond log and certificate of plugging submitted to DEP on May 4, 2021.

The report notes gas was still bubbling up through the well.

“Operator is planning to have contractors clean out the well-bore and drill out cement plugs to determine where the gas is coming from. Once it is confirmed where the gas is coming from contractors will start plugging the well. Operator and contractors will notify the department throughout the process.” [DEP inspection report]

On December 12, 2023, the Department received a notice from Tatonka Oil that plugging contractors were going to start moving equipment onsite December 11, 2023. Onsite inspection December 12, 2023 found the contractors have not moved onto the location. [DEP inspection report]

On December 21, 2023, an onsite inspection showed plugging contractors have started making preparations-- dug a waste pit and lined it, but will not start drilling until after the Christmas holiday. [DEP inspection report]

On January 2, 2024, the initial report to DEP on plugging had contractors drilling out the well to a depth of 500 feet. [DEP inspection report]

However, a followup phone conversation with the contractor found a depth of 1,020 feet was reached, but circulation of water to clean out the well bore has been unsuccessful and the drill pipe may become stuck if drilling continues.

“If circulation cannot be obtained, the well may be plugged from an attainable bottom of 1,020 feet with a solid column of cement to the surface casing seat.” [DEP inspection report]

On January 3, 2024, the contractor told DEP they could not clean out the well below 1,020 feet so 32 barrels [1,344 gallons] of cement were put in place from 475 to 1,020 foot depth in the well. The drill pipe is being pulled from the well and drill cuttings and wastewater are contained in a lined pit on the site. [DEP inspection report]

DEP eFACTS records show Tatonka Oil Co. LLC operates 149 conventional oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania.

Report Violations

To report oil and gas violations or any environmental emergency or complaint, visit DEP’s Environmental Complaint webpage.

Check These Resources

Visit DEP’s Compliance Reporting Database webpage to search their compliance records by date and operator and the Inspection Reports Viewer.

Sign up for DEP’s eNOTICE service which sends you information on oil and gas and other permits submitted to DEP for review in your community.

(Photo: Nancy 13 from November 8, 2023 DEP inspection report.)

PA Oil & Gas Industry Public Notice Dashboards:

-- PA Oil & Gas Weekly Compliance Dashboard - Dec. 30 to Jan. 3 - Saga Of Plugging Nancy 13; Conventional Well Emission Offsets; Venting Since June; Still No Well Integrity Reports [PaEN]

-- PA Oil & Gas Industry Compliance So Far In 2023 - It Isn’t Pretty [PaEN]

-- PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices/Opportunities To Comment - January 6 [PaEN]

-- DEP Disapproves Land Recycling Risk Assessment For Dozens Of Chemicals At American Refining Group Refinery In Bradford, McKean County [PaEN]