May 20, 2022
Bakersfield, California – California State Oil and Gas Supervisor Uduak-Joe Ntuk issued the following statement on two long-term idle wells in Bakersfield, California that were discovered to be leaking and are now repaired:
“CalGEM deployed inspectors yesterday to evaluate the methane emissions from two long term idle wells operated by Sunray Petroleum. We have been coordinating with the operator and local first responders to determine the wells do not pose an immediate threat to public health or safety. While the pinhole-sized leaks were determined to be minor in nature, CalGEM contractors were able to seal both wells today.”
Background
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) conducted an inspection and found elevated methane readings on May 17, 2022. The leak was determined not to be an emergency situation by Bakersfield Fire Department.
Upon receiving notification of potentially high levels of methane emissions leaking from two long term idle wells in Kern Bluff Lease, CalGEM took immediate action to deploy field engineers to inspect the site and file a notification with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. After inspecting the site and consulting with Bakersfield Fire Department and the SJVAPCD, CalGEM can confirm that the wells were leaking methane gas, but the emissions do not rise to an emergency situation. To address the leak, CalGEM secured a contractor to seal and repair both wells.
Additionally, on May 2, CalGEM issued an Order to Sunray Petroleum, Inc. to plug and abandon wells, decommission production facilities, and restore well sites for 28 idle wells, including the two wells that were discovered to be leaking. The Order was issued in response to a failure to pay idle well fees and submit an Idle Well Testing Compliance work plan as well as numerous oilfield related violations ranging from missing well signs, cellars full of fluid, and missing bolts on wellheads, to out-of-service facility requirements not being satisfied. Sunray Petroleum, Inc., appealed that order on May 13 and the matter will be heard by an administrative law judge with the Office of Administrative Hearings.
Established in 1915, CalGEM is tasked with regulatory jurisdiction over oil and gas fields, underground natural gas storage facilities, and geothermal energy operations. Regulatory authority covers the upstream (oil fields) portion of the oil industry which includes more than 242,000 wells across California, including nearly 101,300 which are defined as active or idle oil producers.