McCrary_1996_ContinueWithTheAmericanExplorationPlanOfOperationsApprovalProcess

McCrary, Patrick

Padre Island National Seashore and American Exploration Company began the process of preparing a Plan ofOperations for the properties purchased from Oryx Energy in January 1990. This process has been off again, on again several times. Without pointing fingers and assessing blame, it is time to continue with the Plan of Operations approval process. The Plan ofOperations that was prepared by Sun Exploration and Production and adopted by American Exploration for continuing operations is inadequate for the protection ofpark resources. American Exploration has prepared a Plan ofOperations that affords proper resource protection for the park. At this time, Padre Island National Seashore is awaiting the submission ofan affidavit stating that the operations planned are in compliance with all applicable Federal, State and local laws a.nd regulations, 36 CFR 9.36(11). When the affidavit is received the review process can proceed leading to an approved Plan of Operations. Along the same vein, the park has some concerns about four wells owned by American Exploration. Padre Island National Seashore is requesting that AmeriGan Exploration Plug and Abandon the gas well in State Tract 233-1 and the old water well in State Tract 228-1. These two wells are in the Laguna Madre. We are not aware of any maintenance on these wells in the past four years. The physical condition ofthe service platforms leave American Exploration vulnerable to legal action should a park visitor injure themselves climbing on the structures. Padre Island National Seashore request that American Exploration addresses plans for both wells A-3 and A-8. Neither well has produced in over 2 years. IfAmerican Exploration has no plans for re-entering these wells for further exploration or workover, then Padre Island National Seashore is requesting that American Exploration plug and abandon these well within 6 months ofapproval ofthe Plan of Operations and remove existing separators, heaters, tanks, compressors and associates apparatus.