AffectedPropertyEnvironmentalAssessment_WellsNos.6,3,8AndA4VectorEnergyLeasePropertyPAIS

Southern Ecology Management

Southern Ecology Management, Inc. (SEM) was contracted by BNP to environmentally assess areas of known oil and gas-related pollution at three sites located on Padre Island, Texas. The three sites contain gas wells under lease by Vector Energy Corporation. The leases are located on Federal land under the management of the United States Department of Interior, Padre Island National Seashore. All three sites were constructed during the 1950's and 1960's and have produced gas for several operators. The sites consist of Well #6, a second site with two wells, #3 and #8, and a third site with Well #A4. There has been no production at two of these sites for at least two years. Well #6 recently operated as an injection well, but that was terminated when production stopped at the other sites. National Seashore personnel documented contamination at each site about two years ago. Soil and groundwater screening indicated that hydrocarbons had leaked from the equipment and piping and was observed in the soil and groundwater at random inspection locations several yards· distant from the point source of contamination. It is the intent of BNP to operate new wells from the same locations. Any accumulations of hydrocarbons from past spills or leaks have been noted during the course of this assessment in order for BNP to obtain a baseline quantification prior to commencement of their own operations. The soil at the most contaminated location at each site was sampled and analyzed. The range of values from these samples was 5,890 ppm (parts per million) to 24,600 ppm. TPH in the groundwater ranged from 5.64 ppm to 14.3 ppm. All inspection and sample sites were spaced 25 feet apart on radials from the known pollution source. There was virtually no indication of hydrocarbon contamination by observation or by laboratory analysis of any of the locations beyond the immediate source. A total of 33 samples were taken. Only those samples in the obvious oil-contaminated locations indicate significant hydrocarbon concentrations in soil and in the shallow groundwater. Low values of TPH were indicated at Well #6 and at Well #' s 3 and 8 at two locations other than the known point source. A few soil samples were analyzed for inorganic chlorides. The results showed very low values ranging from 8 ppm to 321 ppm. Oily stains exist on two of the pad islands. The most notable is Well #A4 where oily water has accumulated in a secondary containment at an above-ground storage tanle Oily spots from a compressor and other equipment at this well are also present, but appear to be minor in scope. A few oil spots were also seen on the pad island at Well #6, as well as an area near the southeast comer of the pad island that was observed to be contaminated in past years. Well #3 and #8 had one minor spot where oil had dripped from a disconnected pipe. Perimeter areas of soil and plant life appeared not to be stressed by industrial means. In summary and regarding cleanup volumes, the total estimated volume of soil to be remediated or disposed of is 75 cubic yards. The total estimated amount of groundwater and captured oily water is 7,250 gallons.