CORRECTED: Link
Update: Methane Release at State 30-16

Investigations into the source of the methane release at the State 30-16 well are ongoing, and data from the initial set of 38 soil vapor sample locations is available on the COGCC data portal. An additional 23 soil vapor sample locations were deployed to delineate the extent of the methane release; however, these results are pending acceptance by COGCC. The Town will provide updates as additional data becomes available.
 
The Town of Erie appreciates the efforts being made by Kerr McGee/Occidental and the State of Colorado to ensure the continued health and safety of the residents of Erie and students and staff at Soaring Heights PK-8 and Erie High School.
 
Initial Data Set Findings (Map Below)
Soil vapor methane concentrations from the initial data set are shown in relation to the air sampling station and well locations in the provided map (the red box in the regional inset map depicts the area enlarged).

The map shows, as triangles, the locations of the State 30-16 well, to be plugged and abandoned after completion of the methane release investigation and remediation efforts currently ongoing, and the other 8 wells which occupied the well pad and have already been plugged and abandoned.

Additionally shown, as circles, are the methane concentrations from the 38 soil vapor sample locations which have been analyzed to date and the 26 soil vapor sample locations awaiting COGCC approval. Methane concentrations (percent by volume) are shown as a color ramp ranging from non-detect values (blue) to concentrations exceeding 5% (red). The highest concentrations (9.84% & 9.71%) were observed in samples SVP07 and SVP31 (respectively).

Current data indicate the methane release appears concentrated around well State 6-16, which was plugged and abandoned by the operator in Aug. 2018. 
 
Additional Air Monitoring
After consultation with David Frank, the Town of Erie Energy & Environmental Specialist, Kerr McGee installed a continuous air sampling station near the State 30-16 well on Sept. 10, 2021. The air sampling station, which Montrose Air Quality Services operates, will collect samples continuously (every second and translates into 15-minute averages) and will remain deployed as warranted.  Data is available at the operator’s Stakeholder Relations site.
 
Background
The methane release was reported in a notification on Sept. 2 and a follow-up on Sept. 13.  Oil and gas operator Kerr McGee notified local and state entities (COGCC) of a release at the State 30-16 well site, outside Town of Erie limits near WCR 10 and WCR 5 (located north of Soaring Heights PK-8 and Erie High School).
 
More
For more information, please email erieoilandgas@erieco.gov, or visit www.erieco.gov/OilandGas