Complaint Investigation Update: Mae J Wellsite

As a follow-up to the original notice below, the Town has received word from Kerr-McGee that they have completed an investigation into Earthworks’ observations of their Mae J facility. 

This investigation identified a defect associated with the fuel rail of the enclosed combustion device (ECD). The defective component has been replaced and the facility’s ECD is now operating as intended. This was confirmed by an optical gas imaging survey. 

Kerr-McGee has returned the Mae J facility to regular production. Residents may also contact Kerr-McGee/Occidental’s Colorado Response line at 1-866-248-9577 with additional questions.

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July 20 | Notice of Complaint: Mae J Wellsite

The Town of Erie has received notice of a complaint filed with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Air Pollution Control Division (APCD). This complaint is regarding an infrared video recording that appears to show unreported emissions from the Mae J wellsite located outside Erie limits north of WCR 10 and east of WCR 3. The video was recorded by an individual affiliated with the group Earthworks on June 26, 2022. This individual who completed the recording is listed as a certified FLIR camera operator.
 
After receiving information about this complaint, the Town of Erie contacted the operator of the Mae J facility, Kerr-McGee/Occidental Petroleum. At this time, it appears that the source of the apparent emissions was “flash gas,” which is a spontaneous vapor that is produced from the heating or depressurization of the extracted oil mixture. The source of the flashing remains under investigation.
 
After being informed of Earthworks’ observations, a Kerr-McGee emissions technician was promptly dispatched, and while no malfunctioning equipment was immediately identified, all wells producing to the Mae J Facility were shut in and production remains stopped while the company’s engineering team conducts a further evaluation.
 
The Town also contacted CDPHE APCD for additional information they may have, but staff has not yet received a response. Erie, Weld County, and the COGCC were not contacted by Kerr-McGee about this instance.
 
The video used in the complaint is publicly available and can be viewed on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Zh-zy-2l0cA. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. Residents may also contact Occidental’s Colorado Response line at 1-866-248-9577 with additional questions.

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