Denver, CO (Dec. 20, 2023) -
Dec. 20, 2023 (issued at 4 PM):
Plugging operations at Sealock 1 were completed this week. The well was plugged and the integrity of the plugging was verified. ECMC anticipates backfilling the excavation area this week. Impacted soils at the surface have been removed and ECMC is awaiting soil sample analysis and results. If lab results indicate that additional environmental assessment is required, it will be completed within the scope of the Orphan Well Program.
This is the last update to be provided in this format. Interested parties may review the status of the well through the well scout card and associated documentation. A guide to ECMC Scout cards is available HERE.
Dec. 14, 2023 (issued at 6 PM):
The Sealock 1 well has been plugged per ECMC requirements. In five days, the well will be monitored to verify its integrity, as part of ECMC's rules.
The surface area near the well site has been cleaned up and samples will be taken to ensure compliance with ECMC rules.
Dec. 8, 2023 (issued at 4 PM):
ECMC has procured emergency funding and mobilized an in-transit workover rig to re-plug the well. The well has been stabilized and will be replugged the week of December 11. ECMC will continue to work to remediate the site.
Dec. 6, 2023 (issued at 4:30 PM):
ECMC is monitoring a situation in the Town of Johnstown. A Barrett Resources well, Sealock 1, which is located southwest of WCR 50 and Loma Vista Pl., was previously plugged and abandoned in the 1990s. The plug failed last night. ECMC has personnel on scene and is working to bring in equipment to plug and abandon the well. ECMC is coordinating with the emergency responders, the Town of Johnstown, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), which has an air monitoring device deployed, on this situation.
CDPHE deployed their mobile monitoring lab, which collected measurements as it drove through streets near residences in the vicinity of the well. The lab was then parked within 50 feet of the well, where it continued to collect measurements. The mobile monitoring lab did not detect benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, or xylene (collectively known as BTEX) above the lab’s detection limits.
ECMC expects that a rig will be on the location to begin re-entry and plugging operations on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
ECMC will continue to provide updates on this site.
Community Resources:
ECMC Complaints:
dnr_ecmc.complaints@state.co.us, (888) 235-1101
Megan Adamczyk, ECMC Community Relations Liaison
Health Concerns Contact:
CDPHE Oil & Gas Health Information and Response Program,
CDPHE_OGHealth@state.co.us, (303) 389-1687
Barrett Resources Sealock 1 Well Information The well is API #123-10765. GPS coordinates are 40.346114,-104.966807. The well was initially plugged and abandoned 10/2/1993.
- Well is in Weld County, 0.2 miles south of the Weld/ Larimer County line.
- Well is approximately 0.24 mile southwest of the intersection of WCR 50 and Loma Vista Pl.
- Distance to nearest residences: approximately 0.15 mile (800 feet) to the north-northeast and 0.24 miles (1215) feet to the south.
About the ECMC
The mission of the Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) is to regulate the development and production of the natural resources of oil and gas, deep geothermal resources, the capture and sequestration of carbon, and the underground storage of natural gas in a manner that protects public health, safety, welfare, the environment and wildlife resources. Visit the ECMC website for more information.