Oilfield Cleanup

EKI supports clients who are dealing with former oil wells and oilfield production practices and facilities that have impacted soil, soil vapor, and groundwater. Previous oil field activities on a site often impact the environment and are unknown until redevelopment activities begin.

EKI’s work involves coordinating and working with California Geologic Energy Management (CalGEM – the agency that regulates oil wells in California), local oversight agencies, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB). Per CalGEM standards, properties being redeveloped that contain oil wells require an evaluation, leak testing, and potentially oil well abandonment work plans to be properly abandoned. EKI uses geophysical methods to help locate oil wells that are not visible from the surface and uses soil excavation methods to uncover these wells for leak testing. Each well typically requires the preparation of a well bore diagram, and each well abandonment process is unique. EKI works with teaming partners to support these efforts and manage well abandonment costs. Oil well abandonment is a specialized skill set, and if not carefully managed, costs can quickly escalate. EKI prepares and directs the implementation of soil management plans and soil excavation plans to remediate hydrocarbon‑impacted soils from the well drilling and oil well operations. These work plans are regulated by the RWQCB, DTSC, and local environmental agencies. EKI supports clients who are redeveloping sites by evaluating the unique health risks associated with such properties, where active producing wells and facilities may be near redevelopment sites.