News Summary
An oil and gas leak from Well No. 59 near Garden Island Bay has been secured following extensive efforts by the U.S. Coast Guard and Spectrum OpCo LLC. Detected on April 26, the leak resulted in a mixture of oil, gas, and water spilling into the Mississippi River. Response teams deployed containment booms and conducted daily monitoring flights, collecting over 70,812 gallons of spilled material. As cleanup operations continue, local communities hope for a swift resolution to minimize environmental impacts.
Oil Well Leak Secured Near Garden Island Bay
In a notable development, an oil and gas leak that began on April 26, 2025, from an **82-year-old well**, known as Well No. 59, near **Garden Island Bay** has been secured, and cleanup efforts are now actively underway in southern **Plaquemines Parish**. The leak, which was discovered by the **U.S. Coast Guard** after receiving reports at around 4 p.m., has spurred a robust response to manage the situation effectively.
What Happened?
The well, which had been **shut in since 2015**, had not been **permanently plugged** by its previous owners and reportedly leaked a **mixture of oil, gas, and water** into the **Bird’s Foot Delta** of the **Mississippi River**. **Spectrum OpCo LLC**, the company that acquired the well in August 2024, has been identified as the responsible party for this unexpected mishap.
Containment Measures in Action
As the situation developed, a swift response was initiated, which included the deployment of nearly **three miles of containment boom** to help contain the spilled materials. By May 1, 2025, responders had successfully laid out **20,300 feet of containment boom** with an additional **4,200 feet on standby** to be used if needed.
Crews have been diligently working on recovery efforts, managing to collect approximately **70,812 gallons of the oily water mixture** as of Sunday night. These efforts also included the deployment of **1,047 bales of absorbent boom** to protect the nearby marsh islands from potential contamination.
Watching the Situation
A **safety zone** has been established by the Coast Guard in the affected area to ensure the safety of responders and the public while the cleanup efforts intensify. The Coast Guard has taken over the response operations from Spectrum OpCo and is overseeing the cleanup process closely.
The Cleanup Crew
To aid in the response, a team of specialized contractors has joined the effort. Notable companies involved include **Forefront Emergency Management**, **Environmental Safety & Health Consulting Services**, and **Clean Gulf Associates**. Together, they are working with the **Coast Guard** to clean up this unfortunate incident.
Monitoring the Spill
As part of ongoing efforts, **daily flights** are planned to monitor the spill and the progress of cleanup operations. This proactive approach allows teams to assess the spread of crude oil, as verified during an aerial survey conducted on **April 28**, where the oil’s presence in the marshlands was confirmed. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries, and wildlife has been spared from serious harm, although one **oiled bird** was observed in the area.
Next Steps
The total **extent of the oil volume released** remains undetermined, providing an essential focus for ongoing assessments and cleanup activities. The **intervention team** managed to successfully secure the leak by **cutting the flange on the wellhead** and installing a **flowback assembly**, allowing them to regain control over the situation.
Captain Greg Callaghan highlighted that while securing the leak is a crucial milestone, the work is far from over. Cleanup efforts will continue to ensure that the environment is restored as best as possible.
As the situation unfolds, local communities remain hopeful for a swift resolution, and the dedicated teams are putting forth their best efforts to minimize the longer-term impacts of this leak. The collaborative endeavor among responders is commendable and essential to preserving the beautiful marshlands and the vitality of **Plaquemines Parish**.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WWLTV: Oil Spill Cleanup Response in Plaquemines Parish
- NOLA: Oil Spill in Plaquemines Parish
- Fox Weather: Oil Well Leak in Gulf
- Fox 8 Live: Cleanup After Oil and Gas Mixture Release
- Wikipedia: Oil Spill
