Environment

How has the incident impacted the groundwater and soil? (updated 4/13/25)

  • The focus has been on safe management of the well site. Currently, we have not conducted sampling of soil or groundwater. With the well secured, we will begin evaluating follow-up actions in cooperation with government agencies. 

 

What, if any, water sources will be affected?

Responding agencies are not aware that any sources of drinking water have been affected. Some liquid from the well entered Willow Creek at the beginning of this incident. The liquid from the site was diverted into a collection area to protect the creek. Booms have been placed in the creek to help prevent oil in the water from traveling further downstream and are continuing to remove oil and water from the creek for safe disposal offsite.

What should I do if I have well water? (updated 4/13/25)

It is unlikely that well water would be affected by this incident. If you have concerns about your well, Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment has a free volatile organic compound testing program; You can learn more about this service on the Weld County website. However, the presence of any contaminants in your well water does not necessarily mean that your well was affected by this incident. A proper evaluation of the source of any contaminants would still have to be done.

How is air quality being monitored?

  • In addition to air monitoring conducted by Chevron, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has deployed its Mobile Oil/Gas Optical Sensor of Emissions (MOOSE) air monitor unit. This mobile air monitor can measure 10 or more different chemicals and air pollutants.   

  • Air quality monitoring has been ongoing, and the results have been below actionable levels. The Unified Command is notified of any change in levels. 

  • Air monitoring will continue for the duration of the incident.

Does the Unified Command have an accounting of the wildlife that could be affected?

Numerous governmental agencies are monitoring this incident and wildlife in the area. This includes state veterinary services, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Colorado Department of Agriculture.

What are the cleanup plans? (updated 4/13/25)

  • The well has been sealed and we have moved to recovery efforts.
  • More than 340 people continue to support the response effort.
  • We understand the concerns about cleanup, and our teams are working as quickly as possible while maintaining the safety of the public, response personnel, and the government.
  • As a precaution, the team is working to decontaminate the school, which entails a thorough washing on the exterior including the roof and outlying buildings, playgrounds, HVAC filters and interior cleaning.
  • The team is collecting hydrocarbon and waste samples, and conducting surface tests to assess decontamination levels, and will seek results as practicable.
  • We remain committed to keeping the public informed and plan to share information as it is available.
  • Chevron has established a claims line for potentially affected residents. If you have been impacted, please contact the Bishop Well Incident Claims Line at 877-359-1285.

 

 

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