Swanson River Oil Field; Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

Kenai Peninsula, Alaska | 1986-Dec-15

Initial Notification: On December 12, 1986, a large gas leak was discovered in one of four wells, shut down since 1984, which had been operated by Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) in the Swanson River Oil Field on the Kenai Peninsula. Two days after the initial gas leak from the drilling pad, gas was observed emerging through the ground in several locations within a one-half mile radius of the pad, including into the Swanson River. On December 15 the leaking gas got into an oil-bearing strata and expelled approximately five barrels of oil onto the surface of the drilling pad through the leaking well. Due to the number of gas fumaroles, a major concern was discharge of more oil, particularly into the Swanson River. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) was notified on December 15. USCG district 17.