Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Scares Family in Bee Branch!

Hydrogen Sulfide gas is an "extraordinarily poisonous gas" according to Slumberger Oilfield Glossary.  A whiff of this stuff can kill you.  Southwestern Energy drilled a gas well on Round Springs Road across from Loyd Anderson's new home in Bee Branch, and they installed a wind sock and a sign that reads H2S gas Danger.  The next week a caution sign and second wind sock were added.

The Van Buren Democrat reported on this story and said that the Anderson's contacted SEECO.  The representative of the company told him the gas can kill you, and someone would get back to him. The Andersons were very concerned about their horses.  After being alerted to this story, the Democrat submitted by email some questions to Southwestern Energy.  The Democrat asked:

How/when was the presence of this gas discovered? How far can the gas carry in the air? Were workers or residents in danger? Why were area residents not informed? How common is this occurrence?

Here is the complete statement the Democrat received in response Tuesday morning:

“The well located near Bee Branch is currently shut-in and is not producing while SEECO conducts maintenance on the well. The utilization of wind socks and signage on the location are required operating procedures as per AOGC rules when there is a presence of H2S in the natural gas production from a producing well.

“We analyze the contents of the gas we produce to ensure SEECO meets or exceeds all Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC) rules and regulations, including the monitoring, testing and treatment of H2S, which is a naturally occurring gas that is sometimes produced along with natural gas.

“Prior to the well being shut-in we were treating the gas onsite to meet required specifications before being shipped down the pipeline.

“SEECO is dedicated to protecting the environment and the safety of the communities surrounding our operations. We are committed to responsible resource development and minimizing our impact on the environment and our neighbors.”

Wow.  Really.  I was shocked to discover that none of the specific questions were answered, but a Texas two-step was delivered with smug ease.

 I really had to see this site for myself so I drove out to find it. Round Springs Road leans into the Ozark hills with grace and offers inviting bucolic views that send your spirits soaring until you round the bend and see this gas well.  The sign and wind socks were still present and the gas pad was very close to the road directly across the street from the Anderson's new home and pasture.  The horses were really close.  In fact when you drive to the site and are turning into the curve on the road it appears they are adjacent to the gas well.  Are they safe?  Are humans working on the new home safe?   Another American dream destroyed?  How is it possible residents in the area were not notified of these conditions.  Was the OEM notified?  The questions multiply when you consider the morbid possibilities. 

You see these windsocks flying high at so many gas well locations also near homes.  We have seen the hydrogen sulfide signs before, but never understood the dangers.  How can this happen in America to American Citizens?  

flaring of the gas well on Round Springs Rd

Thank you to my friend for her great photographs.