Days after a geyser in the West Texas oilfield erupted, it’s still unclear what caused the blast of water and who’s responsible. Jets of oily, salty water shot nearly 100 feet in the air outside of Toyah, located in rural Reeves County. The Railroad Commission of Texas, which regulates oil and gas in the state, is investigating the geyser.
Amanda Drane, an investigative reporter focusing on energy for the Houston Chronicle, was on the scene shortly after the geyser erupted. She spoke to the Texas Standard about what happened and what questions still remain.
As of Monday afternoon, the geyser was still flowing at relatively the same height and pressure. The specific cause of the geyser is still unknown, and both the Railroad Commission and the oil company operating in the area are working to determine what happened. There has been speculation about a possible well blowout due to the seismic activity in the region.
The plume of oily water accompanied by a rotten egg smell has raised concerns about potential environmental hazards. The water has been described as containing an oily substance, and the strong smell of crude oil was detected at the site. Additionally, the water has left a salty residue on the gear of first responders.
There have been reports of toxic gas, specifically hydrogen sulfide, emanating from the geyser. The levels of gas measured on site were high enough to make it difficult to breathe. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality may need to be involved in assessing the environmental impact of the geyser.
While the pipeline company Kinder Morgan has taken control of the site, they have stated that the incident is unrelated to their operations. The presence of an old dry hole in the area and previous earthquake activity have raised concerns about the potential connection to the geyser eruption.
Given that the geyser is located in an oil field, the Texas Railroad Commission likely has jurisdiction over the situation. The details are still being investigated, and it remains to be seen what actions will be taken to address the geyser and its potential environmental impact.
In conclusion, the situation with the 100-foot geyser in the West Texas oilfield is still unfolding, and more information is needed to understand the cause and implications of the eruption. The involvement of multiple regulatory bodies and the presence of toxic gas make this a complex environmental issue that requires careful assessment and response.