Public Notice – Temporary Use of Lookout Park Parking Lot

The California State Lands Commission and its consultant, 2HOffshore (previously InterAct), will perform well re-abandonment (re-sealing) work on the leaking wells, known as Treadwell 1 & Treadwell 5, which are located approximately 300 ft. offshore and in approximately 20 ft. water depth. Well re-abandonment operations are scheduled to begin on August 13, 2023, and conclude on August 26, 2023.

Summerland Treadwell Pier 1 & 5 Well Re-Abandonment

What:

Re-abandonment activities are an essential part of the Commission’s efforts to permanently stop the hydrocarbon source from leaking into surrounding waters and onto the beach. The legacy wells date back to the largely unregulated development of the Summerland Oil Field in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Heavy equipment will be used from a marine construction barge and support vessels to complete the re-abandonments, including:

1. Excavating to expose the well.
2. Driving pipe pile over the well into the impermeable cap rock to encapsulate the old well.
3. Filling the annular space between the pipe pile and the well with cement will act as a primary barrier to the migration of hydrocarbons.
4. Welding a steel plate on top of the pipe pile, which acts as a secondary barrier to hydrocarbon migration.

As a precautionary measure, spill response equipment, and trained personnel will be staged in the Lookout Park parking lot.

When:

Well re-abandonment operations are scheduled to begin on August 13, 2023, and conclude on August 26, 2023.

Why:

Though the Treadwell 1 and Treadwell 5 wells are no longer in production, they do periodically leak small quantities of oil. The wells are roughly 100 years old and must be re-abandoned to prevent ongoing leakage. It is in the best interest of the state, the public, and the environment to seal the wells and keep our beaches clean.