Project Profile: Removal of Gherini Well Equipment in Channel Islands National Park

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Orphaned Wells | FY22 $1,430,000

Current Status of Project: Work has been contracted and planning to begin the plugging and reclamation work for early October 2024. Work is expected to take three to four weeks.

In 1966, Atlantic Richfield drilled the visible remnants of an oil well near the road, yielding water instead. Despite a subsequent lease with Union Oil, the 1969 spill off Santa Barbara's coast spurred the Gherinis to join the environmental movement, opposing further oil exploration on the island.

NPS / Tim Hauf

The National Park Service is using Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for the removal of equipment and the plugging of the Gherini well in Channel Islands National Park.

Why? Orphaned oil and gas wells and sites located in Channel Islands National Park may pose threats to human safety as well as environmental risks, such as resource damage from accidental release of petroleum products, unintended release of harmful gasses, or contamination of surface or groundwater. Located on Santa Cruz Island, the access road from Scorpion Ranch dock to the Gherini wellsite was originally used for oil and gas exploration and converted to a water well by local ranchers. The area is still used by hikers and for park operations.

What else? The reclaimed area will be revegetated with native plants and grasses.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law - Energy Community Revitalization Program

This project was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed on November 15, 2021. It is a historic investment in the restoration and protection of the environment.