Plugging of Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells to Continue in Big South Fork

Date: March 2, 2012
Contact: Tom Blount, 423-569-9778

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Water Pollution Control (TDEC), will plug and reclaim fourteen abandoned oil and gas wells in the park this spring and summer. The project will be completed with federal funds through a cooperative agreement with TDEC. This project will improve safety conditions for visitors and protect natural resources in the park.

Miller Energy Resources was selected by TDEC to perform well plugging operations. The fourteen wells slated for plugging are located throughout the park. Work is scheduled to begin immediately.

In the interest of visitor safety and overall project success, temporary closures of site-related access roads and trails may be necessary. The public will be notified of any closures at least one week in advance to allow visitors to prepare alternate plans for park activities.

For further information or questions concerning this project, please contact Chief of Resource Management, Tom Blount, at [phone], extension 252.