News Release

Temporary Closure of Access Road and Gas Well Site Associated with A Mineral Extraction Leak

Map of affected area

NPS

News Release Date: July 8, 2025

Contact: Christopher Derman, 423-569-9778

Effective July 8, 2025, the superintendent has temporarily closed a gas well maintenance access road associated with a leaking well site near the Joe Branch area of Big South Fork NRRA.

The closed area includes the totality of the gas well access road where it splits from the Joe Branch Loop Trail to where it terminates near the bank of the Clear Fork River. This closure does not affect access or use of Joe Branch Loop Trail, which will remain open for public use.

This closure will remain in place until the well leak is remedied and the well site cleaned up, and is necessary to protect the safety of park visitors, employees, and contract workers by restricting access to the area of the leaking well.