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Further Mystery Surrounds Permian Basin Water Pressure Following Another Blowout

West Texas rancher Schuyler Wight faces recurring issues with reactivating abandoned oil wells leaking gassy water on his land.
Water flows from an orphaned oil well on Schuyler Wight’s ranch in Pecos County, Texas. Credit: Courtesy of Schuyler Wight

Schuyler Wight, a West Texas rancher, is increasingly finding abandoned oil wells reactivating on his property. The latest occurrence involved gassy water flowing from the ground along a quarter mile of roadway that eventually drained into a pasture on his land. This is part of an ongoing series of mysterious water occurrences in the Permian Basin, the nation’s most productive oil field, that have yet to be explained by regulators.

In previous years, similar instances have been reported in the area. In 2022, geysers erupted from wells in Crane County and on the Antina Cattle Ranch. Additionally, a large pond of gassy groundwater, now known as Boehmer Lake, has become a permanent fixture. The Texas Railroad Commission, which oversees oilfields, has not been able to identify the cause of these incidents but is working on an investigation.

The phenomenon of leaky old wells is nothing new. Many of these wells in West Texas were built during World War II and have undergone significant wear and tear over the years. The mystery lies in what is causing such large volumes of water to surface.

Hawk Dunlap, an oilfield firefighter who surveyed the recent blowout on Wight’s ranch, is puzzled by the situation. While local ranchers have to utilize pumps to draw water from their wells, the water seems to be surfacing from oil wells on its own. Dunlap suspects that the injection of fracking wastewater might be contributing to this unexplained phenomenon.

Millions of gallons of produced water, a byproduct of fracking that contains a cocktail of chemical lubricants and hazardous compounds, are pumped underground for disposal every day in West Texas. While this water is supposed to stay in the wells and rock formations indefinitely, geological science is not exact, and pressure changes could occur if the water were to escape.

The disposal of produced water has increased dramatically in the past decade, adding pressure underground that must be released somehow. Dominic DiGiulio, an environmental consultant and geoscientist, believes that if there’s a well penetration, the water will move freely up that well penetration.

Typically, old oil wells are more likely to leak gas than water. However, Dwayne Purvis, founder of Purvis Energy Advisors, states that water leakage can occur under certain unique conditions, citing examples from California and Pennsylvania.

Meanwhile, on Wight’s ranch, the latest blowout continues to flow, producing moderately salty water. The salt contaminates the soil rendering it infertile, a problem Wight can do little to remedy.

Original Story at insideclimatenews.org

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Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



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