In a small town in West Texas, a legal battle is brewing over legacy oil industry pollution. At Antina Ranch in Crane County, a lawsuit has been filed against Chevron and other oil companies by Ashley Watt, who inherited the property from her parents. The lawsuit alleges that the companies failed to properly plug and abandon wells on the ranch, leading to contamination of groundwater and the surface.
The issue came to light in June 2021 when the Estes 24 well began spewing toxic water to the surface. Watt’s family has a long history in the Permian Basin, and the ranch is home to hundreds of old oil and gas wells originally drilled by Gulf Oil in the mid-20th century. Chevron, which took over the assets, has been accused of improper plugging and abandonment of these wells.
Watt, along with her attorney Sarah Stogner and trial attorney Daniel Charest, has been conducting excavations on the ranch to uncover leaking wells. The lawsuit aims to hold the companies accountable for contamination, require cleanup and restoration, and seek monetary damages. Test results have revealed the presence of harmful substances like benzene and heavy metals on the property, prompting Watt to take action.
The legal battle has escalated, with Chevron referring to Watt as a “vigilante” and seeking to halt the excavations. The company has questioned Watt’s authority and requested detailed information on the contaminated wells. Despite the challenges, Watt remains determined to seek justice and hold the companies accountable for the pollution on her land.
The case highlights the issue of failing well plugs and the lack of oversight in the industry. While efforts are being made to plug orphan wells, there is a need for more research on the longevity of well plugs and the factors that can compromise their integrity. Experts emphasize the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring to prevent leaks and contamination.
As the legal battle unfolds, Watt hopes that her land can be cleaned up and put to new uses in the future. She refuses to be a passive bystander to the pollution on her property and is determined to hold the companies responsible for their actions. The outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications for oil and gas operators in Texas and beyond, shedding light on the issue of legacy pollution from the industry.