Earlier this spring I had the extremely unique opportunity to tour two land based oil wells in a neighboring Texas state. One well was complete and functioning, and the second was nearing the end of the drilling process. The attached picture is of the second well.
Several interesting items occurred to me during, and immediately after, my visit.
- During my visit there were constant reminders of safety features. As I walked across the catwalk of the pictured well, there were multiple safety shut offs, emergency pressure releases, and various other safety features.
- These guys know their stuff. They are called Rough Necks, Wild Catters, or many other trade names, but these guys all know what they are doing. It is a dangerous job, and for obvious reasons, carries extreme responsibilities, but these guys are very smart, long in experience, and know what they are doing.
- Environmental responsibility is important. Again, my experience is from the land based wells, but from land clean up, to protection of soil, to a strict compliance to various stringent laws, made it clear to me that environmental control was very important.
I am not minimizing the impact of the sea based well that you most likely have heard about. But from my personal experience, I feel sure there was a terrible chain of events that has led to this tragic spill. I understand the environmental concerns and harm that have occurred and are still forthcoming, and acknowledge these. Unfortunately there are no easy resolutions.
Have a Great Week!
JK