The geologic and climatic setting of these two sites resembles that of much of the major southern mid-continent oil- and gas-producing area of the U.S. Oil and gas production has occurred in the region for over one hundred years (fig. 2). The Osage Nation holds the mineral rights, the BIA has trust responsibility, and the Corps of Engineers owns the surface rights at these sites.
Reconnaissance examination of these two sites indicates that local effects include soil salinization with resultant destruction of soil textures and deep erosion; death of proximal vegetation, stress on peripheral vegetation; salinization of surface water and ground water; saturation of soils with crude oil of varying age, and weathering and dispersal of crude oil components and trace elements.
The A-site, located on the north side of the lake, has been producing since 1917 but has had little activity for 60-70 years (BIA, unpublished lease records, 2000). It has had at least one major unremediated oil spill and substantial produced water releases prior to 1937, which killed the native oak forest. Weathered hydrocarbons from at least two generations of spills remain in old pits and depressions. The site has been partially revegetated by native and nonnative species. Seepage of salt water from a shallow sandstone aquifer continues and active salt scarring persists.
The B-site, located on the south side of the lake, is actively producing and has ongoing hydrocarbon releases and salt scars that have recently been partly remediated by tilling and soil amendments. Impoundment of Skiatook Lake in October 1984 substantially altered the local hydrology at both sites and has provided a major new receptor for contaminants. The reservoir is a major source of drinking water for the neighboring communities and a major recreational fishery supporting six sport-fish species.
Marvin Abbott
by e-mail mmabbott@usgs.gov
U.S. Mail or phone:
Marvin Abbott
U.S. Geological Survey
202 NW 66th Street, Building 7
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
Phone: (405) 810-4411