A mechanical failure caused a significant well blowout at a Chevron oil and gas pad in Weld County this spring, prompting a prolonged evacuation and ongoing environmental cleanup, state investigators confirmed this week. Colorado investigators said the improper installation of mechanical gear at a Chevron oil and gas pad in Galeton was the cause of a multi-day leak in April.
The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) said a faulty “landing joint”—a critical piece of proprietary equipment—was improperly installed, leading to the April incident at the Galeton site. Chevron’s internal investigation reached the same conclusion.
The blowout began in early April, when a loss of pressure control inside the well resulted in an uncontrolled release of fluids, investigators said during a public briefing. The failure of control barriers contributed to what experts described as a rare but serious well control incident.
As pressure surged, the well head detached and struck a worker on site, breaking his leg, according to the ECMC…