Weekly Status Report No. 16 for the Columbus City I/W Well Relocation Project

Strategic Insights -

During the period of August 25, 2025, through August 31, 2025, the Columbus City I/W Well Relocation Project experienced a significant setback with the failure of the Swift 1 well. The incident resulted in a drilling fluid loss, but the spill was contained to the well pad site and subsequently absorbed into the gravel surface. Despite this, Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC ("Natural") has assured that the project will continue with a thorough investigation and assessment of the failure to ensure pre-project injection/withdrawal performance at the storage field is maintained.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Columbus City I/W Well Relocation Project experienced a drilling fluid loss due to the failure of the Swift 1 well, with approximately 80 gallons reaching the surface.
  • The spill was contained to the well pad site and absorbed into the gravel surface, but Natural deemed it prudent to discontinue completion of the well and plug the bore.
  • Continuous air monitoring was conducted to confirm no gas migration to the surface or release into the atmosphere.
  • The contractor continued demolition and removal work at the abandoned well sites, and all erosion control devices were inspected and found to be in good working condition.
  • Natural will investigate and assess the failure, evaluate options to maintain pre-project injection/withdrawal performance, and continue demobilizing the drill rig from the Swift 1 well site.
  • The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at an approximate depth of 380 feet, resulting in a stop work order and disassembly of the drill rig.
  • The well did not penetrate the caprock above the gas zone, so there was no gas release.
  • Natural did not receive any complaints from landowners or residents, and no correspondence was received from agencies during the reporting period.

Statistics:

  • 80 gallons of drilling fluid reached the surface as a result of the failure.
  • The loss occurred at an approximate depth of 380 feet.
  • The well was drilled to a depth without penetrating the caprock above the gas zone, avoiding gas release.
  • The project has made significant progress, with 15 days of drilling activities completed.
  • The contractor has completed demolition and removal work at 10 abandoned well sites.

Sources:

  • Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC ("Natural"), Columbus City I/W Well Relocation Project, Weekly Status Report No. 16. Retrieved from https://elibrary.ferc.gov
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Docket No. CP25-85-000, Columbus City I/W Well Relocation Project.