Superintendent Colin Campbell announced today that Kindee Oil and Gas, LLC’s Plan of Operations for drilling the Wilson No. 1-3 Natural Gas Wells at the park has been approved by the NPS regional office in Denver. Approval of the plan allows drilling to begin this week. The drilling operation will be located east of Park Road 22 near the park’s entrance station and northern boundary. The approval was based on the development of an Environmental Assessment, a 30-day public comment period, consultation with various federal and state agencies including the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Texas Historical Commission, and the completion of a Finding of No Significant Impact.
The Environmental Assessment found that impacts would be concentrated within grassland habitat located near existing roadways and not involve driving on the beach. Strict limitations will be placed on Kindee operations while operating in the park in order to ensure visitor safety and protection of park natural and cultural resources.
“In order to meet our legal obligation of permitting access to privately held mineral rights, park staff has done a commendable job of preparing compliance documents and completing operational procedures that assure the highest degree of protection of park visitors and the resources of Padre Island National Seashore," said Colin Campbell, Superintendent.
Padre Island National Seashore’s Enabling Legislation stipulates that the original grantors of the property retain all rights to minerals within what became the National Seashore; therefore, the National Park Service is legally required to allow access to the minerals.
“Oil and gas operations at Padre Island National Seashore are more stringent, costly, and difficult than operations in other areas. Kindee has made every effort to adhere to our requirements. We appreciate their willingness to work through this process," said the Superintendent.
To prevent potential environmental damage, the National Park Service will supervise drilling operations closely.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
