According to the Eddy County Office of Emergency Management at 9:30 a.m. today, the well on Higby Hole has been closed in, is under control and intact.
The event is closed out, all roads are open and the EOC is standing down.
11 hours ago from the office:
“The experts from CUDD have analyzed the situation and have a plan to inject mud into the well in order to get the facility back under control. This will take several hours while they bring in all the resources necessary to resolve the situation.”
“Other issues of note: Law Enforcement has indicated that anyone caught driving around the barricades into the safety zone will be ticketed. If unauthorized personnel inside the safety zone cause an ignition of the well, they will be held accountable. The Loving Transfer Station is inside the safety zone and will remain closed until such time as it is safe to reopen the facility.”
“Weather continues to be monitored and updated plume models created and observed along with ground monitoring”
14 hours ago:
“A drilling rig just South of Loving blew out at approximately 10:21 pm yesterday. All members of the crew on the rig evacuated safely and no injuries were reported. A few residents have been evacuated and arrangements are in place should the wind shift. It is currently emitting gas ONLY and is NOT burning at this time. The drilling company has crews enroute to handle the situation.”
