Consider and take appropriate action on authorizing execution of consent letters, including the attached request from Bridwell Oil Company, and future similar letters, as required under existing oil and gas leases to allow for plugging, abandonment, and removal of oil and gas infrastructure on Travis County-owned property in Throckmorton County. (Commissioners Travillion & Shea)

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

<p style='margin:0in;font-size:16px;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;' id="isPasted">Travis County owns approximately 18,820 acres of Travis County School Lands located in Throckmorton County. Portions of the property contain legacy oil and gas infrastructure associated with the historic mineral leases.</p><p style='margin:0in;font-size:16px;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;'> </p><p style='margin:0in;font-size:16px;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;'>Recent monitoring and lease research identified inactive and non-producing wells requiring plugging, abandonment, and surface cleanup to reduce environmental risk and long-term land stewardship. As part of this effort, Travis County is working with its consulting landman and individual lease operators to facilitate proper closure in coordination with the Railroad Commission of Texas.</p><p style='margin:0in;font-size:16px;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;'> </p><p style='margin:0in;font-size:16px;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;'>Bridwell Oil Company, the operator for the Contract No. 4500000380 covering Tracts 44 and 45, has notified the County that the wells under this lease have ceased production and are ready to be properly plugged and abandoned. Under Article 9 of the lease, the operator cannot remove casing or equipment without written consent from the Commissioners Court. Bridwell Oil Company has submitted a formal request for that consent in order to proceed with plugging and removal activities.</p><p style='margin:0in;font-size:16px;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;'> </p><p style='margin:0in;font-size:16px;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;'>This agenda item requests authorization for the court to execute the attached consent letter and to approve future similar consent letters as additional inactive oil and gas infrastructure is identified on the property.</p>