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Home My WebLink About100-126From:Davies, Stephen F (OGC) To:Price, Jeremy M (OGC); McLellan, Bryan J (OGC); Wallace, Chris D (OGC) Subject:RE: Iniskin wells Date:Tuesday, April 5, 2022 8:45:19 PM Jeremy, Chris, and Bryan: From roughly 1995 to 2000, Blair Wondzell (AOGCC drilling engineer) and Steve McMains (Stat Tech) and Wendy Mahan (Natural Resources Tech) undertook a project to review the condition of Alaska’s wells. Blair, Steve and Wendy didn’t actually visit any well sites to my knowledge, they just used AOGCC’s well files to judge the condition of the wells and assign them to the location clearance categories that we now show in RBDMS. Nine wells have been drilled on the Iniskin Peninsula, as shown on this base map. To get a sense of scale, each of the squares is about 1 mile in width and height. AOGCC has very little information for six of these wells that were drilled in the very early 1900s. 1. Alaska Petroleum Company No. 1 00, PTD 100-126: Drilled to a depth of 1,000’ and P&A’d between 1902 and 1903. We have no additional records for this well other than the general location, depth, and spud and P&A dates. The source of that information is unknown. This well and the No. 3 well were both drilled in the same governmental section (Section 11, T6S, R24W, SM). Since no more specific footages from section lines are known for either well, both wells are spotted at the center of Section 11 on the map above. 2. Alaska Petroleum Company No. 2, PTD 100-127: Drilled to a depth of 450‘ and P&A’d in 1904. We have no additional records for this well other than the general location, depth, and spud and P&A dates. The source of that information is unknown. 3. Alaska Petroleum Company No. 3, PTD 100-128: Drilled to a depth of 930‘ and P&A’d in 1904. We have no additional records for this well other than the general location, depth, and spud and P&A dates. The source of that information is unknown. 4. Alaska Petroleum Company No. 4, PTD 100-129: Drilled to an unknown depth and P&A’d in 1905. We have no additional records for this well other than the general location and spud and P&A dates. The source of that information is unknown. 5. Alaska Oil Company’s Dry Bay No. 1, PTD 100-130: Drilled to a depth of 320’ and P&A’d in 1902. We have no additional records for this well other than the general location, depth, and spud and P&A dates. The source of that information is unknown. 6. Alaska Oil Company’s Dry Bay No. 2, PTD 100-130: Drilled to an unknown depth and P&A’d in 1903. We have no additional records for this well other than the general location, depth, and spud and P&A dates. The source of that information is unknown. Surface plugging and site inspection for the three more recently drilled wells on the peninsula was approved by the same US Geological Survey Regional Oil and Gas Supervisor in August of 1964. Iniskin Bay Association 1, PTD 100-132: Drilled to a depth of 8,775’ and suspended between 1936 and 1939. The report “Casing cut off at ground level, placed 5 sack cement plug at surface and installed regulation abandonment marker. Removed derrick and equipment and cleaned and leveled immediate well site. All work completed and inspected July 31, 1964.” was approved by the Regional Oil and Gas Supervisor for the US Geological Survey. Iniskin Beal 1, PTD 100-133: Drilled to a depth of 9,746’ and suspended between 1954 and 1955. The report “Placed a 3 sack cement plug at surface, replaced tubing bonnet and bull plugged all outlets. Installed abandonment marker, removed derrick and equipment and backfilled and leveled location. All work completed and inspected July 31, 1964.” was approved by the Regional Oil and Gas Supervisor for the US Geological Survey. Iniskin Unit Zappa 1, PTD 159-012: Drilled to a depth of 11,231’ and suspended between 1958 and 1959. The report “Removed rig and placed cement surface plug and regulation abandonment marker. Back filled cellar, leveled and cleaned up location. All work completed and inspected July 31, 1964.” was approved by the Regional Oil and Gas Supervisor for the US Geological Survey. Please let me know if I can help further. I’ll check with BLM to see if they have any records for these wells that we can copy and add to AOGCC’s files. Thanks and be well, Steve CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, contains information from the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (AOGCC), State of Alaska and is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). It may contain confidential and/or privileged information. The unauthorized review, use or disclosure of such information may violate state or federal law. If you are an unintended recipient of this e-mail, please delete it, without first saving or forwarding it, and, so that the AOGCC is aware of the mistake in sending it to you, contact Steve Davies at 907- 793-1224 or steve.davies@alaska.gov. From: Price, Jeremy M (OGC) Sent: Tuesday, April 5, 2022 1:31 PM To: McLellan, Bryan J (OGC) <bryan.mclellan@alaska.gov>; Davies, Stephen F (OGC) <steve.davies@alaska.gov>; Wallace, Chris D (OGC) <chris.wallace@alaska.gov> Subject: Iniskin wells DEC was asking about these Iniskin wells. There are a bunch of old rusting barrels at the site, not sure which specific well. Looks like USGS signed off on the abandonment in the 1960’s and AOGCC provided site clearance in 1995. I can’t tell yet if there were any actual site visits made by AOGCC or if staff was relying on some other documentation in granting site clearance? 159-012 - Laserfiche WebLink (state.ak.us) 100-132 - Laserfiche WebLink (state.ak.us) 100-133 - Laserfiche WebLink (state.ak.us) IRII 8122 Bureau of Mines Report of lnvestigations/1976 Oil and Gas Seeps in Alaska Alaska Peninsula, W estem Gulf of Alaska UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Report of Investigations 8122 Oil and Gas Seeps in Alaska Alaska Peninsula, W estem Gull of Alaska By Donald P. Blasko, Alaska Field Operation Center, Anchorage. Alaska UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Thomas S. Kleppe, Secretary BUREAU OF MINES Thomas V. Falkie, Director This publ icatio n has been ca taloged as fol lows: Bl asko, Donal d P Oil and gas s eeps in Alaska. A la s k a Peninsula , western Gulf of Alaska. [Washington] U.S. Bureau of Mines [19761 78 p. il l us ., t a b l es. (U.S. Bureau o f Mi nes. Repo rt o f in vcsti· J:ations 8122) J. Secpa~e-Alaska Peninsula. 2. Petroleum pollution of wacer- Alaska Peninsula. 3. Wacer-Pollucion-Alaska P eninsula. [. U.S. Bureau of Min e s. JI . Title. (Series) T N23.U7 n o. 812 2 622 .06173 U.S. Dept. of the Int. Library CONTENTS Abstract................................................................. 1 Introduction................................................ . . . . . . • . • . . • . 1 Sampling procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Analytical procedures.................................................... 2 Iniskin Peninsula area............ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Well Creek, Bowser Creek, and Oil Bay............................... 5 Brown Creek and Dry Bay ............................................. 22 Iniskin camp area ................................................... 27 Becharof Lake a rea....................................................... 37 Becharof Lake-Kejulik River......................................... 41 Oil Creek-Puale Bay................................................. 41 Rex Creek-Puale ·Bay................................................. 59 Bear Creek-Becharof Lake........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Sal mon Creek-Becharof Lake ........................................... 59 Demi an Hills........................................................ 59 Gas Roe ks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Observations...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Appendix.--Method of determining amount of oil in water .................. 78 ILLUS TRA TIO NS 1. lniskin Peninsula , Alaska ..................... , ..•. ,................ 4 2 . Oil, gas, and water sampling locations on thG Iniskin Peninsula..... 6 3. Well Creek samp ling locations....................................... 21 4. Bear Creek anticline sampling locations............................. 38 5. Kejulik River gas sampling locations................................ 39 6. Cape Kekurnoi sampling locations ..................•........•........ 40 7. Demian Hills sampling locations ...........•..•...•.................. 58 8. Gas Rocks........................................................... 76 TABLES 1. Wells drilled on Iniskin Peninsula.................................. 5 2. Ana lysis of water from Bowser Creek well............................ 8 3. Analysis of gas from Bowser Creek well .............................. 9 4 . Analyses of water from Well Creek •............•.•................... 10 5 . Analyses of water from Bowser Creek................................. 15 6. Analyses of water from Oil Bay ...... ,............................... 19 7. Analyses of water from Brown Creek .................................. 23 8. Analyses of water from Iniskin camp seep area ....................... 28 9. Wells drilled in Becharof Lake-Puale Bay area ....................•.. 37 10. Analysis of gas from East Fork, Kejulik River ...............•....... 42 11 . Analysis of water from gas seep on Eas t Fork, Kejulik River ......... 43 12. Analysis of water from Kejulik River •............................... 44 13 . Analyses of water from Cape Kekurnoi a rea ........•.................. 45 14. Analysis of gas from Oil Creek seep A............................... 49 15. Analysis of oil from Oil Creek seep A .............•................. 50 16. Analysis of water from Oil Creek seep A ..........•....•.....•....... 51 ii TABLES--Continued 17. Analysis of oi l from Oil Creek seep B .....•...•.•••.•......•........ 52 18. Analysis of water from Oil Creek seep B ......................•...... 53 19. Analyses of water from Oil Creek .................•.•......•......... 54 20. Analyses of oil from Oil Creek bitumen.............................. 56 21. Analyses of water from Rex Creek.................................... 60 22 . Analysis of gas from Bear Creek gas seep............................ 62 23. Analyses of water from Bear Creek oil seep .............•............ 63 24. Analysis of oil from Bear Creek oil seep ............................ 65 25 . Analysis of water from Bear Creek ................................... 66 26. Analysis of gas from Salmon Creek gas seep ............•............. 67 27 . Analysis of water from Salmon Creek gas seep ......•...•............. 68 28 . Wells drilled in Demian Hills area .................................. 69 29. Analyses of water from Demian Hills area............................ 70 30. Analysis of gas from Demian Hills area ................•............. 74 31. Analysis of gas from Gas Rocks seep .......................•......... 75 OIL AND GAS SEEPS IN ALASKA Alaska Peninsula, Western Gulf of Alaska by Donald P, Blasko 1 ABSTRACT The Bureau of Mines investigated two areas of the Alaska Peninsula (Iniskin Peninsula and Becharof Lake) where oil and gas seeps were known to occur in an attempt to determine (1) whether the seeps are still active and (2) the amount of bitumen contained in the drainage leaving the seeps. The oil, water, oil-water, and gas were sampled and analyzed. Five oil samples were taken at four separate oil seeps. The API gravity of the oil ranged from 8.9° to 21.4° and the sulfur content was from 0.12 percent to 0.59 percent. Four of the seven gas samples obtained revealed fairly high caloric values, ranging from 746 to 924 Btu/cu ft, and averaging 844 Btu/cu ft. A total of 44 water samples were obtained. Bitumen content of the water was as high as 9,773 mg/l at one seep, but averaged less than 1 mg/l where the seep-drainage water entered the Gulf of Alaska. INTRODUCTION As part of an ongoing program in mineral resource and environmental evalu- ation, the Federal Bureau of Mines conducted field investigations during June, July, and August of 1973 and 1974 around the Gulf of Alaska. The investiga - tions were aimed at locating and sampling oil and gas seeps to establish the occurrences, document the locations, and sample and analyze the seep oil and gas . This report deals with investigations conducted by the Bureau of Mines on oil and gas seeps on the Alaska Peninsula (1) in the Iniskin Peninsula area and (2) in the Becharof Lake area from Puale Bay south to Wide Bay and west to the Ugashik Lakes. Similar investigations of oil and gas seeps are being con- ducted between the Copper River and Yakutat in the north -central Gulf of Alaska and will be published in a separate report. lPetroleum engineer. 2 SAMPLING PROCEDURES At each seep, an attempt was made to obtain enough of a sample of the oil at the site to perform a routine distillation analysis. Failing this, an oil- water sample was obtained. Regardless of whether oil or oil-water was obtained, additional samples of water were obtained at intervals in the drain - age of the seep. These samples were then analyzed routinely for cation- anion qualities. In addition, values were obtained for total dissolved solids and pH. Of prime interest was the value for the oil content of the water, expressed in milligrams per liter. When a seep was located, the sampling procedure was to locate the mouth of the drainage stream and take the first water sample from the mouth of the creek. Then, two to five additional water samples were obtained upstream from the mouth of the creek at various intervals, depending on the length of drain- age between the seep and the mouth. Normally, a sample of drainage water was obtained in agitated or freely flowing current, and another was taken in a calm, standing pool . The seep fluid was then sampled. If possible, enough free oil was skimmed off the top to constitute an oil sample for analysis. If it appeared that insufficient oil was present for a free-oil sample, an oil- water sample was taken. The last sample taken would be upstream of the seep area, far enough removed to be out of the influence of the seep . The purpose of sampling from the mouth of the creek upstream to the seep, rather than sampling the seep first and progressing downstream, was to insure that repre- sentative samples were obtained. Sampling the seep first would agitate the collected bitumen in the seep area; this would allow additional bitumen to flow into the drainage, which would not normally occur under undisturbed or natural conditions. Subsequent downstream sample collection could then result in an unrepresentative amount of oil in the drainage water. The amount of liquid sample obtained was usually 1 gallon. Samples were obtained by immersing the entire sample receptacle, where possible, into the stream or pond, with the top of the receptacle opening resting on the surface of the water. The fluid was then allowed to drain into the receptacle. This resulted in collecting surface water to a depth of approximately 1 inch. Gas samples were obtained by completely filling a stoppered bottle with available water and immersing the top of the inverted bottle in the water sur- rounding the gas seep. Gas bubbles then enter the opening in the bottle, displacing the water in the bottle. The bottle was stoppered while the top of the inverted bottle was still immersed in the water, thus preventing atmos- pheric contamination and loss of the gas sample. Owing to the large number of samples obtained and the commercial cost of analysis, duplicate samples were not sent to different laboratories to estab- lish indisputable results. ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES The water analyses contained in this report resulted as a secondary bene - fit derived from the primary objective of the analysis--determining how much oil was present in the water. The water analyses were obtained by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The oil content of the water was determined by solvent extraction as described in the ap_pendix. 3 The oil was analyzed by routine distillation. The distillation recovers up to the point of thermal cracking. As a further exp l anation, 300° end point (E.P.) gasoline is good-grade gasoline. The 392 ° E.P. gasoline is regular- grade gasoline. The 500° E.P. distillates include diesel fuels, fuel oils, etc. All of the gas analyses were performed by the Bureau 's Helium Operations in Amarillo, Tex., utilizing standard gas-analysis methods. INISKIN PENINSUIA AREA The Iniskin Peninsula is described by the U.S. Geological Survey as being located "on SE coast of Alaska Peninsula between Chinitna and Iniskin Bays , 30 miles NE of Augustine Island.'~ The peninsula juts out into Cook Inl et and can be locat e d in the U.S. Geological Survey topographic map series on the Iliarnna quadrangle (fig. 1). Th e Iniskin Peninsula area falls within a geologic province known as the Cook Inlet Me sozoic Province. This province produces oil and gas in commer- cial quantities further to the north in the upper Cook Inlet Basin.3 According to the U.S. Geological Survey,4 'bil and gas seeps in the Iniskin Peninsula area of the Chinitna district, on the west shore of Cook Inlet, were discovered by the Russians about 1853 .... " It is believed that the hydrocarbons that occur on the surface migrate updip through fault zones . Supposedly, the seeps were initially staked in 1882 for oil exploration and development, but actual dr illing did not take place on the peninsula until 1900. The first exploratory well, drilled near Bowser Creek, had shows of oil, but was plugged and abandoned in 1903. Five additional wells were drilled on the peninsula by the end of 1906.5 All were nonproductive. 2 0rth, D. Dictionary of Alaska Place Names. U.S . Geol. Survey Prof . Paper 567, 1967, 1084 pp. 3 Blasko, D. P. Natural Gas Fields--Cook Inlet Basin, Alaska. BuMines OFR 35-74, 1974, 24 pp.; available for examination at the Alaska Field Operation Center offices in Juneau and Anchorage, Alaska, and in the office of the Associate Director , Mineral and Materials Supply/Demand Analysis, and th e Ce ntral Library , U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. Blasko, D. P., W. J. Wenger, and J. C. Morris . Oilfields and Crude Oil Char- acteristics--Cook Inlet Basin, Alaska. BuMines RI 7688, 1972, 44 pp . 4 Miller, D. J., T. Payne, andG. Gryc. Geology of Possible Petroleum Provinces in Alaska. U.S. Geol . Survey Bull. 1094, 1959, 132 pp. 5 U.S. Bureau of Mines. Alaska 1/250,000 Scale Quadrangle Map Overlays Showing Exploratory Oil and Gas Well Drilling Locations and Productive Oil -and Gasfield Locations. BuMines OFR 69-73 , 1973, 87 overlays; available for examination at Bureau of Mines offices in Juneau and Anchorage, Alaska, and at the Office of Wilderness and River Basins, Washington, D.C. 4 lni1ki1 Shol R. 24 w. ..• 1tti••1 ...... ., ~- R.23W. R. 22 W. T 5S . FIGURE 1. -iniskin Peninsula, Alaska (adapted from U.S. Geological Survey map of the 11 iamna quadrangle). In September 1936, the Iniskin Drilling Co. spudded the IBA No. 1 (Iniskin Bay Association) south of Chinitna Bay . During 1936, the well was drilled to 2,540 feet and suspended for the winter. Gas shows were encoun- tered at three different intervals . In 1938, the well was reentered and deep- ened to 6,156 feet. Several zones were tested between 5,600 feet and 7,156 feet, resulting in a recovery of about 15 barrels of light-green, high -gravity oil. After testing, the well was again shut in for the winter season. Upon reentering the well and drilling to total depth of 8,775 fe e t, additional shows of oil and gas were encountered. The well was eventually plugged and abandoned as noncommercial. Other wells drilled on the Alaska Peninsula offered encouragement, but were eventually plugged and abandoned. In 1954, Alaska Consolidated Oil Co., Inc., began drilling the Iniskin Unit No. 1 on the Iniskin Peninsula. Drill- ing was suspended in November 1959, and the well was finally plugged and abandoned in 1964. Total depth of the well was 9,476 feet. The bit was reportedly drilling in Jurassic volcanics when the well was abandoned. Between 6,000 feet and 9,300 feet, the drilling records indicate oil saturation, but no recovery was made owing to lack of permeability. 5 Another semideep well drilled on the Iniskin Peninsula during 1958 -59 was the Alaska Consolidated Oil Co. Antonio Zappa No. 1 well, which had oil and gas shows, but was eventually abandoned. An interesting feature of this well is that the drilling records show that flowing hot salt water and steam were encountered on a drill-stem test at a depth of about 8,500 feet. There has been no drilling since that time, although the area still retains interest in terms of geologic prospecting . Pe rtinent data regarding the wells drilled on the Iniskin Peninsula are given in tab le 1. TABLE 1. -Wells drilled on Iniskin Peninsula Company Well Alaska Consolidated Iniskin Oil Co., Inc. Unit, Beal No. 1. Do ............... Iniskin Unit, Zappa No. 1. Alaska Oil Co ...... No . 1.. Do ............... No. 2 .. Alaska Petroleum No . 1.. Co. Do ............... No. 2 .. Do ............... No. 3 .. Do ............... No. 4 •. In is kin Drilling IBA Co. No. 1. 1 Based on Seward meridian. 2 Abandoned at shallow depth . Com- Location1 Spudded pleted 2,000 ' w, 1, 700 I N 8/4/54 1959 of SE corner sec 17, T 5 S, R 23 W. 2 ,3 70 I s' 290 I W Of 12/25/58 11/7 /61 NE corner, sec 18' T 5 S, R 23 W. SE l/4NWl/4 sec 35' 1902 1902 T 5 S, R 23 W. NE1/4SW1/4 sec 35' 1903 1903 T 5 s' R 23 W. NE1/4SW1/4 sec 11, 1900 1903 T 6 S, R 24 W. SW1/4NW1/4 sec 11, 1904 1904 T 6 S, R 24 W. SW1/4NW1/4NW1/4 1904 1904 sec 11, T 6 S, R 24 W. NW l I 4SW1/ 4NW 1I4 1906 1906 sec 11, T 6 S, R 24 W. 1,500' w, 1, 125 I N 9/7 /36 1939 of SW corner sec 8, T 5 S . R 23 W. Well Creek, Bowser Creek , and Oil~ Total depth, Status feet 9,746 Plugged and abandoned. 11, 231 Do. 320 Do. (2) Do. 1,000 Do. 450 Do. 930 Do. 1,905 Do. 8, 775 Do. Active gas seeps and suspected active oil seeps were observed in the area of the junction of Well Creek and Bowser Creek (fig . 2) in secs 10-11, T 6 S, R 24 W, Seward meridian (Iliamna quadrangle). Since it was the custom in early exploration for oil in Alaska to drill wells near, at, or on oil seeps, the seep area was located by surface evidence of oil-well drilling (that is, abandoned wells, boiler 6 ... + ~::i:::::::::::+~.... C H JN I T N A + 6 Mt.Chtnlto T.5S. +40° LEGEND ICS -ln i sk i n Creek Sample WCS -We ll Creek Sample BCS -Brown Cr ee k Sample BoCS -Bowse r Cree k Sample OBS -Oi l Ba y Sa mple FIGURE 2. -Oil , gas, and water sampling locations on the lniskin Peninsula (adapted from the U.S . Geological Survey map of the lliamna quadrangle), equipment, etc.). In this instance, an old boiler was spotted, partial ly hidden by trees and other plant growth . Two abandoned wel l s were locate d nearby, near the west bank of Bowser Creek. The wells were drilled by the Al aska Petroleum Co. between 1900 and 1906; the deepest went to approximately 7 1,900 feet . One well was situated on dry ground and the surface casing stuck up out of the ground about 2 feet, encased in what appeared to be cement and barrel staves. A wooden plug was wedged into the casing . No oil, gas, or water appeared to be escaping from this well or the area surrounding the well. Another well was located about 70 feet to the north. The surface casing pro - truded about 1 foot above the pool of water surrounding it. The casing was full of water, but the water did not appear to be flowing under pressure. Gas was bubbling up through the water inside the casing, and a sample of the gas and water in the casing was obtained. The gas displaced the water inside the sample bottle within about 1 minute. The gas would flame an ignited match, but would not sustain the flame. An analysis of th~ gas and water from this well is given in tables 2-3. There did not appear to be any discharge of water or oil attendant with the bubbling gas well. Another well (fig. 2), believed to be drilled by the Alaska Petroleum Co. in 1906, was located on the south bank of Well Creek about one -half mile upstream from the juncture of Well Creek and Bowser Creek. The well casing sticks up approximately 2-1/2 feet out of the surrounding pool of water. Oil was observed inside the casing, which was badly corroded on one side , and on the pool of water surrounding the casing . This pool of water drains directly into Well Creek. A sample of the water from the pool was obtained. Directly across the creek from the well were several oil seep areas. Four distinct seeps were spread over a distance of approximately 375 feet. The ponds containing suspected seep oil were located at the base of a well- defined, northeast-trending ridge. The oil on top of the pools of water appeared to be thick and weathered, and clung to the edges of the pool and adhered to the vegetation. Vegetation growth did not seem to be affected. When draining from the pools into Well Creek, the bitumen broke up and floated a sheeny rainbow from the pools into Well Creek. Oil sheen and oil residue were evident on almost all standing water in the grassy swamp. There were no indications that the oil seeps were vigorously active, such as gas bubbles, oil flow, etc.; however, the presence of relatively fresh oi l drop- lets indicated that the seeps were at least occasionally active . One Well Creek water sample was taken at a point above the drainage from the oil seep areas. Another Well Creek water sample was obtained at a point just below the last drainage from the observed seeps. Well Creek seep sam- ples were taken at what appeared to be the seep locations. Figure 3 illus- trates the relative position of the area and the sample locations. Analyses of samples from the well, stream, and seep of Well Creek are found in table 4. No indications of gas seeps were observed. In order to determine what effect, if any, the natural seeps have on the surrounding drainages, samples of water were taken on Bowser Creek at the fol - lowing points: above the point where Well Creek joins Bowser Creek , immedi- ately below where Well Creek joins Bowser Creek, at Bowser Creek below where the drainage from the gassy Bowser Creek well enters, and at the mouth of Bowser Creek at low tide. The analyses of these samples appear in table S. Since Bowser Creek drains into the head of Oi l Bay, water samples were also obtained from Oil Bay. Analyses appear in table 6. 8 TABLE 2.-Analysis of water from Bowser Creek well Sample from: Well x Stream Seep Other --- Area Iniskin Peninsula Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Location NW 1/4, Sec. 11, T6S, Date samp l ed-"""6/~7--=3'-------- R24W (SM) Quadrangle 11 i amna Pertinent data regarding sample: Dry hole well. Gas bubbling up through water in surface casing. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ~---------------~ Special results: Oil content, mg/1---5.1 Ana 1ysis: Ca tions Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Sodium 1109 48.23 Carbonate Potassium 2 0.05 Bi carbonate Magnesium 5 0.41 Sul fate Ca lei um 625 24.94 Sulfide Iron Chloride Hydroxide Total Cation 73.63 Total Anion Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 4354 Observed pH 7. 3 Mg/ 1 i ter 0 67 30 2550 Specific resistance at 68 °F l . 48 ohm meters Meq/l iter 1.10 0.62 71 . 91 73.63 TABLE 3.-Analysis of gas from Bowser Creek well Stream Other Wel 1 X ---Sample from: Seep ------- Area Iniskin Peninsula Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Location NW 1I4, Sec . 11 , T6S, Date sarnp 1 ed_6...,./_7 .... 3 ______ _ R24v/ (SM) Quadrangle Iliamna -~~;_,;;;.... ___ _ Pertinent data regarding sample: Dry hole well. Gas bubbling up through water in surface casing. Analysis: Performed by U.S. Bureau of Mines ~-----------~------- Provided by __________________ _ Specia 1 results: Analysis: Methane 79 .2 % Normal Pentane 0.0 % Oxygen 0 .0 % Ethane 0.0 % Isopentane 0.0 % Argon 0.2 % Propane Trace % Cyclopentane 0 .0 % Hydrogen 0.0 % Nor mal Butane 0.0 % Hexanes Plus 0.0 % H2S 0.0 % Isobutane 0.0 % Nitrogen 20 .4 % C02 0. l % Helium 0 .01% Total 99.9 % Calculated gross Btu/cu.ft., dry at 60°F. and 30 11 mercu ry 802 Specific Gravity 0.641 9 10 TABLE 4. -Anal~ses of water from Well Creek See pertinent Sample from: Well Stream Seep Other data Area Iniskin Peninsula Location NW 1/4, Sec. 11, T6S, R24W (SM) Quadrangle Iliamna -------- Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date samp l ed.......:6 .... 1....:...7-=-3 _____ _ Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from pond of water surrounding old abandoned well. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ---------------~- Special results: Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Sodium 1204 52.38 Potassium 6 0 .15 Magnesium 25 2.06 Ca lei um 860 34. 31 Iron Total Cation 88.90 Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter Observed pH Specific resistance at 68 °F Anions Carbonate Bicarbonate Sul fate Sulfide Chloride Hydroxide Total Anion 5226 7.0 Mg/liter 0 256 5 3000 l · 40 ohm meters Meg/liter 4.20 0 .10 84.60 88.90 TABLE 4. -Analyses of water from Well Creek--Continued Sample from: Well ---Stream __ x_ Seep __ _ Other --- Area Iniskin Peninsula Location NE 1/4, Sec. 10, T6S, R24W (SM) Quadrangle Iliamna -------- Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date sampled 6/73 -------- Pertinent data regarding samp le: Well Creek water sample upstream of oil seep area. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ----------------- Special results: Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Sodium 72 3. 12 Carbonate Potassium Trace Bicarbonate Magnesium 2 0 .16 Sul fate Ca 1ci um 4 0.16 Sulfide Iro n Chloride Hydroxide Total Cation 3.44 Total Anion Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 220 Observed pH 6.5 Mg/liter 0 49 94 24 Specific resistance at 68 °F 90.0 ohm meters --- Meg/liter 0.80 1. 96 0.68 3.44 11 12 TABLE 4. -Analyses of water from Well Creek --Continued Sample from: Well Stream X Seep Other __ _ --- Area Iniskin Peninsula Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Location NE 1/4, Sec. 10, T6S, R24W (SM) Quadrangle Iliamna -------- Date samp 1 ed_6/_7_3 _____ _ Pertinent data regarding sample: Well Creek water sample below drainage of observed seeps. Analysis: Performed by Corrmerci al firm Provided by ________________ _ Special results: Oil content, mg/1---8.4 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/liter Meg/liter Sodium 24 1.04 Carbonate 0 Potassium Trace Bicarbonate 49 0.80 Magnesium 0 .08 Sulfate Trace Calcium 4 0 .16 Sulfide Iron Chloride 17 0.48 Hydroxide Tota 1 Cation 1. 28 Total Anion 1.28 Total dissolved solids, Mg/l iter 70 --- Observed pH _6_._7 __ Specific resistance at ~°F ohm meters ---100 TABLE 4. -Analyses of water from Well Creek--Continued Seep X Other ---Sample from : Well ---Stream --- Area Iniskin Peninsula Location NE 1/4, Sec. 10, T6S, R24W (SM) Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date sampled 6/73 ~------- Quadrangle Iliamna _;:;...-..;.-..-.;.;..:..=----- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample from seep pond. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ----------------- Special results: Oil content, mg/1---9773 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Sodium 23 Potassium Magnesium l Ca lei um 4 Iron Tota 1 Cation 1.02 0.03 0 .08 0. 16 l. 29 Carbonate Bicarbonate Sulfate Sulfide Chloride Hydroxide Tota 1 Anion Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 71 --- Observed pH 6.3 Mg/liter Meg/liter 0 49 0 .80 2 0.04 16 0.45 l. 29 Specific resistance at 68 °F 6.3 ohm me t ers --- 13 14 TAB LE 4. ~Analyses of water from Well Creek --Cont inued Sample from: Well Stream Seep X Other ------------ Area Iniskin Peninsula Location NE 1/4, Sec. 10, T6S, R24W (SM) Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date sampled 6/73 -------- Quadrangle Iliamna -------- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample from seep pond. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ________________ _ Special results: Oil content, mg/1---6938 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/l iter Meg/liter Sodium 21 0.90 Carbonate 0 Potassium 1 0.03 Bicarbonate 49 0 .80 Magnesium 1 0.08 Sul fate 4 0.08 Ca lei um 3 0 .12 Sulfide Iron Chloride 9 0.25 Hydroxide Total Cation 1.1 3 Total Anion 1.13 Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter _63 __ Obse rved pH 6. 2 Specific resistance at 68 °F 145 ohm meters ~;:;;.._- TABLE 5.-Analyses of water from Bowser Creek Sample from: Well Stream X Seep Other Area Iniskin Peninsula Location NW 1/4, Sec. 11, T6S, R24W (SM) Quadrangle Iliamna -------- Pertinent data regarding sample: ------ Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date sampled 6/74 -------- Sample obtained in Bowser Creek 100 feet upstream of juncture of Well Creek and Bowser Creek . Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ----------------------- Special results: Oil content, mg/1----<0.1 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/ 1 i ter Meg/liter Sodium 43 1.86 Carbonate 0 Potassium Trace Bicarbonate 48 0 .79 Magnesium Trace Sulfate 12 0.25 Ca lei um 5 0.25 Sulfide Iron Chlor ide 38 1.07 Hydroxide Tota 1 Ca ti on 2 .11 Total Anion 2.11 Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 122 Observed pH 7.2 Specific resistance at 68 °F 49. 7 ohm meters 15 16 TABLE 5. -Analyses of water from Bowser Creek--Continued Sample from: Well Stream X Seep Other --- Area Iniskin Peninsula Location NW 1/4, Sec. 11, T6S. R24W (SM) Quadrangle Iliamna ~--------- ------ Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date sampled 6/74 ---'--------- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained about 10 0 feet down- stream of Well Creek and Bowser Creek. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ________________ _ Special results: Oil content, mg/1 ---377 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/1 i ter Meg/liter Sodium 36 1.55 Carbonate 0 Potassium Trace Bicarbonate 41 0.67 Magnesium Trace Sul fate 8 0. 17 Ca lei um 5 0.25 Sulfide Iron Chloride 34 0.96 Hydroxide Total Cation l.80 Total Anion 1.80 Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 103 Observed pH 6 .9 Specific resista~ce at 68 OF 56.7 ohm meters TABLE 5. -Analyses of water from Bowser Creek--Continued Stream X Seep __ _ Other ---Sample from: Well --- Area Iniskin Peninsula Sampled by U.S . Bureau of Mines Location NW 1/4, Sec. 11, T6S, R24W (SM) Date samp 1 ed_6_/_7_4 _____ _ Quadrangle Iliamna ---~------ Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained about 100 feet down- stream from bubbly gas well. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ____________ ----- Special results: Oil content, mg/l ---4.0 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/1 i ter Meg/liter Sodium 39 1. 71 Carbonate 0 Potassium Trace Bi carbonate 41 0.67 Magnesium Trace Sulfate 13 0.27 Calcium 5 0.25 Sulfide Iron Chloride 36 1.02 Hydroxide Tota 1 Cation 1.96 Total Anion l. 96 Tota l dissolved solids, Mg/liter 113 --- Obse rved pH 6.8 Specific resistance at 68 °F 56.9 ohm meters 17 18 TABLE 5. -Analyses of water from Bowser Creek--Continued Sample from: Stream X Well ---Seep __ _ Other --- Area Iniskin Peninsula Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Location SW 1/4, Sec. 11, T6S, R24W (SM) Date samp 1 ed_6...;./_7_4 _____ _ Quadrangle Iliamna -------- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from Bowser Creek about 200 feet upstream of mouth at low tide. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ________________ _ Special results: Oil content , mg/1---14 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Sodi um 285 Potassium 11 Magnesium 16 Calcium 5 Iron Tota 1 Cation 12. 39 0.28 1.32 0.25 14. 24 Carbonate Bi ca rbo na te Sul fate Sulfide Chloride Hydroxide Tota 1 Anion Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 835 Observed pH 6.7 Mg/liter Meg/liter 0 49 0.80 66 1. 37 428 12.07 14.24 Specific resistance at ~0 f 7 · l 3 ohm meters TABLE 6.-Analyses of water from Oil Bay Sample from: Well Stream Seep See pertinent Other data --- Area Iniskin Peninsula Location NE 1/4 , Sec. 23, T6S, R24W (SM) Quadrangle Iliamna -------- ------ Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date sampled 6/74 -------- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from seawater of coastal bay called Oil Bay. Analysis: Performed by Commercia l firm Provided by -~------~------~~ Special results: Oil content, mg/1---0.l Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/liter Meg/liter Sodium 2584 112.38 Carbonate 0 Potassium 187 4 .79 Bicarbonate 111 1.82 Magnesi um 230 18 . 91 Sul fate 7 0; 15 Calcium 25 1.25 Sulfide Iron ChJoride 4800 135. 36 Hydroxide Tota 1 Cation 137. 33 Total Anion 137. 33 Tota 1 dissolved solids, Mg/liter 7888 Observed pH 6.9 Specific resistance at 68 Of 0 · 405 ohm meters 19 20 TABLE 6. -Analyses of water from Oil Bay--Continued See Sample from: Well Stream Seep pertinent Other data --- Area Iniskin Peninsula Location NE 1/4 , Sec. 26, T6S, R24W (SM) Quadrangle Iliamna -------- ------ Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date sampled 6/74 -------- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from seawater of coastal bay at the mouth of Oil Bay near Oi 1 Reef. Analysis : Performed by Commercial firm ----------------~ Provided by ----------------~ Special results: Oil content, mg/1---<0.l Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/ 1 i ter Meg/liter Sodium 9754 424.29 Carbonate 0 Potassium 430 11 .01 Bi carbonate 134 2.20 Magnesium 498 40.94 Sulfate 12 0.25 Calcium 56 2.79 Sulfide Iron Chloride 16900 476.58 Hydroxide Total Cation 479.03 Total Anion 479.03 T0ta 1 dissolved solids, Mg/liter 27716 Observed pH 7.2 Specific res is ta nee at 68 °F 0 · 24 ohm meters Well Creek So111ple Som pie Well Creek Sample M E A D 0 w Well Creek Seep (No Somple) 21 - / -/~~- 210' ~ --/// ~---- / ;~ D -,,,.--Well Creek Seep Somple _ / _, / 5' -~ _.. iw-:,;,.;:;::: G Sample -----___.. -- FIGURE 3. -Well Creek sampling locations. 22 Samples of the surface beach sand at the head of Oil Bay were taken. One sample, taken about 100 yards east of the mouth of Bowser Creek on the west side of the tidal flats, had a bitumen content of 8.0 mg/l. A reconnaissance of the beaches was made at both high and low tides from the mouth of Oil Bay near Oil Reef, extending across the tidal flat and over to Oil Point. It did not reveal any additional seeps or any unusual deposits of oil, tar, slick, scum, etc. Brown Creek and Dry Bay Brown Creek was reconnoitered from a point above Rich Creek to Dry Bay in an effort to locate oil and gas seeps. Gas seeps were located during the reconnaissance (fig . 2). Several were sampled, but the results are not included because of the possibility of contaminated samples and unreliable analyses. In SWl/4 sec 26, T 5 S, R 23 W, Seward meridian, two distinct areas of gas seeps were found. On the west side of Brown Creek, a calm-water pond, fed by small springs and measuring about 15 feet wide, 35 feet long, and approxi- mately 2 feet deep, contained a substantial gas seep . Gas bubbles emerged intermittently throughout the pond in about 15 or 20 different and scattered places at approximately 30 -second intervals. No attempt was made to sample the gas because of the inconsistency of the seep location. Another gas seep was located nearby in fast-moving Brown Creek near the west bank. Gas bubbles emerging from the creekbed would be swept downstream about 15 to 20 feet before emerging at the surface. The gas appeared to be continuous and consistent . In SW1/4NE1/4 sec 35, T 5 S, R 23 W, Seward meridian, the remains of the equipment that Alaska Oil Co. used in 1902 to drill wells on Brown Creek were located . An old bailer, an old stove, and rotted lumber were evident, but the remains of the oil wells were not located. The area was looked over very closely , but there were no indications of oil or gas seeps. Samples of water were obtained from Brown Creek immediately above and immediately below the remains of the drilling equipment. The analyses appear in table 7. Another gas seep in Brown Creek was located about 1,500 yards upstream from the beachline of Dry Bay. Analyses of water samples upstream and down- stream from the gas seep are also found in table 7. TABLE 7.-Analyses of water from Brown Creek Sample from: We11 ---Stream X Seep __ _ Other --- Area Iniskin Peninsula Location NE 1/4, Sec. 35, T5S, R23W (SM) Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date sampled 6/74 -------- Quadrangle Iliamna ----............ =---~---- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from Brown Creek ·upstream of old drilling area. Analysis: Performed by Co11111ercial firm Provided by ________________ _ Spec ial results: Oil content, mg/1---0.1 Analysis: Cations Mg/l iter Meq/l i ter Anions Mg/1 i ter Meg/1 i ter Sodium 14 0 . 61 Carbonate 0 Potassium Trace Bicarbonate 26 0 .43 Magnesium Trace Sul fate 7 0 .15 Calc ium 4 0.20 Sulfide Iron Chloride 8 0.23 Hydroxide Total Cation 0 .81 Total Anion 0.81 Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 46 --- Observed pH 6 .8 Spec ific resistance at 68 °F 120 ---ohm me ters 23 24 TABLE 7. -Analyses of water from Brown Creek--Continued Sample from: Well ---Stream X Seep Other Area Iniskin Peninsula Location NE 1/4, Sec. 35, T5S, R23W (SM) Quadra ng l e___.r ..... J ..... i=am=n=a ___ _ --- Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date sampled 6/74 -------- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sa mpl e obtained from Brown Creek down- stream from old drilling area. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ------------------ Special results: Oil content, mg/1---5.2 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/liter Meg/liter Sodium 19 0.81 Carbonate 0 Potassium Trace Bi carbonate 37 0. 61 Magnesium Trace Sul fate 8 0. 17 Ca lei um 4 0.20 Sulfide Iron Chloride 8 0.23 Hydroxide Tota 1 Cation 1.01 Total Anion l.01 Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 57 Observed pH 6.8 Specific resistance at 68 OF 149 ohm meters TABLE 7 .· -Analyses of water from Brown Creek--Conti nued Sample from: Well Stream X Seep __ _ Other --- Area Iniskin Peninsula Location NW 1/4, Sec. 2, T6S, R23W (SM) Qua dra ng 1 e_I"""'l._.j-=a=m=na=------ Per ti nent data regarding sample: --- Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date sampled 6/74 ---------- Sample obtained from Brown Creek up- stream of lower gas seep. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ~-----------------~~ Special results: Oil content, mg/1---1 .5 Analysis : Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/liter Meg/liter Sodium 17 0.73 Carbonate 0 Potassium Trace Bicarbonate 39 0.64 Magnesium Trace Sul fate 6 0.12 Ca lei um 4 0.20 Sulfide Iron Chloride 6 0 .17 Hydroxide Tota 1 Cation 0.93 Total Anion 0.93 ·;otc.1 dissolved solids, Mg/liter 52 Observed pH 7. 1 Specific resistance at 68 OF 129 ohm meters 25 26 TABLE 7. -Analyses of water from Brown Creek--Continued Sample from: Well Stream X Seep Other --- Area Iniskin Peninsula Location NW 1/4, Sec . 2, T6S, R23W (SM) Qua dra ng 1 e_r ..... J._.j.£:.a .... mn=a=------- Pert i nent data regarding sample: ------ Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date sampled 6/74 ---------- Sample obtained from Brown Creek down- stream of lower gas seep. Analysis: Performed by Commercial f i r m Provided by -------------------~ Special results: Oil content, mg/1,--2.4 Analysis: Cations Ms/liter Meg /liter Anion s Mg/liter Meg /liter Soaium 19 0.84 Carbonate 0 Potassium Trace Bicarbonate 39 0 .64 Magnesium Trace Sul fate 8 0 .17 Calcium 4 0.20 Sulfide Iron Chloride 8 0 .23 Hydroxide To ·'4 l Cation l.04 Total Anion l.04 Tota i dissolved solids, Mg/liter 58 --- Observed pH 6.8 S;.>~c.fic resistance at ~°F 128 ohm meters --- 27 lniskin Camp· Area As part of the project to determine the source and amount of bitumen that may be entering the Gulf of Alaska waters, it is normal procedure to seek out and inspect any known abandoned exploratory wells in the area of interest. To this end, three wells previously discussed were investigated: Beal No. 1, IBA No . 1, and Zappa No. 1. One well, !BA No. 1, drilled and abandoned in 1939, was found to be in good condition . No sign of bitumen was in evidence. No oil or gas seeps were found. At the drilling site of Zappa No . 1, abandoned in 1961, water with a rainbow sheen was emanating from a spring area near a built-up pad housing a test tank. It has not been determined whether the bitumen is from an oi l seep or from past industrial operations. The bitumen enters a small creek that drains into upper Fitz Creek. The rainbow is evident throughout the small creek drainage, as is a petrolic odor. However, the well is in good shape and shows no sign of contributing pollution. The same is true at the Beal No. 1 well. Rainbow -c olored sheen was seen on small ponds that surround the drill- ing pad and drain into Fitz Creek, but no particular natural oil seeps were identifiable. The observance of these bitumen occurrences took place in early sunmer of 1973 when the last of the winter snows were thawing rapidly and drainages were running swift and high. Another visit was made to the area during a rela- tively dry period in 19 74 when creeks were noticeably low . Standing pools of water exhibited the rainbow sheen when disturbed, but no bitumen was observed ooz ing out of earth in places previously noted. Comparisons of water samples taken during the wet and dry periods leads to the conclusion that it is quite possible that the only time bitumen (whether from natural seeps or past industrial operations) enters the drainage in the Iniskincamp area (fig. 2) is during periods of runoff caused by rain or snow melt. The water analyses from the Iniskin camp area are found in table 8. 28 TABLE 8.-Analyses •of water from Iniskin camp seep area Sample from: Well Stream Seep X Other Area Iniskin Peninsula-Zappa We l l Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Location SE 1/4, Sec . 18, T5S, R23W (SM) Quadrangle Iliamna ~~~~~~~~ Date sampled 6/73 ~~~~~~~~ Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from soil surrounding suspected seepage. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Special results: Oil content, mg/l---943 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/1 i ter Meg/liter Sodium 456 19.82 Carbonate 0 Potassium 41 1.05 Bi carbonate 2208 36.2 1 Magnesium 63 5 .18 Sul fate 25 0.52 Ca lei um 317 12.65 Sulfide Iron Chloride 70 1.97 Hydroxide Total Cation 38.70 Total Anion 38 .70 Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 2059 Observed pH 8. l Specific resistance at 68 °F 3. 6 ohm meters TABLE 8. -Analyses of water from Iniskin camp seep area--Continued Sample from: We11 ---Stream X Seep ---Other --- Area Iniskin Peninsula-Zappa Well Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Location SE 1/4, Sec. 18, T5S, R23W (SM) Quadra ng 1 e_.._Il ....... i .... a ..... m"""na~--- Pert i nent data regarding sample: Date samp 1 ed __ 6_/_7_3 ____ _ Sample obtained from Fitz Creek upstrea m of observed seepage during wet period. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ~---------------~ Special results: Oil content, mg/1---7.4 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/1 i ter Meg/liter Sodium 26 l.14 Carbonate 0 Potassium 1 0.03 Bi carbonate 49 0.80 Magnesium 1 0.08 Sulfate 12 0.25 Ca lei um 2 0.08 Sulfide Iron Chloride 10 0.28 Hydroxide Total Cation l. 33 Total Anion l. 33 Tota 1 dissolved so 1 ids, Mg/1 i ter 76 Observed pH 7.0 Specific resistance at 68 Of 105 ohm meters 29 30 TABLE 8. -Analyses of water from Iniskin camp seep area--Continued Sample from: Well ---Stream X Seep ---Other --- Area Iniskin Peninsula-Zappa Well Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Location SE 1/4, Sec. 18, T5S, R23W (SM) Date sampled 6/74 -------- Quadrang 1 e_I_l_i a;....m_n_a ___ _ Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from Fitz Creek upstream of observed seepage during dry period. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ________________ _ Special results: Oil content, mg/1---0.l Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Sodium 28 Potassium Trace Magnesium Trace Ca lei um 5 Iron Tota 1 Cation 1.23 0.25 1.48 Carbonate Bicarbonate Sul fate Sulfide Chloride Hydroxide Tota 1 Anion Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 85 Observed pH 6.8 Mg/liter Meg/liter 0 41 0.67 12 0.25 20 0.56 1.48 Specific resistance at 68 °F 83 .9 0 ohm meters TABLE 8. -Analyses of water from Iniskin camp seep area--Continued Sample from: Well Stream X Seep Other --- Area Iniskin Peninsula-Zappa Well Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Location SE 1/4, Sec. 18, TSS, R23W (SM) Date sampled 6173 -------- Qua dra ng 1 e--=-Il~i:...:a~m.:..:..:na:::-___ _ Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from Fitz Creek ~ownstream from observed seepage during wet period . Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm ----------------------~--~- Provided by ------------------------------ Spec ial results: Oil content, mg/1---5.3 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/liter Meg/liter Sodium 98 4.28 Carbonate 0 Potassium 1 0.03 Bi carbonate 61 1.00 Magnesium 2 0 .16 Sul fate 20 0.42 Calcium 1 0.05 Sulfide Iron Chloride 110 3.10 Hydroxide Tota 1 Ca ti on 4.52 Total Anion 4 .52 Tota 1 dissolved so lids, Mg/liter 262 Observed pH 6.7 Specific resistance at 68 OF 83 ohm meters 31 32 TABLE 8 . -Analyses of water from Iniskin camp seep area--Continued Sample from: Well Stream X Seep __ _ Other ------ Area Iniskin Peninsula-Zappa Well Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Location SE 1/4, Sec. 18, T5S, R23W (SM) Qua dra ng l e Il i amna ------~~ Date sampled 6/74 -------- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from Fitz Creek down- stream from observed seepage during dry period. Analysis: Performed by_C_o_mm_e_r_c_i_a_l _f_i_r_m _________ _ Special results: Oil content, mg/1---<0.l Analysis : Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/1 i ter Meg/liter Sodium 26 1.12 Carbonate 0 Potassium Trace Bicarbonate 40 0.66 Magnesium Trace Sul fate 7 0 .15 Ca lei um 4 0.20 Sulfide Iron Chloride 18 0. 51 Hydroxide Total Cation 1.32 Total Anion 1.32 Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 75 Observed pH 6.7 Specific resistance at 68 OF 84 ohm meters TABLE 8. -Analyses of water from Iniskin camp seep area --Continued Samp l e from : Well Stream ·---Seep X Other ------------- Area Iniskin Peninsula-Beal Well Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Location NW 1/4, Sec. 17, TSS, R23W (SM) Date sampl ed. __ 6_/_73 ____ _ Quadransle Iliamna ~~---------~ Pe r t i nent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from soil surrounding suspected seepage . Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ---------------------~-------~ Specia l results: Oil content, mg/l---148 Analysis : Cations Mg/liter Meq/1 iter Anions Mg/liter Sodium 1950 84 .81 Carbonate 0 Potassium 23 0 . 59 Bi carbonate 634 Magnesium 63 5 .18 Sul fate 15 Ca l c i um 1108 44.21 Sulfide Iron Chloride 4400 Hydroxide Tota 1 Cation 134.79 Total An i on Total dissolved solids, Mg/l iter 7871 --- Observed pH 6. 4 Spec i fic res i stance at ~°F 78.5 ohm meters Mcq/1 iter 10.40 0 . 31 124.08 134.79 33 34 TABLE 8. -Analyses of water from Iniskin camp seep area--Continued Sample from: Well ---Stream __ x_ Seep __ _ Other --- Area Iniskin Peninsula-Beal Well Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Location NW 1/4, Sec. 17, T5S, Date sampled_6_/_7_3 ____ _ R23W (SM) Qua dra ng 1 e__._J .._l 1...,.,· a=m"""na=------ Pert i nent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from pond drainage near suspected seep during wet period. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ~------------~~~- Special results: Oil content, mg/1---8.3 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/1 i ter Meg/liter Sodium 1199 52. 17 Carbonate 0 Potassium 14 0.36 Bicarbonate 37 0.61 Magnesium 5 0.41 Sul fate 20 0.42 Ca lei um 890 35.31 Sulfide Iron Chloride 3100 87.42 Hydroxide Total Cation 88.45 Total Anion 88.45 Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter _52_4_6 __ Observed pH 6.5 Specific resistance at ~°F 1 · 25 ohm meters TABLE 8. -Analyses of water from Iniskin camp seep area--Continued Well ---Stream X -"'----- Seep __ _ Other ---Samp 1 e from: Area Iniskin Peninsula-Beal Well Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Location NW 1/4, Sec. 17, T5S, R23W (SM) Date samp l ed_--'6/~7_4 ____ _ Quadra ng l e_11 ..... ; .... a .... mn ... a.__ ___ _ Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from pond drainage near suspected seep during wet period. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ________________ _ Special results: Oil content , mg/1---0.l Analysis: Cations Mg/1 iter Meg/liter Anions Mg/liter Meg/liter Sodium 24 1.03 Carbonate 0 Potassium Trace Bicarbonate 37 0.61 Magnesium Trace Sul fate 8 0 .17 Ca lei um 4 0.20 Sulfide Iron Chloride 16 0.45 Hydroxide Total Cation l.23 Total Anion 1. 23 Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 70 Observed pH 6.7 Specific resistance at _§_oF 83.8 ohm meters 35 36 TABLE 8. -Analyses of water from Iniskin camp seep area--Continued Sample from: Well Stream ---x Seep Other --- Area Iniskin Peninsula Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Lo cation NE 1/4, Sec. 25, T4S, R23W (SM) Date sampled 6174 -------- Qua dra ng 1 e_...1 .1.-l ;Lllllau.um..u.ina11...-___ _ Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from mouth of Fitz Creek. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by --------------------~ Special results: Oil content, mg/1 --....::0.1 Analysis: Cations Mg/1 iter Meg/liter Anions Mg/liter Meg/liter Sodium 26 1.12 Carbonate 0 Potassium Trace Bicarbonate 43 0.71 Magnesium Trace Sulfate 13 0.27 Ca lei um 4 0.20 Sulfide Iron Chloride 12 0 .34 Hydroxide Total Cation l. 32 Total Anion 1. 32 Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 76 Observed pH 6.9 Specifi c resistance at 68 Of 86.0 ohm meters 37 BECHAROF LAKE There are essentially three areas around Becharof Lake where oil and gas seeps have been known to exist . One area is the dominant anticlinal feature extending from the east end of Becharof Lake eastward to the ocean waters bordered by Puale Bay on the north and Portage Bay on the south. Demian Hills , located west of the very southern portion of Becharof Lake, is another area, and Gas Rocks, on the southern shore of Becharof Lake approximately midpoint of the lake, is the third. All three areas fall within the Cook Inlet Mesozoic Province. The anticlinal f eature between Becharof Lake and the Pacific Ocean (fig. 4), commonly called the Bear Creek anticline, can be located on t he U.S. Geological Survey topographi c map series on the Kar l uk quadrangle. The area, bounded by Puale Bay and Portage Bay, was the site of early drilling, probably on the basis of surface indications of hydrocarbons. During 1903-04, four wells were dri l led near the head of Oil Creek, which drains to the Pacific Ocean. All the wells were drilled near seep areas, but were unsuccessful in establishing commercial production . Dril l ing depths ranged from 728 feet to 1,542 feet. A 7,596-foot dry hole was drilled on The most recent wel l to be drilled in the pleted in 1959 as a 14,375-foot dry hole. the Bear Creek seeps . Salmon Creek during 1938 -40 (fig. 5). area was spudded in 1957 and com- This well was drilled upstream of Data regarding the wells drilled between Puale Bay and Portage Bay (Karluk quadrangle) are found in table 9. TABLE 9. -Wells drilled in Becharof Lake-Puale Bay area Com-Tota l Company Well Location1 Spudded pleted depth, Status feet J. H. Costello. No. 1 ..... NWl/4 sec 10, 1903 1903 728 Plugged and T 29 S, R 40 W. abandoned . Do ........... No. 2 ..... SEl/4 sec 10, 1904 1904 (2) Do. T 29 s, R 40 W. Humble Oil and Bear Cr eek 510 I s > 1,280 ' w 9/23/57 3/4/59 14,375 Do. Refining Co . 3 Unit of NE corner , No. 1. sec 36, T 29 S , R 41 W. Pacific Oil and No. 1 ..... SWl/4 sec 36, 1903 1904 1 ,421 Do. Commercial Co. T 28 S, R 40 w. Do ........... No. 2 ..... Sl/2 sec 2, 1904 1904 1,542 Do. T 29 S, R 40 W. Standard Oil Grammer 600 ' N, 2,050' w 7/17/38 3/30/40 7 ,596 Do. Co . of No . 1. of SE corner, California. sec 10, T 30 S , R 41 W. 1 . .;) Based on Seward meridian. 2 Unknown. Now Exxon Co ., U.S .A . 38 T. 29S. T. 30S. -<> T.30S. :_,,> T. 31 S. "'>"'a-<" . . .• . .' + LEGEND SCS -Salmon Creek Sample BCS --Beor Cr eek Sompl e RCS --Rex Creek Sample OCS-Oil Creek Sample FIGURE 4. • Bear Creek anticline sampl ing locations (adapted from U.S. Geo log ical Survey map of the Karluk quadrong le ). FIGURE 5. • Ke julik River gos sampling locations (adopted from U.S. Geologica l Survey mop of the Ko rl uk quodrong le), 40 R. 38W. 'A L. f pUI B A y ,I . . .. ' l •• • •• t ••• . • .+ R. 38W. •• • I "" ..... ,o;.·. I.• .,-' r· (~ ,.. R. 37 w . LEGEND BAY-Bay Sample +cK-WS ...-Cape Kekurnoi -West Sample CK -NS -Cape Kekurnai -North Sample R. 37 W. T. 28 S. T.29S. FIGURE 6. -Cape Kekurnoi sampling locations (adapted from U.S. Geological Survey map of the Karluk quad rang le), 41 The U.S. Geological SurveyB references the oil and gas seeps in the area between Becharof Lake and Puale Bay as follows: "In the Kanatak district active oil and gas seeps and oil residues are found principally in two areas: southwest of Puale Bay in the vicinity of Oil Creek and on the Bear Creek - Salmon Creek anticline ... The flow of oil at the largest of these seeps was estimated in 1921 to be about half a barrel per day." Becharof Lake -Kejulik River A significant gas seep was located and sampled on the East Fork of the Kejulik River (fig. 5). This seep is notable because the analysis indicates a relatively high Btu value. The seep itself was located on the north side of the main stream, a 6-foot -diameter water pool with gas emanating vigorously. The gas would flame upon ignition. Samples of the gas and water were obtained from this location, a nd an additional water sample was obtained near the junc- tion of the East Fork and mainstream Kejulik River . The analyses for t hese samples are found in tables 10 -1 2 . The peninsu l a between Puale Bay and Al inchak Bay (fig. 6) h as a number of unnamed, short-length creeks. Several of the creeks were investigated in an attempt to establish seep locations . Definite seeps were not observed, but areas suspected of being seeps were found. Samples were taken f r om three creeks and analyses are given in table 13 . Other creeks draining directly into Puale Bay were reconnoitered, but visual inspection revealed no seeps on Helen Creek , Portage Creek, Te r esa Creek, Dry Creek, Train Creek, and Katie Creek. According t o the analyses, water from these creeks did not contain significant amounts of oil . Oil Creek-Puale Bay The oil and gas seeps at the head of Oil Creek (fig. 4) are the most prolific of those observed on the Al aska Peninsula . Oil a nd gas issue from two separate springs situated at the foot of a small knoll on the southern side of Oil Creek. 8 Work cited in footno t e 5 . 42 TABLE 10. -Analysis of gas from East Fork, Kejulik River Sample from: Well ---Strea m Seep X Other ---- Area Becharof Lake Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Location SW 1/4, Sec. 35, T26S, Date sampled 6/74 R38W (SM) -------- Quadrangle Karluk ~~~----- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from vigorous gas seep near the headwaters of East Fork of Kejulik River , south of Katmai National Monument. Analysis: Performed by U.S. Bureau of Mines ---------------------- Prov ided by --------------------~-~ Special results : Analysis: Methane 73 .6 % Normal Pentane 0.0 % Oxygen 0.0 % Ethane Trace % Isopentane 0.0 % Argon 0.5 % Propane Trace % Cyclopentane 0.0 % Hydrogen 0.0 % Norma 1 Butane 0.0 % Hexanes Plus 0.0 % H2S 0.0 % Isobutane 0.0 % Nitrogen 25.8 % C02 Trace % Helium 0 .0\ Total 99.9 % Calculated gross Btu/cu.ft., dry at 60°F. and 30" mercury 746 Specif i c Gravity 0.664 TABLE 11 .-Analysis of water from gas seep on East Fork, Kejulik River Sample from: Well ---Stream ---Seep X Other --- Area Becharof Lake Location SW 1/4, Sec. 35 , T26S, R38W (SM) Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date sampled 6/74 --"'------- Quadrangle Karluk -------- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obta ined from vigorous ga~ seep near the headwaters of the East Fork of Kejulik River. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ________________ _ Special results: Oil content, mg/l---0 .1 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Sodium 48 Potassium Trace Magnesium Trace Ca 1cium 4 Iron "iota l Cation 2.08 0.20 2.28 Carbonate Bi carbonate Sulfate Sulfide Chloride Hydroxide Tota 1 Anion Total dissolved solids 9 Mg/liter 127 Observed pH 7.5 Mg/liter Meg/liter 0 67 1.10 Trace 42 1.18 2.28 Specific resistance at 68°F 54. 7 ohm meters 43 44 TABLE 12.-Analysis of water from Kejulik River Sample from: Wel l Stream X Seep Other __ _ --- Area Becharof Lake LocationSW 1/4, Sec. 30 , T26S, R38W (SM) Quadrangl e_Ka_r_l_u_k ____ _ Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date samp 1 ed---'6/...;..7_4 _____ _ Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from East Fork of Kejulik River near its juncture with the main- stream Kejulik River. Ana 1 ys i s : Performed by___;,.C.;;...om...;..m.;_;;e...;..r...;..c ..:..i a::....l;__f...;..i r...;..m;,;__ ________ _ Provided by ------------------ Specia 1 results: Oil content, mg/1--~o .1 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/ 1 i ter Meg/liter Sodium 13 0.56 Carbonate 0 Potassium Trace Bi carbonate 24 0.39 Magnesium Trace Sulfate Trace Calcium Trace Sulfide Iron Chloride 6 0 . 17 Hydroxide Total Cation 0 .56 Total Anion 0.56 Total dissolved so l ids, Mg/liter 31 Observed pH 6.9 S~ecific resistance at ~°F 239 ohm meters TABLE 13.-Analyses of water from Cape Kekurnoi area Sample from: Well Stream Seep X Other --- Area Pua le Bay Location SE 1/4, Sec. 20, T28S, R38W (SM) Quadrangle Karluk ~~-'-'------ ---------- Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date sampled 6/73 -------- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample taken from small seep at head of creek with mouth entering Puale Bay near VABM-Bay. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm ~---------------- Provided by -----------------~ Special results: Oil content, mg/l ---44 .7 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/liter Meg/liter Sodium l 28 5.55 Carbonate 0 Potassium 2 0.05 Bi carbonate 305 5.00 Magnesium 6 0.49 Sul fate 30 0.62 Ca lei um 2 0 .80 Sulfide Iron Chloride 45 1 . 27 Hydroxide Tota 1 Cation 6.89 Total Anion 6.89 Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 363 Observed pH 7.2 Specific resistance at 68 Of 30.0 ohm meters 45 46 TABLE 13. -Analyses of water from Cape Kekurnoi area--Continued Sample from: Well ---Stream __ x_ Seep __ _ Other --- Area Puale Bay Sampled by U.S . Bureau of Mines Location Sec. 35 , T28S, R37W (SM) Date samp led 6/74 -------- Quadrangle Karluk -------- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from mouth of Creek having mouth j ust west of Cape Kekurnoi . Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm ~---------------~ Provided by--------------~~~ Special results: Oil content, mg/1---0.l Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/liter Meg/liter Sodium 21 0 .90 Carbonate 0 Potassium 1 0.03 Bi carbonate 39 0.64 Magnesium Trace Sul fate 8. 0 .1 7 Ca lei um 6 0 .30 Sulfide Iron Chloride 15 0.42 Hydroxide Total Cation 1.23 Total Anion 1.23 Total dissolved solids~ Mg/liter 70 Observed pH 7.4 Specific resistance at 68 OF 87.0 ohm meters TABLE 13. -Analyses of water from Cape Kekurnoi area--Continued Sample from: Well Stream Seep X Other --- Area Pua 1 e Bay Location NE 1/4, Sec. 21, T28S, R37W (SM} Quadrangle Karluk -------- ------ Sampled by U.S . Bureau of Mines Date sampled 6/73 -------- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from suspected seep at head of creek which drains into Shelikof Strait about 1 mile north of Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Cape Kekurnoi. Provided by ----------------- Special results: Oi l content, mg/1---33 .l Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meq/l iter Anions Mg/ 1 i ter Meg/liter Sodium 221 9.63 Carbonate 0 Potassium 5 0 .13 Bi ca rbo na te 476 7 .81 Magnesium 5 0.4l Su1fa te 10 0. 21 Ca lei um 1 0.05 Sulfide Iron Chloride 78 2.20 Hydroxide Total Cation 10.22 Total Anion 10.22 Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 555 Observed pH 6.3 Specific resistance at 68 OF 20.0 ohm meters 47 48 Seep A (fig. 4) was found in a water-oil pond about 18 inches in diameter and 5 inches deep, which bubbled intermittently but constantly. A frothy oil covered the seep area. The water and oil from this seep flow into a pond about 20 feet by 40 ~eet. The base and sides of this pond are covered by a tarlike substance where the oil has settled out over a number of years. The water and oil from the seep run over this substance and continue on toward Oil Creek. It appears that the heavier fractions have filtered out throughout the years, aided by the vegetation; an area approximately 350 feet wide and 800 feet long is covered by a bitumen deposit ranging from 6 inches to 13 inches thick. This bitumen is also aided in deposition by seep B. The deposit is weathered dry on the surface, but the substance displays a moist, malleable, asphalt-type characteristic when penetrated. One strikingly noticeable aspect of this bitumen deposit was that the grass vegetation grow- ing in the bitumen exhibited greener, more consistent growth than that of the surrounding countryside. Gas bubbling up through the seep burst into flame when lit with a match. The flame was sustained as long as the emission was constant. Seep B (fig. 4) was located approximately 45 feet west of seep A. The seep was not as readily discernable as seep A, since it lacked the physical activity of a bubbling spring. The head of the seep area is a series of approximately five small water trickles that cover an area with a radius of 4 feet and collect at one point. The water-collection pond widens into a pool and then narrows down once more into a small running creek about 18 inches wide and 8 inches deep. Flow of water in this creek at the time of observa- tion was estimated to be about 6 gal/min. The oil stained the side of the creekbed and adjacent vegetation, and what appeared to be a paraffin was evi- dent in areas of slow running water and where twigs and branches of small willows hung across the creek. At the time of observation of the seeps on Oil Creek, most of the snow had melted, although snow banks still persisted in cut banks and hollows. Little rainfall had been received. However, it is evident that the flow of the springs and creeks carrying bitumen would vary markedly depending upon runoff from snow melt and rain. This is illustrated by the fact that the bitumen was spread high about and along the small creek banks and on the vegetation. Whether the amount of seep oil emerging from the springs is influenced by variance in precipitation was not determined. Two of the four wells drilled on Oil Creek were found by locating the rusting remains of drilling equipment. Although mounds of the tarlike sub- stance (undoubtedly used as boiler fuel) were found near the well locations, no active seeps were found nearby, nor were leaks detected from the wells. Of significance is the minimal amount of oil that seemed to be in the water in relation to the large amount that seemed to be issuing from the seeps. Analyses of the gas, oil, water, and bitumen from the Oil Creek seeps are given in tables 14-20. TABLE 14.-Analysis of gas from Oil Creek seep A Sample from: Stream Seep X Other Well __ _ ------- Area Oil Creek Sampled by U.S . Bureau of Mines Location NE 1/4, Sec. 10 , T29S, Date sampled_-"""'6/-'7-'4 _____ _ R40W (SM) Quad rang 1 e__,K.,,.a..,_r_._l =u k_,,_ ___ _ Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained at Seep A at head of Oil Creek. Analysis: Performed by U.S. Bureau of Mines ------------------- Provided by ----------------~-- Special results: Analysis: Methane 91. 2 % Norma 1 Pentane 0.0 % Oxygen Trace % Ethane Trace % Isopentane 0.0 % Argon 0 . l % Propane Trace % Cyclopentane 0.0 % Hydrogen 0.0 % Normal Butane 0.0 % Hexanes Plus 0.0 % H2S 0.0 % Isobutane 0.0 % Nitrogen 6 .7 % C02 1.9 % Helium Trace % Tota 1 99.9 % Calculated gross Btu/cu.ft ., dry at 60°F. and 30" mercury 924 Specific Gravity 0.601 49 50 TABLE 15.-Analysis of oil from Oil Creek seep A Sample From: Well ---Stream ---seep __ x_ Other --- Area Qi l Creek Location NE 1/4, Sec. 10, T29S, R40W (SM) Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date Sampled 6/73 ~-------- Quad rang le ~K ... a .... r ..... l u ..... k"'------- Pe rtinent Data Regarding Sample: Sample obtained from Seep A at the head of Oil Creek. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm General Characteristics: Specific gravity@ 60/60 °F. A.P .I . gravity@ 60°F . Saybolt Universal Viscosity @ 70°F., seconds Saybolt Universal Viscosity @ 100°F., seconds B. s. and water, 7. by volume Pour point, °F. Total sulphur, % by weight Recovery, % Temperature, IBP 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Approximate Recovery 300° E.P. gasoline, % 392° E.P. gasoline, % 500° E.P. distillate, % 180 242 292 3~0 382 425 46 8 502 53~ 552 ·55g Distillation OF. Recovery, 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 E .P. 11.0 21.0 15 .0 % 0.9616 15.7 Not determined Not determined 73 Not determined o.ss Tempera tu re, oF. 57§ 58Q Recovery, % Residue, % Loss, 7. 61.0 39 .0 0 TABLE 16.-Analysis of water from Oil Creek seep A Sample from: Well Stream X Seep Other --- Area Oil Creek Location NE 1/4, Sec. 10, T29S, R40W (SM) Quadrangle Karluk ---.---...--=.; ____ _ --- Sampled by U.S . Bureau of Mines Date sampled 6/73 -------- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained in drainage creek about 100 yards downstream from Oil Seep A at head of Oil Creek . Analysis: Performed by Corrmercial firm ---------------~ Provided by ----------------- Special results: Oil content, mg/1---3.3 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/liter Meq/l iter Sodium 26 1.11 Carbonate 0 Potassium Trace Bicarbonate 37 0 .61 Magnesium Trace Sul fate 5 0 .10 Ca lei um 2 0.08 Sulfide Iron Chloride 17 0.48 Hydroxide Total Cation 1.19 Total Anion 1. 19 Total dissolved solids, Mg/1 iter 68 Observed pH 6.3 Specific resistance at 68 °F 195.0 ohm meters 51 52 TABLE 17.-Analysis of oil from Oil Creek seep B Sample From: Well ---Stream Area Oi 1 Creek Loe a tion NE 1I4, Sec. 10, T29S, R40W (SM) Quadrangle Karluk _...;.-="'--'-""'""-'------- ---Seep _x __ Other --- Sampled by U.S. Bureau of ~ines Date Sampled 6/73 -------- Pertinent Data Regarding Sample: Sample obtained from prominent trickle stream making up Seep B at head of Oil Creek. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm -------------------- Provided by -------------------- General Characteristics: Specific gravity @ 60/60 °F. A.P.l. gravity@ 60°F. Saybolt Universal Viscosity @ 70°F., seconds Saybolt Universal Viscosity @ 100°F., seconds B. s. and water, % by volume Pour point, °F. Total sulphur , % by weight Distillation 0 .9254 21.4 Not determined Not determined 73 Not determined 0.21 Recovery, % IBP T t oF . enpera ure, 456 Recovery, % 55 T t OF. empera ure, 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 so Approx1.mate Recovery 300° E.P . gasoline, 4 392° E.P. gasoline, % 500° E.P . distillate, % 504 538 542 546 548 550 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 E .P . 0 0 4.5 Recovery, % Residue, % Loss, 7. 31.0 69.0 0.0 TABLE 18.-Analysis of water from Oi l Creek seep B Stream X Sample from: Well ---Seep __ _ Other --- Are a Oi 1 Creek S~mpled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Location NE 1/4, Sec. 10, T29S , R40W (SM) Date samp 1 ed._6_1_7_3 ____ _ Quadrangl e_:....;.:Ka::...:.r...:.1.:;uk~---- Pertinent data regarding samp le : Sample obtained from creek about 300 yards downstream from Seep B at head of Oil Creek. Analysis: Performed by Commercial finn ~_;,.;.. _____________ ___ Provided by ________________ _ Special results: Oil content, mg/1 ---3.6 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter An io ns Mg/liter Meg/liter Sodium 26 1. 12 Carbonate 0 Potassium Trace Bica rb o na te 31 0. 51 Magnesium Trace Sul fate 10 0 . 21 Ca lei um l 0.05 Sulfide Iron Chloride 16 0.45 Hydroxide Tota 1 Ca tion 1. 17 Total Anion 1. 17 Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 68 Observed pH 6.8 Specific resistance at 68 OF 220.0 ohm meters 53 54 TABLE 19. -Analyses of water from Oil Creek Sample from: Well __ _ Stream X Seep Other --- Area Qi 1 Creek Location NE 1/4, Sec . 10, T29S, R40W {SM) Quadrangl e_K_ar_l_u_k ____ _ Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date sampled 6/74 -------- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained about 50 feet below juncture of drainage from Seep A and Seep B at head of Oil Creek. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm ~----------------------------- Provided by ~--------------------------- Special results: Oil content, mg/1---0.2 Analysis: Cations Mg/1 iter Meg/liter Anions Mg/1 i ter Meg/liter Sodium 37 1.61 Carbonate 0 Potassium Trace Bicarbonate 67 1.10 Magnesium Trace Sulfate Trace Ca lei um 0.05 Sulfide Iron Chloride 20 0.56 Hydroxide Total Cation 1.66 Total Anion 1.66 Total dissolved solids, Mg/1 iter 91 Observed pH 6.9 Specific resistance at 68 OF 124.0 ohm meters TABLE 19. -Analyses of water from Oil Creek--Continued Sample from: Well Stream X Seep Other --- Area SE 1/4, Sec . 25, T29S, R40W (SM) Location Karl uk ----------- Quadrangle Karluk -------- Pertinent data regarding sample: --------- Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date samp l ed_6 ... L ...... Z ...... 4 _____ _ Sample obtained at mouth of Oil Creek. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ----------------~ Special results: Oil content, mg/1---< 0.1 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/liter Meg/liter Sodium 18 0.78 Carbonate 0 Potassium Trace Bi carbonate 24 0.39 Magnesium Trace Sul fate Trace Ca lei um Trace Sulfide Iron Chloride 14 0.39 Hydroxide Total Cation 0.78 Total Anion 0.78 Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter __ 44 __ Observed pH 6:7 Specific resistance at 68 °F 164.0 ohm meters 55 56 TABLE 20. -Analyses of oil from Oil Creek bitumen Seep _x __ Other ---Sample From: Well ---Stream __ _ Area Oil Creek Location NE 1/4, Sec. 10, T29S, R40W (SM) Quadrangle Karluk --'"";;:..;...;--=...;-------~ Sampled byU.S. Bureau of Mines Date Sampled 6/73 ~-------~- Pertinent Data Regarding Sample: Sample obtained from bitumen deposit buildup near Seep A. Analysis: Performed by U.S. Bureau of Mines ---~-----------------------------~-- General Characteristics: Specific gravity@ 60/60 °F. A.P.I. gravity@ 60°F. Saybolt Universal Viscosity @ 70°F., seconds Saybolt Universal Viscosity @ 100°F., seconds B. s. and water> % by volume Pour point, °F. Total sulphur, % by weight Nitrogen Dis t:illa tion 0.977 13. 3 - Not determined Not determined Not determined Not determined 0 .12 0 .27 Recovery, % IBP T t oF. empera ure, Recovery, % 55 T t oF. empera ure, 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 ~ Approximate Recovery (\ 300° E.P. gasoline, % 392° E.P. gasoline, % 500° E.P. distillate, 7. 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 E~P. Recovery, % Residue, % Loss, i. TABLE 20. -Analyses of oil from Oil Creek bitumen--Continued (See pertinent Sample From: Well Stream Seep Other data) Area Oil Creek Location SE l/4 , Sec. 10, T29S, R40W (SM) Quadrangle ~~~~~~~-- Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date Sampled -~6'-17:...:3~----- 57 Pe r tinent Data Regarding Sample : Sample obtained from mound ~uspected o~ being transported to well site from.main bitumen deposit for purpose of fueling boiler . Analysis: Perfo~d by U.S. Bureau of Mines .....;::,.~~~....;;.,;,:---------~~-~-~ General Charac teristics: Specific g ravity @ 60/60 °F. A.P.I. gravity@ 60°F. Saybolt Unive rsal Viscosity @ Saybo lt Universal Viscosity @ B. s. and water, % by volume Pour point, °F. Total sulphur, % by weight Nitrogen,· % 70°F., seconds 100°F., seconds Distillation 1 .008 8 .9 Not determined Not determined Not determined Not determined 0.24 0 .27 Recovery, % IBP T t OF . empera ure, Recovery, % 55 T t OF. empera ure, 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Approximate Recoverz 300° E.P. gasoline, % 392° E .P. gasoline, % 500° E.P. distillate, % 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 E .P. Recovery, % Residue, % Loss, 7. __ !·-~!!.~·----- T. 29S. LAVA ····· ... Feat ly I! IS i l I ~-------------------~ ': . ' ... Ml. Oemion Mt. Lu "''· : ~ .. 3i 3lf "' "' • • a< a< -~-::-~---~-.:;:.:;----------~;:/~~::.---- _/··· FIGURE 7. -Demian Hills sampling loca t ions (ada pt ed from U.S. Geologica l Survey map of the Ugashik quadrangle), + V1 00 59 Rex Creek-Puale Bay Although no noticeable oil or gas seeps were observed on any of the forks or mainstream of Rex Creek, a blue-sheened water seep was observed near the south fork of Rex Creek. This seep was sampled, a~d the creek was sampled near its mouth. Analyses from Rex Creek waters are found in table 21. All of the creeks affected by the seeps previously discussed drain into the Pacific Ocean, on the western Gulf of Alaska. Two creeks with oil and/or gas seeps drain westward into Becharof Lake. The occurrence of these seeps is probably controlled by the same geologic conditions. Bear Creek-Becharof Lake A gas seep was located on Bear Creek downstream from the landing strip that serviced the drilling operations of the Bear Creek No. 1 exploratory well drilled in 1957-59. The seep was vigorous and the bubbles emerging from the base of the water pool were sufficient to ignite a flame despite a moderately strong west wind. An oil seep was also located on Bear Creek (fig. 4). The seep covers an area of about 100 feet by 150 feet. There are two separate seep ponds about 60 feet apart. There was no indication that oil was actively being seeped to the surface, although oil scum floated on the surface of the water and clung to the grass along the seep drainage. Occasionally, gas bwbbles rose sporad- ically to the surface through the water. The analyses of the gas and fluids from the Bear Creek seeps are found in tables 22-25. At the time of observation, the abandoned well site was found to be in excellent condition, with no seep of any kind emitting from the plugged hole. Salmon Creek-Becharof Lake No active discernable oil or gas seeps were observed on Salmon Creek (fig. 4). However, a sample of gas was obtained from a pool of water sur- rounding the surface casing of a plugged and abandoned well near the head of Salmon Creek. The emerging gas bubbles would not ignite. The gas and water analyses are given in tables 26 -27. Demian Hills The Demian Hills area can be located on the U.S. Geological Survey topo- graphic map series on the Ugashik quadrangle. The western flank of Mount Demian also had early-day oil exploration. Between 1923 and 1926, five wells were drilled near the oil seeps between Ugashik Creek and Little Ugashik Creek. This area is often referred to as the Pearl Creek dome (fig. 7). Information regarding these wells is given in table 28. 60 TABLE 21.-Analyses of water from Rex Creek Sample from: Well Stream X Seep __ _ Other --- Area Rex Creek Location SE 1/4, Sec. 30, T29S, R40W (SM) Quadrangle Karl uk -------- ------ Sa mp 1 ed by __ u_. S_._B_ur_e_a_u_o_f_M_ines Date sampled --------6/73 Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained near the head of the South Fork of Rex Creek Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ________________ _ Special results: Oil content, mg/1---9.6 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/ 1 i ter Meg/liter Sodium 22 0.94 Carbonate 0 Potassium 1 0.03 Bi carbonate 38 0.62 Magnesium 1 0.08 Sul fate Trace Ca lei um 2 0.08 Sulfide Iron Chloride 18 0. 51 Hydroxide Total Cation 1.13 Total Anion 1.13 Tota 1 dissolved solids, Mg/liter 63 Observed pH 6.5 Specific resistance at 68 Of 220.0 ohm meters TABLE 21. -Analyses of water from Rex Creek--Continued Sample from: Well Stream X Seep Other --- Area Rex Creek Lo cation NW 1/4, Sec. 21, T29S, R40W (SM) Quadrangl e_ ...... Ka .... r_..l .... u ..... k ___ _ ------ Sampled by U.S . Bureau of Mines Date sampled 6/73 -------- 61 Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained about 1 mile upstream from mouth of Rex Creek. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ----------------- Special results: Oil content, mg/1---4.4 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/liter Meg/liter Sodium 23 0.98 Carbonate 0 Potassium 0.03 Bi carbonate 43 QI Zl Magnesium 0.08 Sul fate 2 0.94 Calcium 0.05 Sulfide Iron Chloride 14 0.39 Hydroxide Tota 1 Cation 1.14 Total Anion 1.14 Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 63 Observed pH 6.5 Specific resistance at 68 OF 140 .0 ohm meters 62 TABLE 22.-Analys i s of gas from Bear Creek gas seep Well Stream Other Sample from: ------Seep __ x_ ---- Area Becharof Lake Samp l ed by U.S . Bureau of Mines Location SW l / 4, Sec . 35 1 T29S, Date samp 1 ed __ 6...:../_7_4 _____ _ R41W (SM) Quadrangle Karluk -------- Pertinent data regarding sample: Samp le obtained from active gas seep on Bear Creek downstream from Bear Creek well drilling site. Analysis: Performed by U.S . Bureau of Mines ~-----~------------ Provided by --~---------------- Spec i a 1 results: Analysis: Methane 85 .3% Norma 1 Pentane 0.0 % Oxygen 0.0 % Ethane 0.0% Isopentane 0.0 % Argon 0.2 % Propane 0.13 Cyclopentane 0.0 % Hydrogen 0 .0 % Norma 1 Butane 0.03 Hexanes Plus 0 .0 % H2S 0.0 % Isobutane 0.0% Nitro gen 14.3 % C02 0. 1 % Helium 0.01% Total 100 .0 % Calculated gross Btu/cu . ft . , dry at 60°F. and 30" mercury 867 Spec if ic Gravity 0.622 TABLE 23.-Analyses of water from Bear Creek oil seep Well Stream x Other Sample from: ------Seep ------ Area Becha rof Lake Location NE 1/4, Sec. 34, T29S, R41W (SM) Quadrangle Karluk ----~--..;.. ____ _ Samp 1 ed by __ u_. s_. _B_ur_e_a_u_o_f_M_i nes Date sampled 6/7 3 -------- Pertinent data regarding sampl e : Sample obtained from pond area of dormant oil and gas seep on Bear Creek. Analysis: Performed by CorTTTiercial firm ------------------------------- Provided by -------------------------------- Special results: Oil content, mg/1---18 .l Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/liter Meg/liter Sodium 28 1. 21 Carbonate 0 Potassium 1 0.03 Bi carbonate 73 1.20 Magnesium 2 0 .16 Sulfate Trace Ca lei um 9 0.36 Sulfide Iron Chloride 20 0.56 Hydroxide Total Cation 1. 76 Total Anion 1. 76 Total dissolved so lids, Mg/liter 96 --- Observed pH 6.7 Specific resistance at 68 °F ohm meters ---95 63 64 TABLE 23. -Analyses of water from Bear Creek oil seep--Continued Sample from: Well ---Stream ---Seep ---Other_x __ Area Becharof Lake Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines LocationNE 1/4, Sec. 34, T29S, R41W (SM) Date samp 1 ed.__,;6:;.(./,...;..7..;;..3 ____ _ Qua dra ng l e._u.iKa"'"'r...r..l.u.11"-k ___ _ Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from small trickle stream which drains the seep area into Bear Creek. Analysis: Performed by_Co_m_m_e_r _c ,_· a_l_f_i r_m _________ _ Provided by ----------------- Special results: Oil content, mg/1 ---4.1 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/liter Meg/liter Sodium 26 1.14 Carbonate 0 Potassium Trace Bi carbonate 50 0.82 Magnesium 0.08 Sul fate 5 0 .10 Ca lei um 3 0. 12 Sulfide Iron Chloride 15 0.42 Hydroxide Total Cation 1. 34 Total Anion 1. 34 Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 75 --- Observed pH 7.2 Specific resistance at ~°F ohm meters ---170 .0 TABLE 24.-Analysis of oil from Bear Creek oil seep Sample From: Well ---Stream Area Becharof Lake Location NE 1/4, Sec. 34, T29S, R41W (SM) Quadrangle Karl uk ---------- Seep X ---Other ------ Sampled by U.S. Bureau of ~ines 6/73 Date Sampled -----~----- Pertinent Data Regarding Sample: Sample obtained from heavy tar-like substance clinging to vegetative debris floating on pond of seep area. Analysis: Commercial firm General Characteristics: Specific gravity@ 60/60 °F. A.P.I. gravity@ 60°F. Saybolt Universal Viscosity @ 70°F., seconds Saybolt Universal Viscosity @ 100°F., seconds B. s. and water, % by volume Pour point, °F. Total sulphur, % by weight Dis ti lla ti on 0.9705 14.3 Not determined Not determined 56 Nat determined 0.59 Recovery, % IBP T t OF. empera ure, 550 Recovery , % 55 T t oF. empera ure, s 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Approximate Recovery 300° E.P. gasoline, % 392° E.P. gasoline, % 500° E.P. distillate, 7. 564 578 588 590 600 0 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 E .P. Recovery, % Residue, % Loss, % 25 .0 75.0 0 65 66 TABLE 25.-Analysis of water from Bear Creek Sample from: Well ---Stream ---x Seep __ _ Other Area Becharof Lake Location SE 1/4, Sec. 20, T29S, R41W (SM) Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date sampled 6/74 -------- Quadrangle Karluk -------- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained in Bear Creek about 4 miles upstream from Bear Creek mouth. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by --------------------- Special results : Oil content, mg/1---0.l Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/liter Meq/1 iter Sodium 14 0.61 Carbonate 0 Potassium Trace Bicarbonate 24 0.39 Magnesium Trace Sul fate 2 0.04 Ca lei um 0.05 Sulfide Iron Chloride 8 0.23 Hydroxide Total Cation 0.66 Total Anion 0.66 Tota 1 dissolved solids, Mg/liter 37 Observed pH 6.8 Specific resistance at 68 Of 173 .0 ohm meters TABLE 26.-Analysis of gas from Salmon Creek gas seep See pertinent Sample from: Well ---Stream ---Seep Other data Area Becharof Lake-Salmon Creek Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Location SE 1/4. Sec. 10. T30S, Date sampled __ 6_,_/_7_3 _____ _ R41W (SM) Quadrangle Karluk -------- Pertinent data reg a rd i ng samp 1 e : Samp 1 e obtained from poo 1 of water surrounding surface casing of abandoned exploratory well. Analysis: Performed by U.S. Bureau of Mines ~---------------------- Provided by ~------------------- Specia 1 results: Analysis: Methane 18.9 % Normal Pentane 0.0 % Oxygen 0.4 % Ethane 0.2 % Isopentane 0.0 % Argon Q,Q % Propane 0. l % Cyclopentane 0.0 % Hydrogen Q.Q % Norma 1 Butane 0.0 % Hexanes Plus 0.0 % H2S Q.Q % Isobutane 0.0 % Nitrogen 3.0 % C02 7Z ,J % Helium Q,Ql % Total 22.9 % Calculated gross Btu/cu. ft., dry at 60°F. and 30" mercury 198 Specific Gravity 1. 324 67 68 TA BLE 27.-Analysis of water from Salmon Creek gas seep See pertinent Sample from: Well Stream Seep Other data Area Becharof Lake-Salmon Creek Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Location SE 1/4, Sec. 10, T30S, R4 1W (SM) Quadrangle Karluk -------- Date samp 1 ed_6_/_73 _____ _ Pertinent data regarding sample: Water sample obtained from pool of water surrounding surface casing of abandoned exploratory well. Analysis: Performed by_C_o_m_m_e_rc_i_a_l _f_i_r_m _________ _ Provided by ____________ __: ___ _ Special resu l ts: Oil content, mg/l ---7.6 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Mg/1 i ter Meq/l iter Sodium 116 5.03 Carbonate 0 Potassium · 3 0.08 Bi carbonate 183 3.00 Magnesium 5 0.41 Su l fate Trace Ca lei um 9 0.36 Sul fide Iron Ch loride 102 2.88 Hydroxide Total Cation 5.88 To.ta 1 Anion 5.88 Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 325 · Observed pH 7.0 Specific resistance at 68 OF 25.0 ohm meters 69 TABLE 28. -Wel l s drilled in Demian Hills area Com-Total Company Well Location1 Spudded pleted depth, Status feet Standard Oil Lathrop SE1/4SE1/4 sec 17, 1923 1923 500 Plugged and Co. of No. 1. T 29 S, R 43 w. abandoned. California. Do ........... Lee 1,600' E of SW 3/19/23 1/16/26 5,034 Do. No . 1. corner, sec 20, T 29 S, R 43 W. Do ........•.. McNally 2 ,000 I S > 500 ' E 1925 1925 510 Do. No. 1. of NW corner, sec 29, T 29 S, R 43 W. Tidewater Assa-Alaska 800' N of SW ciated Oil Co. Well corner, sec 20, 1/18/23 1/16/26 3 ,033 Do . No. 1. T 29 S, R 43 W. Do ........... Finnegan 1, 854 I S' 1, 074 I w 4/6/23 6/30/23 560 Do. No . 1. of NE corner, sec 30, T 29 S, R 43 W. lBased on Seward meridian. The old oil exploration camp on the west flank of Mount Demian was checked for active oil seeps. None were found. Several mounds of a tarlike substance were found near the remains of the drilling equipment . Since no other evidence of oil seeps were discovered, it was surmised that the bitumen was transported from other areas, perhaps the Oil Creek seeps to the east, and used as boiler fuel. Analysis of water taken in and near the Demian Hills camp and analysis of a gas seep found west of Demian Hills camp are found in tables 29-30. Gas Rocks Gas Rocks is located on the south shore of Becharof Lake (fig. 8). The area can be found in the U.S. Geological Survey topographic map series on the Ugashik quadrangle. This area has gas seeps emanating underwater offshore. No wells have been dril l ed near the area. An interesting seep area was observed just offshore of Gas Rocks on the south shore of Becharof Lake . A vigorous natural gas seep was observed at this location, obviously the reason for the geographic nomenclature of the area. Numerous fractures or cracks can be seen on the lake bottom in an area the size of which could not be definitely determined because of wave and wind action on the water. Bubbles are emitted continuously, and can even be observed on a relatively windy day. It is difficult to determine the areal extent of the seep area . Local residents claim that in the winter, the bubbles of gas keep the area free of ice. A sample was obtained and the analysis is found in table 31. 70 TABLE 29.-Analyses of water from Demian Hills area Well Stream Other X Sample from: ------Seep ------ Area Mt. Demian Location NE 1/4, Sec. 29, T29S, R43W (SM) Quadrangle Ugashik -------- Sampled by U.S . Bureau of Mines 6/73 Date sampled -------- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from spring area about 500 yards NW of camp. Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ________________ _ Special results: Oil content, rng/1---2 3.3 Analysis: Ca tions Mg /liter Meg/liter Anions Sod ium 166 Potassium 3 Magnesium 3 Calcium 1 Iron Tota 1 Cation 7.22 0.08 0.25 0.05 7.60 Carbonate Bicarbonate Sulfate Sulfide Chloride Hydroxide Tota 1 Anion Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 423 Obse rved pH 7. 2 Mg/liter Meg/liter 0 317 5.20 34 0. 71 60 1.69 7.60 Specific resistance at 68 °F 31.0 ohm meters TABLE 29. -Analyses of water from Demian Hills area--Continued Sample from: Well Stream X Seep __ _ Other --- Area Mt. Demian Location SW 1/4, Sec . 20, T29S, R43W (SM) Quadrang 1 e_Ug~a.;..;;s..;..h_i k ____ _ --- Samp led ~Y U.S . Bureau of Mines Date sam pled 6/73 -------- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from spring seep area feeding into Little Ugashik Creek. Analysis: Performed by__...c ..... omwim=e ..... r_,,.c~i a..:....l.:.._.:.f...!,.i .:...:rm.,:.:..._ ________ _ Provided by -------------------- Special results: Oil content, mg/1---3.1 Analysis: Cations Mg/l iter Meg/liter Anions Mg/liter Meg/liter Sodium 25 1.08 Carbonate 0 Potassium 1 0 .03 Bicarbonate 43 0. 71 Magnesium 0.08 Sul fate 2 0.04 Ca lei um 3 0 .12 Sulfide Iron Chloride 20 0.56 Hydroxide Total Cat ion 1. 31 Total Anion 1. 31 Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 73 --- Observed pH 6.5 Specific resistance at 68°F ohm meters ---170 .0 71 72 TABLE 29. -Analyses of water from Demian Hills area--Continued Stream X Sample from: Well ---Seep ---Other --- Area Mt. Demian Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Locatio nSec. 30, T29S, R43W (SM) Date sampled 6/74 -------- Quadrangle Ugas hi k -------- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained in Ugashik Creek below Demian Oil camp . Analysis: Performed by Commercial firm Provided by ________________ _ Special results: Oil content, mg/1---0.1 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg /liter Anions Mg/liter Meg/liter Sodium 12 0.54 Carbonate 0 Potassium Trace Bicarbonate 21 0 .34 Magnesium Trace Su l fate Trace Ca lei um Trace Sulfide Iron Chloride 7 0 .20 Hydroxide Total Cation 0. 54 Total Anion 0. 54 Total dissolved solids , Mg/liter 29 --- Observed pH 6.7 Specific resistance at ~°F 394 .0 ohm meters --- 73 TABLE 29. -Analyses of water from Demian Hills area--Continued Sample from: We11 ---Stream X Seep __ _ Other --- Area Mt. Demian Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Location Sec. 24, T29S, R44~J (SM) Date sampled _ __.;6:...:..../...;_7_4 ____ _ Quadrangle Ugashi k ~-=-------- Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained about 1 ,000 feet below fork of Ugashik and Blue Creeks. Analysis: Perf armed by Commerci a 1 firm Provided by ________________ _ Special results: Oil content, mg/1---0.1 Analysis: Cations Mg/liter Meg/liter Anions Sodium 44 Potassium Trace Magnesium Trace Ca lei um Iron Total Cation 1. 91 0.05 1.96 Carbonate Bi carbonate Sulfate Sulfide Chloride Hydroxide Tota 1 Anion Total dissolved solids, Mg/liter 113 Observed pH 6. 5 Mg/liter Meg/liter 0 26 0.43 2 0.04 53 1.49 1.96 Specific resistance at 68 °f 59 · 5 ohm meters 74 TABLE 30.-Analysis of gas from Demian Hills area Sample from: Well ---Stream ---Seep __ X_ Other ___ _ Area Mt. Demian Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Location Sec . 13, T29S , R44W (SM) Date sampled 6/74 ---------- Quadra ng 1 e Ugashi ~~--=---· _ n--=- Perti nent data regarding sample: Sample obtained about 1/4 mile west of Blue Creek. Analysis: Performed by U.S. Bureau of Mines ------------------~ Provided by ------------------~ Special results: Analysis: Methane 7.2 % Norma 1 Pentane 0.0 % Oxygen 1.8 % Ethane 9.0 % Isopentane 0.0 % Argon 0.3 % Propane Trace : Cyclopentane 0.0 % Hydrogen 0.0 % Norma 1 Butane 0.0 % Hexanes Plus 0.0 % H2S 0.0 % Isobutane 0.0 % Nitrogen 20.6 % C02 70. 1 % Helium Trace % Total 100.0 % Calculated gross Btu/cu . ft . , dry at 60°F. and 30 11 mercury 73 Specific Gravity 1. 335 TABLE 31 . -Analysis ·of gas from Gas Rocks seep Well Stream Other Sample from: Seep---'X-'------- Area Gas Rocks , Becharof Lake LocationN~J 1/4 , Sec. 9, T27S, R44W (SM) Quadra ng 1 e_U..._ga_s_h_i _k ____ _ Sampled by U.S. Bureau of Mines Date sampled 6/74 -"----------~ Pertinent data regarding sample: Sample obtained from vigorous wide - spread seep offshore from Gas Rocks in Becharof Lake. Analysis: Performed by U.S. Bureau of Mines --"--'--~~~-'---'-----'----------~ Provided by ------------------~ Special results: Analysis: Methane 0. 1 % Norma 1 Pentane 0.0 % Oxygen 3.0 % Ethane Q.O % Isopentane 0.0 % Argon 0.2 % Propane Trace % Cyclopentane 0.0 % Hydrogen 0.0 % Normal Butane 0 .0 % Hexanes Plus 0.0 % H2S 0.0 % Isobutane 0.0 % Nitrogen 12.3 % C02 84 .5 % Helium Trace % Total 100 .1 % Calculated gross Btu/cu . ft . , dry at 60°F. and 30 " mercury 1. Specific Gravity 1. 447 75 :-0 <P:' '1' I I I I I ' ~z-=· SI ... .. ... ---Gas Rocks Seep Area -tso' 0 ;··· .. 0 ~LAV ··~. c.-. •. . . . : ~v~ ~-------------r=-~~~~-t-t--~~~rl::::::=lr--~~~~~f-~~~~-"':"-t::-~~~~~-;.--LJ'~-t~-r-r-~~-r~-t~~~-~28t. FIGURE 8. -Gos Rocks. 77 OBSERVATIONS Of the areas investigated for oil and gas seeps on the Alaska Peninsula, only the seeps at the head of Oil Creek between the Pacific Ocean and Becharof Lake were active enough to be deemed significant. The seeps found on the creeks of the Iniskin Peninsula probably are active, as evidenced by fresh oil floating on seep ponds and a continual rainbow sheen being swept into the drainage creek, Well Creek. However, there was no visual sign , such as gas bubbling or a fresh froth floa ting on the ponds . Although bitumen content in some analyses ran quite high at the site of the seep , analyses of the water at the mouth of the creeks draining s eeps did n ot i ndicate a high degree of bitumen being carried to the terminal water; that is, Pacific Ocean, Becharof Lake, etc. No oil was found on the beach of Puale Bay . Lus h, green growth at seep sites often obscured the seep itself. In particular, the growth of grass through and on top of the asphalt deposit at Oil Creek was a stark and colorful contradiction to the barren surroundings . No attemp t was made to determine whether the resultant g r owth on or near seeps was because of or in spite of the bitumen escaping. 78 APPENDIX . --METHOD OF DETERMINING AMOUNT OF OIL IN WATER 1 Preparation of sample: Place the sample, usually 1,000 ml, in a sepa- ratory funnel of sufficient size to allow the addition of acid and solvent while still leaving space for proper agitation. Acidify the sample with 5 ml sulfuric acid per liter of sample. Extraction with organic solvent:2 Rinse the sample bottle carefully with 15 ml organic solvent and add the solvent washings to the separatory funnel. Add an additional 25 ml solvent to the separatory funnel; shake vigorously for 2 min. Allow the organic layer to separate. Withdraw the aqueous portion of the sample into a clean container and transfer the solvent layer into a clean, tared distilling flask capable of holding at least three volumes of solvent. If a clear solvent layer cannot be obtained, filter the solvent layer into the tared distilling flask through a funnel containing a solvent-moistened Whatman No. 403 (or equivalent) filter paper. Use as small a funnel and filter paper as practical. After all the solvent from the two extractions and the final rinsing have been added, wash down the funnel and filter paper twice with fresh 5-ml increments of solvent. Return the sample to the separatory funnel and rinse the container with 15 ml solvent. Add the solvent washings and an additional 25 ml solvent to the separatory funnel, and agitate for another 2 min . Allow the solvent layer to separate, and discard the aqueous phase . Add the organic extract to the tared distilling flask, and rinse the separa - tory funnel with 20 ml solvent. Add the solvent washings to the tared dis- tilling flask. Solvent removal: Distill off all but approximately 10 ml of the solvent extract by a water bath or electric heating mantle, observing all necessary safety precautions and keeping the heat source at the proper boiling point . Disconnect the condenser an<l boil off the remaining solvent from the tared flask at the same temperature. Dry on a water or steam bath. When dry, lay the flask on its side to facilitate the removal of solvent vapor. Introduce approximately three volumes of dry illuminating gas into the flask to displace the solvent vapor. Cool in a desiccator for 30 min and weigh. Calculation: If the organic solvent used is known to be free of residue, the gain in weight of the tared distilling flask is mainly due to oil and grease. The total gain in weight, A, of the tared flask less the calculated residue, B, f r om the solvent, as determined by the distillation or evaporation of a measured quantity, indicates the amount of oil or grease in the water sample: . (A -B) X l, 000 mg/l oil or grease = 1 1 . m samp e lAmerican Public Health Association. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. New York, 13th ed ., 1971, 874 pp . 2 Solvent used was trichlorotrifluoro ethane. 3 Reference to specific trade names is made for identification only and does not imply endorsement by the Bureau of Mines. INT.-BU.OF MINES,P G11.,PA. 210 13 <>U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 197&-603-7$5/89 3340000001885W IIII i{I II!II� II! II IIS II III! II II II I II II Juneau Mineral Info Center OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION ON THE INISKIN PENINSULA, ALASKA By Donald P. Blasko Alaska Field Operation Center Anchorage, Alaska *****************************Open File Report 69-76 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Thomas S. Kleppe, Secretary BUREAU OF MINES Thomas V. Falkie, Director (09--2(0 CONTENTS ILLUSTRATIONS Fi Index map of Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2. Iniskin Peninsula, Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 TABLES 1. Wells drilled on the Iniskin Peninsula. . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2. Analysis of gas from Bowser Creek well. . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Juneau Mineral Information Ctr. Bureau of Land Management 100 Savikko Road, Mayflower Is Douglas, AK 99824 i Page Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Land status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Geologic potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Seeps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Drilling, Oil Bay and Dry Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Drilling, Fitz Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Vu 1 can i sm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Exploitation possibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 ILLUSTRATIONS Fi Index map of Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2. Iniskin Peninsula, Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 TABLES 1. Wells drilled on the Iniskin Peninsula. . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2. Analysis of gas from Bowser Creek well. . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Juneau Mineral Information Ctr. Bureau of Land Management 100 Savikko Road, Mayflower Is Douglas, AK 99824 i OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION ON THE INISKIN PENINSULA, ALASKA by Donald P. Blaskol/ ABSTRACT Oil and gas exploratory drilling was initiated in the Iniskin Penin- sula area in 1900 on the basis of oil and gas seeps which had been found there. Between 1900 and 1906, six holes were drilled in the Oil Bay -Dry Bay drainage area, the deepest going to 1,905 feet. All holes encountered oil and/or gas but commercial production was never attained. Between 1936 and 1939, a well was drilled on the Fitz Creek anticline to a total depth of 8,775 feet. That well produced enough qas to run the camp power plant and had good shows of oil. However, it was plugged and abandoned after strongly flowing salt water shut-off the potentially productive formations. Another well was drilled and tested at various times between 1954 and 1959. The Beal well was drilled to a total depth of 9,745 feet and again oil and gas shows were encountered throughout the hole. It was suspected that a heavy mud column adversely affected the potential reservoir sands by effectively plugging them and destroying permeability. The hole was plugged and abandoned. 1/ Petroleum engineer, Alaska Field Operation Center, Anchorage, Alaska. A well drilled in 1958-59, the Zappa No. 1, also encountered encourag- ing oil and gas shows but never attained commercial production. Flowing hot salt water and steam were encountered in the drilling of this well, and this may well have been the first well encounter with geothermal poten- tial in the State of Alaska. The Iniskin Peninsula remains an interesting area for possible hydro- carbon production as well as a promising geothermal resource area. INTRODUCTION Natural oil and gas seeps on the Alaska Peninsula led to "early -day" oil drilling in several areas of the Peninsula. One such area was the Iniskin Peninsula, located on lower Cook Inlet near the northern portion of the Alaska Peninsula. By 1975, nine wells had been drilled on the Iniskin Peninsula; all encountered encouraging oil and gas shows but none attained commercial production. Logs and drilling records were studied and it appears that all wells experienced common problems, including trouble with hole caving. All wells encountered encouraging gas formations at shallow depths, and the deeper wells encountered strong flows of salt water at depth. The last well drilled on the Iniskin Peninsula encountered hot salt water and steam. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The author wishes to express thanks to Robert G. Bottge, mining engineer and minerals economist, Bureau of "dines Alaska Field Operation Center (Juneau), for his candid suggestions regarding the preparation of this report and his contribution concerning mineral processing by exploit- ing geothermal and natural gas resources. LOCATION The Iniskin Peninsula lies on the west side of lower Cook Inlet V approximately 30 miles west of Homer on the Kenai Peninsula. It is located on the Iliamna quadrangle in the U.S. Geological Survey topographic map series (fig. 1). The Iniskin Peninsula is within a geologic province known as the Cook Inlet Mesozoic Province./ LAND STATUS Under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (Public Law 92-203, Section ll.(a)(3)), the Iniskin Peninsula was withdrawn for Native selec- tion under the definition of "Village Deficiency" lands. According to terms of the Act, villages were to make their selections by December 18, 1974. Most of the land on the Iniskin Peninsula has been selected by villages in the Cook Inlet region, although title to the land has not vet been conveyed (December, 1975). GEOLOGIC POTENTIAL The earliest accounts of petroleum activity in the Iniskin area are to be found in U.S. Geological Survey reports.!/ In addition, geologic investigations which resulted in a detailed stratigraphic section description of the area concluded that the Fitz Creek anticline was a structure favorable 2/ Miller, D., T. Payne, and G. Gryc. Geology of Possible Petroleum Provinces in Alaska. U.S. Geol. Survey Bull. 1094, 1959, 132 pp. 3/ Martin, G. C. The Petroleum Fields of the Pacific Coast of Alaska, With an account of the Berino River coal deposits. U.S. Geol. Survey Bull. 250, 1905, 64 pp. ,k3 4 l L� for the accumulation of oil.4/ In 1966, Detterman reviewed the work of previous geologic investigations and reported on the results of more recer field work on the Alaska Peninsula, as well as interpreting the geologic data obtained from wells drilled in the Iniskin Peninsula -5/ Although the Jurassic rocks could be considered good source rocks, and do contain oil and gas in the wells drilled, commercial production has not been attained. SEEPS Oil seeps were first noted on the Iniskin Peninsula during 1882.x/ Claims were staked near the headwaters of Bowser Creek and Brown Creek in 1892, but drilling never took place and claims were abandoned. During 1896, more claims were staked in the Oil Bay area and work was reportedly begun in 1898 by the Alaska Petroleum Company.7/ DRILLING, OIL BAY AND DRY BAY The earliest drilling on the Iniskin Peninsula began around the turn of the century near the seep areas. The first well was drilled to about 4/ Kirschner, C. E. and D. L. "linard. Geology of the Iniskin Peninsula, Alaska. U.S. Geol. Survey Oil and Gas Investigations Preliminary Map 95, 1949, 1 p. 5/ Detterman, R. L. and J. K. Hartsock. Geology of the Iniskin-Tuxedni Region, Alaska. U.S. Geol. Survey Professional Paper 512, 1966, 78 pp., 5 plates. 6/ Work cited in footnote 5. 7/ Work cited in footnote 5. C 1,000 feet and encountered natural gas in several zones all the way to total depth (table 1). Oil was encountered at around 700 feet, but a water zone below the oil-bearing strata had enough pressure to cut-off the oil flow. The well was subsequently plugged and abandoned. Three additional wells were drilled by the Alaska Petroleum Company between 1904 and 1906. One of the wells was drilled to only 450 feet and then abandoned. The other two wells had oil and gas shows, but were never completed as producers because of hole caving above the potentially productive zone. The Alaska Oil Company was formed in 1901, and began drilling on Brown Creek near some gas seeps in 1902. Two wells were drilled to shallow depths without success. It is assumed mechanical difficulties played a Dart in these drilline operations.$/ All of these "early -day" wells were drilled to the south and east of the Fitz Creek anticline about 5 miles south of Chinitna Bay (fig. 2). During 1973 and 1974, U.S. Bureau of "lines personnel located and observed remnants of oil wells drilled in the early 1900's. Seeps and seep areas were also investigated near what is now known as Well Creek (Iliamna C-1 quadrangle). A definite determination could not be made as to the activeness of the oil seeps. However, oil was seen rising to the surface of ponds and streams, and the waters draining the seep areas continually carried a rainbow sheen indicative of bitumen. Also, free oil was found floating on still ponds 8/ Work cited in footnote 5. r The greenish -colored oil varied TABLE 1. Wells drilled on the Iniskin Peninsula DRILLED BY --------- WELL NAME---------- LOCATION----------- SPUD --------------- COMPLETED---------- TOTAL DEPTH-------- STATUS------------- ALASKA PETROLEUM COMPANY NO. 1 NE 1/4, SW T. 6 S. , R. 1900 1903 1,000' Plugged and 1/4, Sec. 11 24 W., (SM) Abandoned DRILLED BY --------- ALASKA PETROLEUM COMPANY WELL NAME ---------- NO. 2 LOCATION ----------- SW 1/4, NW 1/4, Sec. 11 T. 6 S., R. 24 W., (SM) SPUD --------------- 1904 COMPLETED ---------- 1904 TOTAL DEPTH -------- 450► STATUS ------------- Plugged and Abandoned DRILLED BY --------- ALASKA PETROLEUM COMPANY WELL NAME ---------- NO. 3 LOCATION ----------- SW 1/4, NW 1/4, NW 1/4, Sec. 11 T. 6 S., R. 24 W., (SM) SPUD ---------------1904 COMPLETED ----------1904 TOTAL DEPTH --------9301 STATUS ------------- Plugged and Abandoned DRILLED BY --------- ALASKA PETROLEUM COMPANY WELL NAME ---------- NO. 4 LOCATION ----------- NW 1/4, SW 1/4, NW 1/4, Sec. 11 T. 6 S., R. 24 W.I. (SM) SPUD ---------------1906 COMPLETED ----------1906 TOTAL DEPTH --------1,905v STATUS ------------- Plugged and Abandoned TABLE l.- Wells drilled on the Iniskin Peninsula- Continued DRILLED BY --------- ALASKA OIL COMPANY WELL NAME ---------- NO. 1 LOCATION ----------- SE 1/43 T. 5 S. SPUD ---------------1902 COMPLETED ---------- 1902 TOTAL DEPTH -------- 320' STATUS ------------- Plugged DRILLED BY --------- WELL NAME---------- LOCATION----------- SPUD --------------- COMPLETED---------- TOTAL DEPTH-------- STATUS------------- DRILLED BY --------- WELL NAME---------- LOCATION----------- SPUD --------------- COMPLETED---------- TOTAL DEPTH-------- STATUS------------- DRILLED BY --------- WELL NAME---------- LOCATION----------- SPUD --------------- COMPLETED---------- TOTAL DEPTH-------- STATUS------------- NW 1/4, Sec. 35 R. 23 W., (SM) and Abandoned ALASKA OIL COMPANY NO. 2 NE 1/4, SW 1/4, Sec. 35 T. 5 S., R. 23 W., (SM) August, 1903 1903 Abandoned shallow depth Plugged and Abandoned INISKIN DRILLING COMPANY IBA NO. 1 1,500' W., 1125' N. of SW Corner Sec. 8, T. 5 S., R.23 W., (SM) 9/7/36 1939 8,775' Plugged and Abandoned ALASKA CONSOLIDATED OIL COMPANY, INC. INISKIN UNIT BEAL NO. 1 2,000' W., 1,700' N. of SE Corner Sec. 17, T. 5 S., R. 23 W., (SM) 8/4/54 1959 9,746' Plugged and Abandoned a TABLE 1.- Wells drilled on the Iniskin Peninsula - Continued DRILLED BY --------- ALASKA CONSOLIDATED OIL COMPANY WELL NAME ---------- INISKIN UNIT - ZAPPA NO. 1 LOCATION ----------- 2,370' S., 290' W. of NE Corner Sec. 18, T. 5 S., R. 23 W., (SM) SPUD --------------- 12/25/58 COMPLETED ---------- 11/7/61 TOTAL DEPTH -------- 11,231' STATUS ------------- Plugged and Abandoned 2 R. 2s W. A R. 23 W. R. 22 W. .k 1� T 5S. WSW* ftNI Peery A sit Reck Adapted from U. S.G.S. Iliamna quadrangle Figure 2.— Iniskin Peninsula, Alaska 10 in weathering characteristics, but some of the oil definitely looked "fresh." Active gas seeps were also found near the wells drilled on Bowser Creek and Brown Creek. Gas was observed bubbling up through the water inside the surface casing of an abandoned well on Bowser Creek and a sample was obtained. The analysis of this gas appears in table 2.9/ DRILLING, FITZ CREEK During 1936, a well was spud along Fitz Creek. The location of this well presumably was picked on the basis of the identification of a geologic anticline (Fitz Creek anticline). The well, called the Iniskin Bay Association No. 1 (IBA No. 1), was drilled by the Iniskin Drilling Company (sometimes referred to as the Havenstrite Oil Company). Drilling was done only during the summer and fall months, and it took three years to complete the well as a dry hole. However, oil and qas shows were encountered at intervals below a depth of ahout 4,700 feet to total depth of 8,775 feet. Near the end of the drilling year of 1938, several zones were tested in the interval between 5,604 feet and 7,156 feet. According to the log, the well "produced enough gas (10 p.s.i. per day) each day to run electric power plant." In successive shut-in and bleed -off periods, the well produced 15 barrels of light -green oil in one hour. An analysis of that oil was accompanied by the following comment on the analysis sheet: "This is a very high gravity (46.80 API) paraffin base crude, very rich in gasoline 9/ Blasko, D. P. Oil and Gas Seeps in Alaska. Alaska Peninsula, Western Gulf of Alaska. Bum-ines RI 8122 1975 (in press). 11 TABLE 2.- Gas analysis from Bowser Creek well Sample From: Well X Stream Area Iniskin Peninsula Location NW 1/4, sec. 11 T 6 S, R 24 W. (SM) Seep Other Sampled By US Bureau of Mines Date Sampled 6/7-� Quadrangle Iliamna Pertinent Data Regarding Sample: Dry hole well. Gas bubbling up through water in surface casing. Analysis: Performed by U.S. Bureau of Mines Helium Operations, Provided by Amarillo, Texas Special Results: Analysis: Methane 79.2 % % Ethane 0.0 % Hexanes Plus Propane Trace % 20.4 % Normal Butane 0.0 % Isobutane 0.0 % Normal Pentane 0.0 % Isopentane 0.0 % % Cyclopentane 0.0 % Hexanes Plus 0,0 % Nitrogen 20.4 % Oxygen 0.0 % Argon 0.2 % Hydrogen 0.0 % H2S 0.0 % CO2 0.1 % Helium 0.01 % Total 99.9 % Calculated gross BTU/cu.ft., dry at 60°F. and 30" mercury 802 Specific Gravity 0.641 12 with exceptionally low sulfur content." At the conclusion of this test, the well was shut-in for the year and bled once a month from December, 1938 to May, 1939. During these bleed -off periods, the well usually flowed salt water with some gas. Upon re-entering the well in May, 1939 and cleaning it out, the well flowed some qas and a little oil. Before drilling commenced, however, the oil and qas production ceased and the well flowed salt water at a rate of about three barrels per day. Additional drilling from 7,156 feet to a total depth of 8,775 feet encountered more oil and gas shows. Final testing of the well resulted in the well flowing only salt water. The well was plugged and abandoned. The log of the IBA No. 1 well also reveals that coal was encountered in thin veins. First encounter of coal veinlets occurred while drilling the interval between 1,519 feet to 2,501 feet. In one 3 -foot section of a core taken between 5,078 feet to 5,094 feet, the loq reported "much coal, gas and small qlohules of black oil." That depth was the last mention of coal in the log. Another well on upper Fitz Creek was started during 1954 by a group called the Iniskin Unit Operators. This well, called the Beal No. 1, was located to the southwest of the IBA No. 1 well. The well was drilled and tested during various periods between 1954 and 1959. Gas and oil shows began below 2,450 feet, and an operations report states that the interval from 2,454 feet to 2,585 feet was tested for gas production but was eventually cemented off in favor of attempting to establish oil production from lower depths. By the end of 1955, the well had been drilled to a total depth of 9,746 feet, with encouraging oil shows below 6,000 feet. 13 Testing took place during 1956 and 1957. Operations during 1957 consisted of cleaning out, perforating and testing selected intervals in the oil - saturated sediments between 6,300 and 9,600 feet, although the saturated interval extended to a total depth of 9,746 feet. A lack of permeability was thought to be the reason for not attaining commercial production. The operation report concluded that the lack of permeability could have been caused by adverse drilling methods. The report states that of the damaging factors, one was "....the high mud weight used in drilling the well and the excessive time during which this mud stood on the formations. Because of the caving shale condition, it was necessary to drill the hole with 105 -pound mud and the weight material used was Baroid. Baroid is a completely inert and insoluble substance with a high specific gravity (Ba SO4). It settles out of any fluid if given sufficient time and it is extremely difficult to remove it from the face of the formation or from any porous beds into which it has penetrated. The zones in Beal No. 1 were subjected to this action for two years prior to the current test. The second factor is the apparent high clay content in the sandstones in this area. Certain types of clay swell on contact with fresh water and seal any porosity that may be present. This is particularly true of clays associated with or derived from volcanic rocks. Sediments containing such clays have a tendency to slack and cave, and this was found to be true of the shales in the Beal well. The 9,100 foot zone contains volcanic tuff. For those reasons it may be that any potentially productive sands may have been sealed off by the water -base drilling fluid before the tests were made." On the basis of that possibility it was felt that production may have been attained if an oil base mud had been used. Recommendations were made to either hydra -frac the promising formations in the well or to deepen the 1n well using a different circulating medium such as an oil base mud or air. On the basis of the recommendations, a hydraulic fracture job was under- taken in 1959 by Alaska Consolidated Oil Company, Inc., who had taken over the operation from the original company. The fracturing job was confined to three zones: 9,131 feet to 9,442 feet, 6,871 feet to 7,350 feet, and 6,270 feet to 6,500 feet. No commercial production was attained, although the middle zone showed a small increase in high gravity black oil. The well was finally plugqed and abandoned in 1963. On Christmas Day, 1958, the Antonio Zappa No. 1 well was spud at a location approximately one-half mile south and east of the Beal well. Tie well was being drilled for the Iniskin Unit Operators by Alaska Consolidated Oil Company, Inc. Taking advantaqe of knowledge qained when drilling the Beal well, several drilling procedures were utilized to maximize the possibility of attaining production. Foremost of these was continuous drilling during winter as well as summer months so as not to leave mud in the hole which could possibly damage the potential oil- bearing formations such as was suspected in the Beal well. Shows of oil and gas were prevalent from 1,600 feet down to total depth of 11,231 feet, but commercial production was not attained. The well encountered stronqly flowing salt water at 9,740 feet. A situation which at the time of drillinq was nothina more than "hole trouble" can be looked at today with more than passing interest. The log of the Zappa well notes that on a drill stem test at 8,499 feet "....reopened and well flowed mud for 4-1/2 hours at 400 pounds. At end of 4-1/2 hours started 1C flowing hot salt water and steam at 375 pounds. Flowed steadily for 2 hours ate -shut-in. Killed well with 115 pounds mud ..." The Zappa No. 1 could be the first well drilled in Alaska to encounter geothermal potential, although this was thought to be of little significance at the time. The well was plugged and abandoned by Belco Petroleum Corporation who had taken over operations from .Alaska Consolidated Oil Company, Inc. VULCANISM Iliamna volcano is located approximately 20 miles north of the Iniskin Peninsula and has itself contributed to the geology and stratigraphy of the Iniskin Peninsula.10/ Augustine Island, also a volcano, is located about 20 miles to the south and a little west of the Iniskin Peninsula. The effect of the actions of this volcano on the Iniskin Peninsula is relatively unknown. Mention is made of these volcanoes only because of the unusual encounter of hot water and steam in the Zappa well. The proximity of these volcanoes and their potential influence on the surrounding area might enhance the geothermal resources of the area. A similar situation occurs in Northern Mexico at Cerro Prieto, about 14 miles south of Mexicali, Baja California, where a geothermal power plant is in operation. l/ This plant flashes hot water to steam and, in 1975, had a rated capacity of 75 MW. The wells supplying the power plant are located to the northeast of 10/ Work cited in footnote 5. 11/ Comision Federal de Electricidad. Cerro Prieto Underground Power. A CFE Editorial Booklet. 1974, 25 pn. 1A Laguna Volcano and to the southeast of Cerro Prieto Volcano. There is no doubt that these two manifestations cause and influence the underground geothermal resource. EXPLOITATION POSSIBILITIES The utilization of resources found on the Iniskin Peninsula, specifi- cally oil, gas or geothermal, should pose no great difficultues. Should oil be encountered in commercial quantities, several alterna- tives are available. A loading dock could conceivably be constructed from shore into Chinitna Bay where tankers could pick up the oil. Also, the oil could easily be barged from Chinitna Bay to several places such as the Drift River oil loading terminal, the Standard Oil Company of California oil loading terminal at North Kenai, or even to the refineries located at that point. Another possibility is barging from Chinitna Bay to Homer. A pipeline from the Iniskin Peninsula to any of the above mentioned areas is also feasible. If natural gas were to be found, again several possibilities exist for transmission and disposition. Depending, of course, on the reserves, a liquefaction plant could be built on the Iniskin Peninsula for shipping the liquefied gas elsewhere. A mine -mouth power generation plant is an alterna- tive. Another alternative is pipeline transmission to the Kenai Peninsula where the gas could be liquefied at existing facilities or used to augment feedstock supply to the petrochemical plant and/or commercial distribution system. 17 If geothermal potential is realized, several interesting possibilities exist for its development. Should the temperature be appropriate, power generation either by steam, fluid flashing to steam or binary system would be possible. Markets for electricity might be strictly local, such as a mineral processing plant built on the Iniskin Peninsula. The development of iron and copper deposits within forty miles of the Iniskin Peninsula may be enhanced by the existence of qeothermal resources on the Iniskin Peninsula. Iron ore claims exist on both sides of Iliamna Bay, near old Iliamna at the head of Iliamna Lake, and on the northeast and west sides of Meadow Lake which is just east of Iliamna Lake. Copper ore claims exist at Kasna Creek on the south side of Kontrashibuna Lake. An iron ore complex producing 2 million tons of pellets each year would require about 27,500 kW -hr per hour plus 150 Mcf of natural gas per hour.12/ A copper ore complex processing 40,000 tpd would require about 38,600 kW -hr per hour plus 684.6 Mcf per hour of natural gas.13/ The power requirements would require 10 and 12 wells for the iron and copper complexes, respectively, based upon 5,000 kW per well plus one disposal well for every two wells used for power.14 12/ U.S. BuMines. An Economic Evaluation of the Production of Iron Oxide Pellets from Magnetic Taconite Ore, Two -Million -Ton per year Plant. Process Evaluation Group Report No. 70-9-A, 1970, 33 pp. 13/ Bottqe, R. G. Comparative Porphyry Copper Mining and Processing Costs - Alaska Versus Arizona. BuMines IC 8656, 1974, 83 pp. 14/ Rosenbruch, J. C. and R. G. Bottge. Geothermal Energy: Economic Potential of Three Sites in Alaska. B04ines IC 8692, 1975, 40 pp. HE Electricity could also be transmitted to tie-in with existing facilities either by laying cable from the Iniskin Peninsula across Cook Inlet to Homer, or by tying -in at the Beluga Power Plant on the west side of the Inlet. Another possibility of geothermal utilization is for agricultural greenhouses built and operated on the Iniskin Peninsula. A combination of power generated from local natural pas and geothermal hot water for greenhouses would be an ideal situation for a viable industry. Such a possibility was determined feasible in a hypothetical case in other areas of Alaska.l5/ CONCLUSION On the basis of available geologic literature, logs and well drilling histories, the Iniskin Peninsula appears to be a unique area to explore for oil, gas, geothermal resources and, to a lesser degree, even coal. Should any one of these resources be found in commercial quantities, transmission in kind or in the form of energy poses less difficulty than in most other areas of the State. This is true because the Iniskin Penin- sula is near populated and industrial areas already containing facilities for resource utilization. The region's vulcanism and its effects, although basically unknown, have nonetheless already demonstrated a potential for geothermal potential. In particular, this area provides an opportunity to determine whether geothermal resources can be developed in Alaska. 15/ Work cited in footnote 14. 19 Explanation Page Permit Number 100-126 These well numbers (typically beginning with 100) precede the beginning of the Commission. No permits were issued and no formal folder of record (information) created. Information known to the Commission through other agencies, journals, reports, news or additional historical means has been collected and entered into a database of Well History information. If specific information exists, these pages may be filed in this folder. Occasionally, the information has been obtained from a report that may deal with a general area and many wells. If or when possible, we may be able to 'point' the person interested in this specific well to one or more of these information sources. However, at best, this will be incomplete and independent research should be conducted to locate, if available, further information about a particular well site.