Investigation of Benzene Concerns at the Pinedale Field Office

OIG initiated this investigation based on information we received from the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM), Pinedale Field Office (PFO), Pinedale, WY. PFO expressed concerns to the associate field manager about the presence of benzene at the Stewart Point oil and gas fields. These fields are regulated by BLM.

 

According to the complaint, BLM officials had identified and reported high levels of benzene near the town of Pinedale, WY. The Wyoming State Occupational Safety and Health Department conducted testing, which confirmed high benzene levels. As a result, PFO ceased tank gauging verification operations for 2 years.

 

We concluded that BLM is currently and actively addressing the benzene issue with several Government and industry organizations, and is monitoring other volatile, organic compounds. BLM also plans to address the benzene issue in an Instructional Memorandum that further identifies industry standards.

 

No OIG action was taken in this case. Information collected regarding the issue was provided to the OIG’s Energy Audits Unit for a potential follow-up review.