STAFFORD COUNTY – A host of state and federal agencies are investigating the spill of over 2,000 barrels of “produced” water from oil production into the Rattle Snake Creek about three miles upstream of the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Stafford County, said Matt Lara, communications director for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The spill was first reported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the refuge, at approximately 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, he said. The Kansas Corporation Commission is the lead agency on this spill with KDHE and Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 7 advising. 

“Approximately 90,000 gallons of produced water and minimal amounts of crude oil were discharged from a production pipeline over Rattlesnake Creek,” he said. “A stream advisory has been issued for Rattlesnake Creek for livestock watering due to potentially high chlorides.”

Lara said an adsorbent boom has been deployed across the creek to stop oil migration downstream. Adsorbents accumulate liquid on the surface of a solid material, unlike absorbents that soak the liquids into the materials.

In addition, a plan to dam the creek and pump contaminated water from it is being developed, he said.