bishop well incident
Background: At approximately 5:50 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2025, Chevron notified the Galeton Fire Protection District (GFPD) of an incident at an oil and gas facility south of Weld County Road 74. The Weld County Office of Emergency Management, in cooperation with Chevron, assisted the GFPD in the response and recovery efforts for the Bishop Well Incident. Multiple agencies and hundreds of people actively worked on the response and recovery of this event. A Chevron Management Team (PMT) is now in place and is working on reclamation activities.
This page serves as a repository of information for those impacted by the event and the general public. A list of all news updates can be viewed here.
what happened
The incident happened during the completions process when transitioning from installing a tubing hanger to installing an adapter flange lower master valve.
Our preliminary assessment indicates that the incident was caused by a failure of wellhead equipment at the surface and was not related to fracking or downhole operations. A root cause analysis into the precise cause of the incident is nearing completion. Chevron has installed a secondary barrier downhole during new tubing installations to mitigate against reoccurrence.
We will share the findings in accordance with regulatory agencies’ requirements.

The schematic is an approximation and not a detailed machine/manufacturing drawing.
ongoing efforts
As of May 25, 10 out of 14 residences who were temporarily relocated are back in their homes. We are actively working with the remaining four homeowners on next steps in the process.
For those residents that remain relocated, Chevron has and continues to provide housing and living accommodations.
Additionally, we continue to work with land and agricultural property owners to conduct agriculture assessments. Similar to residential properties, we will be conducting soil sampling to determine if any further work is needed.
Chevron continues to work individually with all property owners and tenants, providing specialized teams that are available in person throughout the week to help answer questions and concerns. Recognizing that each property requires a separate plan, we have assigned case managers to residents to help personalize and customize our approach.
In regard to the Bishop well site, we are continuing to move soil as part of our reclamation efforts.
community response
additional resources
If you have any questions, please contact coloradoinfo@chevron.com or call 303-318-6100.
For additional resources and updates, please visit our partner agencies: Weld County, EPA, and ECMC.
FAQ
overview
- On April 6, 2025, at approximately 6 p.m. MST, a well control incident occurred at a Chevron well location near Galeton, CO.
- On April 10, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m. MST, the well was contained and fluids were no longer being released from the well.
- On April 11, 2025, the well was secured, meaning that it was successfully sealed.
- On April 12, 2025, recovery efforts began and continue.
- On April 28, we transitioned from a Chevron Incident Management Team (IMT) to a Chevron Project Management Team (PMT).
- The incident happened during the completions process when transitioning from installing a tubing hanger to installing an adapter flange lower master valve. Our preliminary assessment indicates that the incident was caused by a failure of wellhead equipment at the surface and was not related to fracking or downhole operations. A root cause analysis into the precise causes of the incident is nearing completion. Chevron has installed a secondary barrier downhole during new tubing installations to mitigate against reoccurrence.
- We will share the findings in accordance with regulatory agencies’ requirements.
This took place during completions, and not during fracking. There was no pipeline failure. Chevron will communicate its findings to relevant agencies upon completion of its investigation.
- Our preliminary assessment indicates that the incident was caused by a failure of wellhead equipment at the surface and was not related to fracking or downhole operations. While our thorough root cause analysis is ongoing, Chevron has installed a secondary barrier downhole during new tubing installations to mitigate against reoccurrence.
- A root cause analysis into the precise causes of the incident is nearing completion. We will share the findings in accordance with regulatory agencies’ requirements.
response
- Immediate action was taken to assess the safety of employees, contractors, and the public. Unfortunately, one contractor employee was injured and treated at a local medical facility.
- Chevron immediately notified the Weld County Office of Emergency Management, local responders, and all appropriate regulatory agencies.
- As part of routine operations, Chevron has multiple air monitors in and around our locations. The night of the Bishop Well incident, our ongoing air monitoring was in place.
- At the direction of Unified Command (which at the time included Galeton Fire Department, EPA, Chevron, and Weld County Office of Emergency Management), Chevron conducted supplemental air monitoring and collected approximately 3,000 measurements. Additionally, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment deployed its Mobile Oil/Gas Optical Sensor of Emissions (MOOSE) air monitor unit. This mobile air monitor measures 10 or more different chemicals and air pollutants. Lab samples were collected over 24-hour periods, consistent with standard scientific methods and analyzed by certified third-party laboratories.
- Air monitoring continues in and around the area surrounding the site and the community, and all measurements we received from the laboratories have been below levels of concern.
- None of the other wells on location are currently producing, and all are in a safe state. They do not pose a safety risk at this time.
- A Unified Command managed the initial response, comprised of the Weld County Office of Emergency Management, Chevron, the Galeton Fire Protection District, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
- On April 28, Chevron transitioned from Incident Management Team (IMT) into a Project Management Team (PMT) approach.
- Participating agencies include Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, Weld County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Fire Prevention and Control, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Colorado Department of Agriculture, and the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
- The members of the Unified Command worked together to coordinate response efforts and share information. Chevron is currently managing the reclamation phase.
- On April 11, 2025, the Bishop Well was safely sealed, which fully secured the well. The well was initially contained at approximately 3:30 p.m. MST on April 10, 2025.
- The response to this incident began almost immediately and involved extensive planning and preparation to safely manage and resolve the incident.
- Air monitoring was conducted on and around the well site and in the voluntary exclusion zone. To date, all results remain below levels of concern.
- The incident site has been cleared and equipment demobilized, and reclamation activities continue.
- The discharge was approximately 80% water and 20% gas and oil.
- Chevron discloses the chemicals we use on a third-party site called FracFocus which is a public website.
community outreach
- Shortly after the incident started, local authorities initiated protocols to create a half-mile voluntary exclusion zone, reaching out to any residents in the area to alert them of the situation.
- Our priority remains getting those residents who have relocated back into their homes.
- We continue to make good progress in our cleaning efforts of both homes and properties and have multiple home cleanings in the final stages. The timing of the completion of home cleanings depends on the scope of work.
- Out of the 14 homes relocated within the voluntary evacuation zone, five residents are in their homes. We expect more residents to return to their home within a matter of days or weeks once the cleaning process is complete.
- Our cleaning process includes the use of a water and degreasing agent combination that is comprised of natural ingredients and is biodegradable. We are also using a mixture of Dawn detergent and water on vegetation. All liquids from the cleaning process are collected for disposal.
- Chevron has been working individually with all impacted property owners and tenants, providing specialized teams that are available in person throughout the week to help answer questions and concerns. Recognizing that each property requires a separate plan, we have assigned case managers to residents to help personalize and customize our approach.
- In regard to the Bishop well site, we are moving soil as part of our reclamation efforts.
impacted homeowners
- Bishop Well Incident Claims line at 877-359-1285
- We don’t expect there to be ongoing risks to your animals from any remaining residue. When the team assesses your residence, point out areas your pet accesses to determine the next steps, which can be addressed during the exterior cleaning phase.
- Should have any additional questions, please call Bishop Well Incident claims line at 877-359-1285.
claims process
- Chevron has established a claims line for potentially affected residents. If you have been impacted, please contact the Bishop Well Incident Claims Line at 877-359-1285
- Once your call is returned, a claims adjuster will advise you on how to proceed and the next steps.
health and safety
- Air monitoring continues in and around the area surrounding the site and the community, and all measurements we received from the laboratories have been below levels of concern.
- If you have health-related questions, you should contact your medical provider.
- Air monitoring continues in and around the area surrounding the site and the community, and all measurements we received from the laboratories have been below levels of concern.
- If you have questions about your specific situation or condition, you can call your medical provider.
livestock
- Air monitoring continues in and around the area surrounding the site and the community, and all measurements we received from the laboratories have been below levels of concern.
- If you have concerns about your livestock, contact your veterinarian. If you have been impacted, please contact the Bishop Well Incident Claims Line at 877-359-1285.
- Contamination of drinking water wells from this incident is unlikely.
- If you have concerns about your livestock, contact your veterinarian. If you have been impacted, please contact the Bishop Well Incident Claims Line at 877-359-1285.
- If you have concerns about your livestock, contact your veterinarian. If you have been impacted, please contact the Bishop Well Incident Claims Line at 877-359-1285.
environment
- As part of routine operations, Chevron has multiple air monitors in and around our locations. The night of the Bishop Well incident, our ongoing air monitoring was in place.
- At the direction of Unified Command (which at the time included Galeton Fire Department, EPA, Chevron, and Weld County Office of Emergency Management), Chevron conducted supplemental air monitoring and collected approximately 3,000 measurements. Additionally, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment deployed its Mobile Oil/Gas Optical Sensor of Emissions (MOOSE) air monitor unit. This mobile air monitor measures 10 or more different chemicals and air pollutants. Lab samples were collected over 24-hour periods, consistent with standard scientific methods and analyzed by certified third-party laboratories.
- Air monitoring continues in and around the area surrounding the site and the community, and all measurements we received from the laboratories have been below levels of concern.
- We are following the state’s regulatory requirements for soil and water sampling.
- Surface water samples are being collected upstream and downstream of the site. Ambient air samples continue to be collected.
- Chevron is not aware that any sources of drinking water have been affected.
- We have supported EPA and ECMC assessments and worked with the Corp of Engineers to help validate flow allowances into Willow Creek and our project team will continue to provide on-going support.
- It is unlikely that well water would be affected by this incident. If you have concerns about your well, Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment has a free testing program. You can learn more about this service on the Weld County website. However, the presence of any contaminants in your well water does not necessarily mean that your well was affected by this incident. A proper evaluation of the source of any contaminants would still have to be done.
- Numerous governmental agencies are monitoring this incident and wildlife in the area. This includes state veterinary services, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Colorado Department of Agriculture.
As part of the ECMC remediation and reclamation process, Chevron is required to provide an estimated date of completion. We provided a conservative estimate given that the sampling and plan development is still ongoing. The exact timeline of the remediation, monitoring, and reclamation steps for each site will be updated as we get additional data and finalize plans.
- Our priority remains getting those residents who have relocated back into their homes.
- We continue to make good progress in our cleaning efforts of both homes and properties and have multiple home cleanings in the final stages. The timing of the completion of home cleanings depends on the scope of work.
- Out of the 14 homes relocated within the voluntary evacuation zone, five residents are in their homes. We expect more residents to return to their home within a matter of days or weeks once the cleaning process is complete.
- Our cleaning process includes the use of a water and degreasing agent combination that is comprised of natural ingredients and is biodegradable. We are also using a mixture of Dawn detergent and water on vegetation. All liquids from the cleaning process are collected for disposal.
- Chevron has been working individually with all impacted property owners and tenants, providing specialized teams that are available in person throughout the week to help answer questions and concerns. Recognizing that each property requires a separate plan, we have assigned case managers to residents to help personalize and customize our approach.
- As required by ECMC, Chevron submitted a Form 27 (Site Investigation and Remediation Plans) estimating total barrels recovered from the incident. This reported volume of 101,077 barrels consists of liquids recovered from the well site. This includes liquid from equipment decontamination and stormwater collection. It is industry practice to report unit measurements in barrels. Chevron will continue to comply with all regulatory reporting requirements.
- Any remediation work potentially needed is still under development. Remediation work plans are submitted to ECMC for review prior to work commencing. Chevron remains fully committed to remediating the well site.
- Approximately 25,272 cubic yards of solids have been removed from the well site as part of the initial response activities. This removal activity continues as part of our overall recovery efforts.
- All recovered waste is transported to a third-party disposal site for proper disposal, which is consistent with normal operational activities. The volume of liquid recovered is a separate measurement than the liquid volume that was released from the well. The details of the well release are still under review.
- All recovered waste is transported to a third-party disposal site for proper disposal, which is consistent with normal operational activities.
- Yes.
- At Greeley Canal #2, Chevron along with NCLP (New Cache La Poudre), conduct weekly site walks along the canal performing visual impact assessments. Under an agreement with NCLP, we have also implemented a surface water sampling process to collect samples upstream and downstream of the site to determine if there are impacts. We cooperate with appropriate regulatory authorities to assess the data.
- At Willow Creek, we continue to collect samples taken from both upstream and downstream of the site. We cooperate with appropriate regulatory authorities to assess the data.
Updated: May 29, 2025