Plugging to Proceed on Abandoned Brine Wells in Hutchinson

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has approved the proposed plugging of 12 abandoned brine wells in Hutchinson. The wells are located in the vicinity of 11th and Chemical, 4th and Grand and the Big Chief Mobile Home Park. This area is also known as the Soda Ash site.

These wells were used from 1907 to 1921 to supply brine for use in the production of sodium carbonate. The wells will be cleaned out, logged and plugged by Honeywell, Inc. at no cost to taxpayers. The wells will be filled up to within approximately three feet below ground surface with a cement mixture from a depth that will result in effective protective plugging.

Barring any delays due to weather or other unforeseen delays, site preparation work such as excavating around the wellheads for access to the wells, removal of tree branches or other obstructions from around the wellheads and preparing the wellheads for logging will commence the week of October 13, 2003. Work to clean out, log and plug the wells is expected to begin the week of October 20, 2003.

Questions concerning the closure can be directed to Richard Harper with KDHE. He can be contacted by telephone at (785) 296-3565.

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