Oklahoma Oil Company Shuts Down Disposal Well Threatening City's Water Supply

An Oklahoma oil company, BCE-Mach III Midstream Holdings LLC, has permanently plugged a disposal well near the city of Enid after regulators approved its operation in violation of state rules. The well, named the Flying Monkey, injected toxic oil field wastewater and was located just a quarter-mile from two municipal groundwater supply sites. State regulations prohibit such operations within a half-mile of public water wells unless a hearing ensures safety, but no hearing was held before the well's approval in 2018.

The city of Enid had filed a complaint in 2025, requesting the well's permit be revoked. On Sept. 14, the company sealed the well with a cast iron plug and over 200 sacks of cement. Eric Huddleston, an attorney for BCE-Mach III, stated the well was shut due to being 'underutilized and operationally unnecessary.' Enid officials were unaware of the closure until informed by reporters.

Frank Baker, an Enid city commissioner, expressed relief, calling the decision 'thrilling' given the well's proximity to vital water sources. The well had a history of structural integrity failures, with five test failures since 2021 and a reported leak in July. The investigation also identified two other nearby wells violating state distance rules, which remain active.

The issue extends beyond Enid, with at least 114 injection wells across Oklahoma located within a half-mile of public water supply wells, serving over 300,000 residents. Enid is also pushing for stronger regulations on wastewater disposal near its water supply, including wider distance buffers. The case will continue to be heard later this year.