The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission proposed a $1.75 million penalty against Chevron for a well blowout last year at the Bishop A07-01 pad near Galeton. The cleanup could take four more years.

The 2025 blowout sent contaminated fluids — including light natural hydrocarbons, crude oil and brine — spewing up to 80 feet into the air for five days and affecting about 350 nearby properties.

The agency posted the proposed order Monday after a 10-month investigation into the April 6, 2025, incident. The commission will review and vote on the settlement at a public hearing March 18, 2026, at 9 a.m. via Zoom.

The blowout happened when well barriers failed, leading to an uncontrolled release of fluids from the wellbore. A contractor improperly assembled the production tree, causing a seal failure, according to the investigation’s findings. The tree assembly — a complex stack of valves, fittings and gauges that controls flow and pressure at the wellhead — fell on a technician, breaking his leg.

Wild Well Control, a Houston-based company specializing in blowout response and well capping, was brought in and stopped the flow by April 10, 2025. Chevron declared the well secure the next day.

Residents described the scene dramatically. Ashlea Dillard, who lives about a mile north of the pad, saw what she described as “a geyser, (like) a huge waterfall in your backyard” shooting up from the well pad as she drove by.

The Unified Incident Command, including Weld County responders, Galeton Fire Protection, Chevron and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, managed the initial emergency response. Twelve residents within a half mile were evacuated to hotels paid for by Chevron. A community meeting drew about 230 people, where residents complained about the lack of detailed information from officials.

ECMC took jurisdiction once the well was secured and has overseen remediation since. The agency approved Noble/Chevron’s remediation plans on April 17, 2025,

Chevron submitted more than 1,000 analytical reports in the first two months, documenting thousands of sample points for soil, groundwater and surface water.

As of February 2026, remediation is ongoing across 317 parcels within 1.5 miles of the site. Six parcels have been approved as fully remediated and compliant with ECMC standards.

Chevron must submit documentation for at least 100 more parcels to receive closure approval by April 1, 2026, and another 100 by June 1, 2026, or request extensions. Full remediation is expected by spring 2030.

The proposed penalty covers alleged violations of six ECMC rules, including well control, general safety, facility requirements, pollution prevention, water pollution and venting or flaring. ECMC issued a Notice of Alleged Violation on June 26, 2025.

Chevron is responsible for all remediation costs in addition to the penalty. The operator also faces potential civil claims from affected parties and a separate federal OSHA investigation. Colorado’s Natural Resource Damage Trustees are assessing potential environmental injuries that could lead to additional claims.

Chevron vice president Kim McHugh said in a statement: “We recognize the disruption and concern the Bishop Well incident has caused. Our top priority has always been – and continues to be – your safety and protection of the environment.”

The public may attend the March 18 hearing virtually and sign up in advance for oral comment. The agenda and Zoom details will be posted online. A recording will be available on ECMC’s YouTube channel shortly after.

Members of the public who wish to provide oral comment at any hearing are welcome to do so but must sign-up in advance.