Occidental Petroleum said nearly 280 MMcf/d of gas production remains shut in at Elk Hills, the former Naval Petroleum Reserve, north of Bakersfield, CA, in the San Joaquin Valley because of a gas pipeline rupture, explosion and fire last Tuesday.

“The fires are out now, but the field is still 95% shut down,” said Occidental spokesman Lawrence Meriage. “It was averaging approximately 120,000 boe/d, with about 60% oil and 40% gas. We don’t know what caused the incident. It was a pipeline leak and then an explosion. Four contract workers were injured. Three were treated and released, but one had some serious burns and is [still hospitalized] in stable condition.”

Occidental said Friday that it was awaiting authorization from California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health to reenter the area to repair the affected gathering lines. “Preparations for the repairs are moving forward quickly, and the company plans to resume production within a few days.”

Sempra Energy said its Elk Hills gas-fired power plant went off line after the explosion. The 552 MW plant was not damaged by the explosion but was shut down because of the loss of fuel.

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