Hidden Warning on Old Oil Well Sparks Questions Over Childhood Cancer Cases
A quiet, family-friendly neighborhood in Southern California is facing a troubling mystery. More than two decades ago, officials received a handwritten warning about a sealed oil well located beneath the community. Today, this old warning is raising new concerns among families who are dealing with a cluster of a rare type of childhood cancer.
A Forgotten Warning in Pencil
The warning was found on old paperwork used to close a historical oil well beneath the neighborhood. In two different places on the state permit, someone had written a note in pencil: "This well is not to be built over without further considerations." Another note had an arrow pointing to the message, stating that it should be added to the final letter.
The paperwork was signed by state oil and gas officials, including William F. Guerard Jr., Kenneth Henderson, and R.K. Baker, when the well was sealed in the early 2000s. An engineer named Floyd Leeson is believed to have written the pencil notes. However, the documents do not explain why building over the well was discouraged, or if anyone ever followed up on those concerns.
When asked about the notes, Henderson mentioned he did not remember writing them but suggested that the way the well was plugged might not have met modern standards. State conservation officials suggested the notes might have simply been a clerical mistake, though they did not explain why the message was supposed to be added to the final official letter.
Understanding the Health Concerns
The discovery of these notes has brought new attention to a painful issue in the community. Over an eleven-year period, at least six children and young adults in the area were diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. This is an extremely rare type of cancer that grows in the bones or the soft tissue around them.
Medical experts still do not know exactly what causes Ewing sarcoma. There is currently no proof that the closed oil well caused any of the cancer cases. However, a study by a Southern California university found that certain geographic areas had unusually high numbers of this disease, suggesting that environmental factors deserve a closer look.
Potential Risks From Abandoned Wells
An environmental health scientist from a nearby university explained that the handwritten warning should not be ignored. While the note does not prove the well is dangerous, it raises important questions about how the well was sealed and whether any gases are escaping.
When oil wells are not sealed correctly, or if they break down over time, they can create pathways for underground substances to rise to the surface. Some of these potential hazards include:
- Methane gas, which can be a safety hazard.
- Benzene and other volatile organic compounds, which are known to cause serious health problems.
- Other harmful hydrocarbons that can seep into the soil or air.
The scientist emphasized that there is a big difference between a potential hazard and actual exposure. To know if there is a real danger, experts must test the air, soil, and water to see if any harmful substances are actually reaching the places where families live.
Families Search for Answers
The neighborhood of about 24,000 people was built on what used to be a large cattle ranch. Construction began in the late 1990s, with thousands of homes planned. As the neighborhood grew in the early 2000s, old oil wells were sealed up to make room for new houses.
Today, local parents are determined to find out what is happening. Some parents, like Bonnie Regan, had never even heard of the rare cancer before their children became sick. Others, like Dustin Matteson, whose son tragically passed away from the disease, feel that residents have a right to know if something in their environment is unsafe. Another local parent, DeAnn Kling, believes that officials should look into everything, from the soil under their homes to the pesticides used on local lawns and school grounds.
The Official Response
State geological safety experts generally recommend that buildings should not be constructed directly on top of sealed oil wells. This keeps the area open for maintenance and reduces the risk of leaks. While modern sealing methods are highly effective, experts admit there is never a complete guarantee that a well will not leak over time.
The federal Environmental Protection Agency has stepped in to help. The agency is working alongside state and local health departments to investigate the situation. Federal officials confirmed they are taking the community's concerns seriously and are ready to provide technical support as the investigation moves forward. Local leaders, including a congressman and the district attorney, have also reached out to ensure the neighborhood gets the transparent answers it deserves.