There could be oil in those hills and down Brewton city streets – or at least that’s what Escambia County commissioners are hoping after approving a seismic survey permit with Nicholson Land Services Monday.
Online records show there are hundreds of wells permitted through the state oil and gas board. Signs on U.S. Hwy. 29 North point the way to pumping wells.
Figures provided to The Brewton Standard show from 2009 to 2014, the county, municipalities and schools shared in some $21.2 million in oil revenue from local fields.
The biggest, the Little Creek and Brooklyn fields, were discovered in the early 90s, and the boundaries of the fields continue to be tested to this day.
Todd Gobel with Nicholson Land Services said Monday workers will soon begin exploring 140 square-miles of land in the east area of the county.
“Of course, we’d like to do more and maybe move over to the west side, but there is only so many pieces of testing equipment,” Gobel said.
County Attorney Thad Moore and other commissioners were excited about the prospect of additional oil revenue.
“It is exciting,” Moore said. “Brewton is right in the middle of the survey area. What is interesting is the oil prospects that might be discovered.”
This survey is the first step in determining if additional wells can be drilled in Escambia County. Testing will be conducted inside and outside the Brewton city limits and other surrounding areas. Officials said survey approval will be sought from the Brewton City Council in the coming weeks.
In other business, the commission:
• heard from Norman Miller Sr. on the condition of Spring Hill Drive;
• declared April honoring America Corps and the Senior Corps volunteers for their service as part of National Volunteer week. Members of the local RSVP program were on hand for the signing.
• approved an Alabama Beverage Control Board license transfer from Jet Pep, located at the intersection of Interstate 65 and Hwy. 113, to Exit 69 Truck Stop Inc.
• approved an agreement with the state department of environmental management for debris sites on Cook Road and on Whispering Pines;
• accepted ownership of a radio tower from Range Holdings LLC.