OCC Oil & Gas Division to host Agency Update on Ft. Gibson subsurface intrusion issues in Muskogee March 25

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - The Oklahoma Corporation Commission's Oil and Gas Division, in coordination with state leaders, continues to pursue a lawful and sustainable solution to assist homeowners facing unresolved subsurface intrusion issues, including the Meredith family in Fort Gibson.

Since late August 2025, the OCC Oil and Gas Division has conducted an extensive and ongoing investigation into the property, utilizing all available regulatory tools, technical expertise, and interagency coordination. Throughout this process, Commission Chair Kim David has remained actively engaged in exploring potential solutions.

Under Commission rules, Commissioners must remain separate from active investigations due to the potential for matters to come before the Commission for formal action. However, recognizing the unique circumstances of this case and the limitations of existing law, Chair David has had to recuse herself from any future adjudicatory role. This step allows her to take a more direct and active role in working with state lawmakers to identify a potential legal remedy.

The OCC has coordinated extensively with multiple state leaders and agencies. The Secretary of Energy's Office has reviewed the case, representatives from the Governor's Office have met with OCC staff, and other state agencies have examined the available data. To date, despite these collaborative efforts, no definitive solution has been identified under current law.

Extensive Investigation by OCC Oil & Gas Division

Over a seven-month period, the OCC has conducted a comprehensive and methodical investigation into the Fort Gibson residence, including:

· 16 on-site visits for inspection, sampling, and evaluation

· Fluid sampling, site surveys, and environmental assessments

· Review of historical drilling records and well data in the surrounding area

· Analysis of historical aerial imagery and land-use patterns

· Coordination with state and federal partners, including the U.S. Geological Survey

· Evaluation of geological and hydrological conditions, including naturally occurring groundwater or artesian sources

· Review of seismic activity, including a 2.2 magnitude earthquake recorded within 10 miles of the site in August 2025

Despite these extensive efforts, no definitive source of the subsurface intrusion has been identified.

Available records indicate the nearest documented well was drilled in 1946 approximately 415 feet from the residence and was plugged in 1947 after being determined to be a dry hole. OCC staff have concluded that any additional wells would be undocumented and not reflected in historical records.

"Multiple agencies and subject matter experts have reviewed this situation, and despite exhaustive efforts, no definitive source has been identified," said Jeremy Hodges, OCC Oil and Gas Division Director. "This is not a case of inaction-the OCC has fully exercised every available authority and resource."

Legal Limitations Prevent Further Action

Even if a subsurface source-such as an undocumented well-were identified, current law presents significant limitations.

The OCC does not have statutory authority to remove or alter a private structure to access conditions beneath a home. In this case, access to the area beneath the residence is necessary to determine the source of the intrusion.

Additionally, the OCC cannot proceed with plugging a well beneath the structure unless the home is removed or access is granted through the residence. At this time, that access is limited.

"The structure itself is preventing us from determining what may exist underneath," Hodges said. "Even if a well were present, we cannot take action without access. That is the legal limitation we are facing."

"At this point, we have reached the limits of what can be done under current authority. However, we will continue to monitor the situation and evaluate any new information."

Commissioner Leading Effort to Identify Legal Remedy

Chair David emphasized that while the Oil & Gas Division has reached the limits of its regulatory authority, efforts to find a solution are ongoing.

"This is a deeply concerning situation for this family, and it is through no fault of their own," Chair David said. "From the outset, I have worked alongside our Oil and Gas Division and directly with lawmakers to identify a path forward."

"The reality is, there is currently no legal mechanism that allows us to take the next step. That is why I am continuing to work with legislators to pursue a solution-not only for this family, but to ensure other Oklahoma families are not left in similar situations in the future."

"We are not stepping away from this issue-we are working to address a gap in the law."

Agency Update Scheduled for Muskogee Community

The OCC Oil & Gas Division will host a public agency update town hall event to provide information and answer questions regarding this issue:

March 25, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.

Muskogee Civic Center

425 Boston St.

Muskogee, Oklahoma 74401

This meeting will provide community members with an opportunity to hear directly from OCC representatives regarding the investigation, current limitations, and ongoing efforts to identify a path forward.

Commitment to Transparency and Public Engagement

The OCC Oil & Gas Division will continue to meet regularly, review any new information, and coordinate with stakeholders as this situation evolves.

"We understand the frustration, and we share the desire for answers," Chair David said. "Everyone involved is working toward a solution-but it must be done within the law. Our focus remains on helping this family while working to ensure a path exists for others in the future."