A Mysterious Disaster That Shook Northern Michigan
On April 19, 1973, the quiet, rural community of Williamsburg, located just a few miles from Traverse City in Northern Michigan, was suddenly thrust into a nightmare. Hundreds of craters and geysers erupted without warning, turning the peaceful village into a dangerous disaster zone. The eruption, caused by a natural gas leak from a nearby drilling operation, forced the evacuation of most of the town’s 450 residents, leaving them displaced for months. The aftermath of the event not only changed the lives of the people who lived there but also set the stage for new regulations governing oil and gas drilling operations across the state.
The Sudden Eruption
It was on that fateful day, April 19, 1973, when residents of Williamsburg began noticing strange signs in their town. Initially, it was just a few small craters, but within hours, the number of craters multiplied, and the situation escalated quickly. Reports from the time state that between 100 and 150 craters appeared, ranging in size from small teacup-sized fissures to enormous sinkholes 25 feet wide and 15 feet deep. Gas and mud bubbled to the surface, creating geysers of frothing liquid and a hissing sound that could be heard across the village.
By the time state officials arrived, it was clear that the problem was not just an oddity. The Williamsburg gas eruption was a major threat to the safety of the town. The gas was coming from beneath the surface, and the threat of a massive explosion loomed large. Williamsburg’s M-72 highway, which had been built only three years earlier, was severely damaged. The town hall itself was at risk of collapse as gas bubbles undermined its foundation. Grand Traverse County Police Sgt. Tom Schmuckal was quoted in a United Press International (UPI) article from April 20, 1973, as saying, “The town hall was on the verge of toppling today as gaseous, bubbling craters popped open threatening a massive gas eruption.”
What was the Cause?
State officials scrambled to figure out the cause of the mysterious eruptions. While the immediate danger was clear, the source of the gas was a mystery. The area had seen natural springs for generations, but nothing had ever been remotely like this. Eventually, the source was traced to a natural gas drilling operation located about four miles south of Williamsburg. The well, known as Well E1-22, was owned by Amoco Production Co. (a subsidiary of Standard Oil of Indiana). The drilling company’s well had been improperly constructed, allowing gas to seep underground and follow natural water pathways up to the surface, creating a volatile mixture of gas and water.
The Evacuation and Initial Response
As the situation worsened, authorities wasted no time in evacuating the town. Local law enforcement officers, including those in nearby Acme and Traverse City, were called in to help move residents out of their homes and into safety. Evacuees were moved quickly, often with little warning, and many left behind all their belongings as the craters and geysers continued to grow.
While many of the town’s residents were understandably frightened by the developments, some were reluctant to leave. Fire Chief Wayne Hanna later recalled that some townspeople didn’t immediately recognize the danger because they couldn’t see the gas. But, the meter readings on safety equipment showed dangerous levels of natural gas present. For those who initially stayed behind, the police would not allow them to return once they left. The village was soon deserted except for a few lingering animals, including a solitary peacock, which refused to leave its perch high in a tree.
The eruption wreaked havoc on the village’s infrastructure. The natural gas seeped into the ground around the town’s foundations, causing trees and buildings to topple into the craters. Williamsburg Creek, once known for its clear, spring-fed waters, turned into a muddy, milky mess. Gas continued to bubble from the ground, and the danger of an explosion became more apparent by the hour. Emergency teams and law enforcement officials feared that any spark could trigger an explosion that might level the entire town.
The Cause: Amoco Well E1-22
While the immediate cause of the eruption was clear, there were disputes about who or what was truly responsible. Investigators later concluded that the gas was escaping from a poorly constructed Amoco well located several miles south of Williamsburg. The well, which had been drilled into a high-pressure gas pocket, had not been properly cased, allowing gas to escape into the surrounding porous rock. These rocks served as natural conduits, allowing gas to seep toward the surface and into the town of Williamsburg.
Amoco initially denied responsibility for the disaster, and their spokesperson, R.B. LeFever, stated that their investigation had shown no evidence that their well was responsible for the eruptions. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued an emergency order on April 24, 1973, requiring that all new wells be fitted with protective casings designed to prevent gas from escaping into porous rock formations. However, some local officials remained skeptical, and lawsuits were filed, including a $1.2 million lawsuit by Attorney General Frank J. Kelley to recover state expenses caused by the Williamsburg Gas Eruption.
Life After the Eruption
For most of the displaced families, life would not return to normal for months. In the immediate aftermath of the eruption, Williamsburg was practically abandoned. The town was in lockdown, and only a few residents with homes on the outskirts were able to return within weeks. A United Press International article published on May 15, 1973, reported that only 20 of the more than 80 displaced families were allowed back to their homes at that time. Some residents, like Don Belanger and his wife, would have to wait much longer to return. There were pockets of gas that continued to seep up from the ground in their basements for well over a year.
It wasn’t until 1976 that Well E1-22, the source of the disaster, was finally reopened. By then, it had been sealed for years, and stringent safety measures had been implemented to prevent any further disasters. The state had learned valuable lessons from the eruption, and new regulations on oil and gas drilling were enacted. All new wells had to be constructed with proper casings to prevent the kind of catastrophic gas leaks seen in Williamsburg.
The Long-Term Effects and New Regulations
The Williamsburg gas eruption was a turning point in Michigan’s history of oil and gas development. Amoco agreed to immediate financial assistance provided to displaced families. They also agreed to help rebuild the community and make reparations for the damage caused. However, the lasting legacy of the eruption was the way it reshaped regulations for oil drilling.
Before the Williamsburg gas eruption, there were few regulations in place to protect the public from accidents like this one. Following the eruption, state officials enacted strict rules requiring protective casings in all new oil and gas wells. These regulations were designed to prevent gas from escaping into porous rock, reducing the risk of eruptions and blowouts in the future.
Today, there are more than 3,000 active oil and gas wells in northwest Michigan. Over 120 sites undergoing environmental remediation. The Williamsburg eruption remains a key moment in the history of Michigan’s energy industry, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of safety and regulation in the extraction of natural resources.
The Legacy of Williamsburg
Despite the devastation, the Williamsburg community has slowly recovered. The eerie sight of bubbling mud pots and geysers eventually faded. The memory of the Williamsburg gas eruptions remains in the area. Today, a capped pipe across from the Williamsburg town hall still vents gas. It is a stark reminder of the events that took place more than five decades ago.
The eruption of 1973 was more than just a disaster, it was a turning point. It forced both the state and the oil and gas industry to reexamine their practices and policies. It’s a reminder of the fragility of the earth beneath our feet. Why it is important for responsible development in preserving the safety and wellbeing of communities.
