COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Environmental Matters

In January 2015, there was an oil and salt water release from one of our operated oil pipelines in Alberta, Canada. We have estimated that probable environmental remediation costs will be approximately $2,300,000. Barnwell’s working interest in the well is 58%, and we have recovered substantially all of the monies from the other working interest owners for their share of the costs. Additionally, we have filed a claim under our insurance policy, which has a deductible of approximately $80,000, and as of March 31, 2016, we have collected $1,103,000 in insurance proceeds. The estimated remaining unpaid liability for the release as of March 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015 was $77,000 and $75,000, respectively, and has not been discounted and was accrued in "Accrued operating and other expenses" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In February 2016, a gas leak was detected at one of our previously abandoned non-operated wells in Alberta, Canada. We have estimated that probable environmental remediation costs will be within the range of $400,000 to $800,000. Barnwell’s working interest in the well is 50%, and accordingly we have accrued approximately $200,000 at March 31, 2016, which has not been discounted and was accrued in "Accrued operating and other expenses" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Because of the inherent uncertainties associated with environmental assessment and remediation activities, future expenses to remediate the currently identified sites, and sites identified in the future, if any, could be incurred.

Guarantee

See Note 6 for a discussion of Barnwell’s guarantee of the Kukio Resort land development partnership’s performance bonds.