Apparatus and methods for mechanically coupling a sealing system around the opening to cellar formed around a hydrocarbon exploration or production well

Method of providing a liquid-tight seal around a cellar formed around a hydrocarbon exploration or production well, the cellar having an opening and a wall formed of wood, cement, metal or other material extending around its opening, the method comprising:

• positioning at least two load-bearing mats of a reusable load-supporting surface at least partially adjacent to one another relative to the cellar opening and around, and spaced-apart from, the cellar opening, the mats being configured to support the weight of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon;
• extending at least one planar spanner between the cellar wall and at least one mat;
• positioning at least one elongated spanner support atop part of at least one spanner proximate to the cellar wall, the at least one elongated spanner support being separate and distinct from the at least one spanner;
• releasably mechanically coupling each spanner support to its associated spanner(s) and the cellar wall to assist in forming a liquid tight seal between its associated spanner(s) and the cellar wall;
• positioning at least one elongated lip support atop or below part of at least one spanner proximate to at least one mat and spaced away from the at least one elongated spanner support and cellar wall, the at least one elongated lip support being separate and distinct from the at least one spanner and the at least one elongated spanner support;
• and
• releasably mechanically coupling each elongated lip support to the at least one spanner and at least one mat associated therewith to assist in forming a liquid tight seal between the at least one associated spanner and mat, wherein liquid exiting the cellar through the cellar opening is prevented from contacting the earth's surface around the cellar opening.