Abstract: An oil skimmer and method of operation for removing hydrocarbon contaminates from ground water are disclosed. A drive pulley and upper portions of a pickup belt of a belt type oil skimmer are encased within a hermetically sealed housing. A seal collar forms an hermetic seal between the housing and a well casing. A vacuum source draws air from within a collection tank and from within the skimmer housing. The withdrawal of air from the skimmer housing functions to draw further air from within the well casing and from within the well itself Optionally, air under pressure is injected into ground strata at locations near, but spaced from the contaminate pickup area.