DEP seeks workers for orphan well project
Pennsylvania Receives Funding to Address Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells
Pennsylvania is set to receive hundreds of millions of dollars to address the health and environmental risks posed by defunct oil and gas wells. The state’s existing program is now under scrutiny for how it prioritizes projects and utilizes the funding.
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) sees this funding, totaling over $300 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, as a crucial tool in combating climate change. DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley emphasized the importance of addressing the vast number of abandoned wells in Pennsylvania.
“There’s a lot of things the department is doing that address climate change; the top I would say is the expansive amount of abandoned wells that we have in Pennsylvania, being able to plug those wells,” Shirley said.
These wells are widespread throughout the state, with many dating back decades. Some orphan wells, which have no identifiable owner, can be traced back to the first oil boom in the 1850s. While the federal well count for orphan wells in Pennsylvania stands at 27,000, estimates suggest that there may be over 500,000 undocumented wells.
Plugging these wells not only addresses environmental concerns but also has the potential to create thousands of jobs. However, identifying high-polluting wells can be challenging.
The DEP plans to use federal funding to hire 42 additional staff members to prepare orphan wells for plugging. This process involves identifying abandoned wells and determining if there is a responsible party to hold accountable for the costs.
“Some of them are going out to identify if a well is abandoned,” Shirley explained. “It sounds like an easy process … but then you have to do a lot of legal legwork to identify if there’s a responsible party. If there is, we go after them to plug it. We don’t want to use state funds or federal dollars to plug that well.”
However, the verification process can be time-consuming, as companies often find ways to avoid their responsibilities through transfers and other tactics.
In addition to staff for well preparation, the DEP has also allocated resources to expedite the disbursement of funds to well pluggers.
Despite these efforts, critics have raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the well plugging program. Senator Cris Dush highlighted the low percentage of plugged wells that had significant human or environmental impacts.
“Are we finding and plugging the right wells?” he questioned.
Shirley defended the program, explaining that the short timeframe for federal action necessitated a focus on high-priority wells based on health and safety concerns. Plugging low-priority wells near high-priority ones allowed the DEP to maximize their impact. However, some speculate that states may prioritize low-priority wells to avoid appearing slow compared to other states.
While companies from various states are involved in well plugging in Pennsylvania, Shirley expressed the hope that more local businesses, including those in the mining industry, would participate. She sees this as an opportunity for partnership and economic growth in the state.
“This is a very specialized trade and there are probably not enough pluggers; I would love to see more Pennsylvania businesses pop up to plug wells,” she said. ”I know there’s been some interest from the United Mine Workers and the AFL-CIO at potentially retraining some of their employees to plug wells. I think that could be a huge partnership and huge opportunity for Pennsylvania.”
Who should bear the responsibility for funding the plugging and clean-up efforts of abandoned wells in Pennsylvania, and what are the arguments for industry contributions to the cost
Until you start digging and looking at maps and records. It becomes a very tough, very time-consuming process.”
The DEP’s existing program has faced criticism for how it prioritizes well plugging projects. Some argue that the funds should be allocated based on the severity of environmental risks and health hazards posed by each well. Currently, the program uses a scoring system that considers factors such as proximity to water sources and population density, but doesn’t prioritize wells based on emissions levels or potential contamination risks.
Environmental groups and advocates argue that prioritizing the highest-polluting wells would have a more significant impact on reducing emissions and protecting public health. They suggest utilizing advanced technology, such as aerial surveys and methane detection, to identify wells with the highest emissions rates and target them for immediate plugging.
Additionally, some question the reliance on federal funding to address the issue of abandoned wells. They argue that the oil and gas industry, which benefited from these wells in the past, should contribute more to the cost of plugging and clean-up efforts. Several states have implemented programs that require operators to contribute to an industry-funded fund specifically for well abandonment and reclamation.
The influx of federal funding provides an opportunity for Pennsylvania to reassess its approach to addressing abandoned wells. By considering environmental impact and emission levels, the state can ensure that resources are being used efficiently and effectively. Implementing stricter regulations and holding responsible parties accountable will also help prevent future abandonment and reduce the number of orphan wells.
The issue of abandoned oil and gas wells extends beyond Pennsylvania. Many states across the country face similar challenges and are looking for funding and solutions to address this issue. Pennsylvania’s efforts can serve as a model for other states in developing comprehensive strategies to tackle abandoned wells and mitigate the associated risks.
As the nation continues to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, addressing the legacy of abandoned oil and gas wells becomes increasingly important. By investing in well plugging and clean-up efforts, Pennsylvania can protect its environment, promote public health, and create job opportunities in the clean energy sector. It is crucial that the state utilizes the federal funding effectively to address this long-standing issue and pave the way for a greener future.
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