Last updated: September 13, 2024
Article
Project Profile: Plug Orphaned Wells in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Orphaned Wells | FY22 $100,000
Current status: Completion summer 2023.
NPS / Taryn Preston
The National Park Service will locate, locate, inspect and assess thirteen wellsites for compliance and reclamation needs. Ultimately, the NPS seeks to: restore, enhance and conserve habitat by potentially plugging, abandoning and reclaiming thirteen well sites within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Why? Orphaned oil and gas wells and sites located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area may pose threats to human safety as well as environmental risks, such as resource damage from accidental release of petroleum products, unintended release of harmful gasses, or contamination of surface or groundwater. Methane leaking from unplugged wells is harmful to people and a serious contributor to climate change.
What else? Properly plugging and abandoning orphaned wells and reclaiming well sites will protect park visitors, subsurface and surface waters, protected species, and sensitive natural resources.
Outcome: All 33* remote wellsites were located, inventoried, and inspected by summer 2023. All sites appeared to be in good condition with no signs of leaking fluids or gases and no contamination of the surrounding areas. No future work is anticipated at this time, but sites will be inspected again in 10 years.
*Initial planning was for 13 wells, however a total of 33 wells were inventoried at the park during this project.
Outcome: All 33* remote wellsites were located, inventoried, and inspected by summer 2023. All sites appeared to be in good condition with no signs of leaking fluids or gases and no contamination of the surrounding areas. No future work is anticipated at this time, but sites will be inspected again in 10 years.
*Initial planning was for 13 wells, however a total of 33 wells were inventoried at the park during this project.