Project Profile: Plug Orphaned Wells in Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Orphaned Wells | FY22 $1,680,000

Current Status: Anticipated completion 2024.

Plugging Orphaned Wells in Guadalupe Mountains National Park

NPS / Sarah Russell

The National Park Service will plug a well in Guadalupe Mountains National Park originally drilled in 1947 and used to test for oil in the Delaware Basin of West Texas.

Why? This well was reported to be a dry hole – that is, a well yielding no oil – and was partially plugged back and converted to a water well in 1949. The project will repair the Williams Ranch Road, which is currently inaccessible to vehicles, and commence with well plugging, site stabilization, installation of protective barrier, and if needed, installation of erosion control measures and seeding of native vegetation.

What else? The project performance period will be restricted to September-March, due to the use of breeding grounds of the Mexican Spotted Owl near the site location.

Learn More About This Project

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes critical investments in the resilience and restoration of America’s lands, skies, and waters, and enhances conservation and recreation opportunities. Visitors will see tangible results such as repaired and upgraded trails and campgrounds, removal of invasive species, as well as healthy wetlands, grasslands, and forests.