Project Profile: Reclaim Ten Well Sites at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Orphaned Wells | FY22 $2,400,000

Current Status: Partial Completion as of January 2023.

Well in waterway of Jean LaFitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

NPS / Eric Bruseth

The National Park Service will reclaim 10 well sites at the Barataria Preserve, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, by removing surface equipment and debris that remains after the plugging and abandonment of the wells prior to the park’s establishment.

Why? The wells, for which no operator can be located, present a safety hazard to park staff and visitors. Some of the well piping pokes up through the waterline in the Preserve, threatening boats.

What else? This project is the inaugural well reclamation project for the National Park Service.

Outcome: Reclamation of the Foster E Creppel #001 and Annie Herrick Et Al #001 well sites were the first use of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Energy Community Revitalization Program funds by the NPS and leveraged a complementary project to resolve longstanding safety hazards at the well sites. The NPS partnered with Louisiana’s Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation (DNR) to list these wells as orphan wells under their Oilfield Site Restoration Program. That effort also led to the identification of the Estate of William G. Helis as the operator of the F H Dietz Et Al #003 well. The NPS is working to contract similar reclamation work at seven additional well sites in another part of the park.

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.