Project Profile: Plug and Reclaim 8 Orphaned Wells at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

An oil well at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

NPS Photo

The National Park Service, with the help of Railroad Commission of TX (TX-RRC), will plug eight orphaned wells and remove oilfield debris in Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, as well as reclaim and restore old well pads and access roads within its bounds.

Why? Many of these oil and gas operations have become abandoned or derelict in the park. Hazards from oil and gas infrastructure and operations in the park vary widely, from unplugged orphaned wells to abandoned surface flowlines and oilfield equipment scattered throughout the park. These hazards pose a potential health and safety risk to the public and park staff, and oil and gas operations within the park increases the likelihood for damage to natural and cultural resources.

What else? Lake Meredith National Recreation Area has one of the highest concentrations of oil and gas operations in the National Park System and with the continued partnership with TX-RRC, these wells will be properly plugged to current federal and state regulatory standards.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law - Energy Community Revitalization Program

This project was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed on November 15, 2021. It is a historic investment in the restoration and protection of the environment.