Project Profile: Safeguarding Cuyahoga Valley National Park from Abandoned Oil Wells and Environmental Risks

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Orphaned Wells | FY22 $1,070,000

Current status: Completed December 2023.

Plugging an orphaned oil well site (Doubler #2) in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

NPS / Ben Nathan

The National Park Service (NPS) plugged, made safe, and mitigated impacted soil at three abandoned oil and gas wells at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. After removing and plugging the wells, the NPS regraded and revegetated the sites to restore natural conditions. The project provided for visitor safety and restored natural conditions at sites impacted by former oil and gas operations.

Why: Orphaned oil and gas wells and sites located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park posed threats to human safety as well as environmental risks, such as resource damage from accidental release of petroleum products, unintended release of harmful gases, or contamination of surface or groundwater. Plugging these wells eliminated hazards to park visitors and wildlife, and restored approximately one acre of natural habitat.

What else? Hundreds of wells were drilled within the current boundaries of Cuyahoga Valley National Park since the early 1900s. More than 150 wells existed within park boundaries when the park was created, and, during the park’s early years, the NPS inadvertently acquired properties that contained abandoned wells.

Outcome: Two of the three wells were plugged and reclaimed in this FY22 project. The third orphaned well, was found to be on private property within 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.