CONTACT: Christopher Whitlatch, cswhitlatch@gmail.com
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) in partnership with Moms Clean Air Force, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the U.S. Department of Energy, and McGill University has launched an ambitious project to identify and facilitate remediation of orphan and abandoned oil and gas wells across Western Pennsylvania. Utilizing cutting-edge drone technology, this initiative aims to locate these hidden environmental hazards, which pose significant risks to public health and safety, as well as climate and the environment.
Orphan and abandoned wells can leak oil, gas, and toxic chemicals, contaminating the air, soil, and water. This project, which focuses on Clarion, Venango, and McKean Counties, will deploy drones equipped with magnetic sensors to detect these wells, many of which have remained undocumented for decades or even more than a century.
“Pennsylvania has the highest number of orphan and abandoned wells in the United States, with estimates ranging from 300,000 to 700,000 undocumented wells,” said Adam Peltz, Director and Senior Attorney at the Environmental Defense Fund. “By finding and facilitating the plugging of these wells, we can protect the health and safety of our communities, reduce methane emissions, and ensure a cleaner, safer future for all Pennsylvanians while creating family-sustaining job opportunities for decades. This project represents a critical step in our effort to locate these wells and prevent further environmental damage.”
The drones being used in this project are equipped with advanced magnetic sensors that can detect subtle variations in the Earth’s magnetic field caused by metal well casings below the surface. Additionally, the drones are outfitted with methane detectors to identify any emissions from leaking wells. Flying at an altitude of about 100 feet, these drones gather critical data without capturing private information (they are not equipped with cameras) or causing disruption to nearby residents. By leveraging this technology, the project can survey large areas of land efficiently, pinpointing the locations of orphan and abandoned wells that are hidden from view.
“There are hundreds of thousands of non-producing wells in our region that serve no purpose to anyone,” said Daniel Brockett of Penn State Extension. “They are often safety, health, and environmental problems but they also can cost a lot of money and create impediments for farmers, landowners, hikers, and hunters. It’s not going to get any better if we leave them alone, it can only get worse.”
In addition to the environmental benefits, the project is expected to have a positive economic impact on the region. The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) could provide approximately $400 million to Pennsylvania for well plugging and remediation through 2030. By identifying additional wells, the state could leverage even more federal funding, potentially creating hundreds to thousands of well-paying jobs in the process.
“These wells are not just relics of the past; they are ongoing threats to our children’s health,” said Patrice Tomcik, National Field Director for Moms Clean Air Force. “Children who live, learn, and play near these wells are especially vulnerable to the harmful pollutants they release. This project will help safeguard our communities and give parents peace of mind knowing that these dangerous wells are being addressed.”
The project will begin in mid-October and run through the end of November (after the leaves are down and before rifle hunting season). On the ground field work will follow in 2025 to verify the location of wells detected and to measure methane emissions.
“Penn Soil RC&D Council members recognize the importance of efficiently locating undocumented wells in Pennsylvania, which pose risks to air and water quality, as well as human and wildlife health,” said Wesley Ramsey, executive director of Penn Soil RC&D Council. “Improved documentation will accelerate the plugging of these wells, benefiting the environment, public health, and local economies through job creation. We are eager to see the results of this project.”
For more information on this project and how it aims to create local jobs and protect Pennsylvania’s environment and public health,visit edf.org/PAW.