PA DEP Calls for Plugging of Almost 1,100 Wells

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) estimates that there are between 100,000 and 500,000 abandoned, unplugged wells in the commonwealth, and now it is trying to stop almost 1,100 more from adding to that count. In late July, the DEP issued administrative orders to three oil and gas companies, Alliance Petroleum Corporation (a subsidiary of Diversified Gas & Oil), CNX Resources and XTO Energy, to plug abandoned wells throughout Pennsylvania.

“It is critical that all operators adhere to state laws to mitigate the environmental and public health and safety hazards and not add to the costly orphaned and abandoned well inventory that would otherwise fall on the shoulders of Pennsylvania citizens,” DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell said in a written statement.

According to Pennsylvania’s 2012 Oil and Gas Act, a well is considered abandoned if it does not “produce, extract or inject any gas, petroleum or other liquid” for a 12-month span. The law also requires owners and operators to submit a schedule of plugging activity for their abandoned wells. Wells are idled for various reasons, such as when it does not turn a profit. An inactive well can be turned back on within a year to avoid being considered abandoned, and if not, as in the case of these 1,058 wells, the commonwealth can order the well be shut off for good.

Of the combined 1,058 abandoned wells, Alliance is responsible for 638, CNX for 327 and XTO for 93. Many of these wells were discovered through an investigation triggered by a wave of well transfer forms initiated by the three companies that included wells idle for all of 2017. With an estimated price tag of anywhere between $10,000 and $100,000 to plug each well, Alliance, CNX and XTO are looking at significant commitments for plugging, money that could be put towards future drilling activities.

The administrative orders allow 60 days for each company to respond with a plan for plugging the wells; however, there is an option to appeal to the Environmental Hearing Board. As the order currently stands, Alliance and CNX must each plug at least 30 wells per quarter beginning October 1. XTO must plug 15 wells per quarter. CNX and XTO are required to complete plugging activity by 2020, while Alliance has until 2023.

You’ve heard our thoughts… We’d like to hear yours

The Schneider Downs Our Thoughts On blog exists to create a dialogue on issues that are important to organizations and individuals. While we enjoy sharing our ideas and insights, we’re especially interested in what you may have to say. If you have a question or a comment about this article – or any article from the Our Thoughts On blog – we hope you’ll share it with us. After all, a dialogue is an exchange of ideas, and we’d like to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

Material discussed is meant for informational purposes only, and it is not to be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, this information should be relied upon when coordinated with individual professional advice.

© 2023 Schneider Downs. All rights-reserved. All content on this site is property of Schneider Downs unless otherwise noted and should not be used without written permission.

our thoughts on
2023 Legislative & Regulatory Update
IRS Announces No Marginal Well Tax Credit for 2022 Tax Year
IRS Introduces Safe Harbor Method for Accounting Expenses in Natural Gas Infrastructure
Convenience Stores Should Start to Adapt to a Less Fuel Dependent Future
Postcard from the PIOGA and Washington County Chamber of Commerce
Sales and Subleases of Unproved Properties
Register to receive our weekly newsletter with our most recent columns and insights.
Have a question? Ask us!

We’d love to hear from you. Drop us a note, and we’ll respond to you as quickly as possible.

Ask us
contact us
Pittsburgh

This site uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best user experience. Cookies assist in navigation, analyzing traffic and in our marketing efforts as described in our Privacy Policy.

×