Pennsylvania Legacy Well Integrity and Emissions Study

Pelepko, Seth; Beattie, Stew; Byron, Lindsay Ann; Catalano, Agostino; Swank, Rick

doi:10.1130/abs/2017ne-290348

Cited by 2 publications

(5 citation statements)

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“…An on-line review of records from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) indicates that there are 24,619 documented abandoned wells in Pennsylvania, of which 18,608 have associated geographical coordinates (Figure ). However, the PADEP estimates that there are approximately 200,000 abandoned oil and gas wells that remain unaccounted for in state records. , …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Gas migration can result in the efflux of gas through soil to the surface near oil and gas wells or transport to water wells or surface water , through deeper and more extensive lateral migration in groundwater. Between 1987 and 2013, there were 133 confirmed cases of gas migration to water wells in Pennsylvania attributed to abandoned wells . Gas migration from abandoned wells into buildings and residences has resulted in emergency plugging actions , and contributed to explosions in Pennsylvania and elsewhere .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Between 1987 and 2013, there were 133 confirmed cases of gas migration to water wells in Pennsylvania attributed to abandoned wells . Gas migration from abandoned wells into buildings and residences has resulted in emergency plugging actions , and contributed to explosions in Pennsylvania and elsewhere . Gas migration and SCVF are believed to be due to a lack of cement in non-producing but gas-containing strata overlying reservoirs, defects in cement during setting, poor bonding between cement and casing or cement and boreholes, drilling induced fractures outside boreholes, , and corrosion of casing, especially in the presence of gas containing hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, the PADEP estimates that there are approximately 200,000 abandoned oil and gas wells that remain unaccounted for in state records. 3,4 Leakage of natural gas to the atmosphere at the wellhead at active and abandoned wells can occur through poorly sealed joints, flanges, and valves. Leakage can also occur through a casing vent engineered to allow gas flow between the annular spaces of the surface, intermediate, and production casing, collectively commonly referred to as surface casing vent flow (SCVF).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, the PADEP estimates that there are approximately 200,000 abandoned oil and gas wells that remain unaccounted for in state records. 3 , 4…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Chemical Characterization of Natural Gas Leaking from Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells in Western Pennsylvania

et al. 2023

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that there are over 3.2 million abandoned wells in the United States. Studies conducted on gas emissions from abandoned wells have been limited to methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, due to concerns regarding climate change. However, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including benzene, a known human carcinogen, are known to be associated with upstream oil and gas development and hence could also be released when methane is emitted to the atmosphere. In this investigation, we analyze gas from 48 abandoned wells in western Pennsylvania for fixed gases, light hydrocarbons, and VOCs and estimate associated emission rates. We demonstrate that (1) gas from abandoned wells contains VOCs, including benzene; (2) VOCs are emitted from abandoned wells, the magnitude of which depends on the flow rate and concentration of VOCs in the gas stream; and (3) nearly one-quarter of abandoned wells are located within 100 m of buildings, including residences, in Pennsylvania. Together, these observations indicate that further investigation is necessary to determine whether emissions from abandoned wells pose an inhalation risk to people living, working, or congregating near abandoned wells.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%