Project Profile: Plug Orphaned Wells in Gauley River National Recreation Area

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Orphaned Wells | FY22 $290,000

Current Status: Completed October 2023

Mower Lumber #1 gas well at Gauley River National Recreation Area. NPS / Bryan Wender

The National Park Service (NPS) plugged the orphaned Mower Lumber #1 gas well and restored the wellsite at Gauley River National Recreation Area. The well was unplugged with derelict surface equipment on site and access to the site was potentially difficult and remote. The wellhead showed signs of degradation and increased the risk of possible spills and hydrocarbon releases if not reclaimed properly.

Why? Plugging of wells is required where drilling operations have ended and no further action has been taken within 60 days, or where there have been no measurable production quantities for 12 consecutive months. Orphaned oil and gas wells and sites located in Gauley River National Recreation Area may pose threats to human safety as well as environmental risks, such as resource damage from accidental release of petroleum products, unintended release of harmful gasses, or contamination of surface or groundwater. Methane leaking from unplugged wells is harmful to people and a serious contributor to climate change.

What else? Plugging orphaned wells in national parks is an important step in ensuring that these wells are not leaking methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. It is also important for visitor safety and the ecological integrity of the park.

Outcome: The NPS collaborated with the State of West Virginia's Office of Oil and Gas to secure proper permits. The access road and the wellsite had long since become overgrown requiring the plugging contractor to remove trees and shrubs to access the area. A workover rig and well plugging equipment were then brought to the site. The well was successfully plugged in three days and the wellsite and access road have been reclaimed and reseeded. Going forward, continuous monitoring by the NPS will ensure that the area returns to its natural state. This was the third well plugged by the NPS with Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds.

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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.

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• Gauley River National Recreation Area

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