Consider This from NPR: When Old Oil Wells Become 'Orphans,' That's a Problem
Release Date: July 11, 2025

Introduction to Orphan Wells

In the latest episode of NPR's Consider This, host Juana Summers sheds light on a pressing yet often overlooked environmental issue: orphan oil and gas wells. These are aging wells that have ceased production but lack responsible parties to properly seal them. With an estimated 1.5 million orphan wells across the United States, the episode delves into the environmental ramifications and the complex challenge of addressing this widespread problem.

Juana Summers [00:00]: "All across America, there are aging oil and gas wells no longer being used to extract oil or natural gas. A lot of them, and there are a lot of them don't have anyone on the hook to seal them up."

The Environmental Impact

Orphan wells pose significant environmental threats. Without proper sealing, these wells continue to leak greenhouse gases, particularly methane, and other harmful chemicals. These emissions contribute to climate change and can contaminate both groundwater and surface water, degrade soil quality, and harm surrounding ecosystems.

Juana Summers [00:01]: "Because they haven't been plugged, they're still leaking greenhouse gases and other chemicals into the atmosphere and into the land around them."

Searching for Orphan Wells: A Field Investigation

Engineer Dan Arthur, who consults with petroleum companies on environmental issues, takes NPR reporter Camila Domonoski on a quest to locate orphan wells in Oklahoma. Their fieldwork highlights the sheer number of these abandoned structures and the challenges in identifying and addressing them.

Dan Arthur [00:05]: "Nobody knows exactly how many orphan wells are out there, but there are lots of wells we do know about."

Case Study: Maria Burns in Ashland, Ohio

The episode features a poignant case study of Maria Burns, a 79-year-old resident of Ashland, Ohio. On her property lies an old natural gas well drilled in 1911 by oilman E.C. McManaway. Although the well was initially plugged in 1953, decades later, it began leaking, causing pregrowth of grass to fail and pine trees to die around her yard.

Maria Burns [Transcript]: "I remember because my sister and I were just little. And for decades, the plugged well was not a problem. But eventually those pine trees started dying."

Maria's experience underscores the long-term consequences of orphan wells and the difficulties faced by landowners in rectifying these issues without clear responsibility.

The Process and Costs of Plugging Wells

Addressing orphan wells is a technically challenging and costly endeavor. Amanda Visay, a vice president with CSR Services, explains the plugging process:

1. Drilling Out the Old Plug: The first step involves removing the existing cement plug, which can be time-consuming and complex, as seen with Maria's well where it took weeks.
2. Filling the Well: After removal, the well must be refilled from the bottom to the top to ensure it is securely sealed.
3. Restoration: Planting new vegetation helps restore the affected land.

The financial burden is substantial. Maria's well, combined with another in the contract, cost over $400,000 to plug.

Amanda Visay [00:30]: "This whole process is not cheap and depends on how complicated each well is to work with."

Ohio's Orphan Well Program

Mary Mertz, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, highlights Ohio's efforts to tackle the orphan well crisis. In fiscal year 2024, Ohio successfully plugged 353 wells, a significant increase compared to previous years. The state's program is notably funded by a fee on oil production, ensuring that the industry bears the cost of cleanup rather than taxpayers.

Mary Mertz [00:22]: "In fiscal year 24, we plugged 353 wells. And I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but she says it's a lot more than the state used to plug."

Ted Bettner, a senior researcher at the Ohio River Valley Institute, praises Ohio's approach while emphasizing the need for greater scale.

Ted Bettner [00:25]: "Ohio is doing a lot right. For instance, the program is funded by a fee on oil production instead of landing on taxpayers. So the industry is paying to clean up its own footprint."

Challenges and the Scale of the Problem

Despite progress in states like Ohio, the sheer number of orphan wells presents a daunting challenge. With estimates exceeding one million wells, the logistical, financial, and technical hurdles are immense. Additionally, there is uncertainty regarding the longevity of the plugs. While industry standards have improved, ensuring that wells remain sealed for the next 50 to 100 years remains a concern.

Amanda Visay [00:35]: "There's no guarantee [plugs] of that. What happens 100 years down the line?"

Conclusion: Ongoing Efforts and Future Concerns

The episode concludes with a sobering acknowledgment of the vast number of orphan wells yet to be addressed. While initiatives like Ohio's program are steps in the right direction, the scale of the issue requires national attention and increased funding. The story of Maria Burns serves as a microcosm of the broader environmental and societal impacts of orphan wells, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.

Juana Summers [00:50]: "One down, about a million to go."

Produced by: Vincent Akovino
Edited by: Patrick Jaranwattanan and Kara Platoni
Executive Producer: Sami Yenigun

This episode of Consider This effectively brings to the forefront the silent environmental menace of orphan wells, combining personal narratives with expert insights to illustrate the multifaceted challenges and the critical need for action.