The beginning of an industry
Over 160 years ago, we began drilling for oil in America. It lit our homes, powered our factories, and helped build the foundation of modern life.
Today oil and gas continue to play a vital role in the global economy. They drive industry, enable transportation, and support ongoing innovation.
Yet, despite all the benefits oil & gas have offered, drilling has also left a substantial footprint on our environment.
the problem
number of idle wells
number of idle wells
number of idle wells
The U.S. has over 1 million idle oil and gas wells no longer producing and not plugged. (1)
Environmental risks
number of idle wells
number of idle wells
Idle wells pose environmental risks such as methane emissions, groundwater contamination, and surface spills, especially as well integrity degrades over time.
well plugging costs
total national Plugging costs
total national Plugging costs
Plugging costs typically range from $20,000 to over $150,000 per well depending on depth, location, and surface restoration needs. (2)
total national Plugging costs
total national Plugging costs
total national Plugging costs
The total national cost to plug and abandon more than 1 million idle oil and gas wells in the U.S. is estimated to range between $50 billion and $150 billion.
no urgency to solve the problem
Many idle wells still belong to active companies with every intention of plugging them. However, the reality is there’s often no urgency. Regulations allow operators to keep wells idle for years by filing paperwork. And for smaller operators, especially those managing dozens or hundreds of marginal wells, plugging isn’t just a technical challenge, it’s a financial one.
Dry Creek Environmental, llc
Our Mission
Dry Creek Environmental, LLC exists to restore land, protect communities, and reduce environmental harm by accelerating the safe plugging and abandonment of inactive oil and gas wells. We work to ease the burden on taxpayers, revitalize neglected areas, and redefine environmental responsibility across America’s aging oilfields.
Video
Accelerating the Plugging of Inactive Wells
"LEADERSHIP IS ACTION, NOT POSITION"
Donald McGannon
(1) Idle and Orphan Oil and Gas Wells: State and Provincial Regulatory Strategies (IOGCC, 2020)
(2) Federal Policies for the Cleanup of Abandoned and Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells (U.S. Congressional Budget Office, 2021)
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