The Long Road to Plugging
Why Wells Stay Idle for Decades
and How We Can Resolve the Delay
The Beginning of an Industry
More than 160 years ago, America drilled its first oil well and ignited an energy revolution. Oil lit our homes, fueled our factories, and laid the foundation of modern life.
Today, oil and gas still play a vital role in powering economies, enabling transportation, and driving innovation.
But with this progress came a cost: millions of wells left behind, carrying an environmental footprint that must be addressed. At Dry Creek, we see this not just as a challenge, but as an opportunity to apply new solutions that protect our environment while honoring the industry’s legacy.
The Lifecycle
Stage 1 - Discovery
A well is drilled:
- If it’s dry, it’s plugged.
- If it’s productive, casing is set and the lifecycle begins.
Stage 2 - Production
- The well produces oil or gas at commercial rates.
- Revenue is strong, and plugging isn’t even a thought.
Stage 3 - Decline
- Over time, output falls and economics become marginal.
- Operators must decide whether to keep producing, rework, or shut it in.
Stage 4 - Deferral (The Problem Stage)
Instead of plugging, many operators:
- Produce at very low rates
- Shut in & wait for better prices
- Transfer to a smaller operator
- Attempt to repurpose the well
- Walk away through bankruptcy
Stage 5 - Inactivity/Orphan Risk
Wells that remain inactive for years often end up orphaned. States inherit the liability and taxpayers foot the bill.
Stage 6 - Plugging & Abandonment (P&A)
All wells must eventually be plugged. Too often this only happens decades later under state orphan well programs.
The Solution
By connecting plugging to carbon markets, we can accelerate action:
- Carbon offsets reward verified methane abatement.
- Operators have a financial pathway to plug sooner.
- States avoid ballooning orphan well liabilities.
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.
"LEADERSHIP IS ACTION, NOT POSITION"
Donald McGannon
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.