Accelerating Plugging of Idle Wells
Turning Environmental Liabilities into Carbon Assets
The Legacy of an Industry
Oil and gas built the modern world and continue to power its growth. The industry fuels homes, transportation, and commerce, sustaining communities across America. With progress comes responsibility — to steward what’s active and to restore what’s been left behind.
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
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