3 days ago
Orphan wells being plugged in Millcreek Twp. to reduce methane emissions
A national environmental foundation has begun efforts to plug orphaned gas wells in Millcreek Township, Pennsylvania, to reduce methane emissions affecting local neighborhoods.
Pennsylvania has the second highest number of orphaned wells in the United States, many of which are leaking methane into nearby communities. The Well Done Foundation is addressing this issue by sealing abandoned wells, including one in Millcreek Township, which is estimated to emit as much methane annually as 1,100 cars.
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'Just in Erie County alone, there are literally hundreds and hundreds of these orphan wells,' said Curtis Shuck, Chairman of the Well Done Foundation.
'One of our top priorities, of course, is keeping our residents safe, and when we have contaminants that are floating in the air and getting into our water table, that is going to pose life-threatening problems,' said Kim Clear, Millcreek Township Supervisor.
The Well Done Foundation has successfully sealed 57 abandoned wells across the country and is now working on its 58th in Millcreek Township. This particular well, located in the 2600 block of West 25th Street, is believed to have been used by farmers centuries ago but has since been neglected.
The well is situated just 15 feet from housing and close to township stormwater drains, making it a priority for plugging. Township officials acknowledge the long-term health benefits that the project will bring to the community.
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Workers discovered high pressure inside the well, and crews will relieve this pressure by pumping cement into the well to ensure it is fully sealed. This process aims to eliminate any points for gas or fluids to leak to the surface.
Curtis Shuck noted the challenge of dealing with undocumented orphan wells, stating, 'As we start to get into these wells, we work with the state of Pennsylvania to see if they have any records or any known history on the well. This was an undocumented orphan well before it was brought to their attention.'
The Well Done Foundation's initiative in Millcreek Township represents a significant step in addressing environmental and public health concerns associated with orphaned wells. When work on this well finishes in about a week, they'll move over to work on another orphan well near the former Manor Motel on West 8th Street.
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